Bike Lights

Do you want to see or be seen? (Or both?) 

• High-output lights (250 lumens and above): Help you see where you’re going in nearly all conditions. More expensive but much brighter than safety lights, usually rechargeable. 
• Safety lights (below 250 lumens): Headlights and rear lights help motorists see you in low light. The brightest ones improve your visibility in daytime. Can be rechargeable or battery powered. 

Where will you be riding? 

• For streets with streetlights: Choose a front light with a narrow-focus beam
• For darker roads or trails: Choose a wide-focus beam for better peripheral vision
• You can find beam patterns listed in online product descriptions or ask a sales specialist for help.

How to understand bike light specs 

• Most bike lights are LEDs, which are energy efficient, durable and available in a wide range of brightness levels.  
• Lumens describe the light intensity of each lighting unit. A higher price generally equals higher light output. 

Brightness  

Typically, the higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light.   

• A headlamp with a high lumens count will consume energy at a higher rate than one with a lower lumens number. 
• Most headlamps offer several brightness levels like low, mid and high (max). Others may offer an emergency strobe or red-light mode for nighttime vision. 

Consider the power source 

• Lithium battery–powered headlamps are a good choice for cold-weather use, since lithium batteries outperform alkaline batteries in cold conditions.
• Rechargeable batteries can be used repeatedly but tend to lose power when sitting idle.  

Understand headlamp beam type and distance 

• Flood (or wide): This spreads the beam wider and is for general, close tasks like cooking dinner or reading. 
• Spot (or focused or narrow). A tight beam for longer-distance viewing, such as navigating a trail at night. 
• Flood and spot: Adjustable headlamps are the most versatile. 

Choose your beam type

• Flood (or fixed): A single short-focus beam works well for general tasks in camp or while walking. 

• Spot (or focused): Spotlight that penetrates a long distance. Best for route-finding or quick activities. 

• Adjustable: Can shift from a fixed to spot beam. 

What to consider when shopping 

• Regulated output: Option that maintains light at steady brightness level throughout battery life—then dies quickly. 

• Light output: Measure (in lumens) of light intensity on highest brightness setting. 

• Beam distance: How far the light will shine before the brightness diminishes to equivalent of light from a full moon. 

• Run time: How long the battery will last at various settings. 

• Controls: Some lights have safety locks to prevent accidental switching on.