Lumens are a metric for determining how bright a light is. An automobile light, for example, produces approximately 700 lumens. Depending on the light, bike lights can range from 15 to 1500 lumens or more. Here are key factors you need to consider before you buy bicycle lights online:
Cycling on the Road
When a bike is primarily used for on-road cycling, the light does not need to be as bright as when used for off-road cycling. Even so, when riding on the road, you must be noticed by all of the oncoming traffic. There may be areas of a road that are not illuminated by street lights. When choosing a bike light, keep all of these considerations in mind. You generally don’t need a front light brighter than 200 lumens for road cycling where you’re merely commuting from home to work.
Cycling off the beaten path
A significantly stronger light would be required for off-road riding to see what perils lie ahead. There is likely no other type of illumination in the area where you are cycling; therefore, the light you have must produce all of the light necessary for safe off-road biking. Alight with a least 600 lumens is recommended; however, 800 to 1000 lumens may be safer.
Other factors before purchasing a bike light
Take a stance on visibility.
Another issue to consider when traveling on roads is visibility from the side. It’s all well and good to be seen from the front and back, but you must also be visible from the side at intersections. Many bike lights include a “leakage” feature that allows some light to escape to the side of the light. Lights that are specifically meant to shine to the side of the bike can also be purchased. Alternatively, good bright reflective strips or lights attached to the bike’s spokes can provide significant side-on visibility.
Establishing a connection with your bicycle
Some lights have very hard mountings, while others have very flexible mountings. They’ll all have to put up with some vibration from the roads or tracks on which the bike travels. This is especially true when riding off-road. How simple or challenging would it be to connect the light in the dark and cold, especially if you’re wearing gloves?
The time it takes for the battery to charge.
You should also think about how long it takes to charge the light; depending on what you get if you ride your bike to work daily, charging the bike light while at work may be simple. Some lights may be charged in a few hours, while others can take up to five hours.
Conclusion
In the end, the type of light you choose is determined by the purpose for which it will be used, although it is a good idea to buy bicycle lights online specifically designed for your purpose.
