Bicycle Light Kit

How To Choose The Best Bicycle Light Kit

What Is The Purpose Of A Bicycle Light Kit?

Bicycle lighting kits are designed to provide safety while riding at night. There are many different types of bicycle lights available today. Some are simple and inexpensive, others more complex and expensive. All bicycle lights must be mounted on the handlebars so that they are visible to other drivers and pedestrians. Lights with flashing capabilities are best because they warn motorists of the cyclist’s presence.

How Do Bicycle Lights Help Cyclists?

Cyclist's who ride during the day are familiar with the importance of wearing bright clothing and reflective gear. However, there are times when cyclists choose to ride at night. During these hours, visibility becomes a problem. If cyclists are unable to see other vehicles, bicycles become easy targets for thieves. Bicycles equipped with lights are able to alert drivers of their presence. Drivers are alerted by the flashing red or white lights which indicate the direction of travel.

Types of Bike Lights

There are two main categories of bicycle lights; front-mounted and rear-mounted. Front-mounted lights mount directly onto the handlebar. Rear-mounted lights attach to the frame of the bicycle. Both types of lights require batteries. Most bicycle lights include a switch which turns the lights on and off. In addition, most models include a strobe function which flashes the lights intermittently. Many lights also include a tail lamp which projects a beam of light behind the rider.

Benefits of Using Bicycle Lighting Kits

The benefits of using bicycle lighting kits are numerous. First, they allow bicyclists to enjoy nighttime rides safely. Second, they increase visibility for both riders and drivers. Third, they reduce the risk of being hit by automobiles. Finally, they improve the appearance of the bicycle itself.

Safety Tips For Riding At Night

While bicycling at night is safer than driving alone, it does present its own set of dangers. Always follow traffic laws and obey posted speed limits. Never ride on sidewalks or paths where motor vehicle traffic is prohibited. Make sure that your headlights illuminate the road ahead of you. Also, always wear brightly colored clothes and reflective materials.

Tips To Keep Your Bicycle Lamps Working Properly

Many bicycle lamps run on 12 volts DC power. Therefore, it is important to check the battery level before each ride. Check the voltage reading on the meter located near the battery terminals. Replace worn batteries immediately. Use only genuine lithium ion batteries. Avoid using alkaline batteries. Alkalines produce too high of a voltage and could cause serious injury.

Lighting Equipment Safety Rules

Always turn off your bicycle lights when leaving your house. Turn them back on once you reach your destination. Be careful when parking your bicycle. Park facing away from parked cars. Never leave your bicycle unattended.

The Importance of Purchasing a Quality Bicycle Light Kit

Bicycle lighting kits are essential accessories for cyclists who ride during night hours. There are many different types of bicycle lights available today. Some are designed specifically for bicycles while others are meant for motorcycles. Regardless of which type you choose, there are certain features that must be considered before making a purchase. Here are five important factors to take into account when choosing a bicycle light kit.

Lighting Power

One of the most common questions asked by consumers is whether or not the bicycle light kit has enough power to illuminate the road ahead. Most manufacturers claim that their products provide sufficient illumination. However, the amount of light produced depends upon several factors including the size of the bulb, the number of bulbs included with the kit, and the distance between the bulb and the lens. If you're unsure of the brightness level of the product, ask the manufacturer for more information. In addition, check the specifications of other models to see if they produce brighter light levels.

Lamp Life

Another question frequently asked by customers is whether or not the lamp life of the bicycle light kit is long enough. Lamp life refers to the length of time that the bulb remains lit. Manufacturers typically state the average lifespan of each model. For example, a typical 60-watt halogen bulb might last approximately 1, 000 hours. While this figure seems high, it does represent the average lifespan of a standard bulb. To determine the actual lifespan of a particular bulb, consult the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Also, note that the longer the bulb lasts, the greater its efficiency. Therefore, a longer lasting bulb produces more light per watt consumed.

Battery Type

Some bicycle light kits include rechargeable batteries. Others require nonrechargeable AA or AAA batteries. Battery type affects both performance and convenience. Rechargeable batteries allow you to charge the battery whenever necessary. Nonrechargeable batteries must be replaced periodically. Additionally, rechargeables are generally lighter weight and easier to handle than nonrechargeables. As always, weigh these benefits against the inconvenience of replacing batteries.

Mounting Options

Most bicycle light kits consist of two parts - the base and the clip. The mounting options vary depending on the type of mount chosen. Base mounts attach directly to the frame of the bicycle. Clip mounts attach to the frame using clips. Clips are preferable because they allow the user to position the light where he/she wants it. Many users prefer to mount the light near the front wheel so that it illuminates the path ahead. Other users prefer to mount the light behind the rear tire so that it shines onto the ground. Mounting the light too far forward or backward could cause glare problems.

Warranty Information

Finally, ensure that the warranty information is clearly displayed on the packaging. Warranties range anywhere from 30 days to three years. Check the warranty period carefully to avoid being caught unaware if something goes wrong within the specified timeframe.

Features To Look For When Buying A Bicycle Light Kit

Bicycle lighting kits are designed to be easy-to-use and affordable. There are many different types of bicycle lights available, so choosing which ones to purchase depends upon several factors. The most important factor is whether you plan to ride during daylight hours or nighttime hours. If you're planning to ride at night, you'll probably need a high intensity white LED bulb. High intensity bulbs produce more light per watt and last longer than standard incandescent bulbs. However, these bulbs are expensive and require special wiring. So if you only intend to ride during daytime hours, you might choose to go with regular incandescent bulbs. Incandescents provide adequate illumination while costing significantly less than LEDs. But because they aren't very bright, you'll still need additional accessories to ensure visibility.

Lighting Kits Are Easy To Use

Most bicycle lighting kits include everything needed to mount the lights onto your handlebars. Some kits include mounting hardware, others include adhesive strips, and yet others include both. In addition to being easy to install, bicycle lighting kits are simple to operate. Most kits contain a switch that turns the lights on and off. Other kits include buttons that allow you to turn the lights on and off manually. Finally, some kits include a battery operated strobe light. All of these features make installing and operating bicycle lighting kits quick and convenient.

Mounting Options Available

There are two main ways to attach bicycle lighting kits to your handlebars. One way involves using bolts that thread into holes drilled into the bars. Another method uses suction cups that adhere directly to the bars. Suction cup mounts are generally easier to remove than bolt mounted kits, but they leave marks on the bar where they've been attached. Bolt mounted kits are typically stronger than suction cup kits, but they require drilling holes into the bars. If you decide to drill holes into your handlebars, you'll need to know exactly where to drill. Many manufacturers recommend drilling holes no closer than 1/2 inch apart.

Battery Operated Lights

Some bicycle lighting kits include batteries that power the lights. Batteries are inexpensive and replaceable. Battery powered lights are great for riding around town or along country roads. Because they run on batteries rather than electricity generated by the vehicle's engine, they are extremely quiet. Unfortunately, battery operated lights are limited in brightness compared to other options.

Strobe Lighting

Finally, there are bicycle lighting kits that incorporate strobe lighting technology. Strobe lighting is useful for signaling motorists, pedestrians, and other cyclists. It's especially helpful when riding at night. Strobe lighting is particularly effective when paired with flashing headlights. Flashing headlights create a visual warning signal that makes drivers slow down before hitting you.

Different Types of Bicycle Light Kit

Bicycle lighting kits are essential accessories for cyclists who ride during dark hours. The most common type of bicycle light kit consists of two main components - front and rear lights. Front lights illuminate the road ahead while rear lights provide visibility behind the cyclist. There are many different kinds of bicycle lighting kits available today. Some include only front and rear lights; others include additional features such as turn signals, brake lights, etc.

Types of Lights

There are three major categories of bicycle lights: flashing, steady-burning, and blinking. Flashing lights consist of white LEDs which flash rapidly. Steady burning lights consist of red or green LED bulbs which burn continuously. Blinking lights consist of red or blue LED bulbs which blink intermittently. Each category has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, flashing lights are great for night riding because they attract attention. However, flashing lights cannot be seen by motorists unless they happen to pass close enough to see the flashes. In contrast, steady burning lights are visible from far away, but they are very dim. Finally, blinking lights are best suited for daytime riding since they are easy to spot and bright enough to alert drivers.

Front & Rear Lighting Kits

The most popular kind of bicycle lighting kit includes both front and rear lights. Most bicycles sold these days already have built-in front and rear lights. If yours doesn't, there are several options for adding front and/or rear lights. One option is to purchase separate front and rear lights. Another option is to attach a set of lights to existing handlebars. Yet another option is to install a pair of lights into a frame bag. All of these methods require drilling holes into the frame.

Lighting Reflectors

Reflective materials are commonly added to bicycle lighting systems to increase safety. Reflective tape is applied directly onto the body of the rider. Reflective strips are attached to the frame and wheels of the bicycle. Lastly, reflective stickers are placed on the handlebars and other parts of the bicycle.

Other Features

Some bicycle lighting kits include additional features such as turn signals, brake lights, tail lights, etc. Other kits simply include front and rear lights with no additional features.

Battery Powered vs Wired Lamps

Most bicycle lighting kits include batteries for powering the lamps. Battery powered lamps are more expensive than those that run on wires. Also, battery powered lamps must be replaced periodically. Wires allow the lamp to continue working even if the battery runs down.

Color Choice

Colored lights are becoming increasingly popular among bicyclists. Many riders prefer colored lights because they stand out more clearly against the black asphalt pavement. Colored lights also serve to warn approaching vehicles of the presence of a bicycle.