A safety conscious cyclist must have the necessary equipment to prevent accidents. The bicycle lamp is one of the mandatory accessories according to the current legislation. Many models, front and/or rear, are available on the market, whether you ride a mountain bike, a city bike or a road bike. LED, battery operated, design or dynamo powered, etc., find through this guide the bike light adapted to your needs.
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Our selection
"This bike light is a wise investment for city travel. Simple, discreet and not cumbersome, it offers optimal lighting and is easily installed on the…"
"Practical and accessible, this small bike light by Luzway offers a nomadic lighting system that provides the right light for safe pedaling at night or…"
"Knog offers a powerful bike light that is ideal for riding on public roads. With its unique attachment and long battery life, you'll never have…"
"A real technological gem, this Busch & Muller bicycle lamp seduces with its vintage design and its IQ-Tec Premium system that increases the light intensity…"
This bike light is a wise investment for city travel. Simple, discreet and not cumbersome, it offers optimal lighting and is easily installed on the handlebars.
27,99 £ on Alltricks
Practical and accessible, this small bike light by Luzway offers a nomadic lighting system that provides the right light for safe pedaling at night or in bad weather.
8,79 £ on AmazonThe versatility of this small battery-powered bike light is well proven! Despite its mini size, the Luzway is able to light up even the darkest areas. The integrated LED bulb diffuses a light at the front and back to allow you to remain visible at a hundred meters. It offers 3 levels of adjustment to optimize your safety on your bike.
Compact, waterproof and easy to install, this lamp is made of waterproof silicon to allow you to ride even in heavy rain. Very aesthetic, it is an ultra modern decoration during the day. 2 batteries will be provided with the purchase and 8 spare batteries so that you can maintain your level of lighting in case of decrease of luminosity.
Knog offers a powerful bike light that is ideal for riding on public roads. With its unique attachment and long battery life, you'll never have a problem with lighting, no matter what the conditions.
79,99 £ on AlltricksThis bike light for road users and touring cyclists offers powerful illumination with its 1,100 lumen intensity. It also has 2 pre-programmed lighting modes to allow you to pedal comfortably, both in the city and on country roads. Lightweight and compact, this bike light with aluminum shell comes with a quick release mounting bracket.
The Knog PWR Trail 1100 L is designed with the latest technology in lighting systems and has no buttons. It is also operated by rotating the head of the lamp. Its long autonomy allows it to work for several hours depending on the chosen mode. You can attach it to the handlebars as well as to your helmet. Be careful not to break the clip!
A real technological gem, this Busch & Muller bicycle lamp seduces with its vintage design and its IQ-Tec Premium system that increases the light intensity according to the area to be lit.
48,31 £ on AmazonThis bicycle lamp stands out from the other models in this comparison because of its technology. It combines the power supply on dynamo hub and dynamo headlight IQ Cyo T, offering a great power of lighting. With its light power of 80 lux, it is suitable for use on the road. The light is channeled into a beam to provide a homogeneous light with a reflection reaching several dozen meters.
The Busch & Müller 1752QTSNDI-04 Lumotec IQ Cyo Premium T Senso Plus bike light has 2 operating modes and uses dynamo power with a capacitor so that you can have light at all times, both when standing and pedaling. It also has a motion detector and a photovoltaic cell that automatically adjusts the light if it is low.
Any specific needs?
The best entry-level bike light
Your guide :
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| OUR SELECTION |
Lezyne Mini Drive 400 XL
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Luzway bike lights
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Knog PWR Trail 1100 L
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Busch & Müller 1752QTSNDI-04 Lumotec IQ Cyo Premium T Senso Plus
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This bike light is a wise investment for city travel. Simple, discreet and not cumbersome, it offers optimal lighting and is easily installed on the handlebars.
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Practical and accessible, this small bike light by Luzway offers a nomadic lighting system that provides the right light for safe pedaling at night or in bad weather.
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Knog offers a powerful bike light that is ideal for riding on public roads. With its unique attachment and long battery life, you'll never have a problem with lighting, no matter what the conditions.
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A real technological gem, this Busch & Muller bicycle lamp seduces with its vintage design and its IQ-Tec Premium system that increases the light intensity according to the area to be lit.
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Power supply
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Battery
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Battery
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Battery
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Dynamo hub
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Lighting power
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400 lumens
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1,100 lumens
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80 lux
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Autonomy
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20 hrs
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40 to 70 hrs
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from 1.7 hrs in max mode to 250 hrs in eco flash mode
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Material
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Aluminum
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Silicon impermeable
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Aluminum
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Aluminum
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Number of lighting modes
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8
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3
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6
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2
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The first thing you should pay close attention to would be the power and intensity of your bike light. This value is expressed in lumen or lux, depending on the manufacturer or brand. If you are used to riding in urban areas and you occasionally pedal, the light should not exceed 400 lumens. On the other hand, if you like to get off the beaten path, go on night rides, you can opt for lights with a power of over 1,000 lumens. The main thing is that the product perfectly meets your need in terms of lighting.
The most classic and cheapest power supply remains the one on dynamo. But the choice depends mainly on your expectations and also on the equipment integrated in your bike. It's mostly older bikes that have this type of power supply. There are also battery-powered lights, less efficient, but useful for short trips. This is the simplest principle since you just need to power the lamp with batteries and that's it. Battery power, on the other hand, remains the most efficient solution for the most active cyclists and those who like night pedaling
This is an element not to be neglected, as the durability of your lighting depends on it. Indeed, a badly fixed lamp will not resist to shocks or bad weather. Generally, there are 2 modes of fixation which are the fixation on the handlebar with elastic attachments and the fixation on fork. As for the material, steel or plastic clamps are still in vogue because of their ease of installation. There are also magnetic clamps that can be installed on any part of the bike.
Factory-installed lights, also called classic lights, have a bulb. They may not be aesthetically pleasing, but they provide excellent side visibility. You also have halogen bulbs if the original ones are not enough. There are also LED lights, very efficient on dark roads. They are also more economical and have a longer life. This category of lighting is often used on mountain bikes, as it allows you to see and be seen by other users.
Although bike lights are primarily used to light the roads, it is still essential to check if they have other functions such as the ability to flash or the presence of a USB port allowing you to exchange mobile devices. Often, the lights sold in kit form have many options that can be used during night trips.
The bicycle lighting powered by dynamo is the most classic. The process is simple: the dynamo, which includes a magnet and which turns thanks to pedaling, transforms this force into electricity. This electricity will be transmitted to the front and rear lights of the bike and will power them so that you can have light. Note that a dynamo is able to provide an alternating current of 6 V, 3 W and 0.5 A.
The advantage of using this type of lighting lies in its great autonomy. However, it is often noticed that the front lamp illuminates better than the rear with this power supply. Moreover, the dynamo does not work anymore as soon as the cyclist stops pedaling. It is therefore essential to install a capacitor if you want to enjoy continuous lighting.
The battery power supply does not need to be in contact with the wheels to be able to function. This system is very convenient for occasional users. It is both light and adaptable to all types of bikes. Its main assets are its lighting power. Indeed, there is no risk of decreasing intensity even if the cyclist stops pedaling during the trip.
However, the battery-operated bicycle lamp has a rather limited autonomy. Therefore, it is advisable to replace the batteries regularly to prevent the lamps from failing or to opt for rechargeable batteries that have a greater autonomy than disposable batteries.
The LED bike lamp can be used alone or in addition to a conventional bulb. This type of lighting uses the sun's rays to power it. The most basic models are less powerful, while others, more sophisticated, have enough intensity to see well at night since they have a rechargeable battery backup.
Not only is this type of lamp ecological, but it also saves you money because you don't need to buy additional equipment and the energy used is free.
Fixed bike lights are usually supplied by the bike manufacturer. They are attached to the bike frame, fork or middle of the handlebars and have the particularity to offer a good visibility on the sides. As a result, you will have no blind spots and all areas around the bike will be well lit. They are suitable for those who use their bikes on a daily basis.
But, most often, fixed lights stop working as soon as you stop. They also have a low output, despite their autonomy. Otherwise, the models sold on the market are less aesthetic.
Removable bike lights are the most recommended option if you have multiple bikes. They are suitable for all types of bikes, whether it is a mountain bike, a VTC, a VAE or other types of bikes. It is the ideal type of lighting for the excursions and the small night excursions because of its power of lighting.
Its ease of installation is a real advantage, but also a handicap. Indeed, you should remove it from the bike and take it with you when you park in town or in a public place. This is the only way to avoid having a removable bike light stolen.
High performance and very easy to install, a removable bike light is very versatile compared to a fixed bike light. You can use it on all your bikes and store it at home when you're not out and about with your bike. However, if you don't want to carry a light around when you park, fixed models are the lights for you.
To light up the road in difficult conditions
A bike light is an inseparable accessory for cyclists, whether it is fixed or removable. It helps you find your way in the rain or at night. The front lamp acts as a headlight in low light conditions. It will be able to guide you perfectly, as well in town as on the difficult roads of access. A powerful lamp allows you to anticipate and avoid obstacles.
To be visible at night
Basic bike lights allow you to be seen by those using the road. They are especially useful if you ride often in the city, if you are fond of short night rides. The rear light, even if it is less powerful, can illuminate a few meters and indicates your position in relation to other users and the road.
For safety
The use of bicycle lights allows you to avoid accidents, especially in unlit areas. Even if you are riding at high speed, the lights will always be visible from a hundred meters away. They are useful both at night and during the day. In fact, having a flashing tail light on the bike greatly increases your chance of being more visible, day or night.
To comply with current regulations
The current Highway Code requires that a bicycle be equipped with a minimum of lighting at night or in bad weather. In addition to the mandatory cycling equipment, you should install a white or yellow front light and a red rear light on the back of your bike. Having bike lights allows you to avoid fines or penalties.
For aesthetics
It may be an exaggeration to say that a light is only for making your bike look good, but bike lights greatly improve the aesthetics. In fact, you can customize your bike by putting on various colored or laser lights that will surely make an impact on other cyclists.
In our opinion, the best brands of bicycle lights in 2022 are :
Despite the fact that the company is new in the field of bicycle accessories manufacturing, it stands out for its innovative and high-tech products. Its rechargeable LED front and rear lights are a hit. It also designs powerful helmet lights for mountain bikers and hikers.
This brand is surely the best known and the best on the market. It provides all cyclists with state of the art bike lights. In fact, its products are highly coveted for their modern yet vintage design. Busch & Müller often combines LED technology with dynamo power to design its bike lights.
The English brand is among the pioneers in the field of bike accessory design. It is known for its affordable and ergonomic rear bike lights. Its rear lights are rechargeable and offer good visibility in difficult conditions.
The Australian brand has made a good reputation in the world of cycling thanks to its bike lights that are both stylish and easy to install. It also offers many ranges of front and rear bike lights at quite affordable prices. You've come to the right place if you like battery-powered and rechargeable lights.
The bike lights designed by this brand are of high quality. They are both powerful and adaptable to all weather conditions. It offers cyclists various models, from the most basic to the most sophisticated, such as waterproof and USB rechargeable bike lights. Moon is also known for the great autonomy of its lights.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Customize bike lights
You can perfectly customize your bike lights to stand out from the crowd by opting for laser lights or 360° lights for example. But be sure to respect the laws and regulations in force to avoid unnecessary penalties.
Use a flashing tail light instead of a fixed light
A rear turn signal is more effective than a fixed lamp. Indeed, a light that lights up alternately is a more persuasive means of signalling to warn others of your presence. It also helps differentiate a cyclist from a simple street light.
Wear proper clothing for nighttime biking
Reflective striped clothing is a good way to avoid accidents while cycling at night. By wearing them, drivers of cars, motorcycles, and other cyclists can spot you from more than 100 yards away. Especially avoid hiding your clothing behind a backpack so that everyone can see the reflective surfaces.
Use passive lights
The use of passive lights makes it easier to be seen at night. These are reflective elements that are sure to attract attention, such as reflectors or reflective bars. In other words, they help out with conventional lighting.
Clean a bike light
Be sure to dust the base and mounting before cleaning. Don't hose down the light directly, especially if you're using rechargeable or battery-powered lights. Take a wet cloth and soap and rub it gently until all dirt is gone.
The classic bicycle lighting works by dynamo activated by the wheels which turn thanks to the force of pedaling in order to produce electricity. This electricity is used to power the bicycle lamp to give light. There are other alternatives that work with batteries or can be recharged naturally, with the help of the sun or by USB cable.
The back light only serves as a witness of your presence on board your bike. It is in no way practical for lighting. Therefore, road users behind you will know that there is a cyclist in front and that you should slow down or pass depending on the circumstances. If you often ride in the city, which is a relatively well-lit area, 15 lumens is sufficient. On the other hand, you should use bike lights over 20 to 30 lumens for dark roads and hiking trails. The choice of a bike light depends mainly on your practices.
If you have chosen to use a battery-powered bike light, you should be careful never to leave the battery completely empty, especially when you are not using it. This could damage the battery or reduce its life. So remember to recharge the battery at least once a week. This regular maintenance will considerably increase the life of your bike light.
Even if mountain bikes are intended for off-road use, such as mountain trails or hiking, it is quite possible to put a light on the back of the bike. In fact, many models are compatible with mountain bikes. It's up to you to decide which type of bike light fits your needs and the route you usually take.
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