The Best Bicycle Head Lights

Bike headlights are a necessity for riding at night, as well as at dusk. As the rider, you not only need to see clearly, but people and cars also need to see you to avoid accidents. The most effective lights depend on how you use your bike. You may be an occasional recreational rider, a commuter who bikes to work or a weekend mountain bike rider.

  1. Recreational Biking

    • Recreational riders might travel in parks or on country roads and may return at dusk or in darkness. A functional headlight would be a small clip-on light sold in most bike stores. They are usually battery-powered and the light is bright. There usually is a flashing option. They can be halogen, xenon or LED lights. On the back of the bike, use a red or amber light, and clear light in front. You can mount it on your handlebars or the bike store can do it. You can slip the light in and out of the bracket to keep it safe.

    Commuter Biking

    • Commuter bikers are likely to ride in the dark on the way home, especially in winter. You need good headlights with sufficient brightness. On smooth, well-lit roads, 3 watts may be adequate. If a part of your commute includes riding off road in the dark, you will want to invest in a multibeam, high-powered system that is rechargeable. Bicycle headlights cost from under $20 to over $200, as of December 2009. Double-lamp headlights usually include one or two 12-volt, 14-watt or 25-watt quartz-halogen sealed beams. Dual headlamps have the advantage of extending run time by turning off one headlight when not needed. Also, if one headlight burns out, you have a backup.

    Getting the Right Headlights

    • Bike headlights vary according to size, wattage and brightness. Prices range from $20 to $400, as of December 2009, for high-end racing bike lights. For riding in city streets or bike paths, the clip-on lights are adequate for brightness and more economical. If on suburban or country rides, you want the brighter lights, usually rechargeable, and two lamps is most efficient. If racing at night, you might want the high-powered light systems. These can be even brighter than auto headlights. As for bulbs, LED has become the most popular, although halogen is fine for city riding. Talk to the people at you bike store for your exact needs. And carry extra batteries if you are on longer rides.