Bike Lights | Buying Guide | Ribble Cycles

If you are wanting to ride your bicycle at anytime, no matter what the weather, or time of day, the appropriate lights on your bicycle can make a big difference. To help you choose the correct set of bike lights for your bicycle, this guide is split up into sections covering Commuters, Road and Offroad, but there are a few other things to consider first.

What lights are best for me?

Commuters

Most commuting is going to take place in an urban environment, where street lights are common, and so being seen is a priority. All of the brands make ‘Safety Lights’ designed for this exact purpose.

These lights usually have a constant mode, as well as a variety of flashing modes to make you stand out from the urban environment. Also consider the side visibility that a light gives out, making you stand out when passing junctions.

The Cat Eye Rapid 1 Light set is an excellent choice if you are on lit roads

If you’re commute takes in some unlit paths, perhaps through a park, you will want to fit a more powerful front light, one that is capable of giving off enough light to see. I’d suggest looking around the 200 lumen mark such as the Lezyne Mini Drive.

Road cycling

Front - As road riding has a much higher average speed, you are going to want to have a more powerful front light, to warn you of approaching obstacles such as potholes. The last thing you want is to damage a wheel as you were unaware of these common dangers.

Consider a light with 500 Lumens or above to do this, and the BBB Strike 500 is a perfect example of this, which has a more concentrated beam pattern so not to dazzle oncoming vehicles.

Rear - The rear light should also be given priority whilst out on the road. The last thing you want is a vehicle coming up fast behind you, and not having enough notice of a cyclist. A good rear light, that can be seen from a decent distance is top priority, and the Moon Shield 60 is a fantastic choice.

Offroad

The thrill of riding your mountain bike at night, flying through the singletrack at speed, is definitely something every rider should try. However, due to the trails having no artificial light at all, and the proximity of trees and rocks flying past you, you are going to want a seriously powerful front light, upwards of 1000 lumens.

Lights such as the Hope Vision R8 have a blinding 2200 Lumens guaranteed to light up the trails ahead.