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Buyer's Guide To Basic Bicycle Lights

Bicycle lights keep you safe by letting you see and letting drivers see you!A lot of people buy bicycles never intending to ride after dark and then sometimes find themselves pedaling home after the sun's gone down. This is dangerous because you're almost invisible to drivers and you can't see hazards that could cause a crash.

To avoid these risks we recommend coming in and picking up a basic lighting system comprised of a headlight and taillight. This will set you back only about $30 to $75 (depending on what you select) 

Reflecting on reflectors
You might wonder why you need a light when your bike is already equipped with reflectors. While these are helpful by a vehicle's headlights. Reflective clothing gives drivers a big heads-up!

There are now also jackets and vests made of, or featuring, built-in reflective materials that makes you light up in traffic like a reflective street sign.

Selection of our Reflective Products

Be bright: use lights

A good set of lights is a significant investment. The key elements to look for in a light or light system:

Lumens: The measure of total light delivered by the light source.

Lithium Ion battery: The highest power, lightest weight batteries on the market. Li-ion batteries are commonly found in cell phones and laptops due to their light weight and high power. Unfortunately they are also the most expensive batteries on the market.

L.E.D - Light emitting diodes: These new solid state components are revolutionizing the lighting world. They are rated to last for over 20,000 hours and are the most efficient light source ever developed.  

Beam Pattern: Lumen power is important, but a good beam directs the light where you need it. Reflectors are created to provide the best beam pattern for street and trail use.

Smart charging: About 1/2 your light system cost is in the battery and charger if it uses lithium ion cells. A smart charger helps the battery last longer and will charge it faster.


Bicycle headlights are easy to use and bright to light your way!Headlights attach to the handlebars with a small quick-release mount that makes removal easy when the light's not needed. 

Taillights also have handy features. Most models offer flashing and steady modes and can be mounted to the bicycle or on a pack. When mounting it to a pack make sure the light remains visible when you lean forward to ride.

Keep in mind that regular battery lights are best for roads  lit by streetlights. If you get into serious night riding where you ride on unlit roads, or especially on trails, you should come in and look at our more advanced lighting options.

The new rechargeable LED systems are very bright and compact.  The basic systems emit 150 to 300 lumens.  Most urban riders can do with a 150 lumens headlight.  If you are riding on very dark roads 300 lumens or more may be nessesary.


Sample of the lights we carry