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How bright should my new lights be?

  • This topic has 21 replies, 19 voices, and was last updated 13 years ago by FMOAB.
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  • September 19, 2012 at 11:28 pm #16877
    Richthornton

    My commute will shortly be done in increasing darkness, and before long in pitch black. I can justify buying a new set of lights, front and rear, as the more I ride, the less I am spending on petrol.
    What I need to know is what is a sensible level of brightness to light up the (unlit, country) roads ahead?
    Lumens, candlelight, watts etc all mean nothing to me, so what level should I be looking for, anyone know?

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Viewing 6 replies - 16 through 21 (of 21 total)
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  • September 20, 2012 at 9:03 am #701457
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    wakou

    These are worth a look, have
    These are worth a look, have the two smaller units pointing down and left for a ‘dip’ beam or in town, and fire up the big ‘un when out of town……. or when trying to bring down low-flying aircraft etc..
    B-) B-) B-) B-) B-)

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300604034468?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649#ht_3696wt_908

    September 20, 2012 at 7:55 am #701455
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    Bob's Bikes

    I will throw my hat in to the
    I will throw my hat in to the ring on this by saying, be careful some of these super bright lights out there are for off roading as the spread of the beam is deliberately wide so the off roader can see alternative pathways etc… if you use this type of light there is no upper limit to the cone of light being given out ie do you really need to see roosting birds on your way home? but more importantly you will annoy oncoming cars who will just put their high beams on blinding you. I won’t recommend or say leave alone but you could try Seca light & motion units as they have many different settings and a clever one touch high/low beam setting which I find v good for unlit lanes and oncoming vehicles. Personally I do not like head mounted lights I have been blinded by cyclists using these.

    September 20, 2012 at 7:42 am #701453
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    SideBurn

    I have found that bright does
    I have found that bright does not equal good forward vision! My lights are bright and give good distance but have poor spread; consequently I have a bright expensive head torch and a bargain basement handlebar light, together they give good spread, distance and comply with the law! I ride at speed on dark country lanes without problems. The head torch being an Exposure Joystick; this light is as bright as a car headlight but, as above, has poor spread. Would suggest that you spend as much as you can afford, simply because it is a good investment!

    September 20, 2012 at 7:17 am #701451
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    dave atkinson

    lumens, lux etc numbers vary
    lumens, lux etc numbers vary wildly from manufacturer to manufacturer. the beam test engine that gkam has linked to is the best way to compare them, we’re working on an updated one.

    if you’re commuting along unlit country lanes then i’d go for something that’s at least as powerful as the ones the beam test opens with (Lezyne Power Drive etc); there are plenty that are a *lot* brighter

    September 20, 2012 at 2:31 am #701449
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    formereve

    Just been to my local bike
    Just been to my local bike shop and they have got some decent knog rear and front lights that are TOTALLY waterproof.

    Meaning that if you IMMERSE them in water they will still work.This is the knog website address:

    http://www.knog.com.au/gear-blinder-lights/

    My LBS site address:

    http://www.buzzcycles.co.uk I think he does mail order as well.

    September 20, 2012 at 1:50 am #701447
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    Gkam84

    This might help you, Took me
    This might help you, Took me a while to find it. I thought there was one for rear lights aswell, But cant see it

    http://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/34746-your-guide-best-front-lights-cycling

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