We are often asked which bike light is the best and how many lumens do you need?
There are so many options and features we thought we would write a blog to help make lights easier. It is the law in the UK to have a red rear and a white front light between the hours of sunset and sunrise. The type of light and the amount of lumens you need will depend on where you are riding.
We would say there are roughly two categories of lights:
- Lights for when you want to be seen
- Lights for when you want to see
So how many lumens do you need for each category – and what even are lumens anyway?
Lumens are a way of measuring light output, so how bright a light is. By way of example a 40 watt bulb is approximately 450 lumens and a 60 watt bulb is approximately 800 lumens.
As a guide you should be looking for front lights to be as follows:
- Daytime running lights = 100 lumens plus (these are too be seen rather than to see)
- Urban commuter lights = 100 – 200 lumens plus (these are mostly to be seen but get the top end of lumens if you will be riding after sunset)
- Trail riding – 600 – 1200 lumens plus (these are to see)
Rear lights do not need to be as bright because you do not need to see, but bright enough to still be seen.
Daytime Running / Urban Commuter Riding
We would always recommend that you have front and rear lights on your bike, whether it’s day time or after sunset. The majority of road collisions with bikes are during the day time on the road. Having a light front and rear increases your chances of being seen by other drivers and pedestrians. Be careful not to have lights on that will blind other road users and consider whether you would like a flash or a constant beam. There isn’t any research to say which is safer, but it’s definitely safer with lights on in the day time. If you will be riding after sunset then be sure to go for the higher number of lumens.
Trail Riding or Non-Urban Commuter
We suggest having at least 600 lumens for off road riding, and if you are in dark forest trails then consider 1200 lumens plus. Don’t forget your rear light for safety with other trail users and in case the trail drops onto a road for a distance. You can consider lights for your bars and helmet for increased visibility.
Most lights can be dipped down so if you are doing lots of different riding you can just buy the one set rather than lots of different lights.
Stay safe.
