What To Look For
Bicycle headlights and taillights represent an often-disputed area in the cycling industry. The best lights depend entirely on conditions, use and rider objectivity. Many cyclists agree that brighter often means better. Randy Swart, director of the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, utilizes heavy batteries powering an automotive headlight for maximum visibility. The Nordic Group, online cycling resource, suggests building a personal light system with rechargeable batteries powering front and rear taillights. Many cyclists use battery-operated, generator-powered or rechargeable all-in-one light kits manufactured by several cycling accessory companies.
Common Pitfalls
Many cyclists believe tiny battery-operated blinking lights enough to capture vehicle operator and pedestrian attention when night cycling. Most small lights easily disappear in the mass amounts of light pollution many areas experience. Blinking lights typically garner attention faster than steady lights, but most cyclists require steady lights to see upcoming obstacles while riding at night. Many cyclists appreciate bright steady lights combined with blinking lights. Motorists generally notice two blinking lights faster than a single light. Most U.S. states require a headlight paired with a rear red light reflector.
Where To Buy
Many local bicycle shops, outdoor outfitters and online retailers sell a variety of bicycle lighting options. Simple bicycle lights in white for front and red for rear often sell in pairs. Generator light sets often sell in complete kits including necessary wiring. Rechargeable light sets feature either rechargeable lights or longer-lasting, higher-powered, heavier lights featuring separate rechargeable batteries and multiple light settings. Many manufacturers construct solar powered rechargeable bicycle lights. Many online sites offer plans for constructing lights from a variety of available goods typically easily purchased from local hardware stores.
Cost
Inexpensive battery operated bicycle lights typically cost $10 to 20 for a pair of front and rear lights. Higher-quality, battery-operated lights often run $10 to $20 per light. Rechargeable lights with built-in batteries run $40 to $100 per light. Rechargeable light systems with separate battery packs often sell headlights and battery kits for $100 to $300. Many manufacturers offer taillights designed to accompany headlight systems for $50 to $100. Generator light sets utilizing traditional generator technology typically sell $50 to $100. Updated higher-quality generators, using newer technology and often incorporating bicycle-wheel front hubs into electrical systems, cost $100 to $200.
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