The Best Rear Bicycle Lights

What To Look For

A good rear bicycle light will make you and your bike more visible when you ride at night. Look for a light that has long- lasting, bright LED bulbs. A light that has a flash or strobe mode will make you more visible than a steady light. Choose a light that runs on a regular AA or AAA battery. Also look for a light that you can remove easily when you lock your bicycle outside.

Common Pitfalls

While LED bulbs can last a long time, they are not as bright as Xenon bulbs. Unfortunately, lights with Xenon bulbs cost more but do not last as long as LED lights. Another common issue with choosing the best bike light is finding one that will fit on your bike frame. Some lights are designed to attach to the seat post, while others may attach to the your fender or even to the back of your jacket. Some lights have separate battery packs, which you will also have to find room for on your bicycle.

Where To Buy

You can most likely buy a rear bicycle light anywhere you can buy a bike. A local bike shop may be your best bet, as the people employed there may be the most knowledgeable about the types of the lights they sell. Outdoor equipment stores, such as REI, also sell bicycle lights. If you prefer to shop on line, websites such as Amazon or Nashbar sell lights, too.

Cost

Cost of a rear bicycle light depends on how long its battery or bulbs last, as well as how many and what kind of light bulbs it has. Simple rear lights with two LED bulbs and a 50-hour battery life can cost $10 or less, as of 2010. More elaborately designed lights that last longer cost more, usually around $20 or $30, as of 2010.

Accessories

In addition to a rear light, many cyclists purchase a front light so that motorists or other cyclists can see them driving down the street. If you ride at night a lot, you may want to invest in a headlight in addition to front and rear lights, so that you can clearly see any obstacles in front of you on the road or bike trail. Some bicycle headlights produce the same amount of light as car headlights.