Equipping your bicycle with a headlight and taillight system can help you remain safe during nighttime rides. Even in the daytime, if you get caught in a thunderstorm, you can flip on your headlight to avoid any hazards in the riding terrain. Most bicycle lights feature an all-purpose design that can be used for multiple types of riding.
Passive Lights
Bicycle reflectors, often referred to as passive lights, feature the most simplistic design. While these passive lights do not emit a beam, they allow motorists to see you. Reflectors come in a variety of styles, including a belt system that you wear, a triangular sign or an elongated flag. Thirdwave Websites recommends a reflector that has been approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. While these reflectors remain a standard safety feature, they will not necessarily keep you safe while riding at night.
Headlights
Headlights offer increased visibility while riding in low light conditions. Most headlights feature a mounting bracket that fits around the tube of your handlebar system. The bulb of the headlight varies based on the quality of the specific model. REI states that both halogen and xenon bulbs provide a high-powered, battery-charged beam of light. Most entry-level bike lights feature a lightweight design and have only one bulb. Bike lights with multiple bulbs allow you to adjust the intensity of the beam.
Taillights
Taillights emit a flashing beam that enables fellow riders and car drivers to pinpoint your location. As opposed to the halogen and xenon bulbs of the headlights, bicycle taillights generally feature a series of LED bulbs, which conserve battery life and run longer than other types of bulbs. Most models of bike taillights allow you to switch between a steady beam and a strobe light setting. Bicycle taillights are commonly powered by alkaline batteries.
Headlamps
Headlamps are another design of the bicycle headlight. Instead of strapping the light to the handlebars, you simply wear the headlamp around the front of your cycling helmet. According to the London Cyclist website, specialized headlamp models can be fastened into the ventilation system of your cycling helmet. Headlamps are ideal for riding on curvy mountain bike trails, as they allow you to quickly adjust the direction of the beam. Most headlamps feature a high-powered halogen or xenon bulb.
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