Everything You Need to Know About Mountain Bike Lights
In recent times, bike riding has become one of the most popular modes of transportation. However, it is much different than it was a few decades ago. Now, there are many more people switching from car to bike to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Others have decided to take on biking as a hobby, and a few other people have decided to get into biking as a sport. Mountain biking has become one of the most popular types of biking sports.
Most people bike because of the many benefits that come along with it. First of all, biking is easy to learn. Almost anyone can get the basics down in just a few days if they practice on a regular basis. Along with that, it is one of the easiest machines to operate and compete with. Biking doesn’t cause very many accidents, and it isn’t a very dangerous sport to be involved in. Mountain biking, on the other hand, can be pretty risky if you aren’t careful.
photo/ Michael Jarmoluk via pixabay.com
When it comes to mountain biking, there are many things that people should know before they start their journey. One of the best and fundamental essentials that you can get as a new mountain biker is proper mountain bike lights. Mountain bike lights can make or break your experience. Here are some of the essential things you need to know about the best mountain bike lights:
What Are Mountain Bike Lights In The First Place?
Mountain bike lights are lights that are used to improve the safety of the vehicle while the rider is traveling in certain areas. Mountain bike lights serve the same purpose as regular lights for regular bikes. However, there is a huge difference between riding in the street and riding on a mountain. Mountain riding can be more dangerous due to the natural bumps and curves in mountain roads. Even though there is no actual traffic, it can still be dangerous if you are riding around other mountain bikers.
These safety lights typically attach to certain pieces of the bike, depending on safety concerns and what the law requires. Their main purpose is to help the rider see in the dark. This helps the rider avoid traffic collisions, animals, and other things that might cause an accident or interruption in transportation. As you can imagine, these lights are meant to be used mostly in dark environments.
Some countries or states require that all bike riders and motorcycle riders use lights whenever they are using their vehicles. In most cases, the lights only have to be equipped during night time. However, some places require riders to have lights equipped at all times. Certain laws also determine how many lights you buy and where the lights need to be placed on your bike.
Choosing Great Mountain Bike Lights
There are many different factors to think about before you purchase a pack of lights for your mountain bike. If you aren’t an experienced rider, choosing the best mountain bike lights might seem pretty difficult at first. Don’t worry; it will become easier if you follow this guide.
Let’s say that you will be biking after dark. If you plan on biking outdoors after the sun goes down, you should consider getting high-output lights for your mountain bike. For example, you should think about the various types of lights and what needs they serve. If you are a more of a nocturnal rider, it would be best if you use lighting systems meant for high output.
This will help you see what things are coming in front of you before you approach them. This is important because most of the bike accidents that do occur happen because people are unaware of their surroundings.
After you think about the type, you need to think about is whether or not you need front, side, or rear lights. Most people that are experienced in riding will probably have all three. If you only have lights on the front, it can still be difficult to see something approach you if it is coming from the left or right side. If you have lights on all sides of your mountain bike, you’re pretty much covered in every direction.
After you’ve decided on where you’ll put them, you need to decide on what type of lights you actually want for the bike. The most common types include LED, lumen, and beam lights. LED lights are the most energy-efficient and the most popular of them all. Most people say that they provide the brightest source of light for mountain bikers.
Lumen lights are more average and often give off less brightness than LED lights. Even though they aren’t the brightest option, they still give off a good enough source of light to ensure safety is the highest priority for bikers. Since they give off less, they might be a cheaper option compared to the standard LED.
Beam pattern lights are most common for riders that are riding in places with street lights. These are meant to direct light on certain parts of the road rather than illuminate an entire area. You can see things up close or far away, depending on the way that the light is positioned.
What About Rechargeable Lights?
Most beginners often have questions about the shelf life of the lights. Most bike lights last for a very long time. For those interested in charging, there are rechargeable lights available for sale in most bike stores. However, there might be some exceptions as to whether or not they are acceptable to you.
Can your mountain bike handle a rechargeable lighting system? Most of these systems are pretty heavy and can easily weigh most bikes down. This might not be the best option for mountain bikers since they move around a lot more than regular bikers that bike on the streets. Even for regular bikers, a bike that is weighed down can make the commute slow and tedious. Only purchase this system if you think you can handle the extra weight.
Author: Brenda Vollman
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