The front bike light is an accessory that it is advisable to equip all two-wheeled bikes. After all, such a configuration ensures the safety of not only the driver, but also other participants in the oncoming traffic. The widest assortment of headlights is presented on the modern market, both in budget and in expensive versions. For the optimal model selection, the category of the bicycle, the design features of the light element and the operational nuances should be taken into account. Consider the types and features of these products.
Structural elements
The main structural details of the front bike light include:
- body part;
- feed element;
- light optical unit;
- management details.
Bicycle headlight is made of high-strength plastic, heat-resistant glass. Expensive modifications are equipped with an anodized aluminum housing. To prevent dust and moisture, the design provides rubber seals at the joints and on the control parts.
Optics and Reflectors
The optics of the front bike lights are focused on focusing the luminous flux. In the systems under consideration, two varieties of these structures are used. The first of them is reflectors of a reflex type, which have a bowl configuration in the central part with a light supply source. Reflectors are protected from dust and moisture by flat glass.
Using a reflector, a light beam from a lamp is formed into a beam of a certain configuration. Most often, reflex lighting is a bright spot in the center with reflections scattering on the sides. These elements are smooth and textured type. In the first case, the luminous flux is fed to a greater distance, in the second - it is reduced, but more evenly.
The second option is lenses that form a beam of light due to a variety of shapes. The stream can be in the form of a round spot, have no pronounced center, or produce a narrow beam without flare on the sides.
Purpose and Functionality
The purpose of the bicycle lamp depends on the type of accessory (front or rear). Frontal modifications are used to illuminate the track in front of the bike, as well as as a marker light.
The headlamp should have a sufficient degree of illumination, allowing timely response to oncoming obstacles and provide the required maneuvers in the dark. Estimated speed of movement, taking into account the luminous flux, is 25 km / h. The element should guarantee the visibility of the road within 5-30 meters in front of the steering wheel.
Varieties
The accessories in question are divided into several groups:
- LED bicycle flashlights. The advantages of such parts include a high brightness indicator, profitability, immunity to mechanical stress, and a long service life.
- Halogen models. The design of the lighting fixtures is focused on creating a directional stream of light. The lamp configuration is a flask with bromine or iodine vapors.
- Lantern on a helmet. A similar accessory is attached to a sports helmet with the help of special tapes, it allows you to direct the beam in the right direction.
- Dynamo. In this case, the device operates from a generator or a dynamic sleeve. “Halogen” or LEDs act as light sources.
- Laser versions. The task of this element is to ensure maximum security, it gives out two light strips on both sides.
- Hand-held flashlights for bicycles are highly mobile, versatile, easy to attach.
Power separation
The considered light elements are divided into the following categories:
- Duty devices are designed to drive in cloudy and twilight weather. The working range of such a device does not exceed five meters.
- Products of medium power are designed for illumination of the roadway about 25-30 meters, are used for night skating.
- Powerful front bicycle lights can illuminate the path at a distance of up to 150 meters, are well suited for moving through unlit terrain and outside the city.
Criterias of choice
The key point when choosing a light element for a bike is its purpose. To drive around the city you will need a headlight with a good reflection on the sides. For frequent trips outside the village, it is better to purchase devices with a narrow beam of light, in order to avoid dazzling oncoming pedestrians, cyclists or drivers.
Also pay attention to:
- The flow of light, which determines the total amount of the produced indicator without scattering. This parameter is measured in lumens; 700-900 lm is enough for a bicycle headlight.
- Scattering angle. The wider this characteristic, the better. The light flux should be uniform, without a spot concentrated in the center. The minimum angle of dispersion is from 125 degrees.
- The degree of illumination. This important parameter, measured in lux, is responsible for the ratio of the power of the light flux to the cultivated area (in square meters).
- The leakage rate is responsible for water resistance, must comply with IPX standards. Leading manufacturers on this characteristic distinguish markings from IPX6 to IPX8.
- Period of operation. The average work of a bicycle headlight with LEDs is up to 12 hours, lamp analogues are designed for 3-4 hours.
Steering a bike light
Holders for the devices in question are made of silicone or plastic. According to the type of attachment, they are divided into elastic, removable, mounting and wearable varieties.
Elastic variations serve to fix auxiliary and marker lights. The design is a belt made of silicone or rubberized material. The pluses of this version include the speed of installation, and among the minuses - an unreliable degree of attachment, quick wear, and susceptibility to temperature extremes.
Mounting modifications are brackets, the advantage of which is the reliable fixation of the lighting element. Disadvantages - a certain difficulty in installing this design and replacing elements in case of failure.
Removable bicycle holders are the middle option between the above modifications.