Bike Light Buying Guide – How Many Lumens or Lux Do I Need?

"I recently fell in love with night riding, and I need to buy a headlight that's bright enough. What does bright enough mean?"

This is a question asked by Richal, who has already purchased the Tesway S7. This is also the question most riders want answered.

This guide will help riders understand the standard for judging brightness.

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Lux vs. Lumens vs. Candela – What’s the Difference

To simplify:

Lumen measures the total light emitted.

Candela indicates the visible intensity in a specific direction from the light source.

Lux measures how bright a surface will appear.

Lumen (lm)

Lumen, the unit for luminous flux, gauges the total amount of visible light emitted by a source.

More lumens mean more light, but it's essential to consider how this light is directed and over what area it is spread.

While lumens are commonly used to compare lights, the perceived brightness can vary depending on these factors.

Lux (lx)

Lux, the unit for illuminance, measures how much light spreads over a given area. Defined as 1 lx = 1 lm/m², the lux value is often determined using a vertical screen at 10 meters distance (according to German type approval standards).

This provides a more accurate depiction of how well a light illuminates an area. Essentially, lux measures how efficiently a bike light’s optics use available lumens.

However, in real-world scenarios, bike lights illuminate the road at an angle, not just straight ahead as in tests.

This means the light will cover a broader area, so examining the actual light patterns of different bike lights is crucial.

Candela (cd)

Candela, the unit for luminous intensity, measures the light intensity in a specific direction.

This unit is particularly useful for rear light specifications. A standard candle emits light with about 1 cd luminous intensity.

For perspective, 100 cd equals 1 lx on a vertical screen at 10 meters distance.

More About Lumen

Lumens measure the total amount of light emitted by a light source. Simply put, the more lumens a light has, the brighter it will be.

This measurement allows consumers to compare the brightness of different light sources regardless of the type of light.

In the context of bike lights, lumens are crucial because they determine how well you can see and be seen in various lighting conditions.

Here are some practical comparisons:

500 lumens: Suitable for well-lit urban areas and casual riding.

800 lumens: Ideal for suburban areas with moderate street lighting.

1000+ lumens: Necessary for off-road trails and high-speed cycling in low-light conditions.

Buy Lumens, Not Watts

Historically, people chose lights based on their wattage, which indicated energy consumption rather than brightness.

With modern lighting technology, lumens have become the standard for measuring light output.

When purchasing bike lights, focus on lumens to ensure you get the desired brightness:

Replace a 100W light with a light that offers around 1600 lumens.

Replace a 75W light with a light that provides about 1100 lumens.

Replace a 60W light with a light emitting approximately 800 lumens.

Replace a 40W light with a light giving off around 450 lumens.

Choosing the Right Bike Light

Selecting the right bike light depends on various factors, including your riding environment, speed, and personal preferences.

Urban Commuting

For urban areas with street lighting, a light with 300-500 lumens is generally sufficient.

Look for lights with a wide beam pattern to enhance your visibility to other road users.

Suburban Riding

In suburban settings where lighting can be inconsistent, a light with 600-800 lumens is recommended.

This range provides adequate illumination for darker streets and pathways.

Trail and Off-Road Riding

For off-road adventures, lights with 1000 lumens or more are essential.

These lights should have a focused beam to light up distant obstacles and a wide beam to illuminate the periphery.

High-Speed Cycling

Cyclists who ride at high speeds require more powerful lights to ensure they can see far enough ahead to react to obstacles.

Lights with 1000-1500 lumens are ideal for this purpose.

Additional Features to Consider

When choosing a bike light, consider these additional features to enhance your cycling experience:

Beam Pattern

A well-designed beam pattern can significantly impact your visibility and safety. Look for lights that offer a combination of wide and focused beams.

Battery Life

Ensure the light you choose has a battery life that matches your riding duration. Some lights offer various modes (e.g., high, medium, low) to extend battery life.

Mounting Options

Consider where and how you want to mount your light.

Handlebar mounts are standard, but helmet mounts can provide additional visibility, especially off-road.

Water Resistance

Weather can be unpredictable, so a water-resistant light is a must. Look for lights with an IPX rating of at least IPX4.

Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable lights are environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run. USB rechargeable options are convenient and easy to use.

Popular Bike Light Options

Magicshine ALLTY1000 Front Bike Light

At a fraction of the price of the Exposure Strada MK12 RS AKTIV, the Magicshine ALLTY1000 offers a brighter central beam and a longer battery life. It's lighter and more compact, although it lacks the high-tech features of the Exposure light. With a luminosity of 1,000 lumens, given its excellent performance and affordability, the Magicshine ALLTY1000 is our top recommendation for most riders.

Exposure Strada MK12 RS AKTIV

Exposure is renowned for the superior build quality of its lights, and the aluminum body of the Exposure Strada MK12 RS AKTIV exemplifies this craftsmanship. It boasts a powerful beam with 1,450 lumens and excellent side illumination, thanks to its high lumen count. Packed with advanced technology, it features a rear display that shows the remaining battery life down to the minute.

Knog Blinder 900 Front Bike Light

Although the Knog Blinder 900, with its 900 lumens, is not as powerful as the Magicshine and Exposure lights, it still provides sufficient brightness for endurance-paced rides on unlit roads. Its simple silicone band allows for easy mounting, making it an excellent choice for regular commuting.

Conclusion

By focusing on lumens and considering your specific riding conditions, you can select a light that ensures safety and enhances your cycling experience. Whether you're commuting in the city, navigating suburban streets, or tackling off-road trails, there's an ideal light for your needs.

FAQs

What are the best bike lights for night riding?
For night riding, you should consider bike lights with at least 800 lumens. This ensures sufficient illumination for seeing obstacles and maintaining visibility to others.

How important is beam pattern in a bike light?
A good beam pattern is crucial as it determines how light is distributed. A combination of wide and focused beams helps in illuminating both the road ahead and the surroundings.

Do I need different lights for front and rear?
Yes, front lights should be brighter with a focus on illuminating the path, typically 300-1500 lumens. Rear lights should be less bright but highly visible, often measured in candela, to alert drivers behind you.