![]() In the laboratory we used an integrating sphere, which is a hollow instrument with a white reflective interior that scatters light evenly inside, allowing us to take accurate measurements of that light using a light meter. Our test team put several of the most popular lights on the market through extensive lab and field testing. Commuters, on the other hand, might want a light that combines the two functions by using multiple LEDs with different lens geometries (like the Specialized Flux) to simultaneously produce both kinds of beams. Then pair it with a more focused spotlight on their helmet to throw as much light as possible in the direction they are looking. For instance, many mountain bikers will prefer to use a wider beam (or flood) light on their bars for general trail illumination. One final thing to consider is beam pattern, which can sometimes be the secret sauce that makes a good light great but can also be subjective. ![]() We also recommend using a flashing rear light when commuting or road riding at night. All the lights in this test include a flash mode for this reason. In car-dense areas, it’s often more important to be visible to others rather than illuminating the road ahead. If you can only afford one light, a helmet mount is better when mountain biking, as you’re often looking beyond where your bike is pointed. For example, the Specialized Flux 1250 has a claimed run time of just 90 minutes at its max output, but on its medium setting, it can run for three hours at 600 lumens (coincidentally what the light was putting out after running on high for 30 minutes in the lab).įor mountain biking at night, you’ll want to have two lights: one on your handlebars and one on your helmet. This is where many lights deliver more consistent light output over a longer, more usable period of time. A better place to focus is on a light's secondary mode or its medium setting. It is tempting to use max lumen output when shopping for a light, but as our testing shows, this often does not indicate how much actual light a given light will produce throughout your ride. It can’t hurt to have more, but this is our recommended starting point. For nighttime mountain biking or road riding on back roads with no street lights, you’ll likely want lights that put out a minimum of 600 lumens. For reference, a typical halogen car headlight will put out around 700 lumens in a low beam and 1200 lumens in a high beam. Check below for our recommendations on some great rear lights.Ī good place to start when shopping for a front light is to think about how much light you need. Lights that flash can draw attention and make you more visible compared to a steady light which would have to be substantially brighter to overcome the ambient light from street lamps and car headlights. ![]() All of the lights in this test include a flash mode for this reason. For commuting, it is often more important to be visible to others rather than illuminate the road ahead, except in unlit areas. Some lights are meant to make you more visible to other road users while others allow you to see. Think about what you want your lights to do.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |