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Holding Icon Bike Lights Buyer's Guide

With such a comprehensive range of bike lights on the market, sometimes it can be difficult to decide which ones will be best for you. Read this helpful buyer's guide from Halfords to get you started.

Bicycle lights are one of the most important bike accessories you'll buy, as they'll help to keep you safe on the road. However, not many people know there are different types to choose from, with different levels of performance - read on to find out more.

Bike Lights Buyer's Guide

WHY USE BIKE LIGHTS?

Cycle lights will help to light your way so you can see where you're going, but more importantly, they will make you more visible to other road users. This is essential for safety - you don't want to be involved in a crash with a driver or pedestrian.

What's more, it's actually the law to use bike lights. Legally you must have lights on your bike as soon as daylight starts to fade.

You need a white front light and a red rear light, alongside reflectors. Halfords recommends you use a constant front light and flashing rear lights to make you as visible as possible. For extra safety, wear hi vis clothing, even in the daytime.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIKE LIGHT

The bulb used on different bike lights can actually make a difference to how they perform. At Halfords we sell three different types of bulb - LED, Krypton and Halogen.

All three types are adequate for when daylight is fading, but if you're going to be cycling on dark nights then you need a bulb with extra power - we recommend LED lights for this.

You can use the table below as a guide to help you decide - consider where and when you're most likely to be riding:


LED Krypton Halogen
Are you riding during dusk/early evening? Y Y Y
Are you riding at night on an unlit road? Y N N
Do you want to be able to recharge your lights? Some N N
Do you want flashing mode? Y N N

SAVE ON BATTERIES WITH RECHARGEABLE BIKE LIGHTS

A great way to save on buying replacement batteries is to buy a rechargeable bike light. These powerful lights are ideal for use in extreme darkness and will save money over time. There are even lights that use solar energy to power themselves.

If you do opt for a non-rechargeable light, a good tip is to always carry spare batteries with you in case they run out. Bear in mind that a light in flashing mode will use more power than one in constant mode.




BUY BIKE LIGHTS AT HALFORDS

To make buying bike lights easier, browse our online collection. Our bicycle light product pages will tell you what type of bulb is provided. If you're still unsure, please call into your local Halfords where the staff will be more than happy to help.

Bike lights can be reserved and collected in-store or bought for home delivery. We'll even fit your cycle lights for free if bought at the same time as a new bike - order today.

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FAQs Bike Parts & Accessories FAQs

  • Halfords sells a wide range of bike accessories.

    These include bike helmets, bike locks, bike pumps, bike lights, bike computers, bike clothing, bike child seats, bike cleaning products and lubricants, bike luggage, bike water bottles, bike tools, bike manuals, kids bike accessories and an extensive range of bike parts - in fact, everything you could want for your bike.

  • Because of the vital protection they provide, it's very important to get the right bike helmet.

    Measure your head and check the size of the bike helmet you're looking to buy and it's a good idea to try the bike helmet for size - it should sit low on your forehead, just above your eyebrows and should not move when you shake your head. Adjust to fit using the adjustable fit system on the bike helmet to improve fit if necessary.

    Extra features to look for:

    » More vents provide better air circulation to keep your head cool
    » Peaks and visors reduce glare and shield your eyes from the sun

    We recommend you replace your helmet every 3 years. Remember: Every helmet subjected to an impact should always be replaced.

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