Bike Lights

Bicycle lighting is legally required when cycling after sunset and ensures that you are visible to other road users, also in limited daylight, fog or bad weather. A headlight lights up the road ahead of you and lets oncoming traffic notice you in good time; a rear light makes you visible from behind to motorists and other cyclists. Modern bicycle lighting is compact, USB-rechargeable and available in versions from practical city lights to powerful sports headlights for evening and night-time training on dark bike paths.

In this range you will find headlights from 300 to 2100 lumens, separate rear lights, complete lighting sets with a front and rear light in one package, and a radar rear light that detects approaching vehicles from behind and forwards that information to a compatible bike computer or GPS. Some headlights have a built-in indicator function that lets you signal changes of direction without taking your hands off the handlebars. The choice depends on your type of use: daily commuting requires something slightly different from longer evening training sessions on remote bike paths.

Which bicycle lighting suits you?

The right lighting depends on when and where you cycle and how much functionality you want. The scenarios below help you quickly choose the right direction.

You want to comply with the legal lighting requirement and are looking for a reliable basic set for daily use: choose a lighting set with a headlight and rear light in one package. You have everything to hand straight away, the lights are compatible with each other and you pay less than for two separate lights. Lighting sets start at around 40 euros and are suitable for the daily commute and shorter rides after sunset.

You want to train in the evening or at night on bike paths outside the built-up area: choose a headlight of at least 700 lumens. On unlit bike paths you need more light intensity to see the road well and recognise obstacles in time. Headlights of 700 lumens and higher also have a focused spot mode for greater distances and a wider spread pattern for an overview in bends.

You also want to be able to give direction signals without taking your hands off the handlebars: choose a headlight with an indicator function. With a control button or a wireless remote control you activate the built-in direction indicator in the light. That is especially handy in busy city traffic or on cycle routes with many intersections where you want to signal your intention early and clearly.

You want extra traffic safety with detection of approaching vehicles from behind: choose a radar rear light. This type of rear light has a built-in radar sensor that detects vehicles behind you up to a hundred metres away and forwards that information via ANT+ to a compatible bike computer. On your screen you see a visual warning when a car or motorbike approaches, so that you can be extra alert without looking back.

You want to buy a front and rear light at the same time and are looking for a complete entry-level option: choose a lighting set. Sets are made up of a headlight and a matching rear light of the same brand, attuned to the same USB charging standard and with the same mounting systems. That makes it easier to charge everything at the same time and to plan replacement.

What to look out for when buying?

Light intensity in lumens

Lumens indicate how much light a lamp produces. For daily city use on lit roads, a headlight of 300 to 500 lumens is sufficient. For use on unlit bike paths, wooded routes or night-time training, 700 lumens or more is recommended. Keep in mind that higher lumen values consume more battery capacity: a headlight of 2100 lumens on maximum setting lasts shorter than the same lamp on a lower setting.

Lighting set or separate lights

A lighting set is practical if you do not yet have any bicycle lighting or want a complete upgrade: you get an attuned combination at an attractive price. Separate lights are sensible if you already have a headlight or rear light that meets requirements and only want to replace or upgrade one component. With separate lights, check whether the mounting fits on your handlebars or seatpost and whether the charging system matches your current setup.

Indicator function

Headlights with a built-in indicator let you signal changes of direction via a visible flashing light at the front of the bike. That function works via a button on the light or a separate remote control on the handlebars. The indicator is an extra safety feature for city riders and bicycle commuters, but not a replacement for hand signals: in the Netherlands you are legally required to signal direction by hand when you turn.

Mounting and attachment

Most bicycle lights come with a universal handlebar clamp that fits handlebar diameters of 22 to 35 mm and seatpost tubes of 27 to 35 mm. Check whether the clamp fits on your specific handlebars if you have an aero or carbon tube. Some models also have a helmet mounting option, which is handy if you want to let the beam move along with your head. Always combine bicycle lighting with a well-fitting bike helmet for maximum safety during night and evening rides.

Our advice: choose a lighting set as an entry-level option. For evening and night-time training outside the city, we recommend a headlight of at least 700 lumens: the extra light intensity makes a noticeable difference on unlit paths. Make sure you charge both lights regularly; an empty headlight on a dark route is a safety risk that is easy to prevent.

Who is bicycle lighting suitable for?

• Bicycle commuters and city riders who cycle daily in the dark, at dusk or in poor visibility and are legally required to carry lighting.
• Sports cyclists and triathletes who train early in the morning or late in the evening and want to ride safely on unlit bike paths and country roads too.
• Cyclists who want to ride safely in a group and want to be visible with a clear rear light to the group behind them and to traffic approaching from behind.
• Cyclists who want extra traffic safety on busy roads or during bike commutes with many intersections, and benefit from an indicator function or radar detection.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy bicycle lighting but are not quite sure yet which model best suits your bike and use? Then we are happy to help you further. You can reach our triathlon specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon shop in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about bicycle lighting

How many lumens do I need for my bike?

For daily use on lit city roads, a headlight of 300 to 500 lumens is sufficient. For evening or night-time training on unlit bike paths outside the built-up area, at least 700 lumens is recommended. Keep in mind that high lumen values drain the battery faster: use the maximum setting only when the situation really requires it and switch back to a lower setting on well-lit routes.

Is bicycle lighting legally required in the Netherlands?

Yes. In the Netherlands you are required to carry bicycle lighting after sunset and in limited visibility, such as fog or heavy rain. Your headlight must emit white or yellow light and your rear light red. Flashing lights are permitted if they are sufficiently visible. If you ride without lighting, you risk a fine.

What is the difference between a lighting set and separate lights?

A lighting set contains a headlight and rear light that are put together as a combination and charge to the same USB standard. That is practical and often more advantageous than two separate lights. Separate lights are handy if you already have a headlight or rear light that meets requirements and only want to replace or upgrade one component to a higher lumen value.

What does a headlight with an indicator function do?

A headlight with an indicator has built-in direction indicators that you activate via a button on the light or a remote control on the handlebars. You signal your direction of travel with a flashing orange or white light at the front of the bike. The indicator is an extra safety aid but, in the Netherlands, does not replace the legal obligation to signal direction by hand when you turn.

How does radar lighting work?

A radar rear light has a built-in radar sensor that detects approaching vehicles from behind up to around a hundred metres. The sensor data is sent wirelessly via ANT+ to a compatible bike computer or GPS, which shows a visual warning as soon as a vehicle approaches. This way you have situational awareness behind you without looking back, which is especially useful on narrow roads or at high riding speed.