.png?1677767993 "MikeSPORT")
Bicycle lighting - an ordinary lamp for GBP 4 or maybe GBP 75. What to choose ?
Cheap or expensive lamp? Do you want to be visible or just have "bike lighting"?
Bicycle lighting - an ordinary lamp for GBP 4 or maybe GBP 75. What to choose?
One of the basic elements of every cyclist's equipment should be bicycle lighting. Its technical specifications may vary depending on the selected model. Better quality and more efficient bicycle lights increase the safety of cycling in dusk or darkness, and also have a positive effect on its comfort. This means that bicycle lights should be chosen very wisely.
LEZYNE set of bicycle lights CONNECT SMART 1000XL (1000 Lumens) / KTV PRO SMART DRIVE (75 Lumens)
What are the characteristics of high-quality bicycle lights and why are they necessary in our bike? On the market, you will find budget models for GBP 4 and professional solutions for several hundred zlotys. Which to bet on?
Why is bicycle lighting necessary?
Mandatory bicycle equipment is determined by the provisions of Polish law. Detailed information on this can be found in in the Regulation of the Minister of Transport of June 6, 2013. We can read in it that the following lights are included in the mandatory equipment of the bicycle:
at the front: at least one selective yellow or white position light;
at the rear: at least one red reflector, but not triangular, and at least one red position light.
In addition, the guidelines contain detailed technical information on the quality of light and how to install the lamps. The light of bicycle lamps and reflectors illuminated with a road lamp should be visible at night from a distance of at least 150 meters (with good visibility). Bicycles can be equipped with a flashing position light. Bicycle lamps may not be placed higher than 1.5 meters and lower than 25 centimeters from the surface of the road. In addition, rear red lights must not be visible from the front and selective amber or white front lights must not be visible from the rear.
Basic technical parameters of good bicycle lighting
Good bicycle lighting should be reliable. After all, it is he who largely depends on the safety of the cyclist in conditions of limited visibility, including after dark or at night. In addition, bicycle lights should be durable and resistant to mechanical damage that may occur while riding. Pebbles, insects or branches can hit their surfaces. Another key aspect is the resistance of lighting to changing weather conditions, including moisture and frost.
When choosing bicycle lights, pay attention to their visibility, which is regulated by law. The lamp should meet these requirements, although the better the visibility, the better. Another parameter is the light intensity. In Polish conditions, it is worth paying attention primarily to products whose light intensity exceeds 400 lumens. Lamps with 300 lumens will also work in urban conditions, but they can be unreliable in difficult weather conditions or during trips outside the city, e.g. along forest paths. A modern and proven solution are lamps with a built-in battery, which guarantees up to several hours of operation in dark conditions. This is a very convenient solution, because such batteries can be charged e.g. power bank. When choosing a lamp, the simplicity of its assembly and maintenance will be important, which will have a positive effect on the comfort of driving and the life of the equipment. High parameters in this area are guaranteed only by more expensive solutions available on the market.
What is STvZO?
The mysterious abbreviation STvZO comes from the German regulation Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung. (more on this can be found herehttps://www.mikesport.eu/blog/stvzo-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-so-important-during-a-bicycle-trip-to-germany ) These are the rules governing the granting of road traffic permits in Germany. The most recent revision took place in 2012. The regulations regulate the technical parameters and the method of mounting bicycle lighting in the case of vehicles used on German roads. Familiarizing yourself with these regulations and adapting your bike to them is the basis for people who are planning a trip beyond our western border. German areas are very attractive in terms of cycling, especially for the inhabitants of Western Poland. Adapting bicycle lighting to local requirements will allow you to avoid high fines. In Germany, it is not allowed to use flashing lights at night, which is a difference compared to Polish regulations. Currently, many manufacturers put information on the compatibility of the lamp with STvZO on the packaging, so it is worth considering the purchase of such models. They will prove themselves not only in Germany, but will also ensure a high sense of safety for cyclists in Poland.
See all bicycle lights from STvZO -->
The advantage of more expensive lamps over cheaper models
Regardless of whether we go on bicycle trips sporadically or with high frequency, we should always take care of our safety. For this purpose, high-quality bicycle lighting is purchased, which has technical parameters in accordance with the regulations and is efficient in operation. You cannot save on health and safety, which is why professional lamps, the prices of which can reach up to GBP 75, are definitely a better choice. Although their purchase is associated with a higher initial cost than in the case of simple lamps for GBP 4, they are worth it.
First of all, more expensive models provide longer performance, thanks to which their cost in the perspective of using the bicycle is spread over many years. They also provide less reliability and higher efficiency, which significantly translates into the safety of cyclists. More expensive models are characterized by better light intensity, visibility, durability and often have an additional battery. In the case of cheaper models for GBP 4, we are talking about definitely lower technical parameters and durability, which is why the risk of their use increases. At key moments, they may not provide us with sufficient protection, so when completing the bicycle equipment, it is worth betting on more expensive models from reputable manufacturers. If you have any doubts when shopping, it is worth consulting with specialists. This rule applies both to the purchase of lighting for bicycles used by adults and by children.
TOP12 - The best-selling bicycle lighting.
