‘We started with reflectors, and still have a factory focusing solely on them. ‘A lot of manufacturers will just stick a high lumen-count LED in their units and call it a day,’ explains CatEye’s International Sales Director, Doug Brown. Each is a fit-and-forget unit with excellent weather resistance and high optical clarity.įeature-rich despite their light and compact design, every light in the range comes with a daytime HyperConstant mode for all-day safety, along with a power button that also functions as a battery indicator, allowing you to keep an eye on the charge remaining. The AMPP range continues this, from the 400-lumen AMPP 400 up to the 1,100-lumen AMPP 1100. With two factories still located in the country, CatEye has built a reputation for reliability and optical excellence. Since then it has been refining its products, which are rigorously tested using the same methods employed by the Japanese car industry. Instead, grab yourself some extra reassurance in the form of one of CatEye’s new AMPP lights, and make the most of the night.įounded in 1954 in Osaka, Japan, CatEye created the world’s first bicycle LED headlamp back in 2001. But that’s no reason to cut back on cycling. (We even tested the water resistance of one with an unintentional trip through the washing machine.) We’ve pushed the limits of their functionality so you can ride easy knowing you’ve got a quality product or two.With the number of daylight hours shrinking fast, you’ll find yourself out in the dark more and more often. We used them on trail rides and during commutes in the pre-COVID-19 days. The lights have traveled many miles on our bikes as we pushed pedals morning, noon, and night. After researching the market and surveying feedback from customers and gear review sites, we spent time using the most promising options. Lower ratings indicate water-resistant, not fully waterproof, products.Įvery light on this has been thoroughly evaluated and vetted by our team of test editors. If you regularly cycle in the rain, make sure your lights have an IPX rating of five or higher (where X is a placeholder, and sometimes filled by a number, for the product’s particle resistance). Brands rate their products on the Ingress Protection scale, which assesses particle- and water-resistance. Most bike lights are water-resistant and some are even waterproof. Observe your light’s low battery indicator so you know when it’s time to recharge and can avoid being left in the dark. To conserve power, use those bright settings only when you really need them. They drain faster on lights with more lumens or when you’re using a light on its brightest setting. Most taillights are less than 100 lumens and have flash modes or other settings that make them brighter as vehicles approach.īike light batteries typically last, at a minimum, for a few hours. If you’re riding on well-lit streets or paths, a headlight in the neighborhood of 100 to 200 lumens is usually enough, whereas mountain bikers should look for headlights with at least 1,000 lumens. Generally, the more lumens a bike light has, the brighter it will be, but brightness is also impacted by the light’s beam pattern. Lumens are a measure of how much light streams through an area per second. As you evaluate your options, pay attention to how many lumens a light has, as well as its promised battery life and waterproof rating. Most every model available has LED lights with multiple brightness settings and a rechargeable lithium battery.
![cateye bike lights cateye bike lights](https://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/images/cateye-el130-led-front-light.jpg)
Helmet mounts are a good choice for mountain biking because trails generally include lots of switchbacks and the way forward isn’t always the direction your bike will be facing. Headlights are often installed on handlebars, but many can also be mounted to your helmet or a GoPro. Most frequently mounted to your seat post, this light can help approaching vehicles and others spot you. Choosing the Best Lights for Your Bikeįor the safest ride, we recommend using a headlight and taillight, but if you can only afford one, opt for a taillight (or look for a combination set, which is often cheaper than buying the same lights independently).
![cateye bike lights cateye bike lights](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1knHhmlDH8KJjy1zeq6xjepXaw/CATEYE-Bike-Taillight-Waterproof-MTB-Bike-Rear-light-Led-Cycling-Tail-Light-Lamp-Flash-Flashlight-Lights.jpg)
So whether your bike has become your go-to source of transportation or you’re simply squeezing in a ride after hours, let these lights be your guide. Today’s bike lights come with many safety features, and there are plenty of models that don’t cost a fortune.
![cateye bike lights cateye bike lights](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71qqD85zdvL._SL1500_.jpg)
According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 52 percent of fatal cycling accidents involving cars and trucks occurred in low-light or dark conditions.
#Cateye bike lights drivers
A good set of headlights and taillights lets you see what’s ahead and alerts drivers and others of your presence. Just like helmets, bike lights are critical safety gear for every cyclist.