Night Rides
From October to March, if you want to go mountainbiking during the week you’re likely to be riding in the dark. It’s possible to get by with minimal lighting, especially during a full-moon, but a good lightset will allow you to make the most of the ride, go faster and perhaps even see where you’re going.
High quality bike lights can be expensive (from €150 to €1000) but will last for several years and hundreds of rides - think of it as a long-term investment.
To avoid your batteries dying during a ride it’s advisable to conserve power when possible e.g. by turning the lights off during fire-road climbs. You could also use a small commuting light (like these Cateye models) as a backup for road and non-technical sections.
Lights Overview
Types of Bulb
- Halogen
Halogen lamps use a filament bulb with a built-in reflector. These are relatively cheap, readily available and produce a good light output. - HID
Metal Halide bulbs do not have a filament inside - they’re filled with gas which gives out light when a current runs through it. They are much more efficient than halogen bulbs (e.g. a 10w HID bulb will produce as much light as a 40w halogen) - this means brighter lights and longer burn-times. They are also considerably more expensive than halogen. - LED
Light emitting diodes. They are the most efficient light source currently available. Other advantages include an extremely long lifespan and shock resistance. High-output LED systems are currently very expensive but the cost is falling rapidly.
Types of Battery
- NiCAD
Nickel-Cadmium batteries are used on cheaper light systems. They are heavy and don’t last as long as other types of battery. They are also harmful to the environment. - NiMH
Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are more environmentally friendly than Ni-CAD and hold a greater charge, giving a longer burn time for your lights. - Li-Ion
Lithium Ion batteries are more expensive, but also smaller and lighter than NiCAD or NiMH
Types of Charger
- Standard
A standard charger charges the battery very slowly (about 16 hours). It also continues to charge the battery until unplugged - this can result in damage to the battery. You have to remember to disconnect it or use a timer-plug. - Smart
Smart chargers charge the battery much more quickly (3-4 hours). They will also switch to a trickle charge when the battery is full to prevent over-charging and damage to the battery.
