Have you ever wondered why lamps with the same power given in lumens give off completely different light?
Lenses direct the light beam, so they should be one of the key elements when choosing the right lighting for a cyclist. Relying on the power of the lamp alone is misleading, because lumens determine the amount of light emitted by the source, which is most often a diode, and its distribution depends on the lens. Which bicycle lights should you choose? How do lighting models differ from each other? If you are curious, we encourage you to read on!
A bike light that fits your riding style
What bike lights to choose? Before buying lighting, it is worth considering its use. Is it in autumn, when rain and morning fog are common, or in summer, when lighting is needed mainly after dusk? Or maybe your route usually leads along busy roads? In each case, proper lighting is key. Why? First and foremost, to ensure your own safety and that of other road users.
Classic lens – when to use?
Theoretically, short and recreational trips do not require precise adjustment of the lamp, but it is worth spending time choosing the right model. An example of a popular design is the Prox Sirius or Prox Subra equipped with two diodes that provide a wide beam of light, despite the lack of special light-dispersing elements on the lens. A classic lens will work best when the lamp has two diodes and a power of over 800 lm, which guarantees sufficient lighting for wild off-road routes. On the other hand, a lamp with one diode, such as the Prox Virgo, may not provide adequate comfort on the aforementioned routes.
Do classic lenses blind other road users?
Yes, a lamp with classic lenses can blind other road users. In the case of routes with heavy traffic, it is enough to point the lamp downwards.
Lamps designed for city travel
City lighting must not blind other road users. The ideal solution is a lamp with a cut-off lens, such as the Prox Aero F III, which directs the light downwards, eliminating glare, while ensuring visibility of the area around the wheel and illuminated sides.
Strong lens focused on one point – when?
Fast off-road riding on narrow routes requires appropriate lighting. A good solution is lamps whose lens focuses light in one point. An example is the Prox Spika, ideal for fast off-road riding even in conditions of limited visibility. On wider routes, you can get an additional lamp that illuminates the area near the wheel, e.g. the Prox Crater.
Do lenses that focus a beam of light blind other road users?
Yes, such lenses can blind other road users. However, it is enough to point the lamp down and reduce the light intensity.
Dual Distance Lens – What is it?
In difficult urban conditions, the Dual Distance lens is perfect. This lens brightens the area around the wheel and provides adequate driving comfort. An example is the Prox Crater Dual Distance, which will also work well on forest roads if your driving style is not extreme.
Do lamps with a Dual Distance lens blind?
The risk of glare is minimized with appropriate lamp positioning.
All in one! That's possible too.
Among the models of bicycle lamps with more than one diode, we will find lamps with different lenses. An example is the Prox Kastor, equipped with two classic lenses and two light-diffusing lenses, which ensures excellent visibility even in medium work mode. Another proposal is the Prox Draco II with an external battery. The Prox offer also includes models equipped with a lens with a cut-off and an additional diode with a classic lens for increased range. An example of such lighting is the Prox Kraz, thanks to which when riding on public roads we can use only the lens with a “cut-off”, and when entering forest trails we can turn on an additional diode.
LED Panels – What is Their Function?
In addition to the fact that LED panels look impressive, they also work great as a position light. LED panels are most often combined with classic lenses. If you want a position light during the day and strong lighting when driving off-road, this function in lamps is made for you!
Additional functions of bicycle lights – adjust the light to your needs!
In addition to lenses, it is worth paying attention to other features that can be extremely useful during cycling trips. Many modern bike lights offer additional options that increase their functionality and comfort of use.
Power Bank
Some bike lights, such as the Kastor-I, can act as a power bank. This is an extremely practical solution, allowing you to charge other mobile devices, such as a phone or GPS, during long trips. However, we advise you to use this function only in emergency situations, as it can shorten the battery life of the lights.
Replaceable battery
Lamps with a replaceable battery are a great choice for people who use their bikes often and intensively. The ability to quickly replace the battery ensures that you will never run out of light, regardless of the length of the route. Prox Crater or Ran is one of the models that offers this function.
Lights up while charging
The light-up-while-charging function is another convenience worth considering. Thanks to it, the lamp can be used even when connected to a power source, which is extremely useful in emergency situations or during longer journeys. This function is available, for example, in the Prox Kastor-III.
Summary
Choosing the right bike lights can seem complicated due to the variety of options available. It is worth remembering that the key is to match the lamp to your riding style and the conditions in which you most often move. If, despite everything, you feel overwhelmed by the amount of information and options, we encourage you to contact the manufacturer directly. If you do not know which bike lights to choose, we will be happy to advise and help you adapt them to your needs.
