The number of lumens you need for different types of riding can vary depending on several factors, including the ambient lighting conditions, the terrain, and your personal preferences.
To help you choose the appropriate light brightness for your riding needs, I’ve put together some general guidelines for different types of riding. These guidelines range from daytime road riding with a low to moderate lumen output to night-time trail riding with a high-lumen output.
Daytime riding
When riding on roads during the day, there is typically enough natural light to make you visible to other road users.
A bike light with a lower lumen output is usually sufficient for daytime road riding. A light with around 100 to 200 lumens should be adequate to ensure you are visible to other road users.
A light with this output is ideal as a daytime running light, designed to increase your visibility to other road users without being overly bright or distracting.
It’s worth noting that the beam angle of the light is also an important consideration for daytime road riding. A light with a narrow beam angle can be more effective in daylight conditions, as it will create a more focused beam of light that can be seen from a greater distance.
These lights have a low to moderate lumen output to enhance your visibility on the road without being overly bright or distracting.
- Bontrager Ion 100 R/Flare R City Light Set
- Lezyne Hecto Drive 400XL/KTV Pro Light Set
- Cygolite Dash 460
Learn more about bike lights
Well-lit roads
When riding on well-lit roads at night, ambient light is usually available to provide visibility, so you may not need a very high lumen output.
A bike light with a moderate lumen output should be sufficient for this type of riding. A light with around 300 to 500 lumens can provide adequate visibility to ensure you are visible to other road users without being overly bright or distracting.
The beam angle of the light is also an important consideration for this type of riding. A wider beam angle can be more effective on well-lit roads, providing more peripheral visibility to help you stay visible to other road users.
Some examples of bike lights that may be suitable for riding on well-lit roads at night include;
- NiteRider Lumina 550
- Blackburn Dayblazer 400
- CatEye AMPP 500
Dark roads
When riding on dark roads at night, there is little to no ambient light to provide visibility, so a higher lumen output is necessary to ensure that you can see and be seen by other road users.
A bike light with a lumen output of around 700 to 1,000 lumens is ideal. This should provide sufficient brightness to illuminate the road ahead and ensure you are visible to other users. However, the exact lumen output you need may depend on the speed and conditions of the road, as well as personal preference.
In addition to the lumen output, it’s also important to consider the beam angle of the light. A narrower beam angle can be more effective for illuminating the road ahead, while a wider beam angle can be useful for providing more peripheral visibility.
These lights have a higher lumen output and provide ample illumination on dark roads without being overly bright or distracting.
- Cygolite Metro Pro 1100
- Light & Motion Urban 1000
- Bontrager Ion Pro RT
Learn more about bike lights
Dark trails
When riding on trails in the dark, the terrain is usually uneven, with varying degrees of obstacles and challenges. This makes having a high-lumen output bike light essential to provide sufficient illumination, helping the rider navigate the terrain and avoid potential hazards.
A bike light with around 2,000 to 3,000 lumens or higher may be appropriate for this type of riding. For example, a light with 2,000 lumens suits most beginner and intermediate-level trails, while a more technical trail may require a brighter light with a higher lumen output.
A wide beam angle can help provide better peripheral visibility, while a more focused beam can provide better distance visibility. A mount that allows for easy adjustments can also ensure that the light is positioned in the best possible way to provide optimal illumination.
Battery life is another critical factor to consider, as longer life will allow for extended riding time without worrying about the light running out of power.
These are general guidelines, and you may want to consider other factors, such as the beam angle and battery life, when choosing a bike light. Additionally, your preferences and the specific conditions of your riding environment may affect the optimal lumen output for your needs.
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Bernard Lu has 7+ years of experience working in a bicycle shop, overseeing the retail and workshop operations. He’s a qualified bicycle mechanic who understands a cyclist’s needs and speaks the same cycling lingo.
If you meet him at the cafe, he will happily talk to you for hours about all the intricacies of bikes and cycling tech. Just buy him a coffee next time you see him.