Accessories

If you ride after dark or around dawn or dusk, you will need a good light. After a helmet and good riding skills, bike lights are the best safety tool a cyclist has for being seen by drivers. Many lights are "be seen" lights: they will not give enough light to navigate by but they are very visible to cars. If you have a commute that is on lighted streets these are all you need. Some are super small and very easy to attach and have with you at all times.

If you are riding in areas where there are no street lights or other light sources you should move to a bigger more powerful light – not only will you be seen but you will be able to see the road surface better.

A major factor of bike light use is attachment to the bike – if it is easy and the light is small you are far more likely to use it. I have had several ‘permanent’ lights stolen from my bike so I prefer lights and mounts which are easily removed. Systems with a failsafe to ensure the light does not accidentally turn on in your bag are a extra bonus: no point having a light with you is it has no power left when you pull it out and turn it on.

Bottom line: look at your lighting needs and match the light to your needs and most importantly – use it! A light in your bag does no one any good.

light and motion – stella 120

$149.99 CAD, $129.99 USD

light quality: Awesome! Great light beam. Well focused. Can be used for actually seeing where you are going. More than just a "be seen" light, this is a real commuter powerhouse.

attachment system: Mounts very simply on almost any bike or helmet, bar or stay with one piece rubber attachment.

power source: rechargeable battery separate from light – velcro mount. Two hours runtime at highest light setting.

pluses and minuses: The battery disconnects from the light so it cannot be accidentally turned on in your bag – a real bonus.

BLT fantom x10

MSRP: $60.00 CAD, $52.99 USD

light quality: Good clear light. Not bright enough for navigation in some situations but ideal for commuting.

attachment system: Bracket separate from light. Easy to mount.

power source: Three AAA batteries. 20 hours runtime at highest light setting.

pluses and minuses: waterproof, magnetic switch, I would prefer another power system that is reusable, turns on too easily in a bag.

blackburn flea – usb & solar charging

(front or rear) $39.99 USD, $49.99 CAD

Front & Rear Combo $68.99 CAD

light quality: Not great for actual sight but fantastic for visibility.

attachment system: Mounts very simply with Velcro strap.

power source: Solar panel or USB recharging while at work or on any computer. Magnetic charging connections, simple attachments. Three hours runtime at highest light setting.

pluses and minuses: so small it could be easy to lose the charger and light.

planet bike – blaze 2 watt

MSRP: $60 CAD, $55 USD

light quality: Like having a car headlight on your bike! I have actually had cars flash me to turn down the unit. Great for riding at night where you can’t use ambient light to navigate.

attachment system: Screw and cam lever for mount separate from light. Easiest to leave mount on the bike.

power source: Two AA batteries. Four hours runtime at highest light setting.

pluses and minuses: Very bright, I would prefer another power system that is reusable. Mount can be finicky to attach.