Don't be afraid of the dark...
This is a post I originally wrote in 2013. Updated a decade later with some new and updated information.
Don't be afraid of the dark! Photo by Pete Beers.
Just because it's cold and dark doesn't mean you can't ride...
In an earlier post I gave you a few tips on how to stay warm in the coming cold days of winter. With those cold days, unfortunately (or fortunately), come darkness. But darkness, like cold temperatures, doesn't mean you shouldn't (or can't) ride. There are plenty of lighting systems that will allow you to continue to enjoy your riding, on or off-road.
Below are a few tips I've learned over the years about riding at night and selecting the proper lighting system so that you can continue to enjoy cycling deep into the darkest nights.
The Basics
First and foremost I highly recommend that if you are going to ride at night that you ride somewhere you are familiar with. This applies to both road and trail. If you are riding off-road I suggest you stick to trails you know. Don't go to that 30,000 acre state park you've been wanting to hit all summer for the first time at night - you'll get lost, trust me...
Cold and dark winter riding can be very unforgiving. While it may be ok to ride alone in the warm days of spring and summer when light is plentiful and the temperatures are mild, winter is not the same. Don't ride alone; this is particularly critical in off-road situations where a mishap in the woods could very well mean the difference between life and death.
So, now that I've freaked you out a little, let's move on...
Riding a trail or road you're familiar with at night can be like riding a completely different destination. I love hitting my local singletrack in the dark of night because it provides me with a completely "new" riding experience. Riding at night heightens the senses and it really reveals how much attention you are paying to the trail during the "daylight" hours.
At night you notice things that simply don't manifest themselves during the day. For starters, critters that hide in the day make their way under the cover of darkness. You'll experience a completely new world and in the process bring your riding to the next level.
So, how do you make that dark outing successful? For starters, you need to make sure you pick the right light for the job. Stay away from anything powered by AA or AAA batteries; those lights WILL NOT provide you enough coverage for what is needed to safely operate a bike in the dark. Begin your search for lights that produce at the very least 500 - 700 lumens.
Lumens?
I'm not exactly sure when the change from "watts" to "lumens" took place in bike light designation, but most bike lights are now defined by their lumen output. Lumens measure the amount of light produced by a bulb. The more lumens, the brighter the light. More lumens does not necessarily translate to how a light performs in the woods, or on the road, but “generally” speaking I would suggest you not go below 700 lumens. That said, it’s also important to consider beam pattern. The guys over at Outbound Lighting, my current lighting system, have articulated this better than I could ever do.
On the road
Night (and day) road cycling is all about visibility. I recommend that you ride with at least two lights during the day and at night.
During the day I recommend you have a flashing front (strobe) and rear light.
For night-ride road situations you will need at the very least two lights: a forward facing headlight and a rear facing taillight. If you do not have at least these two, I suggest staying home.
If you must choose only one forward facing light I would go with a bar mounted system with a broad beam. The broad beam, will give you a better field of view and provide better depth perception. .
Your second MUST light should be a head or seat post mounted tail light. I prefer a flashing "beacon" that constantly alerts drivers of your presence. Again, like the front facing light I would opt for a bike mounted light that remains static and I would choose as bright a light as possible - preferably one that can be seen from far away and for at least 180°.
Additionally, you should wear as much reflective clothing and gear as possible so that you are seen from far away and so that you use other vehicle lights to your advantage. Reflective tape is available and is a great accessory you can add to your bike, helmet and even your clotting.
Ultimately, I recommend that you have at least two front facing lights, one (a narrower beam) on your helmet and one (wide beam) on your bars, and at the very least one flashing red tail light. Augment all of this with as much reflective material as possible.
Off-road
Being "visible" to others is not as much of an issue when you are riding your local trails at night. When riding off-road, seeing what's coming ahead of you and tracking the trail is what it's all about. On single track trails things come at you really fast, and minor nuances that are clear in the daylight hours can easily send you face first into the ground.
I highly suggest you ride with at least two lights: A bar mounted wide beam and a more focused helmet light.
A powerful wide beam, bar mounted light, will help you with depth perception and will allow you to always see the trail ahead, even when turning the bars. The wide beam will also help with peripheral vision.
A narrower focused beam on your head will allow you to scan what's coming and see what’s in front of you as you move your head. This light will compliment your bar mounted system and augment your field of view.
On the trail I would completely avoid a rear facing light. If you are riding in a group, your buddies will thank you for it.
Additional tips
Know your run time: Don't plan a ride longer than your battery lasts - trust me - if you can, bring an extra battery/light just in case.
Wear clear glasses: Most sport glasses come with the option to swap dark shades with clear lenses. I highly recommend you use those clear glasses.
Think about the future: When selecting a lighting system think about future upgrades, especially if it’s not a self-contained unit. Light & Motion, for example, have stayed true to their battery configuration so you can use their older batteries on newer systems - they may not last as long - but having a back-up in your pocket may very well get you home...
Carry a spare light in your pocket; A cheap portable flashlight is fine, but if you can afford an all-in-one system even better; This light is for "emergencies." If you ride with only a bar mounted light the spare flashlight can help you change a flat, or fix a mechanical without having to take your light off the bars.
Ride open destinations only. This is mostly for off-road cycling, but in certain instances will apply to on-road spins. Most jurisdictions and local parks are closed form sun-down to sun-rise and poaching trails at night is just as bad for access as riding illegal trails.
What I use:
On the road: I seldom venture out on the road these days, but when I do, I run a CyclIQ Camera/light bundle. I have a Fly12 on the front and a Fly6 on the rear. The cameras don’t provide the level of clarity or image stabilization that goPro does, but they are a great addition to the light.
On the Trail: I’m currently running an Evo and Hangover set up from Outbound Lighting. I also have a back-up set of NiteRider lights, including a bar mounted NiteRider Lumina 1800 and a helmet mounted NiteRider Lumina 900. I also own several wide beam "flashers" from NiteRider I snap on my bike for on-road adventures.
What's out there
These are brands I have used or owned in the past and just a handful of the available lights on the market.
Outbound Lighting: This are the lights I’m running now. Several of my riding buddies use them. They are compact and light - and put out a ton of lot of light.
Nite Rider Lights - Nite Rider has been a pioneer in MTB lighting and continue to make high quality lights. I bought my first NiteRider light in the early 90s, 10 powerful Watts!
Light & Motion Lights - I used the Light and Motion Seca lights for years.
Gemini Lights - The lights are crisp and throw out a great beam. And they are priced just right.
