Flashlight or Headlamp for Bike

[JessonSmith]

I love riding bike at night, and now, I am looking for a flashlight to mount to my bike, but I am advised to get a headlamp, so, in your opinion, is flashlight better, or headlamp better? Do you know any good flashlight brand?

 

[King Boonen]

Both. Bike lights will give others a defined light they can see, a headlamp is so you can see what is in front of you properly.

 

[StinkFist]

If you're road riding and the streets are well lit - i can recommend using a stem or bar mounted front light that will further illuminate the road in front of you and a red rear light mounted on your seatpost (make this one large, bright and with flashing options if possible)

If MTBing at night or riding in poorly lit areas, what King Boonen says above is ideal.....a headlamp and a stem / bar mounted light....along with the the rear red light so you can be seen from behind.

I also like the small led lights that you can mount / tie / wind on to your frame or through the back of your helmet for extra exposure!!

Dont scrimp on lights - there are some amazing options out there to choose from....USB rechargeable is a nice feature but $$$ for the good ones.

Some brands that I like and have used are:-
https://www.knog.com.au
https://www.cateye.com/en/
http://www.lezyne.com/index.php?en
Exposure Lights are great, but very pricey!!

Here is a review for some more reading -http://www.bikelightsreview.com/reviews/

 

[JessonSmith]

Hi, StinkFist. Thanks for your suggestion. I have found some flashlights online such as streamlight, fenix, Tank007 flashlight, etc. these flashlights seem to be good for cycling. I may purchase one from them. If there are good headlamp, I may also buy one as King Boonen suggested.

 

[StinkFist]

I alway associate "FlashLight" with some thing I grab from the cupboard when I hear a strange noise outside at night...usually has no batteries through

I would be searching for Bike Specific lights rather than "Flashlights" - If that helps?
A few more details about the riding you're doing at night would help and you would (hopefully) receive more refined answers.

I make sure I can see very well in front of me and EXTRA SURE that those behind me can see me......some times I'm lit up like a Xmas tree from behind....I put red lights in my helmet, a large flashing red light on the seat post and attach small red lights to the rear of my Frame......when there's a group of us riding at night, it can be quite a sight!! (skuse the pun)

 

[lhargraves43]

I have a headlamp but I always bring a flashlight. I love to take long cycles every now and then, you can never be too prepared. If youre planning on getting a flashlight, you should check out this review.

 

[jmdirt]

I would encourage a 'proper' bike headlight, but if you want to use a flashlight, mounts like this:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...SP_G4Wbcc2WzuaqLMAcT6tT38i8RGEwhoC8xYQAvD_BwE

allow you to use any round flashlight.

Bike specific "flashlight":
https://bobs-bicycles.com/shop/accessories/lighting/headlights/pwr-road-600-headlight/

If you want to be seen, spoke lighting is great because moving lights are more noticeable.

 

[JayKosta]

I had very good results with a DIY combination 2-sided headlight/taillight which I mounted on the handlebars so it extends outward into the traffic about 6 inches. That encouraged vehicles to not pass too closely (it might scratch their paint!).
Jay

 

[Sciatic]

One thing to consider—if you live in a city and use bike paths for night riding, I think any handlebar-mounted light helps keep you from blinding oncoming riders as happens with folks using headlamps. During the wintertime in Seattle, it’s completely dark during evening rush hour, but there are still a lot of bike commuters on the two-way bike paths. Even if someone using a headlamp has it pointed down to illuminate the pavement directly in front of them, they tend to look up at an incoming cyclist, putting the beam directly in the eyes of the rider. I’m sure many of you who use headlamps know enough that you don’t look directly at the oncoming biker, but it’s hard to reach people who aren’t aware of that.

 

[Intra45]

Whatever you do please don't be that person riding with a freaking military-grade projector blinding everyone