Posted at: Mar 15, 2022
There are many different types of bicycle lights, and it is surprisingly difficult to find the right one for you. In this issue, we summarize which type of bicycle light power source, battery or battery-powered, is better, the merits of each, how to choose one for each situation, and how to use each.
Table of contents
Sponsored Link
Battery-powered bicycle lights are capable of carrying more power than batteries and can shine a strong light for a long time. Most of the latest bicycle lights are transitioning to battery-powered lights.
Advantages include the following points.
The battery type is best if you run at night because it has a battery that is larger in size than batteries, so it lasts longer and can provide brightness that batteries cannot provide. The high cost performance of the battery type is also good, as it can be recharged via USB or other means when the battery runs out.
On the other hand, the battery type has the following disadvantages.
Especially on long rides, such as those that run from night to morning, it will be necessary to bring a spare light because the battery may run out at the end of the ride.
In addition, “the need to replace the battery when it reaches the end of its useful life” is a hidden and surprisingly large disadvantage of battery-powered lights.
Battery-powered bicycle lights are becoming much less common these days. However, there are some unexpected advantages.
The biggest advantage is ease of use. Batteries can be used as soon as they are inserted, and in the unlikely event that they run out, spare batteries are always available at convenience stores, making it easy to procure batteries on the go. Battery-powered cameras are more resistant to problems.
On the other hand, the disadvantages are as follows
In terms of brightness in particular, it inevitably loses out to battery-powered models that can produce high power, which can be worrisome at night, especially when driving on roads with few streetlights.
The cost of batteries can be reduced to some extent by using rechargeable dry cell batteries such as eneloop.
Based on the advantages and disadvantages we have seen so far, let us compare the characteristics.
| Item | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness | ◎ | ▲ |
| Brightness Maintenance | ◎ | ▲ |
| Duration of use | ◎ | ▲ |
| Length of use | ◎ | ▲ |
| cosmetics | ◎ | ○ |
| Fast to use | ▲ | ◎ |
| Lifespan of the unit | ○ | ◎ |
| Battery life support | ▲ | ◎ |
Battery-powered bicycle lights are popular these days, but in this way, we can see that battery-powered lights are surprisingly not too bad. Especially when you consider the speed of use and the lifespan of the unit, you will find that it is also surprisingly cost-effective.
Considering brightness, brightness maintenance, and usable time, it is no exaggeration to say that battery-powered bicycle lights are currently the only choice for main bicycle lights. Especially for daily use, a battery-powered bicycle light will last several days once it is charged, so there are almost no situations in which a battery-powered bicycle light would be a problem.
However, if you do not choose a manufacturer carefully, the battery or battery circuit may fail, so choose a light from a reliable manufacturer such as Cat Eye or Resine.
A dry cell bicycle light is best used as a backup light because of its ease of use and the ease of carrying spare batteries. For long rides where there is a possibility of riding after dark, a spare bicycle light is a must-have item, so a lightweight and “reliable” dry-cell battery bicycle light is a reassuring “spare”.
Also, in situations that do not require much brightness, such as daytime cycling, it is a good idea to use a dry cell bicycle light as a daylight to make your presence known on the road. However, if you are likely to go into dark places such as tunnels, you should also carry a battery type and switch between the two depending on the scene.
Sponsored Link
Advantages and Disadvantages of Rearview Radar for Road Bikes
Rearview radar for road bikes are important accessories that increase safety when cycling. The following is a summary of their advantages and disadvantages and a comparison of specifications of major products.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a power meter
Power meters are used by users who do serious riding on road bikes and MTBs. This section summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of using a power meter, and whether a power meter is necessary for beginners.
Summary of Shimano's power meters
This section summarizes the features of Shimano's power meters, the differences between models, and how to select one.
Summary of 4iiiii power meters
The following is a summary of the differences between 4iiiii's power meters.
Difference between road bike and MTB helmets
Among bicycle helmets, road bike and MTB helmets look similar and it is hard to tell the difference between them. We have compiled a list of the differences, how to choose one, and how to use each.
Summary of SPEEDPLAY power meters
This section summarizes SPEEDPLAY's power meter models, features, and how to select one.
Comprehensive comparison of GARMIN power meters
A comprehensive and thorough comparison of GARMIN power meters! Differences between models, performance, and more.
How to choose Casual, Everyday Use Binding Shoes
For those who want to use binding shoes on a daily basis for commuting to work or school, sightseeing, shopping, etc., we have compiled a list of binding shoes that can be worn like sneakers.
Types of road bike gloves and how to choose them
When you start riding a road bike seriously, you will want gloves. And surprisingly, there are many types of gloves to choose from, making them easy to worry about. In this issue, we summarize the types of road bike gloves and how to choose them.
Types and Differences of Sensors for Bicycle Computers, Their Pros and Cons
External sensors are used to send data such as speed, cadence, and heart rate to a cyclocomputer. This section summarizes the types and differences of sensors for the cyclocomputer and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
XOSS Cycle Computers: Complete Comparison & Summary
This is a thorough comparison of all models of cycle computers from XOSS, a new manufacturer from Hong Kong that is popular for its overwhelming cost performance.
Advantages and disadvantages of an anagaki saddle
Holey saddles reduce crotch chafing and buttock pain on road bikes. We summarize its advantages and disadvantages.
Are binding pedals necessary for road bikes? No flat pedals?
Binding pedals are widely used among road bike users. This section summarizes the differences between binding pedals/shoes and flat pedals, and why binding pedals are chosen.
How to pair an ANT+ phone with an ANT+ sensor
This is a summary of how to pair an ANT+ phone with an ANT+ sensor. Also how to respond if pairing or data reception does not work.
What kind of brand is "dhb" for sports and cycle wear?
What kind of sports and cycle wear brand is dhb, and what are the characteristics of dhb's clothing and item lineup?
Chest vs Arm Heart Rate Sensors: What's the Difference?
There are two types of heart rate sensors used for road bike training, the chest type and the arm type. The following is a summary of the differences between the two types and their advantages and disadvantages.
How to prevent crotch gap in women on road bikes
One of the major concerns of women who ride road bikes is crotch sores. Women's delicate zones are sensitive and can cause more pain and discomfort than men. In this article, we have compiled a list of ways to prevent crotch sores in women.
How to turn your iPhone into a high-performance cycle computer
Cycle computers are used to collect detailed data such as speed and heart rate on road bikes, but in fact, you can turn your iPhone into a high-performance cycle computer with just a few additional items.
Bluetooth Ant+ sensor: Turn your phone into a cycle computer
This is a summary of Bluetooth Ant+ sensors, which can turn your phone into a cyclocomputer or add sensors to your cyclocomputer. How to find a sensor, compatible apps, and what to look for when choosing one.
ANT+ for Connecting Cycle Computers to External Sensors
The sensor sends a variety of data to the cycle computer. There are many advantages of ANT+ sensors for bicycles, such as no pair required and the ability to connect multiple units simultaneously.