LED systems are natural choice for mountain bikers given their efficient power consumption, durable construction and distinctive white light. Finding quality LED light systems for mountain bikes under $300 isn’t easy, so we’ve scoured the net and studied dozens of reviews from Amazon, MTBR.com and retailers to find the LED systems that stand out as performance-meets-affordable. Read more on LED Light Reviews.
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From riding frequently at night down a local washboard dirt road I chanced upon the most amazing discovery: the most effective and safe lights to use are helmet-mounted headlamps and not frame-mounted headlights!!
Unconvinced? Give it the test. Would you rather have a light that shines where the handlebars point or where you want light to illuminate (from pointing your head)? I had a dog launch toward me from the dark edge of the road and by turning my head and lighting up the dog with my NiteRider MiNewt Mini-USB Plus headlamp, I was able to quickly make the right moves and not crash into him. Had I use a handlebar-mounted headlight I would have most likely seen him as he ran into my headlight’s illumination swath as we smashed into one another.
Still not convinced? My NiteRider MiNewt LED headlamp shines down from an angle at least 3 feet higher than my handlebars. This higher angle of incidence illuminates potholes with ease and gives obstacles a much better outline than a low angle of attack. As I dodge holes or rocky chunks, I can turn my head the opposite direction from my bike and handlebars to determine the best approach for the next obstacles, something I cannot do if my handlebars determine where my lighted path is outlined.
It stunned me to discover the dexterity and utter simplicity of this lighting system.
Even the $400, flamethrower-quality, lighting systems that only point where the handlebars are headed are sadly deficient in comparison to the simple flexibility and incredibly safety offered by any number of helmet-mounted headlamps available today. From LED lamps to Krypton bulb intensifiers, efficient choices are out there that make the new and “advanced” handlebar lights obsolete from the start.
Good points James,
Indeed the helmet-mount is important. I think the best configuration is to have one of each, and I know this is what is generally recommended. A larger torch for the bike and a small one like the MiNewt or Switchback 1 on the helmet. This way your bike is lighting up the trail in front, but you still can look around and light the area you’re trying to see without having to move the bike. Of course, “best” and “most practical” are different things when one light costs hundreds.