How to orient the bike light beam

There was a time when cycling in the dark was dangerous, because the technology of lights and bikes did not allow for good visibility.

Today the situation has improved dramatically and cyclists who venture out on the road early in the morning or at sunset no longer have reason to fear for their safety.

By now, all cycling enthusiasts only travel with powerful bike lights, which ensure that they can see the road and all possible obstacles, but at the same time that they are visible to other road users.

In these conditions, the only real danger is to have a wrongly oriented light, which could dazzle motorists and cause accidents. That's why it's so important to orient the bike's light beam well. Let's find out how to adjust the light beam so as not to create any danger.

How to position the bike's light beam

We understand how important it is that the beam of light provides good visibility, but at the same time does not bother other drivers. Schmidt's Original Nabendynamo is the world's first manufacturer of dynamo and bike lights and always carries out tests to see how powerful bike lights can be safely oriented.

The need for these tests is related to the extraordinary brightness of the Son lights. The Edelux 2 dynamo hub bike light, for example, has a power of 100 lux and provides daylight illumination of the road, even when it is very dark or weather conditions reduce visibility.

If such a powerful beam of light were to reach the eyes of a driver, it would not allow him to see the road, as if it had headlights pointed at him. This dangerous situation can be avoided if the lights are oriented in the right way.

Nabendynamo tests to orient bike lights

Let's take a closer look at these tests, to understand how the adjustment of the dynamo lights affects the visibility of the road. To orient the beam of light well, it is projected onto a wall. When the bike lights are projected as in the example below, the light diffusion is uniform and there are no dangers for the circulation.

In the second example, the light beam is also uniformly distributed. The cyclist is able to see the road without dazzling the drivers who arrive in the opposite direction of travel.

In the third example, however, the lights are set too high and have the same effect as the headlights that point to the eyes of the drivers. This often happens when the bike lights project their light onto the road surface and the cyclists direct the light beam upwards.

In the last example, the light beam is well distributed and in no way disturbs the visibility of other road users. Everyone can see the light of the bike without being bothered by it.

Difference between lux and lumen

When the dynamo bike lights are properly oriented, it is therefore possible to move safely but also in the dark. Cyclists who ride at night or early in the morning should be equipped with powerful lights that guarantee excellent visibility in all weather conditions.

The power of the bicycle lights can be measured in lux or lumens, so it is worth knowing the difference between these two different units of measurement.

A lux is an international unit of measurement used to calculate illuminance. Just to give you an idea, the lights in a well-lit office have an average power of 400 lux, but less than half of them are needed to light a bedroom or living room.

The lumen is the unit of measurement of the light beam. There is also a precise formula that relates lux and lumen: one lux equals one lumen divided by one square meter.

As far as lights and bicycles are concerned, the maximum illumination of a bike light is measured through beams of light placed 10 meters away from a white wall. In order for visibility to be good even at long distances, the lighting must be optimal, especially at the upper edge of the light beam.

How many luxes do I need on my bike?

In order to understand how many luxes are needed for cycling in the dark, the cyclist's habits must also be carefully assessed. Those who ride mostly in the city center will not need very powerful lights and even 15 lux will be sufficient. With this power, you have good visibility up to 40 meters.

If you are traveling short distances in the city center, you can also use battery-powered lights, which are less powerful than dynamo lights, but also cheaper.

Cyclists who face the darkness even on suburban routes will need more powerful bike lights. A 90 or 100 lux front lamp is the best choice for cycling enthusiasts and those who rely on a Son bike light are sure to make a long lasting investment.

For long-distance and demanding rides, the choice between dynamo or battery-powered bike lights is quite obvious, because only dynamo bike lights give the cyclist the certainty of never remaining in the dark.

Another advantage of the dynamo is that it finally frees you from the nightmare of batteries that always run out too quickly. The dynamo is also useful for charging smartphones, cycle computers and all the electronic devices that accompany the cyclist in his adventure.

Still have doubts about lights and bikes?

In this guide we have deepened the ways to orient the bike lights without creating dangers to the circulation, we have seen the difference between lux and lumen and we have also taken care of the power needed to get in the saddle even in the dark.

To find out more about the best products for your cycling adventures, explore the various models of bike lights and if there are any doubts, contact us without any problems. We are just as passionate about bikes as you are, and we'll give you all the advice and support you need.