How to choose the best light for gravel bikes

Points to consider when choosing a gravel bike light

Gravel bike lights are basically the same as those for road bikes, but there are a few points to consider when choosing a light for gravel bikes due to the different riding environment.

1. brightness
2. battery life
3. charging method
4. mounting method

Brighter lights are recommended than on a road bike.

Road bikes on paved roads are often ridden on roads with streetlights, but on gravel there are usually no streetlights. Roads without streetlights are pitch black, you can’t see anything, and riding is incredibly scary. There is a risk of slipping and falling off the bike or hitting a tree without noticing the change in the road surface.

For this reason, it is recommended that gravel bike lights be brighter than road bike lights. Affordable, bright lights are available these days, but it is best to choose a model with 800 lumens or more.

Battery life is also important.

On paved roads, lights are often used to let oncoming traffic know you are there rather than for your own visibility, but when riding a gravel bike on a road without streetlights, lights are the only source of light.

If your lights run out of battery power during the ride, you will be riding in the dark, so battery life is very important.

Depending on the length of the ride, if you will be riding on gravel after dark, choose a light with a maximum light output of at least 5 hours, and if not, choose a light with a maximum light output of at least 3 hours in case the sun goes down during the gravel ride.

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Models that can be charged while in use are the best.

In the unlikely event that the main body of the light runs out of charge, it is common to use a spare light or use a mobile battery to charge the light while using it.

High-intensity lights are expensive, so if it is cost-prohibitive to have a spare light, choose a model that can be used while charging with a mobile battery.

Mobile batteries can be purchased for as little as $10 these days, which is cheaper than buying two high-performance bicycle lights.

Be careful how you mount them!

It is fashionable on road bikes to mount lights under the cyclocomputer mount for a cleaner look, but if you install a heavy bicycle light with high light intensity and ride on gravel with many bumps, the risk of the mount breaking is high.

Also, when gravel bikes are used for camping or touring, the mount must be removed when installing the front bag, so choosing a light that can be mounted on the handlebar, next to the front fork, or anywhere else that does not interfere with loading will increase versatility.

Make use of sub-lights too!

Use a rear light, helmet light, etc.

While not a problem when riding alone on gravel, having a rear light makes a big difference in visibility to others when riding in a group or on paved roads.

Also, when riding on forest roads, oncoming traffic may not be able to see you with only a light attached to the body, so a helmet light that can shine higher than the bike is also a good idea.

Don’t forget an extra light and mobile battery.

When riding gravel, you will often be riding a considerable distance from well-lit main roads with streetlights. This is fine if the ride ends during the day, but if you are going on a longer ride after dark, a light that runs out of charge can be fatal.

Remember to carry spare lights and mobile batteries.