A bicycle is a wonderful means of transportation. In fact, you do not need to spend money on fuel, various repairs of a complex mechanism, a fee for mechanics for the last reason, etc. On the contrary, you are more likely to get in good physical shape due to constant loads. True, there is one “but” that spoils everything. It is difficult to use two-wheeled friends in the city, and for many reasons at once. Below will be set forth one of them - riding at night. More precisely, the solution to such a problem, that is, a flashlight for a bicycle.
What is the use of it?
Actually, the function is clear from the name - everyone knows how to use flashlights and why they are needed.
But for transport, especially as specific as a bicycle, it plays a special role. Any evening trip can end tragically if road users, that is, motorists, can’t notice you. You can use other things, for example, vests with a reflector. But it’s much easier to buy a bicycle flashlight.
The fact is that you also need to illuminate the road. In the end, anything can fall under the wheels, and a sufficient level of professionalism to maintain balance on any surface is, rather, from the field of acrobatics.
What do cyclists use for lighting today?
In fact, the choice here is more than obvious - exclusively LEDs. In general, the market for bicycle lights is not limited only to them, but the spirit of modernity and progress clearly indicates the advisability of using just such a lamp.
The point here is mainly in the balance between its brightness and value. You can buy an LED flashlight for a bicycle in almost any lighting store, which means that it also makes it very affordable.
In general, their use is also justified by the fact that the power of the light flux can be varied depending on the purpose. For example, the front light should clearly be bright enough. But the rear dimensions, which serve to orient drivers, do not require such brightness.
How to choose a flashlight for a bicycle?
In general, you need to decide what exactly you need.
To do this, ask yourself a number of questions. First, why do you need a flashlight - that is, in what situations are you going to use it. Here the first differences begin. If you prefer driving on the highway, then you need special lenses that will not dazzle drivers in the oncoming lane. For paths and parks it is better to choose something bright enough - you don’t need to run into roots, stones or even animals? If you are not sure where you are going to spend time in the saddle, then feel free to take a switchable flashlight. These are also on sale, although they differ in cost.
In case you have several iron horses, then you need a removable holder for a bicycle flashlight - and at the same time a simple and reliable design. This is important, especially if you intend to use one device alternately on each.
Other questions
How much are you going to ride in the dark? This is an equally important aspect of choice. Different gadgets are designed for different periods of work. Moreover, everyone has some features - some work on batteries, while others are recharged from the network. This should also be taken into account, especially the last option. After all, it’s not always at your fingertips, especially in the forest, but the same batteries can be worn in a backpack.
Also, a bicycle flashlight can be equipped with additional functionality. For example, power-saving mode with low brightness. This allows you to save energy to a completely unlit area. Or the battery indicator is also an important aspect, especially if you like long trips.
The last question, but no less important - in what weather do you ride?
If only with bright sunshine in dryness, when rain is an unfortunate accident, then you can not bother with such things as tightness or the degree of protection against pollution. But for daily trips in any season, this will not work. We'll have to shell out more expensive options, because they are usually multitasking, that is, they can withstand fire, water and copper pipes.
Flashlight Types
By the way, this also does not bother you to know about this. Because the store may not have a consultant or he will not be completely frank. As a result, you will not get what you expected.
You need to start with emergency lights - they are not very bright and “long-playing”, since they work on flat batteries, but as a backup option they can help a lot. There are also flashers - brighter lights, usually flashing. But they can work in the constant beam mode. They are the best option for balancing affordable prices and light quality.
Torch flashlights are the most common. They are most often referred to.
The variety is huge. Some models even have additional devices, such as
a taillight connected to a common battery. You have something to choose from - the main thing is not to overdo it with power.
More complex models
These are primarily rechargeable systems. They are needed exclusively for long night rides, as they have a capacious battery and a very high power luminous flux. True, the price here is an order of magnitude higher than the rest. But you have to pay for quality. In addition, they are produced mainly by well-known brands that consider it below their dignity to produce cheap products.
Dynamo-generator - a solution to the problem with batteries and getting rid of fuss with batteries. In this case, the lamp works from the movement of the bicycle. There is nothing complicated in this system, but here the cost can somewhat upset you. In addition, the most advanced systems can also accumulate energy, continuing to shine even when you are standing. It is especially convenient for city driving.
There are also flashlights built into bicycle helmets. It’s also quite a convenient thing, but do not consider them a panacea. Install normal lighting on your vehicle still have to. This method only affects your comfort when traveling.
Homemade bicycle flashlight
Actually, the second part of the story. Prices today are rather biting, and it’s not always possible to be sure of the quality of a purchased item. Therefore, own hands come to the rescue. The design of these devices is quite simple, but because the spread of this method has received considerable.
The circuit shown here is the LED bicycle flashlight - a great solution to the problem. The brightness of the resulting device is quite high, and this is what plays the biggest role. In addition, this allows you to save a little.
What do you need for work?
Do-it-yourself flashlight for a bicycle is quite simple, but for this you will need to buy a few things. Most can be found in the markets with spare parts - you just need to carefully look for a rack with bicycle parts. Or today it is possible to order everything via the Internet.
First of all, you need the LEDs themselves, as well as optical lenses.
It is also necessary to find the body of the future flashlight, radiator,
aluminum corner, adhesive and toggle switch. Still need Lexan plastic marked MR10. Naturally, for work, you will also need batteries. It is better to buy them separately, without trying to do it yourself. At least without the proper experience.
Assembly process
So we got to the question of how to make a flashlight for a bicycle. If you use a ready-made case, then some things you will not need. So here is a slightly simplified diagram.
Firstly, you need to install the hexagonal tubes for the LEDs inside the case - this can be problematic due to the size. Be prepared to trim them until they snap into place. Next, you need to insert the LEDs themselves. They should be connected among themselves in order - plus with minus. After just glue them with hot glue.
An important point is cooling. For this you need an aluminum radiator.
Glue the strips on the top of the case, as well as on the back, where the diodes are mounted. Next, you need to fix the lenses. You can not use ordinary superglue for this - it will damage the inner surface.
It is easy enough to conduct wiring - a regular copper wire is used. Connect from plus to minus, etc., and then lead into the hole on the back of the case. There will be a battery that supplies energy.
The next step is to attach the flashlight to the bike. You need a bracket for the size of the steering wheel. Well, or another tube on which the lamp will be fixed. The most important thing here is a reliable glue, best of all epoxy. It ensures that the light bulb does not fall at the most unfortunate moment, leaving you in the dark.
The last step is to connect the toggle switch to turn on the flashlight, this is also easy.
Just put it in an electrical circuit between the battery and the flashlight. This way you can turn the device on and off when necessary. Naturally, removable batteries will be better - it's easier to charge them.