How do you choose the right lights for your bike?

To choose Swiss cycling headlights well adapted to your practice, it is essential to take several criteria into account to guarantee your safety, especially in an environment as diverse as Switzerland's, where traffic conditions can vary considerably.

1. Type of practice

• Urban : If you mainly drive in town, a Swiss cycling flagship with a minimum power of 100 to 200 lumens at the front is sufficient. For the rear, a lamp with several lighting modes, such as flashing, is ideal for attracting the attention of other road users without dazzling them. A headlamp with a wide angle of diffusion is recommended for visibility from different angles on busy streets.
• Country roads or rural areas : For journeys on less well-lit roads, a bicycle headlight front with a minimum power of 300 to 800 lumens is necessary. This type of headlight will not only allow you to see the road properly, but also to be seen by oncoming vehicles. A powerful, highly visible rear light is also essential for your safety.
• Mountain biking / Mountain trails If you're riding your mountain bike on unlit Swiss trails, an extremely powerful front headlamp, from 800 lumens or moreis crucial for spotting obstacles in your path. A Swiss cycling flagship rear is also recommended, especially if your route includes road sections.

2. Power and visibility

• Lumens The power of a Swiss cycling flagship is measured in lumens. In Switzerland, where conditions can vary from day to night, it is advisable to choose a headlamp with at least 200 lumens for urban use, and 500 lumens or more for unlit areas.
• Diffusion angle To be clearly visible in a variety of environments, it's best to choose headlights with a wide beam angle, which is particularly important in urban areas to be seen by pedestrians and vehicles.

3. Autonomy and power supply

• Rechargeable battery The Swiss cycling headlights equipped with rechargeable batteries are very practical for everyday use. Range is crucial: make sure it's sufficient for your journeys, especially if you often ride at night. A range of at least 3 to 5 hours at full power is a good starting point.
• Batteries Battery-powered headlamps: Although less common, battery-powered headlamps can be useful for long outings without the option of recharging, but bear in mind their environmental impact and cost.

4. Lighting modes

• Fixed mode Essential for constant visibility, it is particularly useful on roads where you need to see clearly ahead.
• Flashing mode Battery saver: Saves battery power and attracts the attention of other road users, very useful in urban areas or to signal your presence on a busy road.
• Various modes : Some Swiss cycling headlights offer modes such as rapid flashing or an eco mode to extend battery life.

5. Mounting and compatibility

• Easy to assemble Choose bike lights with a quick and secure fastening system. This is particularly useful if you need to remove your headlights regularly, for example when parking your bike outside.
• Compatibility Make sure the headlights are compatible with the size of your handlebars, seatpost or other part of the bike where you want to fit them.

6. Watertight and robust

• Water resistance : In Switzerland, where weather conditions can be unpredictable, it is essential to choose Swiss cycling headlights water-resistant, with a good seal to withstand rain and splashes.

7. Value for money

• Investment The Swiss cycling headlights good quality can represent a certain cost, but it's an important investment in your safety. Choose models that are durable, well designed and adapted to your specific use.

The choice of Swiss cycling headlights should be based on your type of riding, the power needed to guarantee your visibility, the headlights' range and their ability to withstand Switzerland's varied weather conditions. It's advisable to test different models to find the ones that best meet your specific needs.