New bike lights allow rider to see obstacles in the way
What did the top three solo finishers in last year’s world championship of 24-hour world mountain bike racing have in common? Illumination.
Veteran 24-hour racers repeatedly testify a reliable and lightweight lighting system is the key to unlocking victory in day-and-night races. It wasn’t long ago riders stretched clumsy headlights over their helmets and duct-taped flashlights with batteries to their handlebars in vain attempts to see rutted singletrack in the dark hours of a 24-hour race.
Today’s lighting systems have changed all that. At the top tier are Light & Motion’s ARC lights. At more than $500 a light – and the pros use three, two on the bar and one on the helmet – the new ARC Li-Ion light is pricey, but its success record is unrivaled.
The ARC’s rechargeable lithium ion battery pack weighs a little more than a pound and kicks out light for six hours. The rider can adjust light levels to save battery life.
Light & Motion makes lights for regular riders and commuters, too. Its Vega, for example, is lightweight and bright and costs $175.
Get it www.bikelights.com
