Bicycle is a wonderful means of transportation. In fact, you do not need to spend money on fuel, various repairs of a complex mechanism, payment to mechanics on the last occasion, etc. On the contrary, you are more likely to get in good physical shape due to constant stress. True, there is one “but” here, which spoils everything. It is difficult to use two-wheeled friends in the city, and for many reasons at once. One of them will be described below - driving at night. More precisely, the solution to such a problem, that is, a flashlight for a bicycle.
What good is it?
Actually, the function is clear from the name - everyone knows how to use flashlights and why they are needed.
But for transport, especially such a specific one as a bicycle, it plays a special role. Any evening trip can end tragically if the participantstraffic, that is, motorists, will not be able to see you. You can use other things, for example, vests with reflectors. But it's much easier to buy a bicycle flashlight.
The fact is that you also need to light the way. After all, anything can get 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 - only LEDs. In general, the market for bicycle lights is not limited to them, but the trend of modernity and progress clearly indicate the advisability of using just such a lamp.
It's mainly about the balance between its brightness and cost. You can buy an LED bicycle flashlight in almost any lighting store, which means it is also very affordable.
In general, their use is justified by the fact that the power of the light flux can vary depending on the purpose. For example, the headlight obviously needs to be bright enough. But the rear dimensions, which serve to orient drivers, do not require such brightness.
How to choose a flashlight for a bike?
In general, you need to decide what exactly you need.
To do this, you should 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 beginsfirst differences. If you prefer to drive on the highway, then you need special lenses that will not blind drivers in the oncoming lane. For paths and parks, it’s better to choose something bright enough - you don’t need to run into roots, stones, or even animals, right? 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.
If you have several iron horses, then you need a removable holder for a flashlight on a bicycle - and at the same time a simple and reliable design. This is important, especially if you are going to use one device alternately on each.
Other questions
How long are you going to drive in the dark? This is an equally important aspect of the 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, a power outlet is not always at hand, especially in the forest, and the same batteries can be carried in a backpack.
Also, a bicycle flashlight can be equipped with additional functionality. For example, an energy-saving mode with reduced 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.
Last question, but no less important, what weather do you ride in?
If only with brightin the sun in the dry, 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 no longer work. You will have to shell out for more expensive options, since they are usually multi-tasking, that is, they can withstand fire, water and copper pipes.
Types of lights
By the way, it doesn't hurt you to know about this either. Because there may not be a consultant in the store or he will not be completely frank. As a result, you will get something completely different from what you expected.
Start with emergency lights - they are not very bright and "long lasting" because they run on coin batteries, but as a backup they can help a lot. There are also flashers - brighter lights, usually flashing. But they can also work in constant beam mode. They are the best option in terms of the balance of affordable price and quality of light.
Torch flashlights are the most common. They are the ones most often meant.
The variety here is huge. Some models even have additional devices, such as a rear light connected to a common battery. You have plenty to choose from - the main thing is not to overdo it with power.
More complex models
First of all, these are rechargeable systems. They are needed only for long night rides, as they have a capacious battery and a very high light output. True, the price here is an order of magnitude higher than the rest. But you have to pay for quality. ToIn addition, they are mainly produced by well-known brands that consider it beneath their dignity to produce cheap products.
Dynamo Generator - Solving the battery problem and getting rid of the fuss with the batteries. In this case, the lamp is powered by the movement of the bicycle. There is nothing complicated in this system, but the cost may surprise you a little. In addition, the most advanced systems can also accumulate energy, continuing to shine even when you are standing. This is especially convenient for city driving.
There are also flashlights built into bicycle helmets. Also quite a convenient thing, but you should not consider them a panacea. You still have to install normal lighting on your transport. This method only affects your comfort when moving.
Homemade bicycle flashlight
Actually, the second part of the story. Prices today are quite biting, and it is not always possible to be sure of the quality of the purchased item. Therefore, their own hands come to the rescue. The design of these devices is quite simple, and therefore this method has received considerable distribution.
The circuit shown here is a 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, it allows you to save a little.
What do you need for work?
Do-it-yourself flashlight for a bicycle is quite simple to make, but for this you will need to buy a few things. Most can be found in the markets with spare parts - you just have to look hardrack 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.
You also need to find the body of the future flashlight, a radiator, an aluminum corner, an adhesive and a toggle switch. You will also need Lexan plastic labeled MR10. Naturally, batteries will also be needed for operation. It is better to buy them separately, not trying to do it yourself. At least without proper experience.
Assembly process
So we got to the question of how to make a flashlight for a bicycle. If you are using a ready-made case, then you will not need some things. So here is a slightly simplified diagram.
First, you need to install the hex 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 must be connected to each other in order - plus and minus. Then just glue them with hot glue.
The important point is cooling. To do this, you will need an aluminum heatsink.
Glue the strips on the top of the case and also on the back where the diodes are attached. Next, you need to fix the lenses. You can’t use ordinary superglue for this - it will damage the inner surface.
Wiring is easy enough - just use regular copper wire. Connect fromplus to minus, etc., then pass it through the hole on the back of the case. There will be a battery that supplies energy.
The next step is to mount the flashlight on the bike. You need a handlebar bracket. Well, or another tube on which the lantern will be fixed. The most important thing here is reliable glue, epoxy is best. It ensures that the bulb doesn't fall off at the worst possible 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 place it in the electrical circuit between the battery and the flashlight. This way you can turn the device on and off as needed. Naturally, removable batteries would be better - it's just more convenient to charge them.
