Cateye EL135 Front Light

What are bike lights?

Bike lights are vital accessories which attach to your handlebars, seatpost, helmet, bag or jersey. Their function is simple – to help you to see and be seen.

Who needs bike lights?

Everyone needs bike lights! It’s a legal requirement to use front and rear lights on your bike between sunset and sunrise, but they are also useful when visibility is poor – in the fog for example.

What are the choices?

Light technology is ever evolving and the choice is enormous. Always think “the brighter the better” and look for a higher lumen output when choosing. There are lights that run on batteries or beams which can be recharged via plug or a handy USB socket (great for topping up at work). Some lights have battery packs and most have a selection of modes to choose from. You’ll definitely need the brightest lights if you ride wooded trails as you’ll really need to see where you’re going!

What should I buy with them?

Spare batteries are handy if your bike runs on these, as is a charger if it’s rechargeable. Spare mounts are always useful, especially if you have more than one bike. A helmet mount points the beam where you’re looking, rather than the direction your bike is pointing.

Anything else?

Don’t get caught out – a spare back up light is a great purchase in case your ride goes on longer than anticipated or the lights go out earlier than expected. 

See our Lights guide for more.