NiteRider

In 1989 NiteRider was the first company to produce technical lighting systems that were designed specifically for the needs of cyclists. Over the years these technical lights have garnered a reputation for innovation and quality that is second to none. That’s why from 24 hour champion Tinker Juarez to the Los Angeles Police Department you’ll see NiteRider lights being used the world over by cyclists who keep riding long after the sun has set.

Now NiteRider have used the expertise they gathered in producing technical lighting systems and applied it to producing a range of commuter lights and cycle computers. Every one of these products builds on our experience accumulated over years of riding at night. From the backlight which is a feature of all our Rebel cycle computers, to our fully waterproof Ultrafazer commuter lights, each product features design details that evolved through listening to users.

Both in the US and the UK you’ll find NiteRider keeps in touch with riders through their extensive support of 24 hour races. From ’24 Hours of Moab’ the worlds biggest 24 hour race, to our own ‘Strathpuffer 24’ which, if not the coldest, is certainly the race with the most hours of darkness, you’ll find the NiteRider race support team ready. NiteRider view these races as the ultimate testing ground and the information we gather from talking to riders as we charge their lights helps us to make products that get better and better each year.

Measured versus Theoretical lumen output.

Inevitably when talking about bike lights the conversation often leads to “… how many lumens?” A question seldom asked is “… how do you measure lumens?” This is where problems arise; many bike light manufacturers arrive at their lumen outputs by quoting LED manufacture’s specifications. The problem with this theoretical method is that it does not take into account light transmission loss, which can be over 30%. This can lead to a gross overstatement of lumens.

At NiteRider we believe in doing things differently. We strive to ensure our quoted lumen outputs are measured, and are as accurate as run times and charge times. To this effort, we randomly select 10 completed lighting systems, test each of them in an integrating sphere (a device used to measure lumen output), and then publish the average number. This process ensures a more accurate, measured, lumen rating. So, the next time a riding buddy is throwing out numbers, ask them if the stated lumens, for the light in question, is theoretical or measured? Or simpler still, just ride with them...