Bike Lights - Recommendations from Charlottesville Bike Shops

I asked three great Charlottesville bike shops for front and tail light recommendations. It might be easier to shop at Amazon; it’s so much better to shop local. These shops are the ones who care, and will help you and us with our bikes when we need help.

It’s amazing that kids are out riding without their parents looming over them. It’s fantastic that they are riding to and from school. It’s awesome that they are moving around independently. Please have lights! Some of the taillights below can be seen up to 2km away.

If you want lights for your kid(s) and can’t afford it, please ask me. I’d wager that between us and the local bike shops, we can make something work.

(some great stickers here!; I ordered a few)

In alphabetical order:

Blue Wheel

My favorite is the Cygolite dash 520 lumens (super easy to mount on handlebars over any cables or whatever, and I use it when I go camping or when the power goes out).

For the rear the Specialized Stix elite tail light 100 lumens). What I use when I ride home tonight in the dark.

Endeavor Cycles

“Thanks for reaching out. We stock LEZYNE for commuter lights.

Here’s a combo pack that we like.

This one’s slightly cheaper, not as bright but still a good option.”

Blue Ridge Cyclery

Their downtown location is close to my office, so I stopped by and talked to someone there. Hence the photos of light recommendations.

When the Crozet Cycling Club ride in the mornings, we are highly illuminated. It’s a good thing.

Blue Ridge Cyclery also emailed me this:

We couldn’t agree more — they’re essential not just during the shoulder seasons, but all year round.

There are generally two types of bike lights:

To be seen: Daytime flashing lights that make you more visible to drivers.
To see with: Headlights that illuminate your path when riding after dark.

Most of the lights we carry are USB rechargeable and offer multiple flashing or steady modes and adjustable brightness levels, making them both versatile and user-friendly.

For the best value, we recommend using a front headlight (bright enough for night riding but also visible during the day in flash mode) paired with a rear flashing light. This Trek Commuter Comp R/Flare R City Light Set is an excellent all-around option:

Trek Commuter Comp R / Flare R City Light Set

Having a front light is just as important as a rear blinky — when flashing during the daytime, it helps drivers recognize an oncoming cyclist, especially when one side of the road is shaded.

For adult riders looking for added safety, another great option is a rear light with built-in radar that alerts you when a vehicle is approaching from behind:

Garmin Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar with Taillight — Jim’s comment: almost everyone in the CCC has one of these radars, and it is an absolute game-changer; I just bought a second one for the e-bike I keep at my office in Charlottesville.