Tech
At NiteRider, we work hard to stay ahead of the curve when designing our future product lines. It is an exciting, dynamic time in the world of lighting and battery technology with developments occurring at a lightning pace.
An Overview of Our Technology:
All about Lumens There is a lot of information today about LED technology as it relates to bike lights and some of it can be confusing. Inevitably when talking about LED light output the conversation leads to “How many lumens?” But what is a lumen and how is it measured?
Lumen
A lumen is the unit of measurement of luminous flux, a measure of the power of light perceived by the human eye.
Measuring lumens – Many bike light manufacturers arrive at their lumen outputs by simply quoting the LED manufacturer’s specifications. The problem is this theoretical method is that it does not take into consideration light transmission loss, which can be over 30%! This can lead to a gross overstatement of real world lumens.
At NiterRider, we believe in doing things differently. We strive to ensure our quoted lumen outputs are measured and accurate just like our run times and charge times. At our headquarters, we randomly select 10 completed lighting systems, test each of them in a device used to measure lumen output called an integrating sphere, and then publish the average number. This process ensures a more accurate, measured lumen rating.
LEDs
Being a leader in the bicycle lighting category affords us some benefits that might not be available to others. NiteRider has worked diligently for many years to foster and develop relationships with the best LED manufacturers in the world. As a result we often get sneak peeks to what is on the horizon as it relates to LED technology. This assures our lights utilize the best LEDs available today and that we stay on the forefront of LED lighting technology.
NiteRider is happy to announce our entire 2011-2012 rechargeable line up will feature Cree LEDs. Cree is recognized as a world leader when it comes to high power LEDs, these LEDs produce more light with less power as a result less heat is generated and overall life is increased.
Color temperature is important when choosing LEDs, color temperature directly affects the way your eyes will perceive light at night. We spec our LEDs with a color temperature that closely resembles daylight, this improves your night vision and ability to detect all the little things that go bump in the night.
Reflectors
If LEDs are the engine in bike lights then reflectors are the transmission. What good are all those lumens if you don’t focus them into a usable light for bike riding? Too often we see bike light manufacturers using off the shelf optics and collimators. Collimators often produce a beam with a very bright “hot spot” with very little spill or peripheral light. This type of beam pattern works fine for a flash light application, but is not ideal for a bike light application where high rates of movement are involved. At NiteRider we design all of our reflectors for a bike riding application, our beam patterns produce a smooth centerbeam with ample spill light, this beam pattern assures not only the trail directly in front is visible, but the surrounding area is lit as well.
Lenses
We are the only bike light manufacturer to use an optical grade Borofloat glass lens and reflector custom designed for riding. This optical package minimizes light transmission loss and makes sure you get more light where you need it most.
D.I.Y. Software
When you buy a light, normally you are restricted to the manufacturer’s preprogrammed settings and light output. We decided that only you know what’s best for you and your riding needs, so we created D.I.Y. Software – Do It Yourself. Need more light output? No problem. Need more run time? Turn down the output. Need a customized flash? Choose from multiple options. Want several options for your race or your commute home? DIY puts it all in your hands. With our software, you have virtually unlimited flexibility to design and determine the number of light settings you want, the lumen output and the run time for each “program.” With a simple click of the “Update” button, you can store up to four customized programs on your Pro 700 or Pro 1400 headlamp. To learn more and download, click here.
