How to Install a Bicycle Headlight

Bicycle lights make sense if you plan on riding at night. In some jurisdictions, the use of a headlight, taillight or both is the law. Headlights and taillights typically attach to your bicycle the same way. While exact instructions vary from model to model, most bicycle lights require that you follow the same general process for installation.

• 1

  Remove the mounting bracket from the box your light came in. Most companies use a hard plastic mounting bracket that attaches to your seatpost for a taillight and to your handlebar for a headlight.

• 2

  Remove the screw the from the mounting bracket. In some cases, such as with many of CatEye's popular light models, you'll simply need to turn a knob that threads into the bracket in a counter-clockwise direction to remove it. Others use the type of screw that requires either a Phillips or flathead screwdriver for removal.

• 3

  Fit the bracket around your seatpost or handlebar. The bracket forms a circle that can be pulled open so that it fits around a seatpost or handlebar. Ensure that you place the bracket so that when you attach the light to it, parts of your bicycle such as the rear wheel, saddle or brake cables will not block the light.

• 4

  Tighten the bracket to the seatpost or handlebar. You will turn the screw that tightens the bracket in a clockwise direction using either a screwdriver or your fingers.

• 5

  Attach the light to the bracket. Front and rear lights tend to attach the same way on most models. Simply slide the light onto the grooves on the bracket. While the exact setup varies by light, it will be obvious when you have your light in front of you.