Every person who rides a bicycle sooner or later thinks about how to make his two-wheeled pet more beautiful. Often, like car tuning, standing out from the crowd with original details, bright colors, powerful lighting ─ this is the job of decorating your vehicle. Of course, there are fewer worries with the great, because you don’t need to think about engine power, interior trim. Bicycle lighting is the most effective way to light up, that is, stand out, in the general stream. In addition, any lighting on a bicycle will make your road trip ten times safer. No reflector attracts as much attention as blinding lights.
It should be understood that a separate backlight for a bicycle is not a complete lighting system. To fully prepare your vehicle for night trips, you need to install other lighting fixtures. First of all, you need a headlight. By the way, you can connect a homemade LED backlight to its batteries. The greatest attention of car drivers is attracted by the light of the rear lamp, especially the flashing one. Drivers circle the bike right up to the adjacent or oncoming lane, afraid to collide with an unidentified vehicle with flashing red lights.
Speaking directly about additional lighting, it should be noted that there are neon and LED lights for the bike.
Neon lighting
Cold neon is made in the form of short tubes or long ribbons. The tubes are made from hard plastic. And the tape can be bent and drawn exactly along the contour of the bicycle frame, because it is made of polyvinyl chloride. Such products can be chosen with a different glow color, because they do not glow with gas, but with a phosphor. Only wires for connecting to power are sharpened out of them.
Tubes and ribbons with neon glow incomparably more intensively than LEDs and evenly along the entire length. But neon fireflies run out of battery faster because they use more power. For example, three batteries are enough for only two and a half hours of continuous operation of nine tubes. Although they do not glow all the time, they turn on only when the wheel starts to move. This is how many factory models of bicycle neon tubes are arranged.
Markets and stores do not have a large selection of neon ribbons, but they are easy to buy through online stores. You can choose any glow color you like: yellow, red, green, blue. In addition to the tape itself, the purchase kit also includes an inverter converter box, which increases the voltage optimally to 120V. Since neon cords glow only at voltages above 20V. And they can withstand 220V as much as possible. Three AA batteries or one crown element are installed inside the inverter box. They are the input voltage sources for the inverter.
Neon lighting, mounted on a bicycle frame, is especially popular with advanced Americans. After watching the following video, you may also be inspired by the idea of creating lights on the frame of a bicycle, as well as on its wheels. And then you try to ride off the roof of a skyscraper on your bike just like they did.
LED illumination
LED light sources are the most economical in terms of energy consumption. In addition, they are cheaper compared to neon lights.
LED lighting for bicycles is diverse in terms of implementation. As details of such illumination, you can use:
- luminous caps;
- LED flashlights;
- graphic systems;
- LED strips.
For people who do not want to hang complex electronic structures on a bicycle, luminous caps screwed onto a nipple or flashlights fixed on knitting needles are ideal. There can be one, three or five LEDs inside different luminous caps. Flashlights are waterproof. The body itself, of course, is transparent, and can be reflective like a reflector. And all these toys work from three button-type batteries.
For the real fans, there is a cycling graphics system. It is fixed on the spokes and, when the wheel rotates, forms complex images with a light path. Such a device is assembled from at least ten LEDs with a variable glow color and a board with a programmable controller. The board is connected to three finger batteries. Anyone who thought about the unreliability of this design must be said that it is combined into one waterproof case. Yes, and systems sold for the lowest price, $ 20, manufacturers produce quite high quality.
The LED strip can be attached not only to the wheels, but also, like the halogen strip, also to the bicycle frame. In general, you can wrap the whole bike with it, and impress passers-by with your own light show, as the American couple did in the next video.
Wheel lighting
Perhaps the LED strip is the most convenient for attaching to bicycle wheels. You can buy 4 meters of waterproof LED strip. Well, then it is very easy to cut it into 36 pieces and fix it between the spokes on the wheel rim.
Then assemble the circuit between the segments and connect them to a nine volt battery. The power supply and switch are best mounted on the wheel hub, away from water and dirt. Do not forget to fill in the places of electrical connections with hot glue. So the bike wheel lighting is ready!
With the help of luminous caps and flashlights, a full-fledged illumination for the wheels is created. When the wheel rotates, their light draws a complete circle of light. From the outside, this performance looks quite impressive, and it is impossible not to notice it.
To increase the effect, you can assemble a combination of a cap, which is located at the maximum radius, and several flashlights on the inner radii of the wheel. If desired, they can be selected with a different glow color.
The neon tubes mentioned earlier are also successfully used to create illumination on wheels. They create the same illusion effect as flashlights and caps, only in the form of a wider circle of light. By attaching several tubes with different glows to the knitting needles and connecting them to batteries, you can create a glowing disk with multi-colored sectors.
Stroboscopic pictures and inscriptions generated by graphic systems are created by the owner of the bike himself. First on the computer, and then, by connecting the graphics system via cable to the computer, it loads them into the memory of this small but advanced device.
In a practical sense, the stroboscopic picture can be used for advertising. Each person will be happy to look at the flickering pictures and read the names of goods and services advertised in this way. Or you can just entertain passers-by with such shows as in the attached video.
For people who just want to make themselves visible on the road, and not distract pedestrians, there are fluorescent paints and reflective stickers. Similar reflective small things are sold in different colors. They will surely make your bike visible on the night road. Safe and bright trips to you!
Light tuning of a bicycle is a common phenomenon among fans of riding around the city at night. The backlight improves visibility, makes the bike more noticeable on the roads, decorates it and attracts attention from the outside. LEDs are a simple solution to achieve this goal. Let's figure out what kind of diode lighting is, and find out how to put LEDs on a bicycle yourself.
Varieties of LED backlight
LED lighting is available in several options:
- caps on chamber nipples;
- individual bulbs;
- waterproof tape;
- reflectors.
Let's consider in more detail.
Valve caps are a simple solution to make your bike look bright and eye-catching on the move. As you can see from the context, these bulbs are fixed on the inner sides of the rims. While the bike is standing, they only resemble fireflies. But when driving, the wheels in the dark look like two bright rings. And the higher the speed, the longer the "light trail" from them.
Caps on wheels - simple, affordable, effective
The second option to illuminate the wheels of the bike is to install LEDs on the spokes and rims. Individual light bulbs are connected in a circuit and connected to a power source. The system must be equipped with a switch that connects the circuit to the battery. The advantage of installing such a backlight with your own hands is the ability to create a light pattern from lamps of different colors.
An advanced version of LEDs for a bicycle is moisture-proof tapes. In fact, this is a finished chain, you just need to stick it on the wheels at your discretion. Kits are sold in stores, but you can make the backlight from ribbons yourself. The principle is the same as with individual lamps. However, we will discuss how to do this a little later.
Multi-colored diode tape
Reflectors with built-in diode bulbs are used for safety purposes for driving in fog and in inclement weather. They can be placed on spokes or duplicate the main reflectors and headlights.
In rotation, the reflectors look like a luminous nipple cap
The last option is luminous plates, LED animators. Of all the types of lighting listed, this is the most attractive. Of course, you won’t be able to build it yourself, just buy it ready-made. A little about the graphic LED display:
- the picture is programmed via PC;
- the disk is fixed on the spokes of the wheels with the help of clamps;
- the image is transferred to the plate when the bike is moving;
- there are additional modes of flashing, transfusion;
- work from AAA battery.
Multicolor abstraction LED-plate
The scheme is simple, it is easy to install the finished version on your bike. The design will not add a significant weight gain, but it will delight the eyes of passers-by and increase the level of safety in the dark.
How to put single lamps
At the first stage, we think over how to decorate the wheels. You can go a simple way - symmetrically arrange the lamps around the circumferences of the rims and on the spokes. But from individual LEDs you can develop a real picture, it remains only to turn on the fantasy. But regardless of the idea, the scheme for combining light bulbs into a circuit and connecting them is standard for all solutions.
The simplest arrangement of light bulbs on wheels
The work will need:
- LED bulbs in the right quantity;
- wiring;
- several 9V batteries;
- clamps for lamps and batteries;
- switch;
- soldering iron, electrical tape;
- sealant.
Luminous bulbs in the standing position of the bike will look like a Christmas tree garland, and leave a “track” in motion. Common colors are red, blue and green. Their combination in equal quantities, when the wheels rotate, will give a dazzling white light.
Let's start assembling the electrical circuit:
- Use a soldering iron to connect the leads of each lamp to the wires. Wrap the LED pins with electrical tape.
- Serial connection of lamps, as in old Christmas tree garlands, is the simplest solution. Wires, following each other, form an indivisible circuit. Essentially, power passes between the diodes. If one of them fails, you will have to sort through the entire chain.
- Attach the bulbs to the wheel spokes using clamps.
- Connect wires to batteries. Place the latter on the wheel hubs.
- From the battery, stretch the wiring with the switch to the steering wheel.
Be sure to wrap the light bulb plug and the joint with the wire
Wrap exposed areas with additional tape. Problem areas where water can get into, go through the sealant. That's how easy it is to make an electric circuit to illuminate the wheels of a bicycle. At the last stage, check the performance.
Installing LED strip on bicycle wheels
Strip LED lamps are another way to make your bike look brighter and more attractive. Compared to installing individual lamps, the difficulty here is in soldering sections of the circuit. The tape is often laid on the rims. For knitting needles, you can use a transparent film for wrapping and collars.
To work, you need to prepare:
- LED strip;
- two batteries with a nominal voltage of 9 V (as for individual lamps);
- fasteners for batteries;
- switch;
- soldering iron;
- adhesive sealant.
Take the wheels off the bike. The nipple will be the starting point for laying the tape. We cut it into segments equal to the distance between the knitting needles (except for the nipple gap).
You can not cut the tape next to the light bulb and along it
Let's start installing the backlight with your own hands:
- Glue the pieces of LED strip to the rim.
- Solder the joints.
- Solder the lead wire to the end of the tape (where the nipple is).
- Place the holder in the area of the wheel hub and attach the batteries to them.
- Pull the lead wire through the spoke to the battery.
- Install a switch button between the end of the tape and the battery.
- Apply sealant to open connections. For additional protection of the soldered joints of the tape, plastic caps can be installed on each knitting needle.
Mounting batteries around the wheel hub
We put the wheels on the bike and check the performance. Everything is on fire - excellent, you can safely ride through the night streets. If the tape does not turn on, check the connection of the wire to the lamps and batteries. In extreme cases, you will have to disassemble the entire circuit and reinstall. True, the spikes will break, and a new LED strip will be needed.
Glowing wheels on a bike are beautiful, cool and, most importantly, simple. To install a homemade backlight, you do not need to look for any special tools and materials. All this is inexpensive and available in free sale.
With the arrival of warm weather, each cyclist takes out his bike, starting to prepare it for the release. In addition, many cyclists want to decorate the vehicle, making it more attractive. It is easy and quite inexpensive to equip the elements of your bike with various types of lights, and such tuning will look very impressive at night. Backlighting on a bicycle will cause increased safety on the road, as it will provide good visibility of the bicycle for cars, and this is a pleasant and important bonus.
You can create an attractive image with your own hands using simple tools that are easy to acquire. There are several ways to make a backlight on a bicycle. A variety of options will allow you to modernize the vehicle in accordance with your preferences for color, shape, as well as requirements for brightness and practicality.
Types of backlights
Today, on the bike market, you can find a great variety of ready-made lights that can be easily equipped with a bike. But if you decide to implement your great design idea with your own hands, you will need some tools, a little time and patience. Equipping a bike with light elements is a fascinating and simple process, because you can make a backlight for a bicycle with your own hands, having only standard soldering and installation skills.
How to make your own LED strip lights
A fairly simple way for those who are friends with a soldering iron. To get started, you need to acquire some materials and tools. We will need:
- LED Strip Light;
- 12 volt power supply;
- soldering iron, solder;
- hot glue, double-sided tape;
- small switch.
When we have all the tools to create bike lighting, let's get to work:
The backlight for the frame is ready. It remains only to check its work. Similarly, you can equip the LED strip and bicycle wheels. This method will be no less spectacular than neon tubes or caps. If you have decided how to make a backlight on the wheels of a bicycle, and the choice fell on lighting with an LED strip, let's get to work. The whole process takes place according to the same principle as gluing to the frame, only the tape is cut into small pieces in sections, and it is already glued in parts. Most importantly, when working with elements, always consider polarity.
LED lighting for wheels
Another equally effective and not so expensive option. With certain skills, this method does not take much time. Required materials and tools:
- diodes in the right amount, up to 10 pieces per wheel are enough;
- wires, the length of which must first be calculated by measuring the circumference, the diameter of the wheels;
- power supply;
- soldering iron, solder;
- insulating material;
- small switch.
Sequencing:
- We prepare the workplace, clean and degrease the surface on which the diodes will be attached.
- We isolate with heat shrink or electrical tape those parts of the diodes with which they will be attached to the bicycle.
- Given the polarity, we connect with wires, solder, attach diodes, isolating the contacts in the course of work.
- We bring out and fasten the ends of the wires to the place of the power source, which also needs to be fixed with clamps on the wheel hub.
- We attach a switch to one of the wires.
- Check the operation of the backlight, install the wheel on the bike.
Similarly, you can make luminous tubes, then fix them on the rim. To do this, the connected wires with diodes are hidden in a long transparent tube. Similarly, short tubes can be used.
Lighting for a bicycle will not only make its own adjustments to the appearance, making it bright and noticeable, but will also allow you to benefit from the glow effect. It will become safer to drive such a bike in the dark, because it will be clearly visible to all participants in traffic.
Highlighting the wheels of a bicycle with an LED strip is a great way to highlight your two-wheeled friend against the background of darkness and surprise passers-by with an original look. Unlike the advertised luminous caps on the nipple, in this case it is not necessary to develop a huge speed to create a uniformly luminous circle. In addition, the lighting effect is much more expressive. So how to make a backlight for a bicycle to arouse the delight of others and the envy of friends?
What will be required?
The key to success is patience. It is patience that will have to be stocked up, since it can take a lot of time to create LED lighting for bicycle wheels. In addition, you will need the ability to accurately tin and solder. But all this is justified by the goal, after reaching which a bike with such LED tuning will become very recognizable.
For the practical implementation of bicycle lighting, you will need the following materials and tools:
- LED Strip Light;
- battery type "crown" with a compartment for fastening;
- single-core copper wire of the "twisted pair" type, about 2 meters;
- miniature switch;
- transparent silicone sealant;
- nylon ties;
- soldering iron, solder, stationery knife, wire cutters.
The degree of protection of the LED strip must be at least IP65.
Now about the nuances. A standard bicycle wheel has 36 spokes spaced about 4 cm apart. Less common are wheels with 32 spokes and slightly larger spacing. In turn, the LED strip with a density of 60 pieces / m. the minimum can be cut into segments 5 cm long. To place such a segment between two knitting needles, you need to shorten it on one side, which means that you will be left without solder contacts. You will have to strip and tin the thinnest printed conductors near the smd element. Consumption of LED strip SMD 3528-60 pcs/m. will be 35*5=175 cm.
The option with the use of double-density LED strip SMD 3528-120 pcs/m is considered more comfortable. It can be cut into sections of 2.5 cm each. In this case, each piece fits perfectly between the spokes; they are easy to solder and seal. Consumption of SMD led strip 3528-120 pcs/m. will be 35 * 2.5 \u003d 87.5 cm. Due to the greater cost, but shorter length, the cash costs are approximately the same.
It is not recommended to use an LED strip of a different size (SMD 5050, SMD 3014, etc.) to illuminate a bicycle due to increased power consumption.
Despite the fact that the LED strip requires 12 V to fully glow, it is most convenient to use a 9 V battery here. This voltage is enough to light the LEDs and provide a stable light output. The crown is installed in a compartment-holder, inside of which there are contacts with wires brought out. Ideally, you need to buy a compartment with a built-in switch.
The bicycle LED light can be powered by a small 12V Li-Ion battery for increased light output and extended run time. You can also install a cassette with three 3.7V AA batteries. But these options are a more expensive and complex alternative.
Bicycle Light Assembly Instructions
With a few hours of free time left and enough patience, we proceed to the preparatory stage of assembling the backlight of the bicycle wheels. The surface of the rim is thoroughly washed and degreased at the points of fastening of segments with LEDs. The LED strip is cut into 35 pieces of 2.5 cm each. A part of the protective silicone layer is cut off from each piece with a clerical knife, freeing the contacts for soldering. Then the bare copper patches are tinned with a 25-40-watt soldering iron. Having measured the distance between the LED segments, they prepare (cut, clean the edges and tin) the connecting wires. It is better to use single-core wires of two colors - for plus and minus power.
The next step is to move on to the assembly step. Pieces of the LED strip are alternately glued between the spokes at regular intervals, taking into account their polarity. That is, the LED strip on the bike must be glued in such a way that all the contacts for soldering the plus power supply are on one side. If you mix up at least one segment, then the illumination of the bicycle wheels will partially not work. 
Then, with wires of the same color, all segments are soldered on one side, and with wires of a different color, on the back. After this painstaking work, it is worth checking the quality of the soldering, namely, for a few seconds, apply power from the battery. All LEDs should light up.
The battery compartment can be attached in two places: to the spokes on the inside or to the sleeve. But first you need to insert a battery into it and bring two power wires through the switch. It is best to fix the compartment with flexible ties 3 mm thick. If it is necessary to replace the battery, the ties are easily dismantled with wire cutters. The wires from the compartment with the switch are lowered along the knitting needle, pressed with ties and soldered to the two nearest contacts "+" and "-". 
Optionally, a terminal block or connector is placed in the gap of the supply wires so that you can remove the compartment with the “crown” without the participation of a soldering iron. After that, all soldering points are covered with silicone sealant and the wheel is left to dry completely.
In conclusion, I would like to note that the most suitable place for cycling with LED lighting is paved park paths in dry summer weather. Of course, the assembled wheel lighting is able to withstand small puddles and bumps. But it is better to avoid such obstacles.
It is not necessary to wait for complete darkness, the lights on the wheels of the bike will be visible even in the evening.
Read also
Bicycle wheel lighting is a great way to personalize your two-wheeler. There are many technological processes with the use of which you can bring your plans to life and make a glowing bike. The most common are: flexible neon wire; LED lamps, caps, graphic animation system.
Bicycle wheel lighting is not only a designer bicycle tuning, but also an improvement in the visibility of a bicycle and, as a result, an increase in traffic safety on any night tracks.
The backlight itself can be divided into three types:
- frame lighting;
- wheel lighting;
- complete equipment of the bike with illumination.
Nipple illumination
LED nipple caps are a popular and cheap way to spruce up your bike.
In terms of electricity consumption, LEDs are the most economical, plus the low price category of LED fixtures has brought this type to the rank of the most common backlights.
LED elements include caps, graphics, LED lights and cords. The most elementary tuning is to screw the diodes to the nipple and a bright circle will appear when the wheels are spinning.
Batteries in such illumination are enough for one season, since the LEDs are lit only when the wheels are spinning, they go out when stationary. One of the big advantages of the LED is that it does not let water through and you can safely ride in the rain. Release is made in different light scales and forms.
Bicycles and scooters
The bicycle wheel nipple LED light is the most popular due to its small size, high efficiency and low cost.
And when the wheels rotate, the appearance of a completely luminous rim is created, even though only two or one battery is working.
Cons: low degree of glow and the completion of the work of the bulbs when the bike is braked.
Graphic tuning
An improved version of conventional lighting: modules are installed on the nipples - LD, which create a certain pattern when pedaling.
The graphical LED lighting system is much more complex and not just for the rim.
Its peculiarity is that during the movement of the bike, an animation effect is obtained.
To create a cartoon, you must first graphically program the backlight for the bicycle wheels.
After drawing up the schedule, the LED elements are attached to the spokes with special fixtures.
Mostly powered by AA batteries. Thanks to the animation effect, this kind of lighting is much brighter and looks great on a moving bike.
Such modules depend on the speed of pedaling, and their cost is higher than that of conventional diodes with caps.
neon lights
Cold flexible neon fixtures are made in the form of short tubes or long wires.
Pipes are usually made from a hard plastic material, unlike neon wire, which can be bent and wrapped around the contours of bicycle spokes.
Flexible neon ribbon is made in the form of a multi-colored cord, which, when the battery is connected, begins to broadcast a glow around the entire perimeter.
The inner copper wire of the neon strip of different thicknesses is covered with a transparent PVC film in a variety of colors.
One piece of cord is attached to the inverter electrical unit, the second is fixed with a cap.
The light begins to appear as a result of the operation of the inverter: it produces high frequency alternating current. To turn on the power, simply connect the neon contacts to the unit, then fix the neon wire and the inverter with clamps.
Neon-lit tubes and strips are much brighter and more powerful than their LED counterparts, but they consume more electricity and require frequent battery replacement.
The usual three batteries are enough for a maximum of two to three hours of continuous operation of 9 tubes, despite the fact that they glow only when traffic is in motion.
On sale there are usually kits with any color of glow, factory assemblies usually include neon ribbons, an inverter converter box with a voltage increase of up to 120 watts.
Liquid Rubber Plasti-Dip
At the moment, the most promising and optimal type of wheel illumination is Plasti-Dip coating with a fluorescent glow.
This unique development is distinguished by the property of accumulating solar and artificial lighting and emitting it at night.
Plasti-Dip is a rubber-based paint that, in addition to the luminous effect, also guarantees additional protection for bicycle parts from chips, rust and other mechanical and chemical damage. Before that, it must be disassembled, remove all unnecessary parts, dirt, and degrease the space. It is not necessary to remove the old coating before applying liquid rubber.
Coloring is usually done in three stages, each layer is applied separately after the previous one has completely dried.
- The first layer is the bond between the rubber and the coating material of the bicycle spokes.
- The second layer is the main one, they need to paint over the entire required area as carefully as possible, painting over all hard-to-reach areas.
- The third layer is a fixing one, they level the corners, small gaps and irregularities remaining after applying the second one.
Glowing rubber Plasti-Dip can be used not only for the spokes and rim of a bicycle, but also for completely painting the bike.
The degree and volume of the surface to be painted depends on the preferences and financial situation of the cyclist, since the rubber spray is not cheap and is quite difficult to clean off.
When applying the spray, it is better to hang parts of the bicycle on a wire to any convenient device and do not turn over until completely dry (24-48 hours).
The advantages of Plasti-Dip painting are that during operation it will not be necessary to charge and change batteries, backlit rubber paint with an unlimited duration, and is also an additional protection for the iron horse.
It is only necessary to apply physical conditions a little and wait until it is completely dry - after that, the luminous wheels of the bike are provided for a long time.
