Every person who rides a bicycle sooner or later thinks about how to make their two-wheeled pet more beautiful. Often, like car tuning, standing out from the crowd with original details, bright colors, powerful lighting ─ this is the work of decorating your vehicle. Of course, with a great car there are fewer worries, because you don’t need to think about engine power or interior trim. Bicycle lighting is the most effective way to light up, that is, stand out, in the general flow. In addition, any lighting on your bicycle will make your journey on the road ten times safer. No reflector attracts as much attention as blinding lights.
It is worth understanding that a separate bicycle light 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 also connect homemade LED lighting to its batteries. The greatest attention of car drivers is attracted by the rear light, especially the flashing one. Drivers drive around a bicycle in the next or oncoming lane, afraid of colliding with an unidentified vehicle with flashing red lights.
Speaking directly about additional lighting, it should be noted that there are neon and LED lighting for bicycles.
Neon lighting
Cold neon is produced in the form of short tubes or long strips. The tubes are made from hard plastic. And the tape can be bent and passed exactly along the contour of the bicycle frame, because it is made of polyvinyl chloride. Such products can be selected with different glow colors, because it is not gas that glows in them, but a phosphor. Only wires for connecting to power are sharpened from them outside.
Tubes and strips with neon glow incomparably more intensely than LEDs and evenly along their entire length. But neon fireflies drain the battery faster because they have higher power consumption. For example, three batteries are enough for only two and a half hours of continuous operation of nine handsets. Although they do not light up all the time, they turn on only when the wheel starts to move. This is how many factory models of neon bicycle tubes are designed.
There is not a large selection of neon ribbons in markets and stores, 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 package also includes an inverter converter box, which increases the voltage optimally to 120V. Since cords with neon glow only at voltages above 20V. And they can withstand 220V maximum. Three AA batteries or one crown element are installed inside the inverter box. They are the sources of input voltage for the inverter.
Neon lighting mounted on a bicycle frame is especially popular among advanced Americans. After watching the following video, you may also be inspired by the idea of creating lighting on the frame of a bicycle, as well as on its wheels. And then you will try to ride off the roof of a high-rise building 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 varies in implementation method. The following can be used as details for such lighting:
- luminous caps;
- LED flashlights;
- graphics systems;
- LED strips.
For people who do not want to hang complex electronic structures on their bicycle, luminous caps screwed onto the nipple or lights attached to the spokes are ideal. There may be one, three or five LEDs inside the different glowing caps. The flashlights have a waterproof housing. The body itself, of course, is transparent, and can be reflective like a reflector. And all these toys run on three button-type batteries.
For real fans there is a bicycle graphics system. It is attached to 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 variable glow colors and a board with a programmable controller. The board is connected to three AA batteries. Anyone who thought about the unreliability of this design should be told that it is combined into one waterproof housing. And the systems sold for the lowest price, $20, are manufactured by manufacturers of sufficient quality.
The LED strip can be attached not only to wheels, but like a halogen strip, also to the frame of a bicycle. In general, you can wrap it around your entire bike and amaze passers-by with your own light show, as the American couple did in the following video.
Wheel lighting
Perhaps the LED strip is most convenient for attaching to bicycle wheels. You can buy 4 meters of waterproof LED strip. Well, then it’s very easy to cut it into 36 pieces and fasten it between the spokes on the wheel rim.
Then assemble a circuit between the segments and connect them to a nine-volt battery. It is best to mount the power source and switch on the wheel hub, away from water and dirt. Don't forget to fill the electrical connections with hot glue. The bike wheel illumination is ready!
With the help of luminous caps and flashlights, 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 different glow colors.
Neon tubes, which were mentioned earlier, are also successfully used to create illumination on wheels. They create the same illusion effect as flashlights and caps, only with a wider circle of light. By attaching several tubes with different luminescence to the knitting needles and connecting them to batteries, you can create a luminous disk with multi-colored sectors.
Stroboscopic pictures and inscriptions generated by graphic systems are created by the owner of the bicycle himself. First on the computer, and then, by connecting the graphics system via a cable to the computer, it loads them into the memory of this small but advanced device.
In a practical sense, stroboscopic images can be used for advertising. Every 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 simply entertain passers-by with a show like the one 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 little things are sold in different colors. They will certainly make your bike visible on the night road. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
Illuminating the wheels of a bicycle using an LED strip is a great way to highlight your two-wheeled friend against the background of darkness and surprise passers-by with its original appearance. Unlike advertised luminous nipple caps, in this case you do not need to develop enormous speed to create a uniformly luminous circle. In addition, the lighting effect is much more expressive. So how can you make a bike light that will delight others and envy your friends?
What will you need?
The key to a successful outcome is patience. You will have to be patient, since creating LED lighting for bicycle wheels can take quite a lot of time. In addition, you will need the ability to carefully tin and solder. But all this is justified by the goal, after achieving which a bicycle 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;
- crown type battery with mounting compartment;
- single-core twisted pair copper wire about 2 meters;
- miniature switch;
- transparent silicone sealant;
- nylon ties;
- soldering iron, solder, utility knife, wire cutters.
The degree of protection of the LED strip must be at least IP65.
Now about the nuances. A standard bicycle wheel contains 36 spokes, the distance between which is about 4 cm. Less common are wheels with 32 spokes and a slightly larger distance between them. In turn, LED strip with a density of 60 pcs/m. the minimum can be cut into pieces 5 cm long. To place such a piece between two knitting needles, you need to shorten it on one side, which means 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.
A more comfortable option is the use of double-density LED strip SMD 3528-120 pcs/m. It can be cut into sections of 2.5 cm each. In this case, each piece fits perfectly between the knitting needles; They are convenient to solder and seal. Consumption of LED strip SMD 3528-120 pcs/m. will be 35 * 2.5 = 87.5 cm. Due to the higher cost, but shorter length, the financial 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 energy consumption.
Despite the fact that the LED strip requires 12 V to fully glow, it is most convenient to use a 9 V battery. This voltage is enough to light the LEDs and provide a stable luminous flux. The crown is installed in a holder compartment, inside of which there are contacts with lead-out wires. Ideally, you need to buy a compartment with a built-in switch.
The LED bike light can be powered by a small 12V lithium-ion battery to provide increased light output and longer battery life. 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
Having a few hours of free time and enough patience, we move on to the preparatory stage of assembling the bicycle wheel lights. The surface of the rim is thoroughly washed and degreased in the places where the sections with LEDs are attached. The LED strip is cut into 35 pieces of 2.5 cm each. Part of the protective silicone layer is cut off from each piece with a stationery knife, freeing the solder contacts. Then the bare copper spots are tinned with a 25-40-watt soldering iron. Having measured the distance between the LED segments, 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 stage. Pieces of LED strip are glued alternately between the spokes at equal intervals, taking into account their polarity. That is, the LED strip on the bicycle must be glued in such a way that all soldering contacts for the power plus are on one side. If you mix up at least one segment, then the lighting of the bicycle wheels will partially not work. 
Then all the segments are soldered on one side with wires of the same color, and on the other side with wires of a different color. After this painstaking work, it is worth checking the quality of the soldering, namely, apply power from the battery for a few seconds. All LEDs should light up.
The battery compartment can be attached in two places: to the spokes on the inside or to the bushing. But first you need to insert a battery into it and connect two power wires through the switch. It is best to secure the compartment using flexible ties 3 mm thick. If it is necessary to replace the battery, the ties can be easily removed with wire cutters. The wires from the compartment with the switch are lowered along the spokes, pressed with ties and soldered to the two closest contacts “+” and “-”. 
If desired, a terminal block or connector is placed in the gap in the supply wires so that the compartment with the “crown” can be removed without the use of a soldering iron. After this, silicone sealant is applied to all soldering areas 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 park asphalt paths in dry summer weather. Of course, the assembled wheel lights can withstand small puddles and bumps. But it is better to avoid such obstacles.
You don’t have to wait until it’s completely dark; the lights on the bike wheels will be visible even in the evening.
Read also
Light tuning of a bicycle is a common phenomenon among those who like to ride around the city at night. Illumination improves visibility, makes the bike more visible 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 LED backlight there is, and find out how to install LEDs on a bicycle yourself.
Types of LED backlight
LED backlighting is available in several versions:
- caps on camera nipples;
- individual light bulbs;
- waterproof tape;
- reflectors.
Let's take a closer look.
Nipple caps are a simple solution to make your bike bright and eye-catching while in motion. As you can see from the context, these bulbs are mounted on the inner sides of the rims. While the bike is standing, they only resemble “fireflies.” But when moving, the wheels in the dark look like two bright rings. And the higher the speed, the longer the “light trail” from them.
Wheel caps - simple, affordable, effective
The second option to illuminate the wheels of a 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 lighting yourself is the ability to create a light pattern from lamps of different colors.
An advanced version of LEDs for bicycles is waterproof strips. In fact, this is a ready-made chain; you just need to stick it on the wheels at your discretion. Kits are sold in stores, but you can make your own lighting from ribbons. The principle is the same as with individual lamps. However, we’ll look at how to do this a little later.
Multi-colored diode strip
Reflectors with built-in diode bulbs are used for safety purposes for driving in fog and inclement weather. They can be placed on spokes or duplicate the main reflectors and headlights.
When rotating, the reflector looks like a glowing nipple cap
The last option is luminous plates, LED animators. Of all the listed types of lighting, this is the most attractive. Of course, you won’t be able to build it yourself, you can just buy a ready-made one. A little about the graphical LED display:
- the picture is programmed via a PC;
- the disc is secured to the wheel spokes using clamps;
- the image is transferred to the plate as the bicycle moves;
- there are additional flashing and transfusion modes;
- Operates on AAA batteries.
Multicolor abstract LED plate
The scheme is simple, installing a ready-made version on your bike is easy. The design will not add significant weight gain, but it will please the eyes of passers-by and increase the level of safety in the dark.
How to install single lamps
At the first stage, we think about how to decorate the wheels. You can go the simple route - symmetrically arrange the lamps along the circumferences of the rims and on the spokes. But you can develop a real design from individual LEDs; all you have to do is use your imagination. 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
For work you will need:
- LED light bulbs in the required quantity;
- wiring;
- several 9V batteries;
- clamps for lamps and batteries;
- switch;
- soldering iron, electrical tape;
- sealant.
When the bike is standing, the glowing lights will look like a Christmas tree garland, and when in motion they will leave a “track”. 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.
- Connecting lamps in series, as in old Christmas tree garlands, is the simplest solution. The wires, following each other, form an indivisible circuit. Essentially, power is transferred between the diodes. If one of them fails, you will have to go through the entire chain.
- Using clamps, secure the bulbs to the wheel spokes.
- Connect the wires to the batteries. The latter should be placed on the wheel hubs.
- Run a wire from the battery to the steering wheel switch.
Be sure to wrap the light bulb plug and the junction with the wire
Cover exposed areas with additional tape. Problem areas where water can get in should be sealed with sealant. This is how it’s easy to make an electrical circuit to illuminate the wheels of a bicycle. At the last stage, check the functionality.
Installing LED strip on bicycle wheels
LED strip lights are another way to make your bike 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 transparent film for wrapping and clamps.
To work you need to prepare:
- LED strip;
- two batteries with a nominal voltage of 9 V (same as for individual lamps);
- fasteners for batteries;
- switch;
- soldering iron;
- adhesive sealant.
Remove the wheels from the bicycle. The nipple will be the starting point for laying the tape. We cut it into pieces equal to the distance between the spokes (except for the nipple gap).
Do not cut the tape near or along the light bulb
Let's start installing the backlight with our 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 wheel hub area and secure the batteries to them.
- Pull the lead wire through the knitting needle to the battery.
- Install a switch button in the gap 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.
Securing batteries around the wheel hub
We put the wheels on the bike and check their functionality. Everything is lit - great, you can safely drive through the streets at night. If the tape does not turn on, check the connection of the wire with the lamps and batteries. In extreme cases, you will have to disassemble the entire circuit and reinstall it. True, the adhesions will break, and a new LED strip will be needed.
Glowing wheels on a bicycle are beautiful, cool and, most importantly, simple. To install homemade lighting, you do not need to look for any special tools and materials. All this is inexpensive and available for free sale.
We recently came across a bicycle on the street with a very interesting backlight; to be honest, we were seriously surprised by this. Therefore, we decided to repeat the experience of these craftsmen and tell you what lighting a bicycle with an LED strip is and how to do it correctly.
Bicycle wheels illuminated with LED strip always look chic; by installing such lighting, you will definitely stand out on the street. Plus, you can create good visibility both for yourself and for other road users. 
I would like to say a few words about how to choose a tape for a bicycle; first of all, you should focus on its protection, minimum IP 65, if you install more, it will be better. The coating of the tape must be rubberized. You also need to select a battery, the total power should be 12 V. If you wish, you can add a controller, but we do not recommend this, and the installation is not easy, and spending extra money is not a good idea. Find out how LED strip is better.
Materials for lighting
Answering the question of how to make an LED strip for a bicycle, initially, you must prepare the following materials. They are not difficult to find; any store has them.
LED strip for bicycle wheels: detailed instructions
We would like to immediately draw your attention to the fact that there is nothing easy about this. Even experienced electricians spend about one day on such an installation. The process has many features, you will have to re-read several more supporting articles on this topic. But the result will be justified in any case. If you're ready, gather your nerves and let's do everything together.
Cutting the LED strip
First of all, we determine the length of the tape that is needed for the bicycle wheels. To do this, you can attach a regular lace, using it, the result will be accurate. Also read: how to choose a block for an LED strip.
Next, cut the tape in the required place, as shown in the photo. 
These are the pieces you should get. 
We fasten and solder the tape
To get a beautiful LED strip lighting for your bike, you need to be especially serious about this stage. Here we need to do two serious things at once:
- Solder the tape.
- Attach it to the wheel.
Initially, we begin to solder it - this is the longest process that does not tolerate mistakes. We soldered it a little wrong the first time, and in the end our tape didn’t catch fire. When you start soldering, try to do everything carefully, rushing will only hurt. Read in detail: how to solder an LED strip. In the end result, do not forget to insulate, the connectors are not suitable, use special silicone sealants.
The situation with fastening is simpler; you can use several methods:
This is the final result. 
Connecting the power
Here we have to connect everything together, the stage is not difficult, but a little untidy, it is difficult to climb between the spokes.
Bicycle lighting with LED strip: photo
How to install an LED strip on a bicycle: video
With warmer weather comes bike season. Every cycling enthusiast prepares his vehicle for use. After all, during winter storage its condition and performance could change.
The serviceability of all components is checked, parts are lubricated if necessary and tires are replaced if they were worn out in the last operating season. You can also often find various types of upgrades, such as painting wheels or frames with luminescent paint or bright LED lighting for a bicycle.
Currently, so-called custom bicycles, or velobikes, are becoming widespread. They are constructed entirely by hand, so the craftsmen have no problems installing the lighting on a bicycle. Their distinctive feature is an elongated and low frame. The total length of such a bicycle can reach more than 2 meters. Due to the fact that the distance between the rear wheel and the pedals increases, the dimensions of the chain are very impressive. Its length can be several times longer than on a regular bicycle. Such homemade vehicles are often equipped with various types of lights or enhancements, which allows them to attract even more attention.
How to make a backlight for a bicycle?
The presence of illumination of the bicycle elements allows it to look most impressive in the dark. In order to install light elements, you will need basic installation and soldering skills. Having patience and desire and having the necessary tools in stock, you should not experience difficulties in deciding how to make a backlight for a bicycle.
Materials and equipment
But first you need to acquire some materials and tools. For work you will need:
LED strip, preferably waterproof. It can be purchased in an online store or in any shopping center specializing in electrical goods.
12 volt power supply. You can use several weaker batteries placed in a special box.
Light controller. It will allow you to set different backlight modes and the ability to switch between them.
A bag in which the battery will be located. You can use a key bag.
Cable for connecting batteries and LED strip.
For attaching LED elements to bicycle parts.
Hot glue gun. It will help you cope with the task of how to firmly install the light on your bike in those places where double-sided tape is powerless.
We measure materials
Having all these devices available, you can proceed directly to decorative work. Initially, you should decide on the place where you need to attach the LED strip, and first measure the required piece. It is also worth thinking about how to make the backlight for the bike so that it is as bright and noticeable as possible. If in a hurry the cut piece of LED strip turns out to be small, you can throw it away. You should also decide where the wires will be located so that they are not accidentally damaged during operation.
It would be most practical to use several pieces of LED strip for individual elements. For example, two for the wheels and one for the frame. It is recommended to place batteries in the seat bag. This will protect them from moisture in case of precipitation. The length of the wires should be sufficient to connect the strip to the battery. This should be taken into account when determining their required sizes.
Preparing the wires
In order to connect to the wire, you need to solder them. To do this, cut pieces of tape to the required length and clean the area of intended soldering from insulating materials. If the insulation is firmly glued to the wires of the tape, then it can be slightly warmed up. After softening, remove it. Avoid hot air coming into contact with the LEDs. This can render them unusable. The presence of non-luminous elements on the tape will significantly degrade the quality of the backlight.
Soldering wires
Next, you need to degrease the contact points of the wires and solder them to each other. The soldering area is perfectly insulated using a heat gun. A layer of glue will protect the metal from external influences and moisture and will give flexibility and elasticity in this place, which will help avoid breakage.
Gluing the LED strip
Before gluing the tape to the bicycle elements, they should first be degreased with alcohol or another solvent. It is worth gluing it from one end, gradually removing the backing. You need to press the tape tightly against the part to avoid it coming off. It is recommended to use double-sided tape on the bends of the bicycle frame, since the adhesive base of the light elements is not able to firmly adhere to these places. Light controllers usually have two-way fasteners to connect to the battery and wires that run to the LEDs.
After connecting all the wires of the circuit, a homemade light installed on a bicycle is able to amaze passers-by with its appearance and originality. As you can see, everything is not complicated at all. If you do all the manipulations yourself, from start to finish, then the question of how to make a backlight for a bicycle will no longer arise.
In addition, there are other options for vehicle modifications that can be done with your own hands without much difficulty if you have basic skills in handling professional tools.
