Headlamps for ultra-cycling: why use them and how to secure them properly
In ultra-cycling, riding at night is part of the adventure. Learn how to get the most out of a helmet light so you can ride efficiently and safely.
A cyclist wearing a Go’Lum headlamp on his helmet.
1. Why use a helmet light?
Headlamp on a helmet
In ultra-cycling, the light mounted on the bike provides the main source of illumination, allowing the rider to see far ahead.
The headlamp is the perfect complement, providing directional lighting that naturally follows your gaze.
This combination improves visibility on the road when cornering, makes driving at night easier, and provides added safety: if one of the lights were to go out or malfunction, the other allows you to continue driving safely.
The helmet light allows you to:
to illuminate the inside of curves
to view a GPS track or a odometer
to see the road when you turn your head
to repair or work on your bike at night
That is why many ultra-cyclists now opt for a dual lighting system, combining a handlebar light with a helmet light.
2. Best practices for attaching a headlamp to a helmet
To ensure a simple and safe setup, a few basic rules are all you need:
✔ Use a removable fastener
The lamp should be easy to remove.
Mounts that use a fabric strap or Velcro fastener threaded through the helmet's ventilation holes are the most suitable.
✔ Place the lamp on top of the helmet
This allows you to:
a good beam
a good balance
evenly distributed weight.
✔ Use a soft light
A compact lamp reduces the sensation of weight on the head and prevents a heavy component from placing additional strain on the helmet.
✔ Make sure the helmet stays securely in place
The fastener must not get in the way:
adjusting the helmet,
stability,
ventilation.
4. What to Avoid
Certain installations are not recommended because they may affect the headset's performance.
Avoid:
❌ Drill holes in the helmet
❌ Screw in a mount
❌ Glue a rigid plate
❌ Use a heavy or rigid system
A bicycle helmet is protective gear designed to function exactly as it is manufactured.
It is therefore best to opt for removable, non-structural accessories.
4. The simple principle to remember
💡 A helmet light should be a removable accessory that does not alter the helmet's structure.
If the fastener:
gets into the vents,
requires no drilling or gluing,
can be easily removed,
So the installation remains simple and in line with best practices.
In conclusion
In ultra-cycling, riding at night is part of the adventure.
A helmet light can improve:
safety
visual comfort
steering precision
provided you follow a few simple installation guidelines.
These recommendations are endorsed by Go’Lum, a partner of Race Across Series and a specialist in headlamps for endurance sports.
Recommended lighting setup for ultra-cycling
