When we heard that Maxxon’s Wireless Brake Light would use “Nintendo Wii” technology we didn’t know what that meant, but in essence the light is equipped with an accelerometer that detects a sudden deceleration and turns on a bright solid red light, so that those behind the rider will react much as they might to break lights in a car. It offers auto power-on capability as well s auto power-off, and the Wireless Brake Light provides steady and blink modes as well. Not a bad way to help alert drivers when riding at night or dusk.
Tag: bicycle light
Sparse to Release Theft-Resistant Bike Lights
Finally, bicycle lights you can leave on your bike when you park. San Francisco-based Sparse will offer front and rear lights which attach directly to frame parts making them more difficult to steal. The front light, aptly named “The Spacer”, rests below them stem and fits both 1” and 1-1/8” steer tubes. The rear light mounts to your 20mm – 31.6mm seatpost.
Rated at 220 lumens in the front and 50 lumens in the rear, these die-cast aluminum beauties house a double lens with a silicone gasket to keep the elements out. Both lights have a reflector behind the LED bulbs to maximize output and provide rider safety when the lights are off. The rear light’s automatic blink mode begins flashing when the bicycle is in motion and remains flashing for one minute after stopping. Charge the LiPo battery with a supplied 6’ USB cord or wall plug adapter for up to four hours of run time.
Available in March 2013, they are offered in a black or brushed alloy finish. Suggested retail prices are $50 for the rear, $75 for the front, and $120 for the set. Pony up $160 and you can buy yours in a limited edition white alloy. Video after the jump
No Touching Dynamo Lights the Way
There is a saying the close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades, but it soon close could be enough when it comes to providing light for bicycles. Right now there are two ways to get light to shine the way – either have it powered by a battery or utilize a dynamo-powered light that works by utilizing the motion of the bike itself. The latter is green, but can still slowly wear down the tire and it requires extra effort for the rider.
Now German inventor Dirk Strothmann has created a small, no-contact, self-contained dynamo bike light that makes close close enough. So how does it work? Simple enough actually, instead of friction it works magnetically where the spinning wheel and the magnets in the dynamo take advantage of eddy currents, with the result being electric energy from the metallic rims. Video after the jump
MJ-818 Bicycle Tail Light Review
Edited by Rita Braun, Braun & Company
Magicshine Light Reviews
This is the first in a series of three reviews of Magicshine lights. The lights are being tested while commuting in Colorado this fall. Look for reviews of two different headlights soon.
Magicshine MJ-818 Bicycle Tail Light
Tested: 503 miles
The cryptically named MJ-818 should simply be called the “Photon Torpedo.” It is without a doubt the brightest and most visible bicycle tail light I’ve ever seen. After reading this review, check out our video of the light in action. Continue reading the review