As much as I admire your intentions, my own opinion is that 'inexpensive/crappy' and 'functional/effective' won't be found in the same product. The concept that 'anything is better than nothing' doesn't always hold. If the product isn't visible to a motorist inside their car from a minimum distance - you might as well have nothing.

Cyclists are funny creatures and a lot is about image. Here in Quebec reflectors are required by law to be ON THE NEW BIKE when it goes out the door. Regardless, most clients buying road bikes and BMX's will insist on having them removed. Even among the hybrid crowd lights aren't considered 'cool'. Probably has something to do with things like social responsibility and safety concerns being considered a sign of conformity and therefore a sign of weakness. Social disobediance, risk taking and non-conformance are currently very much in vogue and until safety items and lighting gain a 'cool' image - I doubt anything's gonna change. I would think the prevalence of iPods, iPhones (and cells in general) around the world pretty much demonstrates people can afford anything they really want - once its on their list of priorities. Hummers, for example, are officially the most customized automobile on the market as far as off-road accessories go - in spite of the fact that most of them never go off-road.

I have noticed that the same guys that ditch the reflectors think nothing of dropping hundreds of dollars on color matched anodized components, flashy jerseys and other accessories, so personally I'm working informally with a couple other riders in the shop to try to change the overall perception of bike lighting. Lets face it - flashy graphics and clean lines DO influence why people buy bikes. And as a result black aero spoked wheels with a single red spoke are now showing up on inexpensive department store bikes.

The real challenge is still making safety products that are stylish as well as functional and add to the riders cycling pleasure and image as well as safety. Otherwise they'll always be considered an afterthought and inconvenience by most riders.

My current project has been certified as 'extremely cool' by every mechanic, supplier and customer in the shop thats seen it. Its also rides extremely well.




Some of the guys are pretty good at DH and BMX and next season the plan is to equip a few bikes with a variety of lighting arrangements and do some ocassional runs around the city. Between the brightness of the lighting and a few street stunts - it should get some attention. And maybe change the way some things are looked at. I've deliberately gone a little 'over-the-top' with this project, but even low-end lighting products can be well integrated into the overall bike with a little thought. Currently every bike light manufacturer design's them as independent add-ons.

I realize this doesn't give you any products, but might let you connect with some of those people differently.