Turn On The Lights

Hi all,

There is good news from Greg at the Winner's Edge bike shop.  He has said that he is expecting a shipment of bikes and equipment this week and that there is a 2012 Trek 7.5 FX Disc within it with my name on it.  There is a chance that I may be riding out of Winner's Edge on those Bontrager Race All-Weather Hard-Case tyres this week.  Of course this is subject to the effects of the industrial action by the stevedores (Overtime Ban On Hamilton Docks).

However, something did find its way to me by air from Bicygnals.  I am currently in possession of a set of Indicators.  They came without the pannier mounting bracket accessory that was ordered. However, once Bicygnals was contacted, they quickly identified the omission and have informed me that the bracket is on its way. I do have the standard front and rear mounting brackets so I'll still be able to use the Indicators as soon as the bike arrives. 

Bicygnals coupled for storage

Bicygnals decoupled for attaching to bicycle

When I first stumbled upon this little marvel of technology I knew I had to have them. Until then I had a slight dread concerning communications with drivers of my intent to alter my direction of travel. This was brought on after I discovered a few bike commuters' YouTube channels and the near miss collisions recorded by their helmet attached video cameras.  With the discovery of the Indicators I knew I could communicate with drivers in their own language of flashing lights instead of the bike commuter's language of forearm contortions.    

They operate in three modes: centre light off, on, or flashing.  The front and rear units can be in different modes without affecting the operation.  The indicators are operated by the front unit which tells the back unit when to operate its indicators ... via a wireless signal.  Have a look below.

I'm really impressed with this.  The wireless operation means you don't have to zip-tie cables along the length of the bike.  The units also quick release from the mounting brackets allowing them to be easily taken with you when you park (and lock) your bike.  However, there are a few things I'd change.  The mounting brackets appear to be a bit on the large side but I've not attached it to a bike yet so this may not be an issue.  I'd also like to have an active brake light incorporated into the design; for both mechanical and hydraulic brakes (like my incoming Trek 7.5 FX Disc).  An optional piercing beep in sync with the indicator flashing would be a nice to have as well.  Perhaps they'll make a deluxe version someday and include these features.  I'll post some shots of them attached, hopefully, later this week.

Thanks for reading,

Edmund