
Bar-end lights for 360° visibility
Riding a bike through the urban jungle is an exercise in controlled chaos. You're dodging cars, potholes, and pedestrians, all while trying to stay visible in a world dominated by motor vehicles. The usual front and rear lights do their part, but they leave your sides vulnerable—a blind spot in more ways than one. That's where SideLights come into play, a new set of bar-end lights aiming to make cyclists visible from every angle.
Developed by a Swiss cyclist who's probably had his fair share of close calls, these lights replace the plugs at the ends of your handlebars. They're crafted from aluminum, slide right in, and lock securely to fend off thieves. As long as your flat bars have an inner diameter of at least 15 mm and aren't swept back more than 30 degrees, you're good to go. If your grips are open-ended, no need to swap them out; otherwise, you might have to get ones that are.
Each module is a compact powerhouse. Facing forward, there's a white headlight pushing up to 600 lumens to light your path and announce your presence. At the back, a red tail light keeps you visible to traffic coming up from behind. But the real magic is on the sides: ring-shaped amber lights that provide 360-degree visibility, especially crucial at intersections where drivers might not see you otherwise.
Turn indicators are seamlessly integrated. Activated by a simple press of a button on the bar end, they let you signal without lifting a hand off the grip—a small but significant enhancement to safety. The indicators automatically shut off after 20 seconds, or you can cancel them manually.
Powering all this are 1,500-mAh lithium batteries housed within each module. They're easy to remove and charge via USB-C, taking about an hour to juice up. Depending on your settings—Eco, Normal, or Power—you'll get anywhere from two to eight hours of runtime. That's plenty for most commutes or evening rides.
Installation doesn't require a degree in engineering. Slide them in, lock them up, and you're set. They're built to withstand the elements with an IP67 waterproof rating, so a little rain won't dampen your ride. The aluminum body and protective pads mean they're durable enough to handle the inevitable bumps and knocks.
At just over a hundred bucks on Kickstarter, they're not a trivial purchase, but considering the enhanced safety and visibility they offer, it's a worthwhile investment. In a landscape where cyclists often feel like targets, anything that helps you stand out is more than just a gadget—it's peace of mind.
SideLights aren't just another set of bike lights; they're a thoughtful response to the real dangers cyclists face every day. By addressing side visibility and making signaling more intuitive, they could make navigating the city's streets a bit less harrowing. And in a world where every little advantage counts, that's something worth considering.
Pros:
- 360-Degree Visibility: Provides visibility from all angles, enhancing safety by making you visible at intersections and from any direction.
- Integrated Turn Signals: Built-in amber turn indicators allow you to signal without removing your hands from the grips, increasing safety and predictability on the road.
- Easy Installation: Quick and tool-free installation makes it convenient to set up on your bike.
- Durable and Weatherproof: Constructed with an aluminum body and protective pads, the SideLights are designed to withstand shocks and have an IP67 waterproof rating.
- High Luminosity: Offers up to 600 lumens for the front light and over 700 lumens of total illumination, improving visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Removable and Rechargeable Batteries: Equipped with interchangeable 1,500-mAh lithium batteries that are easy to remove and recharge via USB-C.
- Compatibility: Compatible with most bikes that have flat handlebars with an inner diameter of at least 15 mm and a back-sweep of no more than 30 degrees.
- Enhanced Side Visibility: Addresses the common issue of side visibility for cyclists, potentially reducing accidents at intersections.
- Secure Against Theft: Once locked in place, the lights are designed to be secure and hard to steal.
Cons:
- Price Point: With an estimated retail price of approximately $190, it is relatively expensive compared to standard bike lights.
- Limited Compatibility: Only fits flat handlebars with specific dimensions; cyclists with other handlebar types may not be able to use them.
- Battery Life at Full Power: Offers only up to 2 hours of runtime at full headlight output, which may be insufficient for longer rides.
- Grips May Need Replacement: If your existing grips are not open-ended, they need to be replaced, adding to the overall cost and effort.
- Unproven Long-Term Durability: As a new product, its long-term performance and durability are yet to be established.
- Potential Theft Risk: Despite being lockable, any external accessory may still be susceptible to theft or vandalism.
- No Mention of Anti-Glare Features: High luminosity might be distracting or blinding to other road users if not properly directed.
$190