BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Thomas Prehn's new company, Arsenal Cycling, is crowdfunding a new light system that includes rear lights that flash in unison. Prehn, who has worked and consulted with several brands including CatEye, said Arsenal will launch several new products soon, all related to improving rider safety.
Prehn, a former top pro road cyclist who still rides thousands of miles a year, said rider safety has become a personal passion.
"I've spent a lot of time working on lighting and it's something I feel strongly about, and something I could focus a company on and be successful," Prehn told BRAIN.
Arsenal's first product, the 4Sync Light, includes three red lights and one white light. The red lights are intended to be positioned in a vertical line on the rear of the rider and bike — for example, on the rear of the helmet, the lower back and the seatstays. The white light faces forward.
The four lights use a wireless "mini network" so they flash in unison. Turning on or off any of the lights will control the others.
Prehn said the three lights flashing in unison make it easier for drivers to notice a rider and judge the rider's speed and location, similar to the way flashing lights on a radio tower allow pilots to identify the tower and its location. The technology is patent pending.
“The human brain has an innate ability to detect patterns against a cluttered background,” Prehn said. “The premise for my light system is that its synchronized flashing enables cyclists to be not only seen — but noticed — on the road. It is a proactive defense against distracted drivers, and the only one of its kind."
4Sync Lights will retail for about $165. They are rechargeable via an included 4-in-1 charging cable and have a run time of 16 hours in "pulse" mode or 24 hours in "group ride" mode, which uses a reduced lumen output. The normal lumen output is 40 lumens for the front white light and 20 lumens for each of the three rear lights, or 60 lumens total. The lights each have clothing clips and silicone straps so they can be attached to a bike.
Early backers on Kickstarter are being offered a set of four lights for a $120 pledge. For a $3,500 pledge, Prehn is offering 10 sets of lights and will conduct a seminar on commuting and group ride safety for the organization making the pledge.
Prehn said that following the Kickstarter campaign, the lights will be available to IBDs via a handful of distributors. He said Arsenal is looking for strategic partners as it prepares to bring more products to market.
The Kickstarter campaign continues through Oct. 14. As of Thursday, the campaign had reached about 30 percent of its $20,000 funding goal.
More information: 4Sync's Kickstarter page.
