Headlight - Eurobike iF Design award 2008
Rear Light - Eurobike iF Design award 2008
Design lead: Allan Wong, Larry Koo
Project lead: Larry Koo
Bicycle lights are heavy and take up a lot of space on the handle bar. The design objective of FLEA was to be the lightest, brightest rechargeable cycling light in the world, weighing in at just 170 grams. Besides being equipped with an innovative magnetic wired charger, it also included other methods like solar panelling and USB charging. The lights were reviewed by the New York Times and received an IF Design Award at the EUROBIKE show in 2008.
Both the front and rear flashers are relatively small with a limited footprint for detailing. The unique facet reliefs on the top housing of the front flasher create a prominent identity for a small object. The high gloss surface finish helps to attract reflections and makes it more visible on the handlebar. The rear flasher follows a similar treatment to the front to be consistent as a pair. A new construction design is used for reducing the stack height of the light body. The LED is mounted onto the PCB with an O-ring sandwiched between it and the top housing. Therefore, the LED is exposed, and the transparent lens is no longer needed.
To further optimize the overall size, the charging pins are magnetized, which allows them to attach to the battery charger securely without needing a mechanical hinge attachment. A slot is placed on the backside of the flasher for threading through bungee cords or key chains for use when not mounted on the handlebar. A piece of thin Velcro is used for mounting the light securely on the handlebar. A thin layer is coated onto the face interface with the surface of the bar to prevent the light from rotating. The Velcro strap is replaceable, and the slot for mounting is compatible with zip ties as well.
