Pedalite

Yeah, it snowed today. Just like yesterday, and the day before. Puts a cramp on getting out and riding, or even taking photos for reviews. But a quick search of Youtube indicates that trying to get decent video for one of my latest reviews would have been a lesson in futility. So read on, and then do a search yourself, if you’d like to see these products in action.

About 100 years ago (ok, maybe two months, but it seems longer) I got a box in the mail from the nice folks at Pedalite. It contained some very interesting pedals, an Anklelite, and a Baglite. These innovative products are aimed squarely at cycle commuters. The main danger faced by cyclists is motorists failing to notice a smaller, more environmentally-friendly form of transportation, and running them down. While it’s entirely possible that the use of these products will allow motorists to see you before they hit you, the hope is that they may help you avoid becoming an unpleasant statistic.

That said, I’ll start with the battery-free pedals. Yes, they’re OMG! heavy. But I suppose that given the choice between serious injury and/or death, and heavy pedals, they’re not so bad. In all fairness, they’re not really as porky as their bulk suggests, it’s just that I’ve only got weight-weenie pedals to compare them to. While the body is plastic (polycarbonate?) they have ten steel pins that offer plenty of grip for cleatless riders. The dynamo contained in each pedals ensures battery-free operation, but there’s still a little built-in battery that keeps the lights running when you’re stopped at a traffic light. Each pedal offers front to back lighting, with an clear flasher up front, an amber one on the side, and red on the back of the pedal. It’s like a little disco light show under your feet.

My very scientific testing consisted of installing the pedals on my Wabi Classic, and sending my neighbor’s son off for a few laps around the block at dusk and then proper night time. The results? Yes, they’re eye-catching. I felt like an idiot, sitting in my car, watching someone else ride by on my bike, but he was hard to miss. It also caught the attention of all the little kids in the neighborhood, which I found to be a bonus, as it allowed us to talk about bikes and how “cool” it would be to be able to bike everywhere when they grew up. Yeah, there’s hope for today’s kids yet. Back on topic, I don’t have any specifics regarding light output, visibility distances, or anything like that. But if my simple real world test is any indication, the Pedalites will certainly help you be seen in poorly lit residential areas. My guess is that the three flashing lights moving in the crank’s circular rotation will probably also help in busier areas as well. To that end, I’m going to be passing these on to an actual commuter for a more comprehensive, long-term test. Details on that will follow, along with the review of the other Pedalite products.