Part of a new regular feature, where in I post press releases of products seeking crowd funding. In case it matters, I don't get paid for these or get free samples or t-shirts or edible underwear or anything.
Bike Soles, an innovator in commuter bicycle accessories,
has announced the crowdfunding and launch of its new LIT ultra-reflective bicycle tires designed
for maximum visibility, durability and value. LIT tires are designed with a patent-pending, wide,
reflective sidewall that is positioned to maximize visibility from every angle, so that automobile
drivers can better see bicycle riders at night.
LIT Tires are being funded and supported on Crowd
Supply, the first crowdfunding site to support the management of pre-orders, fulfillment and e-
commerce for new products.
“LIT tires address a real need in the cycling community,” said Patrick Croasdaile, LIT project
leader at Bike Soles. “Almost half of all bicycle fatalities happen in twilight or nighttime
conditions and that number has been growing [1]. The increase of bicycle commuting in
cities like Portland, combined with shorter daylight hours in the fall and winter, means that
many more riders are on the roads at dusk or in the dark. While bicycle lights are a must-have
safety accessory, they only provide front and rear visibility, and are subject to theft and dead
batteries. LIT tires offer visibility and protection without added cost or weight over conventional
commuter bike tires. They look cool, and ride even better.”
The first LIT tires will be produced as a lightweight, folding tire (using an Aramid bead) in size
700x28. Designed for the urban commuter, they feature a puncture-protection layer and a
reinforced sidewall to reduce the occurrence of flats. Their smooth center tread and 100 PSI
rating delivers low rolling resistance. At 28mm wide, LIT tires are well-suited to most urban
bikes, many of which are steel-frame road bikes. LIT tires have a low rotational weight, making
them responsive for the many stops and starts associated with urban commuting.
Bike Soles has partnered with a major European bicycle tire producer for the manufacture of its
new line of LIT tires. Prototypes have been successfully produced and the final step is the tooling
for production molds.
“The cost of production molds exceeded our budget, so we decided to turn to crowdfunding to
raise the necessary funds,” said Jason Start, Bike Soles General Manager. “Crowd Supply was the
logical choice, since they offer a complete solution that also handles pre-orders and fulfillment.
We’re a small group and nobody wanted to pack and ship all of those orders. Crowd Supply
saves us valuable time and lets us focus on what we do best, which is innovate on behalf of the
bicycle commuter. Other crowdfunding sites, like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, don’t provide nearly
the level of support and service that Crowd Supply does.”
“We’re impressed with companies like Bike Soles, which are making a potentially life-saving
difference to their customers, and very pleased that they are finding the support they need
on Crowd Supply,” said Lou Doctor, co-founder and CEO of Crowd Supply. “We want to help
innovators succeed with both their crowdfunding goals and their entire business. Other
crowdfunding sites think of a campaign as a one-time event. We think of it as the beginning of
a long-term relationship. Crowd Supply is where the next generation of innovators will come of
age.”
Oregon’s Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) has agreed to help spread the word about LIT
tires through a program that will last through the 60-day crowdfunding campaign. Bike Soles will
donate $1 for each tire that backer’s purchase during this period.
“Bicycle commuting benefits our community in so many ways,” said Stephanie Noll, BTA Deputy
Director. “Making it safer for riders at night is of critical importance. Bike Soles’ donation to the
BTA through the LIT tires campaign increases our capacity to advocate for safer streets for all. ”
To learn more about Bike Soles, please visit: http://www.bikesoles.com
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