Crowdfunding Saturday: LIT Tires

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

Comments

[dan]

i've been riding michelin city tires with reflective sidewalls for two years.

http://www.amazon.com/Michelin-700x32-Reflective-Strip-Black/dp/B001C6DFKS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1365871255&sr=8-2&keywords=michelin+city+tire+700c

[Upside]

I've been riding the Duro Sierra with reflective sidewalls for about 2 years as well, and they have been very tough against glass and road crud on DC streets: http://urbanvelo.org/duro-sierra-700%C3%9735-tires/
And the reflective sidewalls are still very reflective after 2 years.

[Patrick Croasdaile w/Bike Soles]

Unlike other reflective tires, the LIT allows the rider to be seen from virtually 360 degrees in low-light conditions. We designed the tires with an Aramid bead to keep weight low and decrease rolling resistance. We also designed them with a stout puncture protection layer for all the crap that gets strewn across city streets and bike paths. We joke that we weren't trying to invent a Soviet-grade reflective tire that only keeps you safe. We want people to enjoy riding our tires, hence the added performance features.

[Upside]

1. The Duro Sierra's I have reflect from just off center from behind - so I'd say they have nearly 360 degree visibility. 2. Define "low light". 3. Does it reflect as well as new after 3 months of road grime all over them? It's probably like most things, with time that grey road grime on anything will keep anything from reflecting well. 4. The Duro's also have puncture protection built in, and a folding bead.

Patrick, it's great you're trying to make something more common and accessible (which is a good thing for safety), but I don't see much improvement over other existing tires with the same features. Put a (3 year?) warranty on them and make them in the USA and I'd say you've got a better product, and I'd buy them instantly.