Ever wonder about the Revolights Eclipse? If you’re an avid cyclist or just a fan of innovative technology, it’s definitely something worth knowing. This not-so-average bike lighting system was designed to radically enhance visibility and safety on the road, offering a futuristic twist to traditional bike lights.
What made Revolights Eclipse stand out from other options was its unique design and functionality. Unlike typical front and rear bicycle lights, this system integrated LEDs into both wheels of your bike. This created what appeared to be rings of light when in motion – pretty cool right?
Yet, there’s more to these lights than just their cool factor. The real deal with Revolights Eclipse lies in its intelligent design elements that aimed at improving rider safety. From providing 360-degree visibility to smart brake indication, it’s easy to see why these innovative lights gained so much attention.
The Birth of Revolights Eclipse
Ever wondered how the concept of Revolights Eclipse came into existence? It’s a fascinating story that begins with one man’s quest for a safer bike ride. Kent Frankovich, a mechanical engineer and an avid cyclist, was riding his bike at night when he realized there had to be better bike lighting solutions available.
In 2011, Kent teamed up with Adam Pettler and Jim Houk to create the company, Revolights. They were driven by a shared passion for cycling safety and innovative design. Their goal? To revolutionize bicycle lighting.
The team spent countless hours brainstorming, designing, and testing their ideas. After numerous prototypes and adjustments, they finally released their flagship product – the Revolights Eclipse.
The product was a game-changer in bike safety equipment. It combined smart headlighting and taillighting into one sleek system integrated into your bike wheels. What set it apart from other options was its innovative design which ensured you’re visible from all angles while also illuminating your path ahead.
Here are some key features that made the Revolights Eclipse stand out:
- Smart Headlights: These weren’t just typical headlights; they were designed to project light at optimum angles providing full 360° visibility.
- Tail Brake Lights: Just like brake lights in cars, these lights flash red when you’re slowing down or stopping.
- Integrated System: Unlike traditional attachable lights, this system is integrated directly onto your bike wheels making them more robust against theft.
This creative solution didn’t go unnoticed either! In fact, it garnered attention from various platforms including an appearance on Shark Tank where they secured funding from Robert Herjavec!
Year | Event |
---|---|
2011 | Founding of Revolights Inc. |
2014 | Launch of Revolights Eclipse |
2015 | Appearance on Shark Tank |
So next time you’re out biking during those late evening hours remember – there’s more than just regular headlights thanks to the ingenuity behind Revolights Eclipse.
Key Features of the Revolights Eclipse
If you’re a cycling enthusiast, the Revolights Eclipse is sure to catch your attention. This innovative lighting system, designed specifically for bicycles, boasts a multitude of impressive features that set it apart from conventional bike lights.
Firstly, there’s the 360-degree visibility. The Revolights Eclipse features two slim rings of LEDs that attach directly to your wheels. Not only does this give you complete illumination around your bike, but it also makes you highly visible to others on the road – an essential safety feature if you often cycle in low-light conditions or busy urban areas.
Next up are the smart brake lights. That’s right – this isn’t just about visibility; it’s about communication too! When decelerating, the rear wheel’s red lights flash rapidly, alerting drivers behind you that you’re slowing down or stopping.
One standout feature is its integration with Bluetooth and mobile apps. With the Revolights app on your smartphone, you can easily control and customize your light settings based on your needs and preferences.
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Worried about battery life? You shouldn’t be! The lights are powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that delivers up to 4 hours of continuous use on a full charge.
Lastly, let’s not forget durability. These aren’t some flimsy accessories that’ll break at the first sign of rain; they’re weather-resistant and robust enough to withstand daily wear-and-tear.
To summarize:
- 360-degree visibility: Full illumination around your bicycle.
- Smart brake lights: Rapid flashing when decelerating or stopping.
- Bluetooth & App Integration: Easy control and customization.
- Long-lasting Battery Life: Up to 4 hours on a full charge.
- Durability: Weather-resistant and tough enough for regular use.
So if safety and functionality are high on your list when looking for bike accessories, then look no further than the Revolights Eclipse.
How Does the Revolights Eclipse Work?
Diving into how the Revolights Eclipse works, it’s important to understand that this system is a blend of smart design and technology. At its core, the Eclipse operates on an intelligent lighting system that adapts to your bike speed.
Essentially, the Eclipse uses magnetometer sensors located near the bike’s rims. These sensors detect when your wheels are in motion and assist in determining their speed. They work by communicating with LED rings attached to both of your bike’s wheels.
Once you start pedaling, these LED lights spring into action. They’re programmed not just to light up but also adjust brightness based on how fast you’re going! That means if you’re cruising down a hill at high speeds, they’ll shine brighter ensuring maximum visibility for both you and traffic around you.
However, what sets the Eclipse apart from other systems is its smart brake light feature. The sensors can detect sudden decreases in wheel rotation – a clear sign that you’re slowing down or coming to a stop. When this happens, all LEDs flash brightly as a warning signal to others around you.
Here’s how everything ties together:
- Sensors detect wheel motion and estimate speed
- Information is relayed to LED rings
- Rings adjust brightness based on speed data
- Sudden slowdown causes LEDs to flash as brake lights
The result? A versatile lighting system that not only enhances visibility but also contributes significantly towards riding safety!
Remember though: while it might seem complex on paper, using the Revolights Eclipse is as simple as hopping onto your bicycle and starting your journey. Installation isn’t too tricky either – most users find they can get up and running within an hour or so.
So there you have it: a neat summary explaining just how this groundbreaking biking accessory functions.
An In-Depth Look at Its Installation Process
The installation process for the Revolights Eclipse is straightforward, even for those who aren’t mechanically inclined. You’ll appreciate its user-friendly design and clear instructions. Let’s break down the steps:
Firstly, you’ll need to remove your current bike wheels. Don’t worry! It’s a simple task that only requires an adjustable wrench.
Next comes attaching the Revolights rings. These go on both of your wheels, with the LEDs facing outward. The kit includes a set of clips that secure these rings onto the spokes of your bike wheels.
After this, it’s time to attach the battery and hub to each wheel. This step involves securing them in place using zip ties provided in the kit.
Now we’re onto connecting everything together. This involves plugging wires from each light ring into their respective battery packs and hubs.
Finally, mount the handlebar switch which controls your Revolights system. It fits easily around most standard sized handlebars.
Throughout this process, it’s essential to test your lights after each step. You don’t want any surprises once you hit the road!
To give you a better idea of what you’re dealing with, here are some key components involved:
Component | Description |
---|---|
Light Rings | Two LED-laden rings that attach to your bike wheels |
Battery & Hub | Power sources for each light ring |
Handlebar Switch | Controls power & mode options |
Remember, installing Revolights Eclipse isn’t just about enhancing your ride aesthetically; it also significantly boosts safety during night rides by improving visibility.
While there may be various steps involved in setting up this inventive lighting system for bikes, don’t let that deter you! With patience and careful attention to detail, you’ll have these impressive lights installed and ready to use in no time at all.
Comparing Revolights Eclipse to Other Bike Lights
When you’re in the market for bike lights, it’s important to make an informed decision. You might’ve heard about Revolights Eclipse, but how does it stack up against other options on the market? Let’s dive into some comparisons.
First off, let’s talk brightness. The primary purpose of bike lights is visibility – both for you and those around you. Revolights Eclipse boasts a brightness of 35 lumens, which, while not the brightest option out there, offers ample illumination for most urban cycling scenarios.
Here’s how that stacks up against some competitors:
Bike Light | Brightness (Lumens) |
---|---|
Light A | 50 |
Light B | 60 |
Light C | 30 |
As evident from this comparison, while Revolights Eclipse might not be the brightest contender, it holds its own pretty well.
Moving onto battery life – another crucial factor when choosing a bike light. With an impressive 4 hours on high-intensity mode and up to 8 hours on energy saving mode, the Revolights Eclipse shines brightly in this department.
Let’s see how others fare:
Bike Light | Battery Life (High Intensity Mode) | Battery Life (Energy Saving Mode) |
---|---|---|
R. Eclipse | 4 Hours | Up to 8 Hours |
Light D | 2 Hours | Up to 6 Hours |
Light E | 3 Hours | Up to 5 Hours |
In terms of battery life then, R. Eclipse certainly takes the lead over Lights D and E!
Lastly, let’s consider installation ease because who wants a complicated setup process? Luckily for you, installing Revolight’s system is a breeze! It fits most bikes without fuss thanks to its universal design – something many other bike lights can’t claim.
To sum it up:
- For brightness: R.Eclipse isn’t at top place but performs decently
- In terms of battery life: R.Eclipse definitely stands out
- Regarding installation: R.Eclipse offers near-universal compatibility
So there you have it. Hopefully now you have a clearer picture of where Revolights eclipse sits among its contenders in terms of brightness, battery life and ease of setup!
User Experience: Pros and Cons of the Revolights Eclipse
You’re probably wondering what’s so special about the Revolights Eclipse. Let’s delve into some of its key features and how they impact your overall user experience.
Pros
One significant advantage is the innovative lighting design. The Revolights Eclipse offers 360-degree visibility, which significantly increases safety when biking at night. You’ll also appreciate its smart break light feature that signals to those behind you when you’re slowing down.
Another essential benefit is the ease of installation. You don’t need a professional hand or any complex tools to get your bike ready with these lights; it’s as simple as attaching them to your wheels.
Moreover, this product comes with an integrated app that lets you control your lights remotely, turning them on or off with just a few taps on your smartphone screen.
Cons
Every product has its downsides and for the Revolights Eclipse, one major drawback is battery life. Although it promises up to 4 hours of continuous use, some users have reported less than satisfactory performance in real-world situations.
Secondly, there’s the issue of price. The revolutionary design and functionality come at a cost; if you’re working within a tight budget, this might not be an affordable option for you.
Lastly, while it fits most standard bikes comfortably, compatibility issues may arise with specific models – particularly those with larger wheel sizes.
Quick Recap Table
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Innovative lighting design | Less than satisfactory battery life |
Easy installation process | High price point |
Integrated app for remote control | Possible compatibility issues |
Understanding both sides of the spectrum helps ensure that you make an informed decision whether or not investing in Revolights Eclipse will be worth it for your specific needs.
Safety Considerations with the Revolights Eclipse
When talking about cycling, especially at night, safety is crucial. The Revolights Eclipse was designed with this in mind and it’s worth noting how it tackled safety concerns.
In terms of visibility, Revolights Eclipse really stepped up the game. It provided a 360-degree visibility, ensuring that you’d be seen by motorists from all angles. Its bright white lights at the front and red lights at the back increased your visibility on the road significantly.
But there’s more to it than just being seen. The lighting system also illuminated your path, providing enough light for you to see obstacles in good time. It allowed you to see around 40 feet ahead which can be a lifesaver when riding along poorly lit roads or trails.
Let’s not forget about installation safety either. You might think installing such a lighting system would be complex and potentially risky if not done correctly. However, Revolights made sure their product was user-friendly. The easy-to-follow instructions meant even those less mechanically inclined could safely install their own set without much hassle.
However, like all products, there were some considerations:
- Despite its brightness, weather conditions like heavy rain or fog could impact visibility.
- Some users reported difficulty aligning the lights properly during installation.
- Battery life varied depending on usage – typically between 4 -6 hours before needing recharging.
While these concerns don’t negate the overall effectiveness of Revolights Eclipse for improving rider safety they’re definitely factors worth considering when assessing whether this product is right for you.
To sum up: while no product can guarantee absolute safety on the roads (that also depends heavily on responsible riding), Revolights Eclipse certainly went a long way towards enhancing cyclist visibility and awareness — key aspects of any safe ride.
Maintenance Tips for Your Revolights Eclipse
Keeping your Revolights Eclipse in top shape isn’t a tough task. It’s just about understanding the specifics and taking care of those little details that make all the difference. So, let’s dive into some maintenance tips to ensure you get the best out of your revolutionary bike lighting system.
Firstly, it’s important to regularly check your batteries. The Revolights Eclipse operates on rechargeable Li-ion batteries. They’re long-lasting, but like any battery, they’ll need replacing over time. You should monitor their performance and get replacements when needed.
Secondly, cleaning is key. Dirt and grime can hinder light projection and potentially damage components over time. You don’t have to clean after every ride; a simple wipe down with a soft cloth once a week should suffice.
Thirdly, remember to inspect the LEDs regularly for any signs of malfunction or damage as early detection can prevent bigger issues down the line.
Additionally:
- Ensure that brake calipers are not touching the lights.
- Adjust if necessary—the wheels should spin freely without rubbing against anything.
- Conduct periodic checks on wheel alignment.
Here are some helpful numbers related to cleaning frequency and battery life:
Cleaning Frequency | Battery Life |
---|---|
Once per week | 4 hours (continuous use) |
Lastly, remember that preventive maintenance is always better than reactive repairs—it’ll save you both time and money in the long run! Keep these tips at your fingertips and you’re bound to enjoy many rides illuminated by your trusty Revolights Eclipse.
Where to Buy the Revolights Eclipse?
So you’ve decided to get your hands on the Revolights Eclipse. The next question is, where can you buy it? Lucky for you, that’s what we’re here to help with.
Primarily, Revolights Eclipse were sold through the company’s official website. But alas, they are no longer in production and as such aren’t available there anymore. No need to worry though; there are still avenues for you.
You might have luck finding them on online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon. These platforms often carry a wide range of products, even those that have been discontinued or are hard-to-find. Keep an eye out for sellers dealing with biking accessories, they might just have a set of Revolights Eclipse tucked away somewhere.
Another option is checking out local bike shops or classified ads. Some stores might still have old stock lying around or know someone who does. It’s worth giving them a call or paying a visit if you’re serious about getting these lights.
Here’s something crucial: when buying from third-party sellers, whether online or offline:
- Ensure the product is genuine.
- Check if it’s in good condition.
- Ask about return policies before making any purchase.
Remember, it’ll require some patience and persistence but don’t lose hope! The Revolights Eclipse could turn up in the most unexpected places at times!
Although it may seem like quite an effort now, once you install those cool wheel lights on your bicycle and take a moonlit ride through your neighborhood – trust us – all this will be more than worth it!
Wrapping Up: Is the Revolights Eclipse Worth It?
So, you’ve made it to the end of our deep dive into the world of Revolights Eclipse. Now’s the moment of truth: is this innovative bike lighting system really worth your hard-earned cash?