Smallfry lights the way with Basta bikes

Product design group Smallfry has designed a range of rechargeable bicycle lights for Dutch-owned bike accessory brand Basta, which will be launched in UK stores from the autumn.

Smallfry won the project on the back of previous work for Basta, which also manufactures bicycle locks and pedals.

The range consists of three lights, called Sun, Saturn and Mars.

The lights are designed to meet Continental light output standards and appeal to serious cyclists who use bikes as a major form of transport rather than as a leisure pursuit. Germany and Holland legally require higher brightness levels than the UK.

“They are designed to be serious, working products as well as good-looking lights,” says Smallfry designer Martin Smith. He claims they are the first cycle lights to enable cyclists to see where they are going, rather than just be seen by other road users.

The products are bright enough to light a road sign at long distance and are designed to incorporate five batteries, rather than the standard four, without becoming excessively bulky. The batteries can be recharged by using pedal power or a charger.