When cycling at night, it's important not just to be seen from the front and back but also from the sides. In order to make that happen, bicycle lighting systems typically either add dedicated side lights or they divert part of the main headlight beam. The Ding headlight, however, puts out one beam that shines forward, along with a second one that lights up the road directly to either side of the bike.
The Ding's forward beam uses two LEDs for a maximum output of 400 lumens, ensuring that riders can see the road ahead. A separate LED on the underside of the light puts out another 150 lumens, creating a 3 x 1.5-meter (9.8 x 4.9-ft) rectangular bar of light on the asphalt beneath.
Both beams can be switched to lower output modes for longer battery life. At the maximum setting, the USB-rechargeable 3.7-volt 2,500-mAh lithium battery should be good for a claimed 2.5 hours of use. Users are alerted to low charge levels via integrated colored LED indicators.
The Ding is attached to the underside of the handlebars via a swiveling silicone strap. To remove the light for charging (or to keep it away from thieving hands), users can quickly detach it from a built-in "holster" instead of taking the strap off every time.
The light's Australia-based designers are currently raising production funds, on Kickstarter. A pledge of AUD$95 (about US$73) will currently get you one, when and if they're ready to go. The planned retail price is AUD$120 (about US$92).
More information is available in the following video.
Sources: Ding, Kickstarter
