First off I tip my hat at the effort and let me toss in my $0.02
I have and am fitting the Bicygnals with a modified Maxxon. I like them.. They have a big turn indicator that is separated by enough space as to look separate where the smaller indicators simply look like a yellow flasher which suggest a turn and is basic to signalling but not at all definitive for the concerned high traffic rider and distance rider like me.
The maxxon when we forget about what the Taiwanese need on their streets and hard wire the LEDs offers that brighter than running light "stop" light. Very important.
Please see the thread Maxxon :: Hack
What I find to be a problem is to have to dedicate my hand and arm to activate any thing.
The Bicygnals expect us to reach right or left of unit to activate and deactivate and that is a bad thing when navigating traffic. Looking at the turn signal unit when I should be watching traffic is an invitation for a crash.
A turn, horn or brake signal needs to be a no brain-er when we need to focus on a traffic situation such as the ever unpopular car that passes us up only to turn right into a drive way where they want to slow down so they don't bump their bumper but cut us off @ 25mph. They need a timely F.U. Air Horn shot as I am squeezing the brakes for all they have.
Using that right hand turn in front of a bicycle (USA) as the prime example the air horn can be heard in a car with the windows rolled up but if I can't get a thumb to it I sure can't spare a hand that is pulling the twin brake cables to hit the horn just two inches away from the thumb. Nor can I afford to let go of the other end of the handle bar in case I have to crash.
So the basic reach in a hurry is a thumb. If you can make the turn signals thumb operated that would be good. Air horn is another plus. Combo air horn, other horn, turn signal, running light and offer visual and sound cues as to when we have a blinker on would be good.
I would skip trying to be a bike light but Bicygnals are a nice light so I can't argue. Wait until you see my front end. I have three lights so I can see what I need to when I need to such as when I must ride a 8-12 shoulder of the road because of traffic. I use a single (bell) bike light pointed down at the road edge. Over kill but I have been too close to running off the pavement and into who knows what at @25 mpg so I need to quickly judge what choices I have and make the wisest choice which may mean taking a fall on the side of the road rather than something worse like hitting a child for example. I feel it's my duty to not hurt anyone especially me.
The second I must fiddle with a switch or make sure something is on or off is time away from safety of riding the bike.
So really we have a clutter on the bar. Gear shifters for us 21 speed people. Brake light unit. turn signal unit, air horn for me and all of that needs to be as simple as possible to access without thinking.
A combo throttle, horn, signal and running lights with kill switch would be helpful. I know we all like to move that hand around some when it falls asleep.
The biggest design goal is simple thumb activation.
Here is the rear assembly I am working on. Bicygnal and Maxxon ( modified ) I don't have a video yet but I think it's the right idea and yes this has run me over $150 to get this far considering all the expenses.
I would have spent that much for a complete kit that looks as nice or nicer than the bicygnals
I'm a night rider ~ long distance rider so I dig the lights!
I would be willing to pay that $150 or so if I got an all in one that doesn't fall apart with vibration.
I paid that much for my front light and I got the cheaper last year model.
I wish to be taken seriously on the highway. I want the drivers to think of me more as a motorcycle than a bicycle. Let them expect and get a brake light when i brake not just hit a bump and let them clearly see I am turning or changing lanes.
So what will your unit cost and what can it do?
Obviously LEDs are much cheaper than the Maxxon but that lens is killer. I paid a lot but it's bright!
Now to get it all finished so some tweeker can steal them.. Damn fools.
Oh and if anyone has a reset mod for bicygnals I am all for that.. Serious. That battery in battery out crap to sync is not my idea of usage but then offset that with theft and it seems wise.
I drilled a hole in the quick release tab for a small pad lock to discourage theft or so but having to resync the units sucks big time A one button sync system would be ideal. Sounds like hack number two.
Look it's going to be hard to beat what they ( bicygnals and maxxon ) have done but it can be done.
In fact you may be able to manufacture from their components.
I'd say stay away from the G-force idea.
