This is something I love about the bicycle industry. There are so many good companies that really care about what they do. A lot of gear is built to perform, and built to last.

So many other industries produce crap that wears out fast, relying on planned obsolescence to keep their profits coming. Chalk this up as another sustainability benefit of bike commuting and bike travel. More greenbelt, less landfill.

This is just to say I’ve bought and used a lot of bike lights over the years. I have my favorites, and I might make some recommendations in a future post. But for now, I’m frustrated by a problem that seems to happen across the board, with every kind of bike light I’ve ever used.

Usually the mounting wears out or breaks long before the light does. So you end up with a perfect light that you can’t attach to your bicycle.

Sure, you can always figure something out with bungi cords, rubber bands and duct tape, but all of those things lead to new problems later on. As a result, I have a drawer full of flashlights that are simply retired bike lights.

My latest solution is the head lamps that you find at camping stores. It’s bright, it automatically points wherever I look, but it’s uncomfortable and I feel like I’m cheating somehow. Plus, this doesn’t fill the need for a flashing rear light device.

I know there has to be a better way, and that’s where you come in.

If you like to tinker, and you could patent some kind of universal bike light mount, you may be in a business. If your device is simple, durable, and lightweight, you’re going to be a millionaire. If this sounds like you, please get on it! I won’t ask for any credit or compensation. I’ll be your first customer!

*Yes, I almost killed myself a few times while biking under the influence, but at least I wouldn’t have killed anybody else. Don’t ever try to drive, ride, or operate any vehicle–bike, motorcycle, steamroller, skateboard, pogo stick, burro, or jet ski–when your cognitive processes are compromised. If you’re going to abuse a substance, let it be coffee!