Bikes are back … new invention lights the way for cycle safety!

Launch of first combined flashing indicator and mirror for cycles Offers unique safety benefits for cyclists and all road users alike Incorporates white and red running lights Cycling during the dark winter months can be an intimidating and dangerous activity. Cyclists everywhere know that to be seen is to be safe. An ingenious new invention called Winkku could be set to revolutionise cycling safety and make seasonal cycling a thing of the past. Winkku is a compact device which clips on to any bike and gives the cyclist both a flashing direction indicator and mirror for the first time, together with 'running lights' for night use, positioned on the end of the handlebars for maximum visibility, allowing you to make full use of your bicycle all year round. Winkku, branded by The Guardian (10/10/08) as the 'must have bicycle accessory' has been made possible due to advances in LED (light emitting diode) technology. Winkku comes complete with fitting brackets and a soft carry bag.

Winkku’s designer, Graeme Bell, has spent the last 20 years designing professionally for the likes of Conran, Land Rover and Malaysian Airlines but turned his attention to cycling after discovering for himself how dangerous commuting by bike on Britain's crowded roads can be. Last year alone, over 2,300 cyclists were either seriously injured or killed on UK roads by other road users (RoSPA). 'LEDs are now so much brighter than just a couple of years ago' explains Bell. 'They're being used for the first time in car headlamps and also household lights. So now we can design a bike indicator where we're confident it can be seen easily, even in bright sunlight. LEDs are also a huge step forward in efficiency and batteries last much longer with LEDs than with conventional bulbs'. Bell adds 'I've had several near misses when trying to change lanes or turn right and thought how useful it would be not to have to look round while trying to keep the bike in a straight line, as well as to be able to indicate my intention to turn just like any other road user. I noticed that the car manufacturers have started to incorporate flashing indicators into door mirrors and this seemed like the obvious answer for bikes as well.'

Winkku is powered by three AA-size batteries and clips on and off the handlebars in seconds so you can take it with you when parking. 'We all know that being able to zoom up between lines of traffic is one of the great advantages of cycling' explains Bell, 'so we've designed Winkku to fold back flush, then it clicks into the correct position again instantly when you next need it'.

Three years in development, the designers have incorporated as many useful features as they can - the bright night lights shine red to the rear and white to the front, the mirror is both wide-angle and moulded in shatterproof resin and there's even a bleeper to remind you the indicator's operating, in case you're concentrating on the traffic around you. 'Being able to keep both hands securely on the handlebars while indicating was a critical feature we knew we had to build into Winkku' adds Bell, 'so we've designed a clever switch which you can operate with a just slight movement of the outside edge of your hand'.

A variety of factors from the credit crunch, to health benefits, to environmental concerns are persuading record numbers of us to switch to cycling for commuting, popping to the corner shop, or getting to school, but safety remains a major concern. 'We have a long way to go in the UK to make our roads as bike-friendly as in many other European countries,' says Bell, 'and I hope that Winkku becomes an indispensable part of any cyclist’s road safety kit”. For Winkku, it seems the future's bright!

Winkku Key Features:-

World's first combined mirror and indicator for bikes (patents pending) Fits onto end of all types of handlebar 21 Ultra-bright LED lamps Flashing orange indicator close to drivers' eye-line Keep both hands on the handlebars while operating the indicator White and red night running lights positioned on extremity of bike Wide-angle mirror in shatterproof resin No wiring - stylish, compact battery-powered unit Unclips instantly for parking Soft carry bag included Pro bracket neat and discreet when going off-road Folds back for cycling between lines of traffic Knocks back if struck Rubber bumper absorbs impacts on outside edge The Winkku Bicycle Lights Mirror & Indicators is available in both left handed and right handed.

Quick Summary:-

Fully adjustable mirror Turn indicator: 13 pcs Orange LEDs Front running lights: 4pcs White LEDs Rear running light: 4pcs Red LEDs Wireless power: Uses 3 x AA batteries (not included) Accessories included:-

Two types of mounting brackets for all types of handle bar Pro fitting template Allen key Soft carry bag Installing Your Winkku

Pro Bracket We recommend using the pro bracket whenever possible. Use the pro bracket guide / template to ensure the correct size of hole is cut in the end of the right handlebar. Alternatively, some bike styles allow you to simply pop off the handlebar end cap. Insert the pro bracket into the handlebar end with the rubber grommet facing upwards. Using the Allen key provided, tighten slightly. The pro bracket will expand to fit all standard handlebars. Clip the Winkku firmly into the collar at the end of the bracket, sit in your normal riding position and adjust the mirror rear view by firstly rotating the pro bracket within the handlebar until you achieve the desired vertical alignment. Then rotate the Winkku horizontally within the collar ratchet to achieve the desired horizontal alignment. Further fine horizontal adjustment can be made by rotating the Winkku securing collar by up to 20 degrees. To do this, remove the Winkku from the collar, use the Allen key to loosen the clamping screw slightly and rotate the collar by hand. Be careful not to lose the vertical setting. Push the Winkku back into the collar and check the mirror alignment. Once the Winkku is in the correct position, tighten the bracket until it is secure (do not over-tighten). Go for a short ride and check the mirror view while pedalling in your normal riding position. Re-adjust as necessary and finally secure the bracket with the Allen key.

Easyfit Bracket Simply place the Easyfit bracket over the right handle grip, rubber grommet facing up and secure firmly using the Velcro strap. Adjust the mirror view as described above. The fine horizontal adjustment is made by using the Allen key to unclamp the horizontal quadrant, rotate as necessary and re-tighten. When loosening the clamp screw, be careful not to allow the nut on the other end to fall off.

Using Your Winkku

Winkku has 3 modes; night running lights only, indicator only, running lights and indicator. Switch on Winkku by pressing the main switch once. The unit will flash orange twice. The indicator can then be operated by simply nudging the side turn switch. When cycling, you should not have to remove your hand from the handlebars to operate the indicator. Simply roll your hand to the right into the nudge switch to turn on and off. You will hear a discreet bleeper to remind you that the indicator is on.

To switch the running lights on and off, press the button beneath the mirror. Both the rear red and forward facing white LEDs will come on. You do NOT have to switch these off before using the indicator. The nudge switch will interrupt the running lights when you want to indicate and will return to the running lights when the indicator is switched off.

Switch off your Winkku by pressing the main switch once. The red and white lights will flash to confirm the unit is switched off.

Other Key Features

Winkku can be pulled back for nipping through tight spaces and simply ‘clicked’ back into place when required. Should you be clipped by a passing motorist, Winkku will knock back or forward without breaking or falling off. It has a rubber battery / end cover and a shatterproof resin mirror for that reason!

The Winkku indicator blinks at the same speed as a car indicator so that road users (who are pre-disposed to react to flashing lights) recognise and understand your intention to turn right. When mounted on the handlebars, the Winkku is clearly visible to other road users, even in daylight as is protrudes beyond the cyclist at roughly the height of a car driver’s eye.

Winkku comes with a 12 month guarantee. Status: Left Handed Pre Order- Due in on 24th November, 2010 Right Handed Pre Order- Due in on 24th November, 2010