Fortified Bicycle

Afterburner Anti-Theft Boost Rear Light

The MIT bike nerds behind Fortified Bicycle's Afterburner Anti-Theft Boost Rear Light were initially inspired by a night when someone they knew was hit by a car while riding home after his bike light was stolen. The aim was to produce a light that would not only help keep you visible in low-light conditions, but whose usefulness and lifespan would outlast a single season of use.

Toward this end, the Afterburner is built with an alloy body that's waterproof and nigh indestructible. Since a stolen light inspired this project, it's no surprise that the goal of making a forever light also necessitated a theft-proof attachment. The custom bolt securing the Afterburner to the seatpost means Joe multi-tool can't lift the light from an unattended bike. Fortified is so confident in the security and durability that it's promised to replace the light if it is ever stolen.

For all the focus on longevity, the Afterburner's primary job is to help keep cyclists visible. The aperture is shaped to allow 180-degree side visibility but keep the light from shining up into the cyclist's eyes, and the different settings let the low-light rider customize the light's output to accommodate variable conditions.