A Glowing Discovery for Bikers

Bicyclists may be attracted to a new product from Texas called SIDELIGHTS--small self-adhesive reflector strips that stick on wheel rims, helmets, pedals or shoes. In fact, the high-intensity strips will stick on almost anything that you wish to illuminate, according to the manufacturer, including cat and dog collars, and objects used in or under water.

The silver-colored reflectors, which have been on the market for four months, come in a package of 20 strips, each half an inch wide by 1 1/2 inches long. Sid Ragland, one of the owners of the Ft. Worth firm Custom Wheel Lights Inc. that makes SIDELIGHTS, recommends that cyclists put eight strips on the rim of each bicycle wheel, leaving two left over for their helmet or shoes.

Ragland said the strips are visible for one mile, and that the “microprism technology” for the reflectors--each one uses thousands of microprisms to reflect lights--was developed by the Coast Guard. “They don’t come off and will last 10 years under normal use,” he said. “And they also work underwater. We tested them on buoys in salt water.”

SIDELIGHTS are available in selected bicycle shops in Southern California, or may be ordered by calling (817) 731-2241 or writing Custom Wheel Lights Inc., P.O. Box 100156, Ft. Worth, Tex. 76185. A package of 20 reflectors costs $5, plus $1 for handling and postage.

Pull Up a Chair

Two former Outward Bound instructors from Montana have developed The Chair, a lightweight (20 ounce) portable seat that allows campers, picnickers and bird watchers to take creature comforts to the outdoors--or just about anywhere else. Made of two 3/8-inch foam pads covered with Dupont’s Cordura, a water-resistant nylon cloth, it can be folded into a backpack or stuffed in a duffel bag.

Rob Hart, The Chair’s inventor, and Wheezie Chandler of Red Lodge, Mont., are marketing the seat from Crazy Creek Products in two sizes: the $35 regular (15 inches wide) and $37.50 large (17 inches wide). They also have another one called the Power Lounger, which has a padded extension that allows stretching out. It sells for $43.50.

The Chair’s foam pads are connected by nylon webbing straps and plastic buckles that permit the user to adjust it from a sitting to sleeping position. When laid flat, The Chair is 34 inches long; the Power Lounger, 51 inches long. To order, call (406) 446-3446 or write Crazy Creek Products Inc., 201 S. Broadway, Suite C, Box 896, Red Lodge, Mont. 59068.

Luggage on a Roll

Late last month, Samsonite, the world’s biggest luggage company, introduced its newest travel item--Piggyback, a suitcase with a built-in luggage cart. It is the first of its kind on the market, according to a company spokeswoman.

Designed with two wheels on one side, Piggyback has a special, patent-pending handle that slips out of the side of the bag and locks in place, enabling the traveler to pull the case easily. But this suitcase goes one step further. It also has a retractable strap that pulls out of the handle and will fasten across one to three other suitcases--depending on their size--so you can pull them all together, just as you could with a regular luggage carrier.

The medium Piggyback weighs 17.2 pounds, is equivalent to a 26-inch suitcase and retails for $179.99; large is 17.5 pounds, equivalent to a 28-inch case and costs $199.99. Both models come in gray, navy, tan and a dusty rose and are available at the Broadway, Bullock’s, May Co. and Robinson’s.

Idea Catches Fire

Sharon and Marshall Thompson of Davenport, Wash., have sold their pine-scented Lightning Nuggets for a few years in the Northwest and in specialty catalogues, but they are now marketing them in Southern California fireplace shops and gift stores. Made of pine sawdust compressed with wax, the nuggets light easily and burn for 15-20 minutes, so you don’t need paper or kindling to start your fire, according to marketing director Michelle Lilje. Place the 2-inch nugget, round side down, on the grate and let it burn for 30 seconds before adding wood, Lilje advised.

Lightning Nuggets come in three packages: 12 to a box, 24 or 40 to a basket, and range in price from $2.49 to $14.95. For information on stores in the Southern California area carrying them call (800) 4NUGGTS or write Lightning Nuggets Inc., P.O. Box 928, Davenport, WA. 99122. A brochure and sample nugget are available from the company for $1.