You reference trade secrets and someone suggested patents. Just be aware that good ideas do not necessarily get patented.

Not to be negative... but the technology behind putting high-intensity LED's into a package that can be mounted on a bike probably isn't worth patenting. I've got a small flashlight bright enough to blind people with an adjustable beam spread. I could tape it on the handlebars and be good to go with some AA's.

I didn't say it wouldn't make a good product to sell... but having a patent isn't the cure-all.

Also, why does it have to be carbon fiber? The weight difference between carbon fiber and high grade plastic is insignificant and only adds to your cost.

I agree with making a prototype.
Check out...
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGIC,GGIC:1970--2,GGIC:en&q=prototype+manufacturers
for POSSIBLE vendors.

I diagree with going to Schwinn... I'd find an independent bike shop that runs the local market and talk to them. Enabling them to put something on their shelf that helps their fanatic customers could be a start to getting the word out.

Sorry I can't give you a more definitive road map to getting it to market... but I do have one additional thought...

No matter how bright the light is... make sure it casts a broad enough beam so that we can still see where we are going as we bounce around on the street or trail. I had a light one time that cast such a narrow beam that it didn't matter how bright it was... it never was shining in the area I was trying to go.



Marlin Creek - Idea Seeds
http://marlincreek.com