Tag: bike accessories

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Connected Objects Cycling

SmartPedal adds smartphone-controlled turn signals, GPS tracking to your bike

One of the most hazardous parts of riding a bicycle on the same roads as car traffic is that vehicles can’t usually tell when the cyclist is planning to make a turn.

SmartPedal is a pedal featuring smartphone-controlled turn signaling that can be added to most bicycles. The pedals are connected to Android and iOS phones via Bluetooth. Once installed, users can inform surrounding traffic of their intent to make a turn via voice command or touch gesture that activates a blinking light sequence. A pair of SmartPedals cost 178 euros (~$200) and will ship in March-June 2016, with retail distribution expected to follow in July. Its maker is hoping to raise 260,000 euros (~$291,800) by July 4.

There are other smart pedals for bikes, including Connected Cycle Pedals. But SmartPedals’ safety focus sets it apart. Despite the focus on safety while riding in urban traffic, it has GPS tracking inside the application, which will allow users to track their positions/routes via smartphones. Its maker is also expecting to add a GPS sensor inside the SmartPedal itself to allow the user to track the position of the bike while the SmartPedals are on it, which would enable it to also function as an anti-theft device.

 

Categories
Connected Objects Cycling

Connected Cycle Pedals let you track bike rides, track down bike thieves

There are devices on the market that consumers can use to prevent the theft of their bicycle. There are also devices available that can track pedaling data for health and fitness reasons.

patent-claimedConnected Cycle Pedals, however, were designed to be used for both of those applications. Once connected to any bike, the device will instantly transform it into a smart bicycle. Although the pedals work in conjunction with an app for Android (4.0 and higher) and iOS (7 and higher) devices, users don’t need to have a smartphone with them while biking because the pedals have their own Internet connection. The pedals automatically record statistics and send them through the cloud to the app.

In addition, the pedals will send users an alert on their mobile device if somebody moves the bike because the product is equipped with a motion detection system. If the bike is taken, the pedals have built-in GPS that will help users track their bike down. Connected Cycle Pedals cost $220 and will ship in December. The campaign deal has been sweetened as the company is offering a SIM card with free lifetime data to its backers. Its maker set an Indiegogo campaign goal of reaching $50,000 by May 27.

To appeal to a wide array of cyclists, the pedals are available in five colors: black, blue, green, red and “tangerine” Particularly given how unobtrusively they blend into the bike and their easy installation, Connected Cycle Pedals should appeal to almost any cyclist who wants to track performance or their bike should it fall into the wrong feet.

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Cycling

iPump Twist pumps up tires; keeps cyclists rolling

There’s little that’s more disappointing for cyclists than to arrive at their favorite spot for biking and then finding that their tires are low and really need more air.

iPump Twist is a portable carbon fiber air pump designed to keep cycling enthusiasts rolling. To use, start by pulling out the flexible hose, then grasp the handle, twist, and pump air into the tire using the palm of the hand. It can pump up to 120 psi and is durable and shock resistant. The product also offers a convenient storage case to add to the ease of having it available during riding.

While the iPump Twist seems very similar to other tire pumps, it weighs only 25 grams, making it highly portable and a good tool to have on long trips. Other useful tools that cyclists might appreciate knowing about include My Task, 8rlicht and Funnell. Those who’d like to try their hand at building their own bike might find the Bamboobee campaign interesting. This product seeks to raise $10,000. Early bird backers get one iPump Twist for $80 with an expected delivery of February 2015.

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Cycling

Otis bat wing inspired gear holder would make Batman prou-

OtisThis bat wing-style toting device for bikes seeks to make commuting less complex. Whether it’s a trip to the gym with a workout bag, a briefcase with work related items, a book bag with school items, a grocery bag, or perhaps multiple items, the Otis rear bike rack is ready to be of assistance. This cool device can expand up to 30 inches in width by 24 inches in length, holds up to 33 pounds of gear, and folds back down to nearly invisible when not in use. For $59, backers get one product with an anticipated delivery of August 2014.