Introducing: The world’s first web-connected bike grips
How cool is this? Boreal Bikes, of Germany and Canada, has come up with what’s basically a bike-based GPS system. Instead of voicing directions, though, or mapping them out visually, this system indicates turns by vibrating direction signals into your bike grips. You don’t have to look away from the road. You don’t even have to strain to listen. Just absorb the sensation and make your turns toward it.
Not only that, the system can help you find your bike if it’s missing or stolen. You can press a button to elicit a sound, like a car alarm. It can also connect you with other bikers if, for example, you’re trying to ride together and one of you falls behind.
smrtGRiPS will make bike commutes a lot easier. From baudman.
Here’s how it works: First, you replace the rubber grips on your handlebars with Boreal Bikes’ smrtGRiPS. Then, you add two special six-inch canisters inside the grips. Set up a smartphone app linked to the grips and you’re good to go. You can map a ride, you can command a signal to indicate the location of your bike (hopefully it’s just misplaced and not stolen), and you can get information about bike trails, who’s riding nearby, etc.
It’s such a smart and simple idea. It’s the kind of idea that makes you long for similar technology that could make navigating the rest of the world easier. Imagine making your way through an overly expanded big box store with something like this. Maybe you wouldn’t have to make 15 trips to the inconveniently located customer service counter in a desperate search for the light bulb aisle. Maybe you wouldn’t consistently find yourself on the opposite end of the store from the restroom.
Imagine finding your keys, your sunglasses, your kid’s missing left shoe, by simply pressing a button to activate an audible location signal. Picture yourself easily linking up with people who share your interests, right in the moment you’re already engaged in those interests.
Oh, the time we could save and the friends we could make!
We may not be able to do all of those things yet (though it’s possible some of that technology actually already exists). But at least bikers can immediately take advantage of what the latest technology has to offer. SmrtGRiPS are surprisingly affordable, presently offered for $59 on IndieGoGo. Charged up, they’ll work for three months if used two hours a day. And they’re removable for safekeeping when you park your bike to take a break with your new biking buddies.