Here at BikeRadar we've seen some brilliant ideas crop up via the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform, and with more than 51,000 successful pledges to date, new ideas are constantly emerging. Introducing our debut Kickstarter round-up, a regular feature that aims to bring you all of the most interesting pledges relevant to both mountain bikers and road cyclists.
Infinity Seat
Who and where: Dr Vincent Marcel, DC – El Sigundo, California
The idea: This saddle has been designed to minimise contact pressure and redistribute body weight for increased comfort and performance over traditional designs.
Using unique cutaways the rider's weight is distributed into the muscle masses of the buttocks instead of applying pressure to the sit and pubic bones. They save weight too; the Infinity comes in at a claimed 205g.
One size is said to fit all and its suitable for nearly all types of riding bar mountain biking. There’s no break-in period either, just incredible comfort, apparently.
Status: ended, target reached
More info can be found on the Infinity Seat's Kickstarter page
See Sense bike light
Who and where: Philip McAleese – Belfast, United Kingdom
The idea: See sense is an intelligent light that works with you and your surroundings to make you more visible. Using an array of sensors, the See Sense responds to its environment and adapts its output accordingly.
So when you are approaching a junction, entering an area of low light or being approached by a car with its headlights on, the unit will know and responds by turning up its power and flashing frequency.
It’s also waterproof, lightweight and easy to attach. It even uses its sensors to turn itself on and off automatically. There’s also a power gauge to keep track of the remaining run time from the USB and cable rechargeable battery unit.
Status: ended, target reached
More info can be found on the See Sense bike light's Kickstarter pages
Bike Shift Lever for Anybody, by Anybody
Who and where: One Street Components – Prescott, Arizona
The idea: Designed to benefit those who rely on their bicycles, Sue Knaup's gear shifter aims to be a more durable, affordable and repairable alternative to common shifters.
Produced from just six components, the shifter consists of two cast aluminium pieces alongside four parts you'd likely already find in your garage. The aluminium parts can even be cast at home from scrap in a process involving household charcoal and a flower pot. It's symmetrical too, meaning this can be used to operate both front and rear derailleurs.
Status: ended, target reached
More info can be found on the Brake Shift Level for Anybody by Anybody's Kickstarter page
Bike-Nest
Who and where: Robert Ozarski / Sports Nest Inc – Poway, CA
The idea: Bike-Nest is a roof-mounted, self-lifting bicycle storage system
After attaching a single hook to the top tube of a bike, the user then tugs at a safety cord and pushes down on the bike. Bike-Nest's unique spring-powered mechanism is then engaged and the bike is lifted into its stored position.
The bike is then retrieved by simply pulling it back down, while Bike-Nest can stop in any position as the bike descends. There is no electricity or pulleys involved. It’s easy to attach too, with only two bolts holding it to the ceiling of your choice.
Status: open, target not yet reached
More info can be found on Bike-Nest's Kickstarter page
FLAT
[lyn]
bike lock cable
Who and where: Flatlyn – Provo, UT
The idea: The FLAT[lyn] (pronounced flat-line) is a short-term security solution for drivers travelling with their bikes.
The cable of this lock is flat in profile and just 3/16in thick, enabling it to fit through tight places such as door jams and car boots. At one end of the flat cable there’s a loop to attach a lock to, while the other end uses a rubber anchor.
The lock cable is approximately 31in long and takes a claimed 1,700lb of force to break.
Status: open, target reached
More info can be found on the FLAT[lyn] bike lock cable's Kickstarter page
