This device looks to overcome all of the problems that arise when trying to transfer satnav technology to bicycles. It should open up the world for bike riders.
The rise and rise of satnavs in cars means we’re all used to getting behind the wheel and driving to a destination without getting lost – or at least, without getting too badly lost.
But while a small satnav-style screen could be mounted on your bike’s handlebars, it would be very difficult to see; especially in wet weather or very sunny conditions.
And, let’s face it, you’d feel (and look) like a bit of an idiot cycling around listening to a handlebar-mounted navigational device shouting out instructions about what turn to take.
Enter smrtGRiPS, by Montreal-based Boréal Bikes.
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The technology sounds simple enough; you fix new grips to your handlebars and insert a small vibrating pipe-shaped device into the ends of the bars on both sides.
Using your smartphone to communicating with your smrtGRiPS, you tap in your destination and preferred route and set off on your journey.
Any time you need to take a turn left or right; your handlebar grips will vibrate on the appropriate side and you simply follow that lead.
The cylindrical devices that slip into the handlebars weight 92 grams and feature Bluetooth connectivity.
Via an iOS and Android compatible app, the smrtGRiPS not only direct riders to their destination but can also access specific cycling-related data such as the locations of cycle lanes in the area, as well as any trails nearby and so on.
Boréal Bikes claim when fully charged the device will run for up to three months - based on two hours cycling per day - before a recharge is needed.
And if that wasn’t enough; the device will also act as a GPS locator in the event your bike is stolen or if you forget exactly where you’ve left it.
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If you’re cycling with your kids or another companion you don’t want to become separated from; you can set the device to alert you when the distance between you and the person you’re with goes over a set maximum.
What we love about this are the possibilities to take cyclists on roads they don’t know; either close to home or during cycling trips abroad.
It would be fantastic, for example, in guiding you along some of the iconic routes of major pro races.
Or it could take you with added confidence across foreign parts where road signs may be poor or nonexistent and where the language barrier might make seeking directions impossible.
Obviously, the hardware would need to be made to fit into the end of handlebars of all shapes and sizes. And the technology would need to stand up to wet weather and poor road surface.
Currently in the latter stages of the development phase, the smrtGRiPS should be on sale early next year for around €59.
Video: smrtGRiPS
The cylinders that pop into the ends of your handlebars and vibrate to give direction.
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