KickStarter | Evolving Consumer

Cycling Emblem

Who wants a “boring” bicycle? Not Craig Pelletier who has launched a Kickstarter project with a collective of bicycle and computer enthusiasts. They believe that every level of cyclists should be able to design their own bikes.

They’re working to create the Emblem Bike Company, which will provide a streamlined, easy to use website that provides “no-brainer explanations on every decision you make to help you decide on parts you want.” Emblem isn’t exactly offering custom bikes but rather is offering highly customized bikes, beginning with a selection of frames. The idea is something unique that should satisfy the customer. Video after the jump

Transformable Pack

If you are a child of the 1970s, 80s or 90s there was probably some afternoon cartoon or TV show that featured a giant robot that came together from a number of other vehicles. The heroes always waited until the end to create this mega robot, which remains unclear to the adult viewer.

Perhaps the folks behind RukSak Bags grew up watching such quality programming, as they’re looking to roll out a bag that is modular, flexible and can break down in several bags for various needs. John Hubbel and his wife came up with the concept after he returned from a tour in the Middle East as part of an anti-terrorism team.

He found that one bag didn’t fit all purposes and having a bag that could be flexible made ensuring he had just the right gear for the job. The result is that wearers can add or remove items as necessary – from a simple lumbar bag to a full rig for a multi-day trip in the wilds. Hubbel is now looking to raise funding via Kickstarter to bring the RukSak to market – probably an easier task than fighting some super robot from another planet. Video after the jump

Recoil With It

The Plume is something that you can roll with, not only because it goes on a bike but because this recoiling bicycle mudguard can roll up when not needed. It can extend into a sleek mudguard or recoil back into a tight circle under the seat with just a gentle push of the finger – and yet is made of street-tough materials including stainless steel and a flexible polymer. Its designers are now looking to Kickstarter to get the Plume out and rolling and recoiling. Video after the jump

Light Bar

A built-in bike light seems like a good idea, and while we seen systems that integrate the lights into the stem, the Helios Bars are more than just a built-in light. These do provide proximity lighting that allows the bike to automatically turn on or off when the rider is near, and provide turn singles to help drivers know what you’re about to do. But the Helios Bars also provide GPS tracking via SMS from anywhere in the United States, where users can receive coordinates of the bike via Google Maps.

These bars also offer a visual speedometer, and can provide turn-by-turn navigation when synced with a mobile phone via Bluetooth 4.0. There is even ambient lighting options to set the mood while riding. Video after the jump

By Land or Sea

We all know the story of Paul Revere but what would the patriot have done if the British had the Waveskate? This is a hybrid surfboard/skateboard that works on both the waves and the pavement. Developed in San Diego – where there is the right weather for skating and surfing – the board can quickly transform from road ready deck to water worthy board.

Waveskate inventor and former pro skater Yancey Meyer is now taking his concept to Kickstarter to raise funding to make it a reality. Video after the jump

Gear at Arm’s Length

Batman has his utility belt, James Bond has his gizmos and gadgets and everyone else can have the KODIAK, an integrated fire starting buckle, fire starting tinder, braided fishing line and fishing hook. Jonathan Price and Michael Mojica are not looking to bring this wrist-wearable survival kit out via a Kickstarter project.

If the end of the world comes this might be a bracelet that does a whole more than make a statement or support a cause. It might be one that actually helps you survive. Video after the jump

Fiber Vest

Everyone needs their daily fiber, but Noxgear thinks it isn’t the fiber you ingest but rather the fiber optics you wear. The Dayton, Ohio start up is looking to roll with its Fiber Optic Athletic Gear, which can help runners, cyclists or just anyone else heading out at night be seen.

The company is now wrapping up a Kickstarter campaign to bring out the Torch model for team-based activities, while the Tracer is aimed at running, walking and riding. Both models will provide 360 degree coverage and can be worn over t-shirts or even coats. Video after the jump

Atom Bomb

Siva Cycle has launched its Atom Bomb. Well not really, but the company has launched its Kickstarter campaign for the Siva Cycle Atom, which aims to power your life on pedal stroke at a time.

The Atom is designed to be a lightweight yet highly efficient bicycle generator and rechargeable battery pack that can mount to most bicycle frames in a snap. The Atom is designed with top of the line magnetic rotors and features a lithium battery.

The idea is that you can power your devices while you pedal. Video after the jump

Loop De Loop

While Sam Pearce of Loopwheels hasn’t actually reinvented the wheel he has put a new spin on it with this design that drops the convention spokes in favor of three carbon springs. The rational is that these provide integral suspension along with added comfort when riding.

This design still relies on conventional hub and hub brake with hub gears. Pearce is now trying to get things rolling via a Kickstarter project. Video after the jump

Cross and Kix

EVA or ethylene vinyl acetate is a great material for footwear because it is essentially waterproof and durable. It has been used more for clogs and sandal type footwear but Crosskix is looking to create an athletic shoe, and has looked to Kickstarter to “kix” things out.

The Crosskix aren’t meant to replace team sport shoes where cleats are worn, but could be good as a light training shoe, and certainly as a post-workout recovery shoe. If these get dirty there is no problem, as these are made of EVA the Crosskix can be hosed off and are ready to wear. Video after the jump

Bump and Ride

Handlebars on bicycles can be rather generic but the BarBumps promise to provide a fit that is a bit more like a glove. It provides small “bumps” that fit against the traditional round bars to provide grip placements. This can relieve pressure on the hands and wrists and make for a more comfortable ride. Cyclist/designer Shawn Littrell is now looking to get a bump via a Kickstarter project. Video after the jump

American Made Statement

We like the fact that the Statement Bike Rack is made in America, and unlike many sleek and simple bike racks that are little more than a couple of pegs that users stick in the wall this one offers both real form and provides functionality. Designer Daniel Sculnick sees this as a type of art that can double as a place to hang a bike. He is now looking to Kickstarter to raise funds to finish making his statement. Video after the jump

Bamboo for the Masses

Bamboo-Bee There have been numerous efforts to roll out a bicycle made of bamboo, but a new startup is looking to bring bamboo to the masses. Sunny Chuah has turned to Kickstarter to launch the Bamboo Bee, and produce low cost but durable bicycles.

Bamboo has numerous benefits, including the fact that it is sustainably produced, offers a natural dampening effect and is both strong and lightweight. Currently the Kickstarter campaign is focused on two models, the Revolution and Sunny. Could this Bee the future for bicycles? Video after the jump