KickStarter | Evolving Consumer

It Just CL!CKS

When out on the slopes the last thing you are likely to have is a tool to adjust your bindings. The CL!CK CARABINER is something that will likely be within reach and is thus there when you really need it most.

This tool provides a large slot screwdriver, a pair of Phillips heads and even bottle opener for those times when you reach the end of the run. While designed with skiers and snowboarders in mind, this could be a tool for anyone looking to clip one on. Designer Mark Schmid of San Diego is now looking to Kickstarter to get the CL!CK to click with investors. Video after the jump

Super (LOCK)8

There are plenty of bike trackers on the market and a lot of bicycle locks. The LOCK8 is designed as the first “smart bike lock” and acts as both a lock and tracker should the lock part be compromised. Now being developed via a Kickstarter project, the LOCK8 is a keyless system that relies on the smartphone to do the unlocking, while integrated GPS can transmit the location of the bike.

The system features a number of systems, so that if a bike is stolen the geolocator kicks in, while the smart cable will set off an alarm and send a push notification should it be cut. A gyro accelerometer will also send the push notification and do the alarm thing should someone try to cut the LOCK8 or otherwise remove it.

The idea here is that you can’t stand around and watch your bike all day, so the LOCK8 will do it for you. Video after the jump

It is EVENaBAG

When on the go there is sometimes no place to sit, but the EVENaBAG solves that problem. It is a chair and a bag, and a whole lot more. Rocco Kruse and Adam Bauerband of Chicago recently launched a Kickstarter project to bring this part-bag/part chair to the masses.

For those who live life on the go, the EVENaBag might be just the thing to make travel a whole lot easier. Video after the jump

To Infinity and Beyond – With a Bike Seat

When putting the long miles on a bike – whether on the road or off and whether going fast or slow – it can be a pain in the… well, you get the idea. The Infinity Seat, which was developed by Dr. Vincent Marcel of El Egundo, Calif. is reportedly the first bicycle saddle designed to minimize contact pressure and actually redistribute body weight for increased performance and comfort.

This seat weighs just 205 grams, and is thus lighter than most saddles on the market, while it also is designed to have no break-in period and should fit everyone.

We’ve seen many seats that look to provide more by going with less, and this certainly seems to be in line with Marcel’s thinking. He’s now taken his concept to Kickstarter where he hopes to get interest rolling.

Video after the jump

Hydroflex Looks to Go From the Waves to the Streets

Surfboard maker Hydroflex has created some colorful surfboards and now it is looking to take its skills to the streets with a new line of skateboards. The company has created a 3D Glassing Technology that provides a stronger, lighter and most importantly a board with increased flex. It is also waterproof, which means it can endure a little rain better than most wooden decks.

Hydroflex is not looking to a Kickstarter project to get rolling with the sidewalk surfing crowd. Video after the jump

Pretty Smart for a Fly… Wheel

Sometimes we can all use a little assistance and that’s where the FlyKly Smart Wheel comes in. It utilizes a motor that turns when you start pedaling and begins accelerating to your desired speed and stops when you need to stop.

This wheel is currently being developed via a Kickstarter project and in addition to providing some assist for riders, also can be remotedly locked and tracked if stolen. Pretty fly indeed! Video after the jump

See and Sense

The See Sense doesn’t just provide a light so you can be seen, this intelligent bike can determine the conditions around the rider and flash brighter and faster to improve visibility. Philip McAleese of Belfast has designed this sensible light and is now looking to Kickstarter to raise awareness and funds. That all makes sense to us! Video after the jump

Anyone’s Bike Lever

We’re happy to report that our friend Sue Knaup and One Street Components have launched the Kickstarter campaign for the Bike Shift Lever for Anybody, by Anybody. These levers feature a system design that can be easily repaired by just about anyone.

The project is nearly the end of the line on Kickstarter and needs your help. Even a $1 minimum pledge can help get this project rolling so that people everywhere have access to easily repairable bicycle components! Video after the jump

Most Foldable Bike Yet

There are no shortages of folding bikes to be seen at shows such as Interbike and the market is growing as commuters look for options that allow a bike to be brought safely indoors. The FUBi is no mere folding bike but one that could be the most compact full-sized foldable bike in the world.

The bike can fold so small that two FUBi bikes can fit in a single Smart Car. As the video below shows the inventors, who are currently looking to Kickstarter to get this one rolling, might just be onto something. Video after the jump

Signal to Turn – On the Back

Cyclists don’t always stand out to drivers, and even when riders try to signal this isn’t so easily understood by those in the car. The Safe Enjoy Interact Light (SEIL) system is a water-resistant LED light grid that can mount directly on a backpack. It can be controlled wireless via Bluetooth to a lever on the handlebar mount.

On a single charge the light should be good for hours, providing plenty of time for commuters to ride to work and signal lane changes and more. Designer Myung Su Lee is now looking to Kickstarter to get the SEIL Bag on riders’ backs. Video after the jump

Speak Up

“What did you say? I couldn’t hear you! That’s because I’m wearing headphones that block the outside world.”

We’ve all been there in one way or another, but Lou Tortola of Windsor, Canada is looking to change this with the AudioPLUX speaker system for cyclist. Tortola is now looking to Kickstarter to develop these speakers, which are meant to be “away from the ear” while still providing solid audio quality.

The idea is that these won’t suppress ambient sounds, but will still let you enjoy the tunes. Video after the jump

Chopping at the Bit

There are plenty of durable and very secure bike locks on the market, but one problem is that if you lose the key you’re bike isn’t exactly accessible. However, Mehrdad Majzoobi is looking to launch a Kickstarter project for the BitLock, which turns a smartphone into the key for the lock.

This works with iOS and Android and takes advantage of Bluetooth technology. In addition to providing a secure key that you hopefully won’t use, it also records the location of the bike lock via GPS, which can allow multiple users to “share” a bike and find it when it is needed.

We’ll be sure to watch this project and let readers know when it goes live.

BitLock Kickstarter Site

Bicycle Boot Kicks It up

When we think of a boot for a bicycle we’re thinking of something you wear on your feet, but the Buca Boot is really taking the British concept that the “boot” is the trunk of a car, as in the place for storage and transporting of things. Designed for the urban rider who has to often carry more than just his/herself, this storage space attaches to the rack of the bicycle and can carry big things such as groceries, while side panniers can be used to increase the load size. There is also the option to close up and lock the Boot protect smaller stuff – and thanks to the gasket around the lid items placed inside can endure some weather such as rain or even snow.

The Buca Boot is the brainchild of designer Kathryn Carlson, who launched a Kickstarter project to bring this one to market. Continue reading Bicycle Boot Kicks It up