KickStarter | Evolving Consumer

The Colt Takes Aim

The has been a move to composite hockey sticks over the years, but these come at a cost – namely that the sticks cost around $300 or so. However, Daniel Lucchesi sees that these offer an advantage over wooden sticks, and he’s launched Colt Hockey to create composite sticks that are covered in nano-tech cladding that makes these virtually unbreakable.

These sticks are no less inflexible or heavy than traditional composite sticks, and Lucchesi is looking to Kickstarter to raise funding to bring these to market.

The coating, which was licensed from Canadian based Integran Technologies, was developed for hydraulic components in the aerospace and defense markets. This process, which is similar in concept to chrome plating, adds a thin layer of the nanocrystalline that gives the sticks a steel-like durability, but allows the stick to remain flexible. This could be one hockey stick that is ready to take aim. Video after the jump

Rugged Case Needs Not Hide

When out in the wilds you don’t need to hide your tablet device, you need to protect it. The DropTech Hideway rugged case isn’t meant o hide, but it does feature a disappearing stand. The designers are looking to a Kickstarter campaign to bring out this stand, which could be used in a variety of settings all while ensuring that the tablet is truly protected. Video after the jump

Six Parts to Shift

One thing we’ve noted with bicycles is that everything is getting a lot more complicated, especially when it comes to repair. This is no doubt good for the bike shops, but it can be bad for those who depend on a bicycle as a primary means of transportation.

It is a small problem for bicycle commuters in America when something breaks, as it means finding another way to work such as driving or taking mass transit. Generally riders in the developed world head to the shop and get the part fixed. In the developing world this isn’t so easy.

This is where One Street Components comes in with its Bike Shift Lever for Anybody, by Anybody. Sue Knaup of One Street has worked hard to develop a simple shifter that is easy to make, easy to use and most importantly of all easy to fix.

“People who rely on their bicycle can only choose from ridiculously complex, expensive shift levers or ones made from plastic and pot metal,” said Sue Knaup, One Street’s executive director. “Both types break within a few months of daily use and cannot be repaired. That’s why these new shift levers are so important for keeping people pedaling.”

One Street has just launched a Kickstarter site to bring out the simple shifter. It could be a shift towards good for those who depend on a bicycle. Video after the jump

Stick Sensor

We’ve seen sensors make their way to all sorts of devices and the Quattriuum Team is looking to deliver the Powershot, the first performance sensor for hockey players via a Kickstarter project. The Powershot sensor, which is designed to attach to a hockey stick, can reportedly measure the puck speed, acceleration, shot speed, duration and angle of slapshots and snapshots.

The Powershot can further learn how the user plays and targets both strengths and weaknesses and follow progress over time while comparing performance to other players. It weighs only 50 grams and can store up to 1,000 shots – moreover it can sync with the FWD Powershot app for Android and iOS device. Video after the jump

Fortified Light Promises to Go the Distance

The concept of “planned obsolescence” is very much alive and well today. If products last forever then the company making it would eventually find itself out of business. But apparently Slava Menn didn’t take the business studies class that explained this fact.

He’s going against the grain with his Kickstarter project to launch Fortified: Bike Lights That Last Forever. While he’s about half way through his crowd funding campaign he’s long since surpassed his goals. The MIT grad is looking to create a line of bike lights that aren’t just durable, but are also theft-proof.

The new concept includes the Aviator, a head light, and the Afterburner tail light. Both feature a water- and shockproof aluminum construction and attach to the bike via a custom security screw – making it very hard for thieves to steal the light. Each of these LED lights is further powered by a lithium-ion battery that can be recharged via USB, and both lights will go the distance. On a single charge the Aviator can run for about 40 hours while the Afterburner won’t burn out for 200+ hours!

Menn knows a thing or two about Kickstarter campaigns too, as he successfully launched The Defender last year and has since sold 5,000 to city cyclists around the world. Now he’s looking to create a street-proof light that is invincible, theft-proof and comes with a lifetime, “no-matter-what-guarantee.” If anyone can deliver on this promise we think Menn is just the man. Video after the jump

Cycling Underwear

While many people around the world ride bikes in regular clothing, those who put in serious miles know that sometimes having some padding in just the right place can make a big difference. There are times when the Lycra look doesn’t work, but Christiana Guzman of Austin, Texas had another idea.

She launched a Kickstarter project, which has already surpassed its goals, to roll out Chamois Panties. These are meant to be stylish and comfortable cycling underwear for women. They can be used for the spin class or a ride around town.

These feature a foam insert sewn in for added comfort while riding, and unlike traditional riding shorts with a chamois, these panties are designed fit discreetly under your clothing. Video after the jump

Light Apparel

There have been various attempts to help add some lights to cyclists and runners who might head out at night, and now EroGear is introducing its Fos line of wearable LEDs. These can be programmed to shimmer, offer words and generally make riders a lot more visible.

The system consists of a Velcro-lined fabric patch that contains a super-bright LED grid that can be programmed wirelessly via Bluetooth from a mobile phone or other device.The device reportedly weighs less than a golf ball, but is bright enough that it can be seen even at distance, and can run for several hours on a charge.

The developers are currently looking to Kickstarter to get the light show on the road. Continue reading Light Apparel

Kinetic(Mis)Shift: Golf Board?

Perhaps there should be a Kickstopped instead of a Kickstarter – case in point is the Golf Board, a project that is looking to create a standup electric golf cart. This is one we wanted to like, but found it to be a little misguided. With a few days to go it isn’t clear if the designers will get the funding, so apparently we’re not alone in thinking that maybe walking nine holes isn’t such a problem!

Golf Board Kickstarter Site

Tips and Tricks

Tablets are truly revolutionizing the way people work out, and Shane Schieffer of Gusto Technologies is looking to Kickstarter to develop the FitTrip App that merges games with fitness.

This is hardly the first time we’ve seen some “cross pollination” but the FitTrip app ties together an iPad, a heart rate monitor and can create a virtual experience. When used with an exercise bike, rowing machine or treadmill it will let users get engaged and push themselves by transforming the workout in a game, where effort actually works as the controls.

The idea is to transform each workout into an exciting trip, and the only downside we see is that users are limited to such a small screen to enjoy the journey. Video after the jump

Hen Pecked

If you live to skate then why not look to step up with some serious looking wheels for the board. The Lil Red Hen Skateboard Wheels, which are currently be developed via a Kickstarter project by Steven Troy Devote of Redlands California, are solid aluminum wheels/hubcaps that offer replaceable polyurethane treads.

The result is a lightweight, durable set of wheels that are ready to roll and look good in the process! Video after the jump

Docking Station

We’ve seen a variety of bike racks, wall mounts and other storage options, but the Bike Dock is certainly a novel one. This hideaway bicycle/gear storage rack, which was designed by Dave Custer of Bend, Oregon is currently a Kickstarter project.

He reportedly came upon this idea when he found he had not room to park multiple bikes in his single car garage and yet wanted more than a generic wall rack. The result was the Bike Dock, which is made of powdercoated steel and a few springs. As with a few other racks we’ve seen this one can fold up when not needed – and has that industrial art look to it.

When it is needed, it provides a place to hang a bike along with ample storage for a helmet and other gear. Video after the jump

Put a Brake On It

Skateboards can get going really fast and can pick up some serious speed. The Disc Brakes for Longboard project on Kickstarter is devising a system to slow it down. As noted by the name this essentially adds a braking system to boards.

This brake design, which was devised by Benjamin Newman, consists of two independent core clutches; an outer aluminum drum that is lined with friction material while an inner core is made of stainless steel. A pair of spring-loaded levers can be used to apply the brakes.

Unlike foot braking or power-sliding this doesn’t require the same level of riding skill, and more importantly can be used on hill descents or on flats. It can even be retro-fitted to existing boards, while pushing and sliding are not affected by the braking system. Video after the jump

Won’t Fade Away

Some things just fade away, but that’s not what the designers of the FADER Boards hope will happen with their Kickstarter project, which is looking to help roll out a new line of skateboards. Part of the idea is to look cool with LED lights to allow skating at night.

However, this is only part of what Kramer Kitty is hoping to do with his FADER boards. He’s been creating a simple board that can be used to “cruise” as a means of transportation. In many cases he was recycling old decks to create new boards. He is now looking to provide free boards and even roller blades to struggling communities. All was going well, until he received a notice from the city calling for him to stop making boards in his garage.

Now he’s turning to crowd funding to help have the boards made in California and get his business rolling. Continue reading Won’t Fade Away