Just as it reads…here is the top 6 ways to completely geek out your bike! Some of these have more useful applications than others, but absolutely all of them pass the geek test.
Disclaimer – Beware...this list will bring out the pocket protector, high water pant, calculator toting person in all of us. I claim no responsibility to what happens to you have you read this list. Proceed with caution.
#1 – On Board GPS – The Ultimate Cycling Tech Gadget
Want to see every single stat that you never knew you wanted out of your ride? An on board GPS will capture loads of information that you never thought was possible! There are plenty of units out on the market that are designed for trail use, but Garmin makes a line of GPS units that are cycling specific. The the Garmin Edge GPS’s you can get features like a heart rate monitor, cadence sensor, altimeter and more. Combine the GPS with Motionbased.com to make incredible ride maps with Google Maps like you see to the right. An on board GPS is a techno geek dream gadget for the avid cyclist.
Buy a Garmin Edge 705
#2 – Helmet Cam – Capture The “Oh @!$#” Moments
You too can become a movie star. With a multitude of high quality helmet cams on the market today ranging from inexpensive to out of this world, you can capture all of those moments that you wish you didn’t have evidence on!
Everyone likes video footage…especially with sports like cycling. Capturing these moments in the past used to mean very expensive equipment. With products like the GoPro from Hero, even us mere mortals can capture our rides. Check out this video of Rich Mountain from a friend of mine Jeff. He mounted it to the frame for a unique perspective.
GoPro is releasing a 5mp wide angle version soon for even more high quality coverage.
Buy a GoPro Hero
#3 – Onboard Computer – PDA Shock Recording
No…I am not talking about one of those wimpy little things that calculates your total miles and average miles an hour. How obsessive are you about shock tuning? So much that you would mount a pda to your bar? This cool contraption is Cane Creek’s way of testing shocks. It records the entire ride…then they take that information back to the dyno. The dyno will simulate the entire ride right in front of you! It also records a lot of necessary testing information and shock behaviors for development of the product. The bad news…not available to the public, but it had to be added to this list.
#4 – Air Horn – Get Out Of My Way Screamer
There are some days that I wish I could really let someone know I am behind them (most of the time it is a fellow riding buddy that needs to be given a hard time!). I don’t want to use a simple “on the left” or girly little bell. I want a full out air horn mounted on my bars! There has to be someone that makes one…wait…there is! Say hello to the Delta Airzound Air Horn. This 115db monster will get your best friend off the trail in a hurry! Of course…you are probably going to annoy everyone else on the trail around you with 30 bursts per charge.
#5 – Riding Music On The Go
Wouldn’t it be great if we could share the music in our iPod with everyone else on the trail? The I-Home Bike Speaker System makes this dream a reality. You too can share your favorite annoying Celene Dion song with the rest of us on the trail. We actually weren’t aware that we liked “My Heart Will Go On” until now!
Pedal to the metal with this water-resistant iPod speaker case that clamps to your bike frame. Handlebar mounted remote control allows for safe cycling while listening to your tunes. This speaker case is perfect for the beach, poolside, and picnics, too.
#6 – Wisecracker Bottle Opener
Never be caught at the trailhead with a cold beer and no bottle opener again. This Wisecracker Bottle Opener from JensonUSA.com mounts to anywere on the frame, so you can keep it out of the way but in reach. Nothing is worse than having that cold, frosty, post-ride beer and no way to open it. Make sure you keep one of these mounted and handy at all times. Made out of 6061-T6 aluminum insures light weight and durability.
Be careful – May cause parking lot hangouts without any riding involved. Use with caution.