The cool thing about cycling gadgets, is that they come from the innovative minds of cyclists. And who knows better what a cyclist needs — or doesn’t need for that matter. Some cycling gadgets are are purely whimsical, while others are game changing.
Hidden Tools
It’s a never a good feeling to reach for your tools in your saddle bag when you have a repair on the lonely highway, only to find that something missing from your tool kit. What if you had backup tools? This cycling gadget, the Incog Bike Multitool, is designed to fit the majority of handlebars. The entire tool bends like a snake so it can be pushed in past any curves in the bar. The InCOG retails for $60 and is currently in its pre-order stage.
Mini-Mini Air Pump
All cyclists face flat tires, it’s a given. Have you ever reached for your air pump, only to find it’s been damaged, missing the collar, jammed full of dirt, or otherwise doesn’t work? A Mobo Pocket 4″ Air Pump will get you back on the road. It’s so small it fits inside saddle bags, pants, or jersey pockets. The sleek, lightweight aluminum design, can even deliver 100 psi. It weighs only two ounces and is compatible with Presta and Schrader valves. It also has a mounting rack.
On The Bike Flat Fix
This simple tool may revolutionize flat fixing on the road. It’s pure genius. The Patchnride hand-held tool is not much bigger than a tire lever. It works by inserting a small plug in the puncture while the tire is still on the bike. Air up the tire with your mini pump and you’re on the road again in minutes — or less. It’s so new, that you may have to pre-order it.
Reflective Socks Rock
It’s official, cyclists love socks. Reflective socks are not exactly cycling gadgets, but they’re still a cool innovative design that aids a cyclist. If for no reason other than they’re cool, and oh, yea, make you safer on the road, reflective socks just rock.
Jacket With Turn Signals
While we’re on the subject of game saving gadgets that make you safer, how about a jacket that has motion-activated turn signals. The Visijax smart jackets are perfect for commuting, road riding in inclement weather, or anytime during the day or night. The very fact that they light up can save your life.
Solar Powered Tail Lights
Why didn’t someone think of this one before. Maybe it’s because modern technology has actually made one that works the way it’s supposed to. Requiring no batteries, one full charge from the sun will give the Solar Energy Bike Tail Light Solar four to eight hours of light time. Using two bright LED bulbs, this light has three modes for safety. Never allow your batteries to run down again. It’s waterproof so you can use it in even the worst weather.
Light Speaker
No cycling gadget list would be complete without delving into the whimsical. The Buckshot Pro is a bomb-proof light that also serves as a speaker. It mounts to your handlebars, can really take a hit or deal with water. With wireless connectivity to almost any Bluetooth device, it charges at home via your computer, or any other device with USB.
High-Performance Saddle
The N-Series seat by Infinity is gorgeous. This is probably one of the most serious gadgets — if you can call it a cycling gadget — that has been introduced regarding saddles in years. It looks like a skeleton. This no-frills saddle weighs in at just 210 grams. The N-Series Seat is made of injection-molded nylon. It has two purposes — comfort and performance. Don’t let its looks fool you, it’s at home on the 3000-mile RAM for example — but equally at home on a ride across town.
Airbag Helmet
Borrowing technology from vehicle air bag systems. The Hövding AirBag For Cyclists is one of the most innovative safety devices ever conceived for cyclists.You’ve just have to see this one for yourself.
It’s a Hood
The airbag is designed like a hood. It’s made with nylon fabric that won’t rip when scraped against the ground. The hood protects nearly all of the head when inflated, while leaving the field of vision open. The airbag uses accelerometers to detect that a fall is occurring and quickly inflates the airbag before impact with the ground.
Soft and Gentle
The inflated airbag covers a much larger area than a traditional cycle helmet and is designed in consultation with current accident statistics. The protective airbag provides extremely soft and gentle shock absorption. The pressure remains constant long enough to withstand multiple head impacts during the same accident. After that, the airbag deflates slowly.
Cold Inflation
The gas inflator that inflates the airbag is placed in a holder in the collar on the cyclist’s back. The gas inflator is “cold inflation”, meaning that it uses helium.
Cycling Gadgets Going too Far?
Has cycling innovation gone too far? Would you discard your traditional helmet for an airbag? Do you need a solar powered tail light or a jacket that lights up? Maybe yes, maybe not. The important thing is, you have the choice. The innovators and inventors of cycling gadgets keep pushing the limits. They should be applauded and supported whenever possible for making cycling safer and more fun. Keep the gadgets coming.