We've previously seen handlebar-mounted products designed to spray water in a cyclist's face such as the Q-FOG and Spruzza. US-based inventor Scott Powers has taken the same principle and put it on the rider's head with KoldRush – an add-on system for helmets that's designed to keep cyclists from overheating by releasing drips of water.
The KoldRush system uses a 24-ounce (0.7 l) reservoir which is mounted to the seat post. An internal pump drives water through a tube to an insert running along the inside of the helmet from front to back, to be released onto the head at the user's discretion.
A wireless controller mounted to the handlebars houses a button to control the system, with one push resulting in a preset amount of water released through the insert. There's also a tie-on headband containing a vinyl strip along its bottom to collect water and sweat, steering it away from the rider's eyes and down the sides of the face.
As a cyclist, the thought of having an accident in which your head is connected to the seat post incites some squeamish mental imagery to be sure. As such, Powers has designed the tube release itself from the reservoir when minimal upward pressure is applied.
KoldRush is powered by eight AA batteries with the total weight of 7.5 ounces (212.6 g). The reservoir measures 11.7 x 3.8 x 3.4 in (29.7 x 9.7 x 8.6 cm) and also houses a zippered tool kit. The insert is secured by a velcro strip and Powers says it will fit any size of bicycle helmet.
Powers is aiming to take KoldRush to market in time for the approaching US summer and has taken to Kickstarter to raise funds. Early bird pledges of US$150 will put you in line for one of the cooling systems (the headband will need to be purchased separately), with shipping slated for July 2014.
You can hear from Powers in his Kickstarter video pitch below.
Source: KoldRush, Kickstarter
