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LiveRider turns your iPhone/iPod touch into a wireless bike computer

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The LiveRider mount and wireless receiving dongle
The dual-mode sensor mounted on the bike’s frame
The LiveRider mount and wireless receiving dongle
The LiveRider mount and wireless receiving dongle
The LiveRider mount and wireless receiving dongle
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The popularity of Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch hasn’t just resulted in an explosion of apps available from the iTunes Store, it’s also spawned a stack of hardware accessories designed to extend the capabilities of said devices. Most common are the seemingly endless array of docks, or cases that increase the devices’ battery life. New Potato Technologies has decided for something a bit different with its LiveRider – a bike mounting system that turns your iPhone/iPod touch into a wireless cycling computer.

Like the BioLogic Bike Mount, the LiveRider mount cradle attaches to a bike’s handlebars to put your iPhone front and center while pedaling along. But unlike the BioLogic Bike Mount, the LiveRider incorporates a 2.4GHz RF wireless receiving unit that connects to the iDevices’ 30-pin connector. This unit receives information sent wirelessly from a permanently-sealed, dual-mode sensor mounted on the bike’s frame near the rear wheel that measures both bike speed and pedal tempo.

The dual-mode sensor mounted on the bike’s frame

Using the LiveRider app the device is then able to leverage the capabilities of the iPhone/iPod touch to provide users with a touch screen interface, GPS features providing location and tracking, and accelerometer features to record inclination. The app includes a file system to save detailed data from each ride, which can be reviewed graphically on the bike, or exported via email and imported into a spreadsheet or database. It also includes a real-time Chase Rider function that lets riders compete against their personal best or pace to a training goal.

The shock-absorbing handlebar mount cradle helps protect against vibration and debris and allows the iPhone/iPod touch and receiving dongle to be quickly removed. The dongle is powered by the attached iPhone/iPod touch, while the permanently-sealed wireless sensor unit is powered by a permanent Life-Time battery.

The LiveRider mount and wireless receiving dongle

The LiveRider is compatible with iPhone 2G, 3G or 3GS models (iPhone 4 owners miss out) and iPod touch 1G, 2G models with OS 3.0 or higher. The LiveRider hardware weighs three ounces and sells for US$100 – a fraction of dedicated cycling computers such as the Polar CS500, although you will have to provide your own iPhone/iPod touch. The LiveRider app is available as a free download from the iTunes Store.

Via Wired

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8 comments
cozzak
does it come with sound effects of playing cards rapping the spokes?
Roger Wielgus
That\'s non sense, because a two hours ride on a sunny day may kill your LCD screen. That happend to me with an spprts armband.
waltinseattle
now I want an interface for the cadence via gear selection, heart rate, incline and personal settings like \"want a workout\" or \"bushed today\" the ultimate automatic transmission app. Also, santa, please add a feature so I can not run into the guy ahead of me. And another interface, if you could, to tell my tadpole how far to lean for turns?

P.S. Ive been good, please make this come true!

Walt at lkh2.com
Gadgeteer
Good luck trying to read anything on the screen when you\'re out in the sun.
paulsp
Anyone wonder what happens if it...rains??
Nigel Allen
The LiveRider hardware weighs three ounces and sells for US$100 - a fraction of dedicated cycling computers such as the Polar CS500, although you will have to provide your own iPhone/iPod touch.
Why on earth would I pay this much out when I can buy a wireless Sigma (which is also waterproof) for around $AUS75.00?
Maybe it\'s to give some poor unfortunate the opportunity to steal my iPhone.
\"i\" don\'t think so.
N/
Facebook User
Once again, the \"do it all\" device comes up short to dedicated devices. Frankly, I do not want to have to mount my phone into special brackets, turn it on, fiddle with stuff, THEN get to know how fast I am going. A simple, less expensive, and way more durable device that is permanently attached to the bicycle will do fine thanks. I put this in the same category as using a phone for a car GPS.
fenriq
I just use Plus 3 Network\'s (free) app on my iPhone. It not only tracks my workouts by satellite, it also donates my mileage generated to a charity of my choosing which is paid for by a sponsor of my choosing too. I don\'t get a cadence readout but I get most everything else. Plus, I have a detailed log of my workouts (running, swimming, biking, mountain biking and more).