Bicycles

The analog bike speedometer rides again, with a little help from GPS

The analog bike speedometer rides again, with a little help from GPS
The Omata One will be available with a white or grey face, in metric or imperial
The Omata One will be available with a white or grey face, in metric or imperial
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According to Omata, studies have shown that a straight-forward analog display is easier to read while at speed
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According to Omata, studies have shown that a straight-forward analog display is easier to read while at speed
The Omata One will be available with a white or grey face, in metric or imperial
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The Omata One will be available with a white or grey face, in metric or imperial
The combined weight of the aluminum-bodied Omata One speedometer and its handlebar mount is 97 g (3.4 oz)
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The combined weight of the aluminum-bodied Omata One speedometer and its handlebar mount is 97 g (3.4 oz)
The planned retail price of the Omata One is $599
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The planned retail price of the Omata One is $599
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There was a time, back before cyclometers and smartphone cycling apps, when some bikes came with novelty mechanical speedometers. While no one is suggesting bringing those back, Finnish startup Omata is taking a step in that direction – its One speedometer uses modern GPS tech to track the rider's speed, but that information is displayed on a good ol' analog dial.

First of all, there is more to the concept than simple retro appeal. According to the company, studies have shown that a straight-forward analog display is easier to read while at speed, when compared to a more cluttered and less intuitive digital screen.

The One doesn't need to be paired to a smartphone, using its own GPS module to calculate the rider's present speed based on how quickly they move between geographical points. It also tracks and displays distance travelled, vertical ascent, and elapsed time (or time of day, if modes are switched).

According to Omata, studies have shown that a straight-forward analog display is easier to read while at speed
According to Omata, studies have shown that a straight-forward analog display is easier to read while at speed

Additionally, it can record all that ride data for upload to training logs or platforms such as Strava. That has to be done with it hard-wired to a computer, after the ride. It currently cannot be paired with third-party devices such as heart rate monitors, although such functionality may be added in future versions.

Power is supplied by a USB-rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, which should be good for about 24 hours of run-time per charge. The combined weight of the aluminum-bodied speedometer and its handlebar mount is 97 g (3.4 oz).

If you're interested, the One is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. A pledge of US$499 will currently get you one – in metric or imperial – when and if they ship next February. The planned retail price is $599.

Sources: Omata, Kickstarter

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3 comments
3 comments
wle
that ought to sell about 6 units... wle
unklmurray
Sounds kinda cool but, Expensive and yet it is a nice speedometer,should be relatively easy to steal,......therefore making it cheaper to get.......I mean at $500, that means you either have lotsa money and have it insured,or you carry a special bar you put-on & take-off the bike that is loaded with your head lights/speedometer/GPS TomTom/smartphone/TV screen, Entertainment console Etc.,Etc.,Etc.....What with all the stuff people would have you mount in yer handle bars you need to have a separate bar/dashboard!!....LOL :-)
unklmurray
In the last month I checked it out and this is the only one like it and even though it costs way too much,I'd prolly get one!!