Although many serious bikers use a cycling computer to track their riding stats, it is one more thing cluttering up the bars, plus it can be stolen when the bike is left unattended. That's why SpeedX developed the SpeedForce, a gadget that combines a computer, handlebar stem and headlight all in one device. Now, with the announcement of the Leopard, the company has added one more thing to that combo – a carbon fiber aero road bike.
Designed by global design and strategy firm frog, the Leopard bike itself tips the scales at 8.4 kg (18.5 lb), features internally-routed cables (including the brake cables), and is equipped with a Shimano 105 groupset – a fancier and lighter Pro version features Shimano Ultegra Di2.
The aluminum-bodied stem/computer is now known as the Smart Control. It has a built-in 2.4-inch screen, on which users can switch between displays by pressing a button integrated into the stem cap. One 30-minute charge of its battery should be good for about 800 km (497 miles) or 40 hours of use.
Among other things, the Smart Control computer lets users track metrics such as speed, cadence, distance traveled, calories burned, slope inclination, location, lap time and altitude. It can also display power output and heart rate if paired with a compatible ANT+ third-party device, plus it can provide turn-by-turn navigation using an onboard GPS module.
Additionally, thanks to an ambient light sensor, the bike's integrated tail-light comes on automatically as it gets dark outside – it's not clear if there's also a headlight.
SpeedX is currently raising production funds for the Leopard on Kickstarter, where it surpassed its funding goal within the first day of the campaign. A pledge of US$1,199 will get you one (the base 105 version), when and if they're ready to go. The planned retail price is a surprisingly low US$1,699.
More information is available in the following demo video.
Source: Kickstarter