We've already seen bicycle handlebars that double as a lock, and that soak up bumps in the road … but neither of those will guide you through the city streets. The currently-crowdfunding Wink Bar does so, however, plus it lights up, deters thieves, and shows you where your bike is.
The Wink Bar syncs with an app on your iOS or Android smartphone, allowing you to first input your destination, and then squirrel your phone away in a bag or pocket. As you ride, rows of rider-facing LEDs on either side of the bars will flash to indicate upcoming left or right turns, or just to confirm that you should keep going straight. They'll also alert you to any incoming calls.
Once you've reached your destination and have parked, a motion detector in the bars will cause a 92-decibel alarm to sound if anyone comes and messes with your bike. Should they steal it anyway, the bars' built-in GPS module can be used to track its whereabouts online – this feature also allows you to locate your bike if you forget where it's parked, plus it lets you keep track of routes that you've cycled.
And once you do find your bike, you can avoid setting off the alarm yourself by disarming it via the app, or by using an included RFID fob.
The bars additionally features two 225-lumen headlights, which come on automatically as it gets dark outside. Power is provided by a removable 1,800-mAh lithium-ion battery, which should be good for a claimed three weeks of use per charge.
The Wink Bar is currently the subject of an Indiegogo campaign, where a pledge of US$174 will get you a set in either flat or riser versions – assuming all goes according to plans, that is. The estimated retail price is $264.
More information is available in the video below.
And should be looking for a set of drop bars with some of the same features, you could always check out the Helios Bars.
Source: Indiegogo