We’ve spent years following attention-grabbing high-tech developments within the e-bike business, typically whereas the extra conventional non-electric biking business has needed to make do with comparatively lower-tech leaps. However now all cyclists can rejoice in an attention-grabbing new “sensible handlebar” that occurs to have gotten a pleasant serving to hand from an unlikely supply.
Flitedeck, a tech-infused handlebar for street bikes, is hoping to supply some stiff competitors to the in any other case low-tech handlebar market.
Developed by motorsport engineer Sabrina Fischer and her co-founder Mattias Huber, the Flitedeck sensible handlebar seeks to carry car-like show options to street bikes, ending the necessity for riders to strap-on their very own shows, meters, lights, and different equipment.
As Fischer defined to WIRED, “We requested ourselves, why couldn’t handlebars operate like a automobile’s cockpit? We thought there simply needed to be a extra built-in, extra linked answer.”
The carbon fiber Flitedeck handlebar contains a high-resolution touchscreen show measuring a hearty 180mm or simply over 7 inches lengthy, which I’m advised is properly over common. That show can also be IP68 waterproof, guaranteeing clean operation even when moist.
Options embrace GPS connectivity for mapping in addition to 5G and Bluetooth assist, integration with widespread biking sensors, lengthy battery life, built-in lighting, and extra. A rearview mirror digital camera had initially been deliberate, although any rear-focused plans are at the moment on maintain.
Along with the sensible options, Flitedeck can also be elevating eyebrows and extra with its development story, which relied on a really completely different model of crowd-funding.
As an alternative of launching a Kickstarter or providing traders fairness to assist fund the concept, Fischer turned to the hefty a part of the Venn diagram overlap between those that like bikes and people who like ladies in varied levels of undress.
Described as a “slow-burn strategy”, Fischer first opened an Instagram web page 4 years in the past, gathering curiosity for her cycling-inspired pinups, typically in apparel that will logically seem to assist one calm down after a protracted, scorching trip. In doing so, she collected a wholesome viewers of thirsty cyclists, a bunch already infamous for spending huge bucks on their recreations. She then leveraged that devoted following by increasing onto the grownup website OnlyFans, the place content material creators can cost subscriptions for viewers to see their content material — practically all of it not protected in your work laptop.
She has reportedly surpassed the highest 0.2% of creators on OnlyFans. For reference, the highest 0.1% of creators reportedly earn round US$100,000 per 30 days from their followers. I’m advised.
That’s lots of chain lube.
The novel funding methodology might be described as a mix of enterprise and pleasure, taking a hands-on strategy to entrepreneurship. Nevertheless it seems to have labored fairly properly for Fischer, who has turned these earnings into startup funding to assist carry her high-tech handlebar to market. And even whereas making a living hand over fist, she hasn’t had to surrender any fairness within the firm.
Whereas it’d sound like lots of play, it’s been years of onerous work, too. Modeling on digital camera was matched by modeling on CAD as Fischer and her enterprise companion put their engineering expertise to the take a look at. With bona fides from previous work at BMW and Porsche, they know a factor or two about design work. Fischer even wrote her thesis on racecar electrification whereas employed at Porsche.
The Flitedeck is now obtainable for pre-order, with the corporate hoping to pre-sell 500 models forward of anticipated supply in Q2 2026. For people keen to take the dangerous first plunge, the reward is a hefty low cost. The present early-bird worth of $1,685 for the Flitedeck handlebar is marked down from an MSRP of $2,370.
The corporate can also be promoting a number of distinctive packages to additional spherical out the funding. The premier choice, priced at $26,339, is described because the Final Journey bundle. It features a non-public trip with Sabrina and “a very organized luxurious bundle that features flights, lodge and private assist.”
If that’s a bit wealthy in your blood, however you’d nonetheless like to assist assist and fund Sabrina’s bike tech, there’s all the time that different choice for simply $24.99 per 30 days…
picture credit: Flitedeck
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