Bike computers are nothing new. These SmrtGrips, however, offer a fresh take, putting the electronics into the bicycle’s grips for seamless integration and using haptic feedback for eyes-free notification.
Rather than track every single aspect of a ride like most bike computers, it focuses on several key features that cyclists are likely to find most important during their rides. The result is a device that adds some very useful tools without wasting battery charge on non-essential items.
The key feature in SmrtGrips is an eyes-free turn-by-turn navigation system that vibrates either the left or right grip to tell riders where to make a turn. That way, you never have to take your eyes off the road and squint at the display the way other bike navigation systems require. Additionally, it will vibrate and let out audible rings to alert you about road hazards or traffic issues, so you can take an alternative path to your destination well before you come upon a potential dead end.
Forgot where you locked the bike? Not a problem. It comes with a bike finder feature that will quickly locate it using your phone. If the bike gets stolen, you can trigger the bike tracker capability, which will register your bike’s current location whenever it comes within the vicinity of another SmrtGrips-powered ride.
All electronics are sheltered under an aluminum casing, so the grips can be submerged in water up to 10 meters with no problem whatsoever. Other details include a 300-foot range for the Bluetooth, three months of battery life on a single charge, and a choice of different models, depending on what kind of bike you ride.
An Indiegogo campaign is currently running for SmrtGrips. Pledges to reserve a unit starts at $59.