Bicycle digitalisation: the bike turns into a high-tech bike

This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its authentic location you’ll be able to go to the hyperlink bellow:
https://www.bike-magazin.de/en/equipment/cycling-glasses/bike-digitalisation-when-the-bike-becomes-a-high-tech-bike/
and if you wish to take away this text from our web site please contact us


The bicycle has lengthy been greater than only a mechanical technique of transport. With radar programs, GPS trackers and good helmets, it has turn into an clever companion that actively ensures your security. Not all devices are helpful for each bike owner – however the choice is giant sufficient for everybody to seek out the precise know-how for his or her wants. One factor is definite: the digital revolution on two wheels has solely simply begun.

We present you which ones good devices make biking safer, extra snug and smarter:

Bicycle radar programs

Constantly trying over your shoulder to control the visitors? That was yesterday. Modern radar programs have revolutionised street biking and commuting and supply a totally new sense of security by detecting approaching automobiles and displaying them on the navigation system.

Garmin Varia

The Varia collection from Garmin is taken into account the gold customary amongst bicycle radar programs and has virtually dominated the market for a very long time. The method it really works is so simple as it’s ingenious: a small sensor on the rear gentle detects approaching autos from a distance of as much as 140 metres. The data is transmitted on to your bike laptop or smartphone, the place you obtain colour-coded warning alerts: Green means the street is obvious, orange alerts an approaching automotive and purple warns of autos approaching in a short time.

The Top mannequin RCT716 goes one step additional: it has a built-in digicam that mechanically saves information within the occasion of an accident – a useful benefit for preserving proof.

How do you want this text?

New competitors

For a very long time, Garmin was nearly alone within the discipline, however the previous yr has actually shaken up the radar market. Several producers have launched their very own programs – some with options which might be even barely forward of the highest canine.

Particularly thrilling: the Sigma RECO 80 LINK from Germany. For 179.95 euros, the system recognises autos at distances of as much as 140 metres and presents one thing that the StVZO-compliant Garmin RTL516 lacks: an built-in brake gentle operate. The rear gentle subsequently lights up brighter as quickly as you decelerate – an actual security benefit in metropolis visitors. It additionally has a battery lifetime of as much as 15 hours.

Also Wahoo has with the Trackr Radar is a severe different within the programme. The system can be suitable with bike computer systems from different producers by way of ANT+ and Bluetooth, recognises autos at distances of as much as 150 metres and mechanically adjusts its flashing frequency to the visitors scenario. Visually, it’s a lot slimmer than the cumbersome Varia – a plus level for aerodynamics-conscious street cyclists. Due to the flashing operate, it’s not StVZO-compliant.

Lezyne in flip brings with the Radar StVZO Rear additionally launched a mix system in the marketplace that mixes a rear gentle (40 lumens, StVZO-compliant) and radar (150 metre vary). Waterproof to IPX7, USB-C charging socket, as much as 9 hours of runtime – stable key information for the worth level.

In quick: There is now not no different to Garmin in the case of radar programs. If you worth StVZO conformity, brake lights or a distinct look, there are actually actual alternate options.

Theft safety

A stable lock remains to be a part of the essential tools – however trendy trackers supply a further layer of safety and a sensible probability of discovering your bike in an emergency. The most secure technique is at all times a Two-factor lockingMechanical (an enormous lock that prices time) plus digital (a tracker that information the monitor in an emergency).

Apple AirTag

The small, spherical trackers from Apple have democratised theft safety. There are actually quite a few hidden mounts, particularly for bicycles: below the bottle cage (for instance from Muc-Off), within the tax charge and even Tubeless valves with Airtag holder. The benefit: AirTags are comparatively cheap and utilise Apple’s gigantic “Where is?” community, which consists of tens of millions of iPhones worldwide. The drawback: the situation is just not correct to the metre, and a thief with an iPhone receives an anti-stalking warning – together with a sign {that a} international AirTag is travelling with them.

Smart locks

A newer improvement is sensible U-locks and folding locks from producers comparable to Abus (SmartX), I Lock It or Trelock. They utterly dispense with a mechanical locking cylinder – the traditional weak level in choosing – and are opened by way of Bluetooth or fingerprint. Access authorisations may be shared digitally with mates or household, making a misplaced key a non-issue. Many fashions additionally include 3D sensors and a 100-decibel alarm that goes off when the lock is shaken and scares thieves away. The solely catch: the lock battery must be charged commonly.

In quick: No system is impregnable, however the mixture of a very good lock and an not easily seen AirTag within the body considerably will increase the possibility of restoration. And crucial: in an emergency, by no means go on a “manhunt” your self – reside information belongs within the arms of the police.

Smart helmets

The bicycle helmet is evolving from a purely protecting operate right into a multifunctional management centre – and good audio programs that may be retrofitted independently of the helmet have just lately turn into out there.

Visibility

Brands like Lumos have developed helmets that brilliant LED strips on the entrance and rear. The spotlight: you’ll be able to activate indicators by way of a distant management on the handlebars – similar to in a automotive. Even extra spectacular is the automated brake gentle, which reacts to delays and warns following street customers. An monumental security profit, particularly within the darker months of the yr.

Communication by way of the helmet

The firm Senarecognized from the motorcycle scene, has developed Bluetooth intercom programs for bicycle helmets. This permits complete teams of cyclists to speak over distances of as much as 900 metres – no extra shouting into the wind.

Brand new within the recreation is Lazer with the VeloVoxa communication and audio system developed in co-operation with Cardo. The system consists of two audio items weighing simply 19 grams that may be hooked up to the helmet strap and are suitable with most helmets and goggles. Up to 30 riders may be linked by way of the two-button operation. For 160 euros, you get a whole set for 2 folks – together with as much as eleven hours of battery life and IP54 safety in opposition to splash water. A particular function: the system may be managed by way of Shimano Di2 shifters or STEPS e-bike programs with out taking your arms off the handlebars.

To be trustworthy, at first I assumed it was utterly superfluous. Then I went gravel biking with my accomplice, we tried out the Lazer system – and had been shortly impressed. Until we misplaced cell phone reception. Because that is the catch: the system works together with the smartphone. On distant gravel excursions or in alpine valleys, the decision expertise can shortly finish earlier than it actually begins. For city commuter routes or group rides on well-developed routes, nevertheless, that is an thrilling gadget.

Bone sound loudspeaker

A special philosophy is pursued by LivallBone-sound loudspeakers are used instantly within the helmet. As with the Lazer VeloVox open-ear idea, the ears stay freed from ambient noise. This is just not solely a security benefit (you’ll be able to nonetheless hear approaching automobiles), but additionally extra relaxed from a authorized standpoint: In many nations, traditional in-ear headphones aren’t permitted whereas driving, whereas open-ear programs are.

In quick: Helmets are now not simply protecting covers. Anyone who rides rather a lot in a bunch or commutes can now discover options that sensibly mix communication, music and visibility – with out sacrificing the notion of the environment.

AI sports activities glasses

What lengthy appeared like science fiction has been a actuality since autumn 2025: sports activities glasses that assume, movie and discuss to you. Oakley and Meta have provide you with the Oakley Meta Vanguard launched the primary AI efficiency glasses in the marketplace which might be explicitly aimed toward endurance athletes.

The precept: the glasses join seamlessly with Strava and Garmin and offer you real-time insights instantly by way of voice command. “Hey Meta, what’s my heart rate?” – the reply comes by way of small LED notifications and the open-ear audio system. Important milestones are mechanically recorded by way of the Garmin integration with out you having to take your eyes off the handlebars.

There can be a 12 megapixel POV digicam with a 122-degree wide-angle lens and a decision of as much as 3K – together with gradual movement, hyperlapse and adjustable video stabilisation. So in the event you do not simply need to journey your tour, but additionally doc it to your Instagram reel at house, you now not want a further motion cam in your helmet.

The laborious info: as much as Nine hours of battery lifesix hours of steady audio playback, quick charging operate (20 minutes for 50 per cent), IP67 in opposition to mud and water. The included charging case provides one other 36 hours. Plus Oakley’s confirmed PRIZM lens know-how with interchangeable lenses and the Three-Point-Fit system for a steady match even on the wildest descents. The model ambassador is none apart from Mark Cavendish.

Viewed critically: At Cyclingworld in Düsseldorf, I consciously noticed somebody sporting video goggles for the primary time – and I’ve to say: I discover it creepy how inconspicuously you’ll be able to movie with them. With smartphones, it is most likely additionally comparatively inconspicuous as a result of it is turn into regular for folks to carry a cell phone of their hand. But the glasses are subsequent degree. As thrilling because the know-how is, whether or not we wish a world wherein everybody probably wears a 3K digicam on the bridge of their nostril is a query that the business nonetheless has to reply.

Sandra Schuberth

Sandra Schuberth, typically an after-work journey, typically a coaching journey, typically an unsupported bikepacking problem. The essential factor is her and her gravel bike – away from the visitors. Seven Serpents, Badlands or Bright Midnight: she has completed difficult bikepacking races. Gravel and bikepacking are her favorite topics, and her calls for on tools are excessive. What she rides, makes use of and recommends has to face the take a look at of time: not in advertising and marketing, however in actual life.

This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its authentic location you’ll be able to go to the hyperlink bellow:
https://www.bike-magazin.de/en/equipment/cycling-glasses/bike-digitalisation-when-the-bike-becomes-a-high-tech-bike/
and if you wish to take away this text from our web site please contact us