Montreal-based and new FounderFuel startup Vanhawks has launched its highly anticipated crowdfunding campaign for its smart, connected bicycle. The startup calls it the first of its kind in the world.
The Vanhawks Valour is the first smart, carbon fibre bicycle built for commuters with safety, comfort, and connectivity in mind. It connects with iOS, Android and Pebble through Bluetooth technology and features LED handlebar indicators, giving riders turn-by-turn directions. Moreover, it includes the first sensor-driven blind spot detector, which alerts the rider of any object in their blind spot through haptic feedback in the handle bar grips. The bike also monitors ride statistics in real-time and syncs the data with the Vanhawks app.
The route data gathered by the sensors will also let the riders know where the safest routes are. Every Valour is connected to each other through mesh-network, and is alerted when one goes missing, aiding in its recovery.
“With so many people turning to bikes to commute and get around town, safety is a rider’s primary concern,” said CEO Sohaib Zahid. “With Valour, we want took the great invention of the past – the bicycle – and combined it with the great invention of our time – smart phones – to create the safest ride. We want to change the way people think about urban commuting and the Valour bike offers an easy, safe and green option.”
The commute is difficult, said Vanhawks. Valour is carefully constructed to combat even the most strenuous ride. The bicycle is crafted to prioritize human ergonomics and is designed to relieve pressure on your back muscles, spine and buttocks, without compromising the frame’s strength.The frame of the bike is developed from carbon fibre using proprietary technology which makes internal walls to reinforce critical load bearing points in the frame. Its carbon fibre technology, which was the finalist of the BIKEEXPO brand new award, mimics the construction of human bones, making the bike frame strong enough to withstand the roughest roads of a city. The Valour weighs 16 pounds, giving users unmatched portability – for example, it’s light enough to carry up flight of stairs without breaking a sweat.“The Vanhawks technology is fundamentally changing the bike industry in so many ways.” said FounderFuel’s Ian Jeffrey. “We’re excited to see Valour hit the road and reinvent the riding experience of millions around the world.”
But this bike ain’t no quick fix on Craig’s List. Pre orders start at a whopping $999, with the Valour shipping in Fall 2014.