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Cycle AT uses Bluetooth to Monitor Tire Pressure, Speed, and More

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CycleAT-roadbike-tpms-sunset2 copy

In the future, it seems everything will be connected to your smart phone. First locks, and now with Cycle AT, a tire pressure monitoring system. Designed to work with both motorcycles and bicycles, Cycle AT is a Bluetooth LE connected sensor that mounts onto the valve stems of each wheel. When paired with the Cycle AT App, the sensors monitor individual tire pressure, temperature, and even alignment (though that last one is likely more for motorcycles). Not sold yet? The devices do act as speed sensors as well, so if you don’t already have a cycle computer this might do the trick.

To be sold in both low and high profile designs, and weigh less than 30 grams each. The sensors themselves are housed in an anodized aluminum casing with fit for presta or schraeder valves. The system will be launched on Kickstarter next week with pricing available then.

Honestly, we’re guessing this will be a bigger hit with the motorcycle crowd, but what do you think? Would Cycle AT be useful for your bike?

cycleat.com

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Peter
Peter
9 years ago

Sigh- another kickstarter for a needless product. Train yourself to check air pressure before every ride. Many of us cyclists want ZERO electricity and technology on our bicycles.

I do agree though, this is going to be big with motorcycles. I can see a big manufacturer adding it on their bikes.

James S
James S
9 years ago

Apparently I am the last person on the planet who doesn’t have a smartphone. The assimilation is now complete, everyone is Borg. The zombie apocalypse has already happened and nobody noticed. Should I go on, or is this too much to read on your tiny screen as you walk out into traffic with your head down?

But even if I were a smartphone-zombie, I don’t think I really need to know my tire’s air pressure at all times. Checking it once before a ride is good enough for me.

SamSkjord
9 years ago

“Many of us cyclists want ZERO electricity and technology on our bicycles.”

Technology such as the wheel?

David Lewis
David Lewis
9 years ago

A big manufacturer would be likely to use existing automotive sensors. They are cheaper, and less vulnerable because they are inside on the rim. And for the same reason they don’t risk leaking air themselves as something on the valve stem does. The market is owners of existing motorcycles without sensors. I would be surprised if it took off on bicycles, but marketing is not something I’m particularly good at. Where I actually can see it being useful is on automotive spare tires, which no one ever checks and which therefore tend to be underinflated on the rare occasions when you actually need them.

groghunter
groghunter
9 years ago

Pretty sure there are some racers who will love this added telemetry. Luddites need not apply.

bjorn
9 years ago

30g ? This could induce serious oscillation on the wheel… Hmm, how do you call “resonance” in english ? Anyway, I would not recommend it on a bicycle wheel.

Ryan
Ryan
9 years ago

I like to keep things super simple in all areas, which is why I ride a rigid SS mtb, why I shoot with prime lenses, and why I take my coffee black. That said, monitoring my air pressure is one gimmick/tech feature that really appeals to me for several reasons. If this is <$100, I'll probably bite.

Ryan
Ryan
9 years ago

My concern is if they can be used with tires with sealant. When I dump air on rides, often times a little sealant is expelled despite its location. I wonder if this would gum up the sensor since I can only assume the valve would be open in order for the device to monitor pressure.

Champs
Champs
9 years ago

Stop. Please just stop.

I’m certainly not a Luddite, but it would be awesome if everybody would quit trying to “disrupt” cycling with technology. Surely there is a tipping point where bolting so much weight and complexity makes a bike so expensive and inconvenient that you’re better off with a car. This way to the Hyundai dealer’s leasing office…

Denny
Denny
9 years ago

To keep it simple, is great! But, I would have this one little piece for fatbike above all 😀 🙂 B)

groghunter
groghunter
9 years ago

@Champs

Your argument would be far more compelling if you didn’t claim not to be a Luddite, then immediately espouse a Luddite philosophy. In the same sentence, even.

i
i
9 years ago

you guys realize no one is forcing this on you, right? Because it sounds like you don’t. If you don’t see a need, don’t freaking buy it. Wow, that was difficult.

It isn’t like TPS in your car (which includes the spare on every car made since at least 2008, @david lewis) which you can’t, by federal law sell a car without.

Andrew
Andrew
9 years ago

On a commuter bike a simple mechanical pressure sensing valve cap would be handy, ie: the cap turns red if pressure drops below a certain threshold (for the not so bicycle inclined who don’t know the difference between 1 bar and 10 bar). Smartphone connectivity though? I agree with the large majority: that this is ridiculously needless on bicycles

yogibimbi
yogibimbi
9 years ago

much too big. Like the idea, but this implementation is not going to any money from me. The music on the video is nice, though.

K
K
9 years ago

Who wants a big honk’in thing on their wheel to make it out of balance and one more thing to have to look at while riding. it goes flat it goes flat, that’s part of riding.

Thomas
Thomas
9 years ago

I hope it works with my Google Glass!

muf
muf
9 years ago

doesnt matter much, none of these will ever be very successful on a bike until all bikes require electricity anyway and so on (thats why it makes sense on motor bikes for example).

thus these projects will die on their own, and dont matter much.

Jamie
Jamie
9 years ago

Umm… Didn’t see the video yet, but won’t these just get stolen?

Jupes
Jupes
9 years ago

Don’t need it / want it on my Felt, don’t need it / want it on my Indian. I know how to use and read an air gauge, thank you very much. I don’t see this catching in with bikers either.

greg
greg
9 years ago

this is nice n all, but i’ll wait for the latest battery-less tpms coming out that use -get this- ambient radio waves to power itself. obviously, extremely little power is needed. no battery to die. likely lighter and smaller.

Mike
Mike
9 years ago

Too big. Reckon if they were the size of an elongated dust cap they’d be closer to a winner.

Huizar
Huizar
9 years ago

So…they’re not making one for Segways?

David Kalinowski
9 years ago

Answering a couple of questions.

@Ryan: If you get on the campaign early the first reward level is 2 sensors, charging cable, and access to the free iOS app for $139.

@Ryan: Tire sealant leaking should not be any issue for clogging up sensors or valves due to the internal geometry and construction of the device.

: we have a security “Set-screw” available to ensure it is more difficult to steal.

Battery is rechargeable.

Any other feedback before we launch our campaign?

David Kalinowski
Co-Founder

Tye Davis
9 years ago

Hey All,

We appreciate your feedback. To learn more about CycleAT, you can now find our LIVE Kickstarter campaign here: bit.ly/CycleAT

Thank you and happy riding!

Tye Davis
CycleAT
http://www.cycleat.com

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