This carbon fiber smart handlebar turns the cycle’s front into a streamlined cockpit

For most of us, cycling is all about the basics—just a bike, whether electric, geared, or both—and we’re off to work, out for exercise, or running errands. But as you spend more time riding, you start to see the handlebar as more than just a steering mechanism. It’s more of a blank canvas for useful gadgets. Soon, you find yourself adding aftermarket displays, GPS systems, lights, and other accessories to enhance your ride or include safety features.

There’s nothing wrong with attaching navigation devices, lights, and more, but since these accessories are designed separately, they add extra weight and make synchronizing everything a hassle. To solve this problem, and to “revolutionize the cycling experience,” a German startup has developed a sleek, clutter-free handlebar that seamlessly integrates multiple features, turning the cycle’s front end into a streamlined cockpit for both serious athletes and everyday riders.

Designer: Flite

The innovative contraption is the brainchild of automotive engineers Sabrina Fischer and Matthias Huber, founders of Flite. Dubbed the Flitedeck, the fully connected and integrated handlebar is the first of its type in the world, and similarly being funded in the most eccentric manner as well. Designers are raising funds for the Flitedeck through OnlyFans: descriptively a “subscription-based video-on-demand social network revolutionising creator and fan connections.”

The Flitedeck made lightweight using carbon fiber construction, is both aerodynamic and good to look at. The appearance is scaled up with the dual beam headlight, electronic bell, 180 x 70-mm touchscreen display, GPS, rear-view camera, and a motion-sensitive theft alarm – all slapped onto it. The display is completely customizable to show the vital information the rider requires in front of the eye or the peripheral vision.

From all the features it has, Flitedeck could easily be mistaken to be a spoilt kid on the block, but it plays happily with third-party sensors and other aftermarket accessories you may still require to boost your riding experience. The connection between the handlebar and other devices is established over ANT+, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. The system is also compatible with iOS and Android apps, which cyclists generally use to track their speed, distance, and other parameters.

Even with the accessories built into the handlebar, it weighs only 80 g. It is weatherproof, and powered by a rechargeable battery that runs up to 30 hours on a single charge. If you’re interested, the Flitedeck will initially be limited to only 1,000 units. You can preorder one through the Flite website for roughly $1,700 early bird discount.

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