Biking gadgets help make cycling safer. Others help navigate while some can charge devices while you cycle, writes Mohd Naqiuddin Aziman
BLING HELMET
Created by the Chinese company Livall, “smart” helmet comes with new features such as LED lights, Bluetooth phone connection cadence sensor and music player. Its most impressive function is the helmet’s interactivity with the phone, which lets you connect via Bluetooth. All you need to do to make or receive a call is press the button underneath the helmet. US$99 (RM439) at Indiegogo.com.
AFFORDABLE GPS
If you are on a tight budget, you can get a cheap GPS for less than £10 (RM55.40). It is wireless, easy to use and will instantly display your statistics (speed, trip distance) once it is set. £8.99 at Amazon.com
GARMIN EDGE 820
Not your standard daily GPS. It acts as an advanced bike computer that shows and records all your statistics as you ride. There is also an elevation profile to tell whether its downhill or uphill ahead of your destination. US$399.99 at Amazon.com
EASYACC BIKE LIGHTS
The lights come with two parts — the torch and the rear light — and are sold separately. The torch comes with a well-made LED and a handlebar mount so that it can be turned into a bike light as well. It has a mode that can be toggled to constantly be on flashing or extra-bright mode when press repeatedly. £6.99 at Amazon.com.
SIVA CYCLE ATOM
With this device, you can charge your iPhone, Nexus as well as portable devices using the energy fed through the wheel when you cycle. US$103.93 at Rei.com.
SCOSCHE BOOMBOTTLE
Listen to music while cycle. The device fits in the standard bottle carrier and music can be played wirelessly via Bluetooth. Although it does not support the higher quality aptx codec it has an enormous sound volume that can make the ride more enjoyable. £100 at Amazon.com
LINKA SMART BIKE LOCK
This bike lock is the first of its kind that has a sensor which auto unlocks when the owner is close by. It also has a built-in accelerometer that can automatically triggers a siren to prevent theft. You can get the alert and notifications via its app that is connected to the smartphone. US$129 at Linkalock.com.
ZACKEES TURN SIGNAL GLOVES
This gloves provide turn signals that can be activated by touching the metal contacts on your thumb to the one on the side of your palm. The founder, Zach Vorhies created it after witnessing an aftermath of a hit-and- run accident involving his 10-year-old neighbour. US$74.95 at Amazon.com.