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New bike accessory idea - feedback requested

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Old 11-04-10 | 10:35 AM
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To save the time of others, the product idea is a combined helmet and lock.

This seems like a silly idea to me.

Paul
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Old 11-04-10 | 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by paul2432
To save the time of others, the product idea is a combined helmet and lock.

This seems like a silly idea to me.

Paul
Thanks. And OP: These sorts of posts are really annoying.
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Old 11-04-10 | 10:43 AM
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Can't imagine having the weight of a lock that is at all substantial attached to my helmet. Guess it would help build up those weak neck muscles.
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Old 11-04-10 | 10:44 AM
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It took me about 1 minute, and after all it's just a school project. They can learn just as much about business trying to bring a doomed product to market as a they can with a good one. Probably more, actually

How about a helmet with a small loop of cable hanging off the back that you could pass a U-lock or a cable lock through? There, there's your idea. I don't have time to bring that one to market, you can have it. You're welcome!
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Old 11-04-10 | 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by paul2432
To save the time of others, the product idea is a combined helmet and lock.

This seems like a silly idea to me.

Paul
That's because it is a silly idea.
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Old 11-04-10 | 11:09 AM
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Originally Posted by sdold
How about a helmet with a small loop of cable hanging off the back that you could pass a U-lock or a cable lock through?
I wouldn't mind that actually, a small cable wouldn't add too much weight. Sometimes I don't want to carry my helmet around (if i'm going "out" instead of just on errands).
On my helmet there is only one hole my u-lock fits through, and sometimes I can't get it in.

edit1: ok that last sentence sounded dirty.

edit2: i suppose bolts that attach the cable to the helmet going through my skull in a crash might be a downer.
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Old 11-04-10 | 11:15 AM
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If you pass the lock through the triangles of the straps the helmet can't be snatched without rendering it useless. Does someone really want your sweaty helmet that bad? If they just want to vandalize then neither is a deterrant.

I just put more effort into this thread than the lazy OP
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Old 11-04-10 | 11:15 AM
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I don't want my helmet locked onto my head!
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Old 11-04-10 | 11:16 AM
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Originally Posted by OneIsAllYouNeed
I don't want my helmet locked onto my head!

Ain't that what "The Man in the Iron Mask" is about??
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Old 11-04-10 | 11:34 AM
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Originally Posted by OneIsAllYouNeed
I don't want my helmet locked onto my head!
You didn't even see the specs for how they are going to mount the anchor the helmet will lock to!
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Old 11-04-10 | 11:45 AM
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If they want to combine things with a lock, how about something that should be made a of steel (rather than foam):
A combination multi-tool and bike lock. It would be one of the first multi-tools that actually offered users some leverage for torquing pedals and cranks. I hereby declare that this is the first posting of such an idea and I will be pursuing patent rights. That said, you're welcome to develop it and send me royalties.
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Old 11-04-10 | 11:52 AM
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Frame mounted Ring locks keep the bike from being rolled off, add a chain or cable to lock it onto to stuff.

proven and sold by the zillion, My Koga Miyata NL bike came with one installed.
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Old 11-04-10 | 12:17 PM
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How about a helmet with built-in lights? or a way to affix a Kensington style computer security cable? Or a battery powered seat warmer? hmm... now I want a battery powered seat warmer... If anyone makes money off that idea, I want a free one and a sandwich!
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Old 11-04-10 | 12:25 PM
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Originally Posted by tligman
How about a helmet with built-in lights? or a way to affix a Kensington style computer security cable? Or a battery powered seat warmer? hmm... now I want a battery powered seat warmer... If anyone makes money off that idea, I want a free one and a sandwich!
Battery operated PEDALS for toasty toes -- now you're talking.
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Old 11-04-10 | 12:44 PM
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OP here!

Thanks everyone who got to take the survey before it got moved to the survey section, then deleted. Sorry I missed that section to begin with - I didn't mean to come in here and break the forum rules.

We do appreciate the feedback - positive or negative - but I thought I would come on and add some detail to the concept. The idea is indeed to create a combined bicycle helmet & lock targeted at your everyday urban biker or commuter. We hope to provide a cost savings on the total package while helping to avoid the awkward transportation of a lock and the need to carry your helmet with you.

The basic concept is for a three piece helmet as seen in the rough picture below. The top of the helmet will flip up and out of the way. The other two pieces can wrap around the bike to secure it. It would have a lock in the front.

There are clearly a lot of challenges with the design but before we address those we want to validate that the market exists and see if it is willing to pay a price that would be required to address those challenges. Please keep in mind this is a school project.

Thanks again for all the feedback! I'm hesitant to provide a link to the survey again, but please let me know if you want it.

btw, I liked a lot of the ideas above - wish we had thought of those :-)

Here is a very rough idea of the concept:
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
HelmetPrototype..jpg (98.5 KB, 40 views)
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Old 11-04-10 | 12:47 PM
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Hey OP,
Not sure if that's your bike in the picture... but the fork is busted. Might wanna swing by your LBS and get that sorted out.
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Old 11-04-10 | 12:52 PM
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A century jacket with flexible solar panels on the upper shoulders that connects to two standard USB female outlets - one that leads to a rear low pocket, the other to a front breast pocket.
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Old 11-04-10 | 12:53 PM
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1) Removable parts will weaken the helmet. A helmet is made of solid piece of material.

2) Helmet is not made of material that can withstand cutting tools the way regular lock or even cable can.

I think you should really redirect your creative energy at something that makes more sense.
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Old 11-04-10 | 01:02 PM
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Originally Posted by RichardGlover
A century jacket with flexible solar panels on the upper shoulders that connects to two standard USB female outlets - one that leads to a rear low pocket, the other to a front breast pocket.
Werd
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Old 11-04-10 | 01:16 PM
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a rain covered helmet/ with a light as most helmet light mounts strap onto bare helmets

preventing the use of a rain cover on the helmet ..
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Old 11-04-10 | 01:19 PM
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Originally Posted by OneIsAllYouNeed
Hey OP,
Not sure if that's your bike in the picture... but the fork is busted. Might wanna swing by your LBS and get that sorted out.
Luckily it's not, we just found a picture that would be easy to photoshop. Didn't notice that though!
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Old 11-04-10 | 01:22 PM
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Interesting concept, I hope your not serious though! Sounds dangerous for your head and the safety of your bike.
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Old 11-04-10 | 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by SumpiTwo

Here is a very rough idea of the concept:
Uh, might want to lock the bike to something it can't just be lifted off of.
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Old 11-04-10 | 02:01 PM
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Your idea will not work. No one is going to carry the weight of a lock on their head. Perhaps a bike pump that doubles as a u-lock would work.
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Old 11-05-10 | 01:09 PM
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Originally Posted by paul2432
To save the time of others, the product idea is a combined helmet and lock.

This seems like a silly idea to me.

Paul
I like the idea - it would be particularly useful for people who post marketing questions, they seem to always be loosing their heads, this might help them keep them.
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