New bike accessory idea - feedback requested
#2
Free and Self-Reliant
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Seattle, WA
Bikes: Retrovelo Paula, 3 Speed Brompton, Rivendell Cheviot
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Oxnard, CA
Bikes: 2009 Fuji Roubaix RC; 2011 Fuji Cross 2.0; '92 Diamond Back Ascent EX
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.
#4
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!

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!
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Chicago
Bikes: 09 Jamis Aurora, 4 Giant ATX 870, 64 Schwin Traveler
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.
#7
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
I just put more effort into this thread than the lazy OP
#9
Velocommuter Commando
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Houston, Texas
Bikes: '88 Specialized Sirrus, '89 Alpine Monitor Pass, two '70 Raligh Twenties, '07 Schwinn Town & Country Trike, '07 Specialized Sirrus Hybrid
#10
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From: Chicago
Bikes: 09 Jamis Aurora, 4 Giant ATX 870, 64 Schwin Traveler
You didn't even see the specs for how they are going to mount the anchor the helmet will lock to!
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 757
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From: Seacoast, NH
Bikes: Chinook travel/gravel/family tandem, Chinook all-road, Motobecane fatbike
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.
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.
#12
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
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.
proven and sold by the zillion, My Koga Miyata NL bike came with one installed.
#13
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!
#14
Free and Self-Reliant
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Seattle, WA
Bikes: Retrovelo Paula, 3 Speed Brompton, Rivendell Cheviot
Battery operated PEDALS for toasty toes -- now you're talking.
#15
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2
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From: Boston, MA
Bikes: Single Speed & MTB
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:
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:
#16
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 757
Likes: 34
From: Seacoast, NH
Bikes: Chinook travel/gravel/family tandem, Chinook all-road, Motobecane fatbike
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.
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.
#17
2nd Amendment Cyclist
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 1
From: Cary, NC
Bikes: Schwinn 2010 World Street, Handsome Speedy w/ SRAM Apex
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.
#18
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.
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.
#19
#21
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2
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From: Boston, MA
Bikes: Single Speed & MTB
#23
Free and Self-Reliant
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Seattle, WA
Bikes: Retrovelo Paula, 3 Speed Brompton, Rivendell Cheviot
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: San Jose, CA
Bikes: Bianchi San Remo - set up as a utility bike, Peter Mooney Road bike, Peter Mooney commute bike,Dahon Folder,Schwinn Paramount Tandem
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.




