Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indigogo have been instrumental in helping get new business off the ground, and is always an interesting place to check out what types of new ideas are out there being pitched. Of course, for every cool new idea (and crowdfunding hit) like Revolights or the Better Bike Bell there are dozens, if not hundreds of less… compelling new products that have makers and aspiring entrepreneurs heading back to the drawing board to rethink their product or their marketing strategy.
Here’s a few of the current campaigns currently up for your potential backing.
MagLOCK Pedals
Have you ever wanted a magnetically locking bike pedal? The team at MagLOCK hope you do. Truth be told, I’d be scared to run this product, but I get the sense this product isn’t aimed for riders like me, since I’ve never once been concerned about being “trapped” in my pedals. Well, since I learned how to ride them like, a decade ago.
It’s an interesting concept at least.
ZumZum Balance Bike
The ZumZum balance bike with suspension brings back Softride technology! Except this time it actually makes sense. The project is almost half way to its goal despite being on the pricey side for a bike your kid will grow through quickly. Pledge $149 now to reserve yours.
FBM Raconteur City Bike
FBM Bike Co. is branching into city bikes with the Raconteur city bike. Inspired buy his vintage road bike, he could find one he liked, so he build one himself. They actually look pretty nice, and I’m really happy he utilized a modern stem design, as opposed to sticking with a dated quill stem for aesthetic reasons. The frame and fork are 100% quality 4130 chromoly and there are some other great details as well, like cork bar ends, and the Unicorn logo head badge. $750 will reserve one, hand built in New York.
Fat Moose Fat Bike by Moose Bicycle
The Fat Moose Fat Bike is an aluminum fat bike company that plans to sell consumer direct in order to keep retail costs down. They’re aiming for an MSRP of $899 CAD for a complete fat bike with a rigid alloy fork, but you can also go for a fixed gear model as well for $499 CAD. (probably not a fat bike)
SCS Magnum Hitch Rack
Then there’s the SCS Magnum, a hitch mounted bike carrier intended to increase the security of your bike when traveling. It features a steel security bar that’s bold cutter and pry bar resistant. It is a great concept, but a bit limited in scope, as it’s design doesn’t play well with dual suspension mountain bikes. At $365 and it doesn’t look like its going to go the distance.
Do any of the product ideas catch your fancy? Or simply make you want to do face palm? Leave a though below.