It's Official, Biking is Cool - Apple is On Board

It seems that Steve Jobs is the modern day Midas and almost everything Apple does turns into gold these days.  Apple seems to be the arbiter of cool as most "hip" young people I see are rocking not one, but multiple Apple products.  For example, the other day I saw a guy holding an iPad while talking on his iPhone.  If Apple produced underwear I'm sure he would have been rocking that too . . . probably on the outside of his pants. 

Anyway, Apple has thrown it's golden hat into the bike game with the release of a patented Smart Bike.  The following text and photo come from the blog, Patently Apple:  

On August 5, 2010, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals various concepts behind a newly advanced Smart Bicycle System in development. The premise is rather like Apple's Nike + iPod system for runners except for cyclists. While the system is for individuals, it's also designed to work with teams of cyclists so that they could communicate with each other on-the-fly about course difficulty or perceived problems. The Bicycle system monitors speed, distance, time, altitude, elevation, incline, decline, heart rate, power, derailleur setting, cadence, wind speed, path completed, expected future path, heart rate, power, and pace. The system could utilize various sensors built-into the iPhone in addition to working with sensors already built-into the bike itself. Apple's patent is extraordinarily detailed and packed with interesting twists that the sporting cyclist will really appreciate.

I'm happy in that this will likely help focus more attention on cycling but as for me, I think I will continue to remain fruit free unless they produce products that allow you to replace your own battery.  Apple and Shimano seem to follow similar sales strategies - give people cool products, but make them have to service them through you or practice planned obsolescence. 

Also, half the iPhones I see have cracked screens so I sure hope Apple creates a bike that is not as fragile as their phones.  Apple lovers, go ahead and lambaste me in comments. 

Comments

[monogodo]

If you're seeing a lot of iPhones with cracked screens, you're seeing a lot of people who aren't careful with their stuff. My wife and I own every iteration of the iPhone. She started with the 2G, and replaced it with the 3GS. I started with the 3G, and just replaced it with the 4. Neither of us have had any problems with the screens. I've even ridden my bike with my 3G mounted to the handlebars with a makeshift case and had no problems.

But to each their own.

[Nate J.]

"designed to work with teams of cyclists so that they could communicate with each other on-the-fly about course difficulty or perceived problems"

I cannot imagine that'd be allowed in competitive events, could it?

[Prada Handbags]

So that means give no consideration to the community that built you up to be "king." We helped create this egotistic, self centered person and all cities that pay professinal athletes huge sums of money to play a sport keep up that tradition as well.
Our store offers you all kinds of favourite products like Prada Handbags and Prada Handbags 2010 , Mens Prada Sunglasses with high quality, fashion style and competitive price.

[reouuyte7]

Hack again?!

[Ed Hardy Discount Clothing]

How does this product operate? A Special Hoodia evaluate says that it truly manages to play games along with your brain.

[Nike Frees]

As your brain gets this feeling, it thinks that your physique has enough power for the second and does not want any more.