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iBikeConsole: take your nano two-wheelin'

by Mat Lu Sep 10th 2008 at 7:00AM


I recently got a new bicycle, so I was interested to run across iBikeConsole, a new iPod nano-focused accessory designed for cyclists. It combines two wireless remote controls with a central weather-resistant iPod nano case. The remote controls mount inside the hand grips and can be used while wearing gloves, while the central case also includes a cycle computer with distance and speed functions displayed on the nano's screen. The whole thing is powered by the nano's battery, the it will store data even after the nano is removed.

It's designed to work with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation nanos. I contacted the manufacturer to check on compatibility with the just announced 4th gen nano, and they say that they have yet to get one and so cannot confirm compatibility. We'll update this post when more information is available.

iBikeConsole is available for $76.00.

[via Gizmodo]

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I recently got a new bicycle, so I was interested to run across iBikeConsole, a new iPod nano-focused accessory designed for cyclists. It...
 

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xenolon

Don't wear headphones while riding a bike. Period.

This is a serious safety issue.

September 10 2008 at 3:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to xenolon's comment
David Robison

Yeah, when you're riding a bike, your hearing is critical for making sure you're aware of the cars, trucks, and buses around you. You also don't want to have a headphone cable in your way.

As for driving a car, I use my Apple iPhone headphones and listen to music with a low-ish volume. I can hear what's around me since the headphones do NOT block external noise. But again, when driving a car, you don't need the same level of hearing that you do on a bike.

September 10 2008 at 3:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jollyllama

I'm a long time rain-or-shine bike commuter, and I can't tell you how bad of an idea this is if you're anywhere near cars. Riding in traffic requires constant attention to not only what's going on in front of you where you can see, but also what's coming up behind you. Your ears are critical components of your safety, and sticking earphones in them puts you in a very dangerous position.

September 10 2008 at 1:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
antscary

Yeah, way to encourage something that is illegal in many cities - listening to headphones while bicycling. Not to mention dangerous. I'm a bit shocked that this actually comes from a company that makes bicycling gear. They should place a warning on their site that this should be strictly for off-road (and away from pedestrian trail) use.

September 10 2008 at 1:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jeem

It comes with a helmet and long-term disability insurance, right?

September 10 2008 at 11:01 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Brett

Are you kidding me?!? Listening to music on headphones while riding is a REALLY bad idea. Unless you want to get killed...

September 10 2008 at 10:50 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
john russell

The weather-resistant bit would be nice for year round cycling, especially commuting, only made easier with external controls. It would be nice if they also sold an external speaker that could mount on the handlebars, as riding with earbuds is a very dangerous thing to do, not to mention illegal in many states.

September 10 2008 at 9:57 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
colouroflight

Because riding a bike while listening to music is a GREAT idea.

I hope anyone that gets this also gets the optional speaker kit. There are already too many careless cyclists on the road who break traffic laws, bike recklessly and have headphones stuck in their ears.

September 10 2008 at 9:50 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to colouroflight's comment
Chris

Glad someone pointed this out. Folks mindlessly cycling along insulated from the rest of the world and braking laws make the people in the cars angry at the rest of us.

Doing this impairs one of the most important senses for bicycling safety. Important not just for avoiding cars but for avoiding a disaster when a team of cyclists is approaching you on the left to pass you.

Sorry.. pet peeve.

September 10 2008 at 11:14 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gear

I use an ipod Shuffle, a Microsound (tiny AAA powered speaker) and a mop clamp to clamp it to my bars. It weighs next to nothing (important consideration for bicycling), its indestructible, can be removed by just pulling it off the bars (very important when you leave the bike parked to go into a store) and it sounds good too.

Not sure how useful the screen of a Nano would be as I tend to look at terrain and traffic when riding.

September 10 2008 at 7:32 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to gear's comment
Le Big Mac

This is great if it has a speaker. It is *terrible* if it means cyclists will use headphones.

Folks, it's illegal in most states to wear headphones while operating a vehicle (car or bike).

And it's totally unsafe, since you can't hear traffic, other cyclists, or pretty much anything other than the music.

September 10 2008 at 9:18 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Craig

Why is the 'play' button facing the wrong direction? Also, I'm still looking for a bike mount for my iPhone (3G). Haven't been able to find one yet.

September 10 2008 at 7:23 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Craig's comment
Brian

Me two, an iPhone mount would sell like... well like iPods....

September 10 2008 at 7:26 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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