Garmin Just Made a Move to Make You More Aero—In Real Time

Best known for watches and bike computers, Garmin just jumped into the aero analysis business.

Garmin announced yesterday that it acquired Alphamantis Technologies Inc., a privately held designer of aerodynamics testing and measurement technology for the cycling industry based in Montreal, Canada.

“Alphamantis is on the leading edge of aerodynamics analysis in the cycling world, and that makes the company a perfect fit for our robust suite of bike products,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin’s president and CEO, in a press release. “Aerodynamics is another way for cyclists to measure and improve their performance—something our customers crave.”

Alphamantis develops technology that allows cyclists to test and refine their drag coefficient in everyday riding conditions—no need to head to the wind tunnel. It’s similar to what Argon 18 introduced to much excitement at last year’s Eurobike trade show: a sensor-laden unit for triathlon bikes that could allow average triathletes to fine tune their aero positions. (In fact, gear guru Ray Maker says the two Quebecois companies may have teamed up on the tech at one point. Note: Argon 18’s sensor isn’t available for consumers yet. Sources say the consumer product could be released the end of this summer at Eurobike.)

Given that Garmin owns its own factories, “if Alphamantis was already close to shipping product, then the time between now and when we see a Garmin branded version could be very tight,” Maker wrote on his DC Rainmaker blog. And the announcement might give other companies working on similar tech, like PowerPod, a kick in the pants to refine their product to compete.

Fun aero times ahead!