Kickstart Your Tri with These 6 Crowdfunded Products
Crowdfunding is the new way to make a dream come true.
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Crowdfunding is the new way to make a dream come true, with anything ranging from public art to board games to technologies living or dying at the hands of public interest. And Kickstarter is the ideal platform to put a dream on trial and see if it flies. Here’s a look at six triathlon-related products that might see the light of day, along with our “reality score” on a scale of 1-10 (1 = never gonna happen, 10 = slam dunk).
Mobvoi Ticwatch S & E Smartwatch
The Deal: Android and iOS-supported GPS watch with optical heart rate, fully touchscreen-controlled, at just $199 retail.
Backer Cost: $119 (20 percent off retail) to $6,200 (25 S, 25 Ticwatch E, 25 Ticwatch S and 25 TicPod headphones)
ETA: November
Reality Score: 10
Road & Ribbon Custom Handlebar Tape
The Deal: Bar tape. In four print patterns (or custom if you kick in $3,000 or more).
Backer Cost: $1 (backer recognition on website) to $5,000 (300 rolls of tape and a dedicated Instagram post)
ETA: Stock patterns already available
Reality Score: 5 (limited run stock designs already shipping)
Tri Gallery Modern Medal One Display Frame
The Deal: A framed shadowbox display for your favorite finisher’s medal
Backer Cost: $5 (a thank you) to $8,900 (500 display frames for event organizers)
ETA: November
Reality Score: 10
LumaGlo Crossbelt Wearable Illumination
The Deal: LED run/cycling belt provides 360-degree visibility and (via an accelerometer) brightens when braking.
Backer Cost: $5 (“Defy Darkness” sticker) to $1,500 (LumaGlo Headquarters visit)
ETA: August
Reality Score: 8
SoundMolds Custom Earbuds Headphones
The Deal: Custom-molded silicone earbuds in wired or wireless versions
Backer Cost: $10 (protective travel case) to $314 (two headsets and custom molds)
ETA: October
Reality Score: 3
Pedaling-Powered USB Charger
The Deal: A hub dynamo that powers your USB devices as you pedal
Backer Cost: $5 (project updates) to $123 (front wheel with USB-powering hub)
ETA: November
Reality Score: 1