We first really saw the lightweight 20″ Ahooga folding commuter bikes just over a month ago back at the Berlin Bike Show, along with their e-bike option that promises fast rolling and a ride like a regular pedal bike when the e-motor assist isn’t engaged. Now to expand on their technology they’ve partnered up with German-made smartphone accessory company SMINNO to offer their new CESAcruise hands-free phone holder on Ahooga commuters for the best mix of on-the-bike usability and on-the-go connectivity for mobile-based navigation, music, and even phone calls…
The trick to the CESAcruise is that it is essentially a universal fit mobile device handlebar mount that turns your smartphone into a viable hands-free device on the bike. They say it turns every bike into a smartbike. While that is effectively what putting any smartphone on your handlebar does, the CESAcruise does go about it in a fairly unique way.
The CESAcruise in essence is a slip fit cradle that will securely hold a wide range of phone shapes, and at the same time creates a curved shell that both shields the device from wind noise and is said to amplify & direct sound to the user on the bike. That means that when using your regular fitness or navigation apps you can actually hear voice prompts. It even claims to work well enough that you can comfortably listen to music on the go, or even make and receive speaker phone calls, all with your smartphone’s hands-free functionality.
The 60€ CESAcruise also claims to be able to use its translucent/transparent case to function as a front light via your phone’s built-in LED at night. It even contains an integrated slot so you can route a cable in to charge your device on the go from an external battery source. An optional 7€ rain cover for all-weather use.
The CESAcruise is compatible with all smartphones with a display size of 3-6.4″, for example iPhones 4 – 6 Plus and Samsung Galaxies S4 mini – S7, among many others and can be installed in either portrait or landscape orientations. It weights just 80g , is made in Germany, and is 100% recyclable in an array of available colors.
