With electronics getting smaller and more powerful at the same time, companies and inventors are constantly looking for ways to better our world. That includes helping us become more integrated with the things we use…. even the bicycle. SpeedForce looks to do just that when they put integration front and center with their new feature rich “smart stem”.
Transport yourself past the break to see how many things they fit into this slick little stem….
It is already standard practice for us to find ways to smuggle hide peripheral items in our bikes. Whether it’s cables, Di2 batteries, or anything you can fit into your SWAT door equipped bike. Basically find a hollow space and stash something in it. Speed Force wants to clear your bars of practically all accessories by building them into their stem. So far they are 1,170% over their Indiegogo crowdfunding goal, (not a misprint).
The unit has pedal and wheel sensors that measure speed, time, distance, heart rate, altitude, temperature, and cadence. It also has a built-in GPS chip that syncs with your phone’s GPS, and activates turn signal indicators that light up telling you when to turn. The GPS has “Turn by Turn” and “Off the Road” modes. Turn-by-turn requires your smartphone’s GPS. and sends the navigation via Bluetooth to direct you. Off-the-road is when you program your route and without your phone, the SpeedForce’s built in GPS will guide you on the submitted route.
In addition to all of the smart features, the SpeedForce Stem also houses a 150 lumen headlight. They claim the stem will operate for up to 40 hours, (16 using the GPS), and the battery is removable making it replaceable as well as giving you the option to keep a spare around.
The SpeedForce stem comes in mountain and road versions with length apparently only 90 and 110mm. Though not obvious in the pictures, the stem’s lower “face plate” is removed by 4 bolts making bar installation simple.
The data from the SpeedForce stem will sync with their SpeedX app letting you access your ride data with your smartphone. The app will allow you to share your data with other users and see how others are doing as well. There is a leader board letting you compete with others. According to their website, they have already had over 400,000 users download the app.
While not everyone’s cup-o-tea, there is obviously a massive amount of interest in increasing integrating more with our bikes and the SpeedForce Stem is no exception.
