Here at BikePortland we get a fair amount of product pitches (especially since the advent of crowd-funding). Just when I think I’ve seen it all, something new pops up. Cases in point are two products that have found their way into our inbox in the past few weeks: A periscope and an on-board mister for your bicycle.
Yes, you read that right.
The Spruzza ($59) is described as, “an on-board cooling system that attaches quickly and easily to your bike. Spruzza ‘air-conditions’ by allowing you to spray just enough water to cover and cool your head, face and neck. The relief from the heat is immediate.”
I haven’t used this myself, but the idea makes sense. We all know how nice it feels to ride through a burst water on a hot day. I know I’m not the only one who has swerved across a rural road just to feel the spray from crop sprinklers. The folks from Spruzza say their mist can help cool down your skin as much as 15-25 degrees. I can’t help but wonder if I’ll see any of these on Cycle Oregon this year.
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If you want to run the Spruzza, you might also need a set of windshield wipers if you want to use it with this next product.
The Pedi-Scope is a periscope for your bicycle. Invented by part-time Portlander Mike Lane, the aim of the Pedi-Scope is to allow you to see what’s on the road ahead of you without having to crane your neck up. “In order to relieve that pain and strain,” Lane writes on his Kickstarter page, “it would be great to be able to put your head down even if for a few moments. But as you know, looking down while riding can lead to terrible things.”
That’s why Lane has invented what he calls, “a dashboard for your bike.” It’s a nifty design of prisms encased in a 3D-printed body that straps to your handlebars. So far he’s raised $3,000 of $21,000 and he’s got 20 more days on his campaign.
What do you think? Would you use either of these devices? I’m sure the folks behind both of these products would love to get some feedback.