The Vanhawks Valour is Cycling 2.0

The Vanhawks Valour is Cycling 2.0

Like most areas of modern life, transport has seen some rapid innovation in the past few years. Many of these advances have sought to make vehicles smarter, but the focus has definitely been on cars — whether it’s Land Rover’s windscreen augmented reality or just iPad-powered entertainment. A new startup named Vanhawks wants to redress this bias, and bring the same kind of connected computing power to the humble bicycle.

The Vanhawks Valour is Cycling 2.0

The company’s carbon fibre Valour road bike is currently in the process of smashing through its Kickstarter target, and it’s easy to see why. Quite apart from sleek looks, the Valour is fitted with a turn-by-turn GPS navigation system, and sensors which watch out for potential blind-spot dangers. Just as importantly, though, this information is provided in ways that don’t cause a major distraction; GPS instructions are indicated by lights on the handlebar, and you are warned of nearby vehicles by vibrating handlebars. This is all powered by a dynamo in the front wheel, by the way.

The Vanhawks Valour is Cycling 2.0

However, as I mentioned, this is also a connected bike. The Valour is filled with sensors, and after hooking up to the Vanhawks app on your phone (which you might like to mount on the handlebars), it sends a whole load of data to your handset.

Speeds, routes, distances, and calories burnt are all made available as pretty infographics, no doubt with personal goal-setting in mind. But the Valour thinks about road conditions, too. Every bump in the road you cross, every hill you climb and every closed road you encounter is recorded. The app then uses this information — together with data collected by other local Valour riders — to suggest the most cycle-friendly route to your next destination. And if you pass a stolen Valour on your way, the owner will be alerted.

That, in my book, is one seriously smart bike.

Mark is best known for writing about apps, but he also loves the tactile, hardware side of technology. Being a professional photographer, he's pretty handy with a camera, and he's a self-confessed tweetaholic.
Join the Discussion

You Might Also Like

4 Cryptocurrency trends for 2024 and beyond

4 Cryptocurrency trends for 2024 and beyond

Keeping up with the latest developments in the cryptocurrency market is handy for investors looking to maximize their investments. Doing so enables you to make smart investment choices while maximizing profits. For that reason, we’re highlighting the top 4 cryptocurrency..
LEFEET P1 underwater scooter: ideal for exploring shipwrecks and caves

LEFEET P1 underwater scooter: ideal for exploring shipwrecks and caves

I live near the sea and try to explore the depths whenever I can. Over the years, I’ve found that an underwater scooter is an excellent way to cover more mileage while I’m beneath the waves. So I was thrilled..
What is OSS in telecom? Information, benefits & product examples

What is OSS in telecom? Information, benefits & product examples

What is OSS in telecom? OSS stands for Operational Support Systems. These software systems enable efficient and effective management of telecommunications services and network management. Telecommunications operators use such solutions. Today, many options make it easier to manage and connect..
HeatsBox Go review: this heated lunch box warms your meals in 15–25 minutes

HeatsBox Go review: this heated lunch box warms your meals in 15–25 minutes

If I’m on the go all day, I hit up McDonald’s or Panera for lunch. Lately, however, I’ve been trying to cook more of my food at home. The trouble is, bringing casseroles and other cooked dishes with me has..
MWC Barcelona 2024: flying taxis, bendable phones & so much more

MWC Barcelona 2024: flying taxis, bendable phones & so much more

As chief business development officer (CBDO) of Gadget Flow, I love witnessing new tech releases to the consumer market. At MWC 2024, I got the chance to experience firsthand some of the latest ideas and innovations that will impact our..
These 6 technologies give your business 5-star customer service ratings

These 6 technologies give your business 5-star customer service ratings

Years ago, all it took to run a successful business was an innovative product that customers wanted. After that, everything else was secondary. You could succeed with relatively high prices. You could even get by with subpar customer service technologies...