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Step 3The Idea...
The ball began rolling on this project after a crash on a local multi-use path resulted in my bike losing one of the handlebar end plugs. With the plug missing I was able to see how much prime real estate went unused inside a set of bicycle handlebars. I began brainstorming ideas for using this space to add function and maybe even some style to my bike.
The limitations I set for what the modification could be were simple:
~Must fit inside the existing handlebars.
~Must be stealth while the bike is parked to avoid theft and vandalism problems.
~Must be removable if I get tired of it.
~Must not interfere with normal handlebar operation.
~Must be reliable and user serviceable.
~Must perform some function to improve the cycling experience.
I had a lot of ideas, but some off them were too far out there and others I just did not have the time/parts to do right now.
Here are a few highlights from the brainstorming process:
~> Bar-end Flame Throwing Device- Besides the likelihood of this modification being illegal, it really was not very practical either.
~> Electrified Security Handlebars- Basically the bars would act as a taser to would-be bike thieves. This is really pretty do-able but the likelihood of self-electrocution got it marked off the list.
~> Automated Bicycle Alarm- I am still considering this idea of a loud audible alarm housed in the handlebars that would be triggered if someone molests my bike while it is locked up. The small size and easy availability of piezo buzzers makes this one a strong candidate for getting built in the future so stay tuned.
~> Handlebar Radio- Some music while I am cruising the local greenway would be nice but external speakers are somewhat impractical and an easy theft/vandalism target.
~> Integrated Handlebar USB Charger- basically a Minty Boost shoved into the handlebars. I decided this did not "improve the cycling experience" and it was scratched from the list.
Finally, I decided I should start with something simple to get a feel for working inside the constraints of a small metal tube. Lights seemed easy enough. While researching for the build I found a company called XRL already makes and sells lighted handlebar plugs. I looked at the pictures of their product and saw an issue I felt I could improve upon. XRL's plugs have manual toggle switches that must be turned off and on individually. I already have 3 lights to turn on before I ride and I did not want to up that number to 5. I decided I could improve upon the commercial design by making my lights automatically illuminate when you get on the bike and go off as soon as you let go of the handlebars.
Very nice.
Warning: The next step contains educational content.
The limitations I set for what the modification could be were simple:
~Must fit inside the existing handlebars.
~Must be stealth while the bike is parked to avoid theft and vandalism problems.
~Must be removable if I get tired of it.
~Must not interfere with normal handlebar operation.
~Must be reliable and user serviceable.
~Must perform some function to improve the cycling experience.
I had a lot of ideas, but some off them were too far out there and others I just did not have the time/parts to do right now.
Here are a few highlights from the brainstorming process:
~> Bar-end Flame Throwing Device- Besides the likelihood of this modification being illegal, it really was not very practical either.
~> Electrified Security Handlebars- Basically the bars would act as a taser to would-be bike thieves. This is really pretty do-able but the likelihood of self-electrocution got it marked off the list.
~> Automated Bicycle Alarm- I am still considering this idea of a loud audible alarm housed in the handlebars that would be triggered if someone molests my bike while it is locked up. The small size and easy availability of piezo buzzers makes this one a strong candidate for getting built in the future so stay tuned.
~> Handlebar Radio- Some music while I am cruising the local greenway would be nice but external speakers are somewhat impractical and an easy theft/vandalism target.
~> Integrated Handlebar USB Charger- basically a Minty Boost shoved into the handlebars. I decided this did not "improve the cycling experience" and it was scratched from the list.
Finally, I decided I should start with something simple to get a feel for working inside the constraints of a small metal tube. Lights seemed easy enough. While researching for the build I found a company called XRL already makes and sells lighted handlebar plugs. I looked at the pictures of their product and saw an issue I felt I could improve upon. XRL's plugs have manual toggle switches that must be turned off and on individually. I already have 3 lights to turn on before I ride and I did not want to up that number to 5. I decided I could improve upon the commercial design by making my lights automatically illuminate when you get on the bike and go off as soon as you let go of the handlebars.
Very nice.
Warning: The next step contains educational content.
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