isaac.waters

I am a student at Whitley Bay High School and part of my design engineering course is solving problems in the real world. I have chosen cycling as my topic area and am in need of a list of requirements that you would want from a bike accessory.

So my question is, if you were to have a something attached to the bars or the head tube for example, what is something you would expect from it e.g. it must be small or it must be lightweight.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Germany_chris

A waterproof doodad for my phone that will charge via solar an/or dynamo but all in one piece.

indyfabz

It must stay attached under all riding conditions.

Milton Keynes

It's kind of hard to answer this question without knowing what kind of accessory it is. But yes, mainly small and lightweight are advantageous for all bike accessories. If it's something that has a screen, easy viewability is a must. When I'm riding down the road and I'm trying to read a display, it's hard to see tiny numbers which may be jiggling around. And yes, shock absorbance/vibration resistance is important, too, because things tend to get bounced around on a bike without suspension.

Reflector Guy

And no rattles.

Sounds like a simple request, but it stems from the couple of bells I have bought recently that rattle over bumps.

indyfabz

My Cateye Padrone computer rattles. Another forum member had the same problem.

mstateglfr 

expectations-
dont rattle ever- there is little that is more annoying when riding than a rattle that wont stop.
work each time i want it to- it sounds obvious, yet this world is filled with poorly designed and built junk.
versatile mounting- bars and head tubes vary greatly in shape and diameter. making it fit just one size or shape reduces the user base.
simple and clear directions- again, it sounds obvious, yet...

isaac.waters

thanks these replies were very helpful.

Phil_gretz

Start by formulating a problem that must be overcome or hypothesis that must be tested. Are you asking for a problem to solve?

Garfield Cat

For a start: sensors, a mother board with sensors. Not just sensors for one thing, but sensors for most anything, even the bike's condition. Like the sensors that can detect noises coming from the bike, noises that spell trouble mechanically.

DorkDisk

Compact is always good overall, but some areas could be prioritized. Anything that attaches to the handlebars should take the minimum bar space possible, and ideally could double up on clamps (see I-spec, garmin/gopro mounts, stem face clamp mounts). Bars are getting crowded.

msu2001la

No one here has mentioned aerodynamics, so I'll mention it. It's a big factor for many in the hardcore roadie crowd.
A more obvious factor is that anything mounted to my handlebars needs to be positioned so that it doesn't interfere with grip position.

Gary in NJ

I gave this some thought and came up with a lot of ideas. I checked each idea with a google search to see if a product currently existed...and in all cases but one I found products.

Here is a product idea where there is white space; a proximity warning system that uses vehicle to vehicle 5g communication so cars can be alerted of your presence and you of theirs.

Good luck and enjoy solving the problems of the future.

Maelochs

Whatever it is it must add appreciably to the quality or enjoyment of the ride in some way. It has to do something I need done better than the stuff on the market which already does that stuff. Lights, phone or computer mount, ... not much else I need on my handlebars or head tube.

Obviously anything related to cycling must be lightweight. A bike is a human-powered device and nobody wants to work a lot harder for less performance just to tote some accessory around town. A securely mounted bowling ball wouldn't sell as an accessory even though it didn't rattle.

Equally obviously, it must be small, for several reasons, drag and aesthetics being two, and limited real estate being another---bars and head tube are only so big Anything which acts as a giant sail .... or anything which looks like a giant tumor ..... or which doesn't leave enough room to operate the bike ....

I'd say the first consideration would be what the accessory did to improve the ride. Stuff like secure mounting, easy dismounting (when applicable,) and light weight are just generic considerations .... the product will sell based on what it does, not how it does it.
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Chuckles1

Small, light weight, rechargeable rear discharge air horn with wireless actuator button on handlebars, powerful enough to make a dog poop himself and skulk away with his tail between his legs, without deafening the operator. Good luck, let me know when it's ready.

10 Wheels

Small Marine Air horn

rollagain

Easily removable for theft prevention when parked.

veganbikes

3DV anodized of course. That is the only thing that matters!

livedarklions

If you can come up with a good way to attach a rear view mirror on drop bars that actually puts the mirror in a useful position and not interfere with hand positions, you'll have something I've never been able to find so far.

10 Wheels

This may work for some.

livedarklions

Interesting. Does it function well if your hand is on the hood?

Also, is that a DIY? How did you do it? It's Fredtastic!

10 Wheels

Mirrored Glasses from Dollar Tree Glued on to each Glove.

Works Best for recumbent riders.

WaveyGravey

Lights and mirrors for road bikes.

wphamilton

It's a real pain with a road bike with hoods. It does work, sort of, because it's only a hand/wrist motion. But that was reason enough for me to mothball it when I tried it, about 10 years ago. Maybe with practice, but it was an extra 1-3 seconds for me to get a good look, too much latency to be practical

livedarklions

Not good for me then, but thanks!