Are "smart" handlebars a dumb idea...or really bright?

[Danneaux]

Hi All!

Helios, a company based in San Francisco, CA and Shenzhen, China, is planning to introduce their new "smart" handlebars in either drop-'bar or bullhorn/pursuit/MTB straight handlebars with integrated bar-ends configuration: http://www.ridehelios.com/

The handlebars integrate controller boards and batteries for a high-powered headlight and taillights, visual speedometer, turn signals, and muticolored ambient lighting -- all Bluetooth-programmable via smartphone -- and includes GPS tracking via a pay-as-you-go SIM card.

Looking at the description, I see they're only available in one width, and of course a single stem reach, 'cos 'bars and stem are integrated. Handlebars cannot be adjusted for tilt, and I see no way to prevent removal by a thief, in which case the GPS tracking wouldn't do much good. The headlight looks to be bright, but there are no beamshots of the pattern-on-pavement.

More here:
http://road.cc/content/news/84339-helios-bars-transform-your-bike-smart-bike
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kennygibbs/helios-bars-transform-any-bike-into-a-smart-bike

Proposed cost is USD$199, but you can get partway there for only USD$24 with these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/tacx-lumos-front-and-rear-led-handlebar-light-set/

Would this new darling of the online gizmags find a home on your bike, or is it more a design exercise?

Best,

Dan. (...who is seeing more and more of these sorts of "integrated" designs come under development)

[Rockymountain]

Oh dear 

I rather like to keep things simple on my bikes. So I won't be getting one - I suspect that they will be just something else to go wrong or break if the bike falls over.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has got a pair though

[JWestland]

Integrated lights isn't so bad for town actually...can't forget them and can't be nicked.

VanMoof bikes have done this for ages in the frame. Downside is of course there's not rear light...unless they are going to do smart seatposts too?

(ow dear, now I said it...)

[jags]

wow that's fantastic i want them ,what will come next i wonder.