Bluetooth Suction Cups Mount Bikes to Cars
▼ Summary
– Richard Allen’s company, known for decades of simple mechanical bike racks, has released a new line of Bluetooth-monitored suction cup bike carriers.
– Allen did not invent the automobile bike rack, as his 1967 patent application acknowledges prior designs.
– The new $299 Smart Suction Go model can cause stress just from its appearance, according to the author and a colleague.
– Some users already prefer the ease and portability of suction-cup mounts, with SeaSucker being a major competitor in that market.
– The product uses smart suction technology to attach bikes to a car, monitored via Bluetooth.
The company that helped define the simple mechanical bike rack is now venturing into the digital age. Allen Bikes, founded by Richard Allen nearly six decades ago, has introduced a line of Bluetooth-monitored suction cup mounts designed to secure bicycles to a vehicle’s exterior. While Allen’s 1967 patent application acknowledged earlier designs, his firm became synonymous with straightforward, reliable carriers. This new Smart Suction Go system, however, represents a significant technological departure from that legacy.
For many, the very idea of trusting a suction cup bike mount to hold expensive gear on a highway is enough to induce anxiety. That instinctive reaction is shared by automotive experts and casual observers alike. Yet a dedicated market for these portable systems already exists, with brands like SeaSucker building a reputation among users who prioritize ease of installation and storage. The appeal lies in a mount that requires no permanent roof racks or trailer hitch, storing compactly when not in use.
Allen’s entry into this niche is the $299 Smart Suction Go. It aims to address the inherent worry by integrating Bluetooth sensors into its suction cups. These sensors connect to a smartphone app, providing real-time monitoring and alerts if vacuum pressure drops, theoretically offering peace of mind that a purely mechanical suction system cannot. Whether this digital reassurance will convince skeptical cyclists remains to be seen, but it signals an attempt to merge classic portability with modern connectivity.
(Source: The Verge)
