Pedal Brain Synapse
Recently I’ve started to run again in the hopes of running the Manitoba Marathon in 2010, and with plans of running some ultramarathons in the coming few years. Because of this you can bet you’ll probably be seeing a bit more emphasis on running-oriented LBS apps and gadgets in the future. Today though I came across something in the cycling realm that needs to be mentioned because it competes with Garmin’s Edge cycling GPS series, among others.
The gadget, from a startup called Pedal Brain and called the Pedal Brain Synapse, lets cyclists hook up their iPhone or iPod Touch to other exercise gadgets that use the ANT+ wireless protocol. Transferred data can be analysed and interpreted in real-time so that cyclists can track their performance over the duration of a bike ride. It can also use GPS to locate your team members–which would probably apply more to professional types.
As with most sports gadgets, data can be uploaded to a dedicated website after the ride. It can be stored and analyzed over time with a paid subscription, or just stored for a couple of weeks if the cyclist opts for the free version.
Either which way, Pedal Brain Synapse is a bit of a ground-breaking gadget in my opinion because its use of ANT+ protocol pits it against the Garmin’s of the world. The same companies already struggling with mobile phones eating away their market share in the automotive navigation industry.
For the cyclists out there: what would you do? Fork out between $130 and $190 for the Pedal Brain Synapse and then pay for the online subscription? Or just purchase something like the Garmin Edge 500 outright and not have to worry about subscription fees?
The Apple-approved accessory is expected to ship in March 2010 with distribution through local bike shops.
