Smart Bikes

In our precious metal collection this week are an adapter that converts a run-of-the-mill bicycle into a smart bike, a new spin on the singular credit card, a TV remote-speaker combo, and a roll-up keyboard.

As always, these are not reviews, as I haven't even seen any of these items in the real world. The rating for each product denotes only my interest in trying it out with my cynical writer's hands.

Bright Bike

Regular readers may recall previous acknowledgments of my inability to ride a bicycle. I never had much interest as a child, and although I now live in a tremendously bike-friendly city, I haven't found a way to learn without feeling like a total chump in public.

Yet I am more interested than ever in leading a life on two wheels after discovering SmartHalo. This is a tool that attaches permanently to one's ride and turns it into a smart vehicle.

The "halo" part of that name refers to the circular display, which uses color and segmented lights to indicate turn-by-turn directions. (SmartHalo learns your destination through a paired smartphone app.)

The system includes a night light that switches on and off automatically, as well as a notification system for incoming calls and messages and inclement weather alerts. As is seemingly required of every gadget, it has a fitness tracker too.

Since this is supposed to live permanently on one's bike -- save for removing it to recharge on occasion -- security is a key factor. SmartHalo appears to be tamper-proof, and it has an alarm system to ward off would-be thieves. Cherry on the cake? The app can lead you to your bike if you've misplaced it.

There's an impressive array of functions crammed into SmartHalo, and for both complete novices and experienced riders, it could prove a boon. The estimated retail price of US$149 seems fair for what SmartHalo can do. And now if you'll forgive me, I'm about to look up local adult bike classes.