velco's wink bar is a connected handlebar that makes any bike a smartbike

with dozens of cyclists killed or injured every year, and nearly 400,000 bikes stolen annually, the team at velco felt like something needed to be done. many of the add-ons that smart bikes boast such as GPS tracking or integrated lighting are innovative solutions, yet reserved for a select view. so, the team behind wink bar set out to make them accessable with their connceted handlebar that can turn any bike into a smart bike. equipped with features like ultra bright headlights for road visibility, GPS function for a precise turn-by-turn navigation system as well as a secure anti-theft track and alarm system, the product gives a wink to safer cycling.

velco’s handlebar packs integrated 225 lumen headlights, which switch on automatically once it becomes dark, making you more visible at night. the wink bar connects to an app and once you’ve set a destination, two separate lights will navigate you providing left, right, forward and backward signals, directing you on your route, as well as letting you know if you’re receiving an incoming call or message. in terms of protecting against theft, wink will notify you when your bike is moved without your knowledge, and if it’s ridden without unlocking, wink will sound a loud alarm. should your bike be stolen, it will automatically be tracked, so you can locate it and alert the authorities

you can unlock the wink bar using its built-in bluetooth and the phone app, or through your personal velcotag, an rfid fob provided with each handlebar. the wink bar’s tracking feature is automatic and provides worldwide coverage. that way it’s always online and your bike is protected and can always be located. the app also allows cyclists to track and access their ride history, showing a breakdown of stats such as money saved versus driving, distance and duration of travel, as well as the calories burned, so you can integrate the data into your fitness profile.

johnny smith, CMO at velco, the makers of wink bar comments that ‘we created the wink bar to give cyclists the ability to make their bike rides safer and smarter. rather than something you have to attach to your bike, we wanted to make it an integrated part of the bike’s design. that way, the alarm is always protecting your bike, our inbuilt navigation tool, velconav, is always there to guide you, and the headlights are there to keep you safe on the road. we’re so pleased to finally be launching the wink bar, and see it revolutionize the way riders from around the world cycle.’