New Bike wheel invention to combat hills

Money Shot

Great invention, but I can't see many cycle enthusiasts being interested in it, which takes out a huge chunk of the target market. The market would be the lazy commuter or elderly, basically the same market as the electric bike, which is quite limited.
How soon before the technology becomes so micro that race bikes will need to be checked before the start of an event.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Technology/Bike-Wheel-Invention-By-MIT-That-Powers-Cyclists-Up-Hills-Wins-Heat-Of-James-Dyson-Innovation-Award/Article/201008315696631?lpos=Technology_First_Technology_Article_Teaser_Region__0&lid=ARTICLE_15696631_Bike_Wheel_Invention_By_MIT_That_Powers_Cyclists_Up_Hills_Wins_Heat_Of_James_Dyson_Innovation_Award

monkeyslayer

why have a bike that monitors exercise progress and at the same time does all the work? and does it come with a free iphone?

seamus

Are they really insisting on putting everything on smartphones? I'm the biggest technophile around, but I'm not going to dock my iPhone onto my handlebars. 2 reasons: Rain and Scumbags.

riders can use the phone to change gears.

I think that's in the running for "most pointless use of technology ever". I couldn't imagine a less efficient way to change gears. Even an enormous handle sticking out of the hub would be easier.

Lumen

"As well as controlling the power release and locking the bike, riders can use the phone to change gears."

That has to be the stupidest idea ever.

Doctor Bob

A solution in search of a problem.

No wonder it appealed to James Dyson, inventor of the blade-free fan fact that buffered air is unpleasant.

*adopts serious dragon face* ... I'm out!