A Beautiful Speedometer for Bikes
Omata’s new accessory hides savvy GPS tech underneath its easily legible analog face
Shout-out to designers who are also obsessed with cycling because their work frequently results in something new and clever, like the arresting Omata One. Mounted onto a bike, the speedometer’s unique analog face informs of the four most relevant ride metrics (speed, distance, ascent and time). Of equal importance, it stays extremely legible even when you’re hightailing down steep slopes. Of note, the 18 mph indicator marks the speedometer’s center, as co-founder and CEO Rhys Newman (formerly at Nokia, where he met others who now make up the Omata team) has been attracted to the scientific hypothesis that “18 mph is the ideal pace for seeing and absorbing the world around you.” Along this same line of thinking, Omata One doesn’t require constant attention from the cyclist like many digital or smartphone-based bike accessories do. It allows you to lose yourself in the activity, instead of being distracted from it.
Data is recorded thanks to an internal advanced GPS computer (meaning this isn’t a 100% mechanical device) which lasts 24 hours before needing a charge. All data can then be exported via USB-C to apps like Strava. With the choice of mph or kph as well as white or gray colorways, the Omata One requires a Kickstarter pledge of $499 and some patience, since it won’t ship until after February 2017. Only 200 are being made in this first production run.
Images courtesy of Omata
