BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
We’re all very fond of our mobiles, some perhaps too fond, but could our everyday devices be taking over our handlebar real estate in the near future? BikeBiz talks to Maptaq’s David Cato who thinks perhaps they could…
It seems in recent times every couple of years a new technology comes along that makes a former everyday staple redundant in very little time at all. Increasingly noticeable in the cycling market is how mobile technology is vastly reducing the unique selling points of cycle computers. Apps are available to anyone with a smartphone for a fraction of the cost of a handlebar-mounted computer. These downloadable programs are becoming more widely available and cheaper, too boot.
But the mobile phone might be about to threaten yet another relatively new segment relevant to our market, according to Maptaq, who have just launched the Q-Mountz range via Greyville.
“Most of us have an extremely capable mobile phone that’s always carried with us, so it seems a shame not to make the most of the functions now offered. The majority of new phones, chipset aside, have very similar specs to those of the market’s various helmet cameras,” says Maptaq marketing manager David Cato.
“The Q-Mountz cases are designed to be the most robust and versatile cases on the market and we’ve numerous ways to use them, from helmet and handlebar mounts, to chest straps. What’s more, there’s removable lens options, with a fisheye included with all packages. With a 180-degree field of view, the fisheye is particularly good for cycling applications on and off-road.”
For this kind of product, letting the customer get hands-on is essential to helping the sale along. With that in mind, Maptaq is currently developing a point of sale unit, due with Greyville during late summer, that will showcase some of the firm’s camera phone shot films in a video display. There may also be a series of dealer training and demo days that will further help familiarise both the retailer and the end-user with the new product, BikeBiz was told.
Conceived by Maptaq, the Q-Mountz cases take protection of its contents very seriously. Waterproof to ten metres, Cato himself had no concerns using the product on his regular RNLI duties out at sea. But that’s not all, the Q-Mountz passed more rigorous IP68 tests and users can customise a selection of vibration dampening sticky pads to further bolster the product’s defences once enclosed. For peace of mind a two-year guarantee is offered as standard.
Despite the product’s appearance on Amazon, Cato believes Greyville’s involvement could be key to getting the product into the right hands.
“Our goal is to recruit retailers who will happily become experts in wearable technology, a service that online just cannot replicate,” adds Cato. “Retailers needn’t worry about being undercut on price with Amazon, we’ll try to operate as level a playing field as we can. For a customer that is doing their research, we expect local retailers to be the first port of call.”
Greyville will also be carrying Maptaq’s own traditional Q-Camz helmet camera products, as well as Q-VJU sunglasses that feature a built in pinhole camera, meaning retailers will have something for all budgets and tastes. Of particular interest will be the retail price of the label’s forthcoming 4K helmet camera, which we’re told carries the equivalent spec of GoPro’s new Black helmet cam, but at well short of the cost.
For more information on the product line, visit maptaq.co.uk.
