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Volata: The App Controlled Bicycle

San Francisco-based Volata Cycles have engineered a bicycle worthy of a “2.0” designation, one designed to work in unison with 2.4″ app-based embedded computer integrated into the handlebar.

Volata Cycles is the creation of automotive engineer Marco Salvioli and Mattia De Santis, who was designing and manufacturing high-concept bicycle designs in Milan.

Volata Cycles is the creation of automotive engineer Marco Salvioli and Mattia De Santis, who was designing and manufacturing high-concept bicycle designs in Milan.

Like existing bike add-on computers the unit can track speed and performance; the Volata adds weather forecasting, turn-by-turn directions, heart rate monitoring, and smartphone notification about performance and security (a GPS-based anti-theft system works with a motion detection unit, monitoring the bike status, sending notifications about the bicycle’s location in case of theft).

Volata_Computer features_mediumres

Volata Cycle founders Marco Salvioli and Mattia De Santis designed Volata to merge their passion for cycling with more refined integration of technology, collaborating between a San Francisco headquarters and their R&D and Design office in Milan, Italy.

The bicycle isn’t just connected in terms of rider info/data, but also mechanically modified: a belt drive transmission replaces the conventional chain, eliminating traditional gear system maintenance; paired with an internal-gear hub Shimano Alfine 11 di2 with electronic shifting, riding around town on this bike should be comfortable for all fitness levels. Automated front and tail lights with a 96 dB electronic horn also add an extra layer of safety for bicyclists navigating city traffic.

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Heart rate monitoring can be used in connection with an Apple Watch.

Volata Side Moon Grey_mediumres

Volata Side_mediumres

A front-hub dynamo charges the internal battery while peddling, providing enough recharge power to operate the bicycle’s onboard computer.

Volata Sketch_mediumres

Volata Team 2_mediumres

The Volata is currently available for online reservation at $299 at www.volatacycles.com. Note, that’s just the reservation price…you’ll owe another $3,200 upon delivery, beginning next year in July 2017, the price of being a first adopter!

Gregory Han is a Senior Editor at Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.