Xiaomi is expanding its business to other field after
successfully participated in the smartphones and home electronic segments.
Having previously acquired the Segway under the Ninebot flag, Xiaomi is now
introducing a smart bicycle.
The bicycle named QiCycle R1 was actually developed by a
startup called iRiding, where Xiaomi is one of its largest investors.
Nevertheless, the philosophy behind the development is still the same, which is
emphasizing the balance between quality and price. Or in other words, offers
qualified specification within an affordable price.
QiCycle R1 is offered at a price of $ 3,000. Indeed it
sounds expensive, but when viewed from the specification, this price is fairly
affordable. The main feature of this smart bicycle is the Shimano Ultegra Di2
electronic transmission, this component alone could cost about $ 2,600, and
this figure doesn't include the 7kg frame that's made of carbon fiber material.
The electronic gear ensures a smooth gearshift for up to 40
hours with the help of an embedded battery. This battery also becomes a
resource for a range of sensors that have been embedded in QiCycle, such as the
power meter that will monitor the speed and how intensive is your cycling,
which then the data will be forwarded to Xiaomi's tracking application in
smartphone.
The data will be transmitted via a Bluetooth Low Energy.
QiCycle is also compatible with the accessories that run on ANT+ platform. So
for example you want to monitor heart rate while biking, you can simply connect
the compatible heart-rate monitor.
Xiaomi has offered the QiCycle R1 through crowdfunding
method, and the funding target has been exceeded.