Kickstarter is a popular "crowd funding" website that is often a source for cool and techy new bike products. From blinkey tail lights to a helmet cam that shoots forward facing video and back facing video at the same time.

We just received notice about a brand new project called BikeSpike. Team BikeSpike is based in Chicago and their project is a GPS beacon that alerts your smartphone if your bike is messed with. Using technology similar to the Find-My-Phone feature from Apple, the bike owner gets an email or text alert and can track the bike's location on the web and through your phone.

The creators give an overview of the concept and execution of the BikeSpike in this video. Besides being an anti-theft device for your bicycle, the BikeSpike also offers the usual GPS data like ride /race speed, distance, elevation, location and so forth. Also mentioned in the video is that this technology can be used in other ways beyond keeping your precious ride safe. For developers interested in the technology, BikeSpike comes with an open API for future app development.

[vimeo width="610" height="343"]https://vimeo.com/62133718[/vimeo]

BikeSpike's accelerometer can detect a crash, pinpoint the location and alert certain people in your contact list to get help. Parents of a young cyclist will be happy to know that using the BikeSpike, they can set up a 'safety zone' and if their child bikes outside of this area, they will be alerted.



For the pledge price of $149 right now on Kickstarter, interested parties will get the device, carbon fiber water bottle cage and bundled data plan (available this October).

Like a Lo-jack for your bicycle, this whole concept is a boon to many a cyclist. Anybody who has ever had a bicycle stolen (I have and it truly sucks) will agree that tracking devices such as this one could help a lot. But one of the main concerns we have is, since the device isn't hidden, what stops a thief from just removing the device and disposing it? Inserted between the bottle cage and water bottle is okay, but wouldn't it be better to make the unit smaller and slide it down the seat tube? (Although inserted deep into a steel or aluminum tube could possibly affect signal strength, I'd imagine).

(Edit: We have found out that BikeSpike DOES have an option of having the BikeSpike internally mounted in a Cannondale SuperSix.)

Another thing to note is that just like Lo-jack, the BikeSpike requires a subscription to a monthly/annual data plan. Currently, there are $6 and $12 plans available.

We have some questions out to the makers of this device, when we hear back we'll post an update.

What do you think? Will it work? Would you use it? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.

If you would like to be on the cutting edge of technology and give the BikeSpike a chance, you can pledge here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/1054587410/the-bikespike

The current pledge stats show that the project has 308 backers who have pledged $34,573 towards the goal amount of $150,000. Right now, there are 17 days left to go.

Quirky promo video for the BikeSpike below:

[vimeo width="610" height="343"]https://vimeo.com/61807681[/vimeo]