Matson told me that he finds wearing a headset too cumbersome while exercising. Parents mainly told him that they cannot do away with VR, because they need to know what is happening around them. However, I prefer not to have any distractions, mainly because I'm terrible at exercising and will take any excuse not to.
Endurance athletes may also find Saga's offering a bit meager. Matson says the company plans to ship the bikes with three to four routes in the system, each about 12 miles long. These aren't very many rides, and those rides aren't very long. By way of contrast, NordicTrack does an extensive library of rides of all lengths, levels and programs, which also increase resistance and move up and down while riding. Other bicycles integrate with Zwiftthe immensely popular online cycling platform, or collect very detailed data with which you can improve your fitness.
Photo: Saga Holographic
So far, HoloBike doesn't do any of these things. However, improved technology certainly makes what you see seem more realistic. And in some circumstances, not being real is a bonus. If all routes were generated virtually, I would like the ability to safely traverse places I wouldn't otherwise go, like the streets of Mumbai, or even something completely fictional, like a delivery route from Newspaper boyor Elliott's big start from AND
It would be cool if users could also design or contribute routes. I joked to Matson that they should make a version of a route that goes around the world so you can travel around the world in the course of a year's worth of rides, after which he suggested they make a little on-screen paddle boat . when you cross the Atlantic Ocean. With the HoloBike the world is truly completely open and borderless. That is extremely exciting.
That being said, the bike starting price tag on Kickstarter priced at $2,599, with expected delivery in winter 2024-2025. That's on par with other video-assisted exercise bikes, but there's a lot to offer for potential. When I go cycling, I need something that approximates the feeling of the open road a little closer, and for a little longer.