Another Amazing Kickstarter (Steerer Tube Storage) has been published on http://crowdmonsters.com/new-kickstarters/steerer-tube-storage/
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What is a prototype?
A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:
Proof of Concept
Explorations that test ideas and functionality.
Functional Prototype
Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.
Appearance Prototype
Looks like the final product, but is not functional.
Design Prototype
Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.
Production Prototype
Appearance, function, and manufacturing methods match the final product.
Prototype Gallery
These photos and videos provide a detailed look at this project’s development.
What is a prototype?
View gallery
Production Prototype
About this project
Quick! What is it?
Steerer Tube Storage, or STS for short, is a simple way to maximize storage space on your bike without sacrificing style.
Really… What is it?
The STS is a waterproof aluminum tube that is designed to fit inside a 1-1/8″ steerer tube with the purpose of storing small items. Things like patch kits, thumb drives, keys, nuts, bolts, tools…
There are no modifications necessary and you don’t have to use an expensive proprietary multitool. Check out the video if you have any questions on how it works, how its installed or what can be stored in it.
Background…
The idea for the Steerer Tube Storage came from the dislike of wearing a backpack while mountain biking. Ever since I started cycling I hated having to wear a backpack while riding. On my commuter bike I mounted large racks to carry all my stuff but they are heavy and ruin the look of any bike. For a designated trail bike or a stylish road bike, large racks are not an option. So, I started looking into other ways to carry my trail gear and eventually came up with the STS. Combined with a standard under seat bag, frame mounted pump and bottle there is now no need to wear a backpack anymore.
After this having the idea for the STS there was a lot of work to make it come to life. I spent hours designing it, made a few prototypes and have been using them on my bikes for the last few months. Now that the idea is proven, I want to move into production and see if the STS can help other cyclists. This Kickstarter campaign is to fund a production run of 100 STS assemblies. If this project is successful every contributor will have a STS of their own and I have enough startup money to make prototypes of other unique storage ideas for cyclists.
Will the STS work on your bike?
The STS has worked on every bike with an aluminum or steel 1-1/8th steerer tube I have tried. I’ve tested it on all my bikes and had a few local bike shops test it on their floor stock without a problem. Unfortunately it will not work on Carbon Steerer Tubes. The Carbon is too thick and causes the inner diameter of the tube to be too small.
The STS can also work on tapered steerer tubes where the top part of the tube is 1-1/8″. Some additional measurements are required. There needs to be at least 6 inches of straight tube before the steerer tube starts to taper out. This can be difficult to measure without taking the fork off so its probably best to take your bike to the local bike shop and ask them for help.
Whats included when I buy?
Each STS assembly comes with an aluminum tube, cap, bolt and o-ring. Also included in the price is shipping to anywhere inside the continental United States.
Risks and challenges
All projects have their challenges. Usually the big two are quality and meeting deadlines. As a manufacturing engineer with years of experience working with various suppliers I can use my skill set to minimize these issues and make sure you, the customers, are not affected. This is my only project right now so I can give it my full attention.
With this project I am working with two new manufacturers to produce the two main aluminum parts and one awesome supplier for the other hardware. I will not be manufacturing these myself, to keep costs down for you and me, so I don’t have much control if there are manufacturing delays. That being said, I have bought a few prototypes from these manufacturers and they have proven themselves able to make quality products and deliver in a timely manor.
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