Crashing this could get expensive.

[OakLeaf]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/tech...07/toyota.html

[pll]

Interesting. I had to look a video and actually found one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWzdWMapJ-c

[KnottedYet]

Are people really so terrorized by the concept of shifting that we must invent all this gobbledygook just to shift a bike?

I fear for humanity's future. We are turning into custard.

Don't mind me, I'll be out back with Jobst Brandt, being a curmudgeon...

[Catrin]

hmmmm, what happens if you get distracted?

(picturing where my mind can go on the bike)

On a related note, I am always amused at how many people I meet who seem to be surprised when they find out my car has a manual transmission - by choice

[Owlie]

Are people really so terrorized by the concept of shifting that we must invent all this gobbledygook just to shift a bike?

I fear for humanity's future. We are turning into custard.

While I think it's cool that they can make it work, I agree. It's not that hard.

[OakLeaf]

I don't think it's ever intended for the consumer market. Just a prototype "see what we can do."

Considering it's sponsored by Toyota, I think the intended market is probably race cars (where being able to shift by a thought would confer the kind of micro-advantage that helps win races). But it's a whole lot cheaper to build a prototype bicycle helmet and integrate it with already-existing wireless shifters, than to build a prototype car helmet and wireless receivers for a car's shift-by-wire system.

Every once in a while you see something similar that they're working on for quadriplegics and people with muscle wasting diseases. That would obviously be an application for this stuff, but putting it into a prototype that able-bodied people might think about using themselves, attracts more attention and thus more funding.

[jessmarimba]

I bet the guy I saw riding through my neighborhood yesterday with his right arm in a cast from fingers to upper arm sure wished he had this bike!

[bmccasland]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/tech...07/toyota.html

Wonder what the bike would do if I thought: "oh, look!, Bird!"
Or would the bike refuse to gear down because I wanted to stop at a bakery?

[Catrin]

Wonder what the bike would do if I thought: "oh, look!, Bird!"
Or would the bike refuse to gear down because I wanted to stop at a bakery?

The latter could be a selling point:

"The bike that goes the distance in helping you reach your weight loss goals! The GPS unit (optional in select models) allows you to program how many ice cream stores or bakeries you can stop at on a monthly basis!"

[Possegal]

On a related note, I am always amused at how many people I meet who seem to be surprised when they find out my car has a manual transmission - by choice

Me too! And they are now all shocked because I'm upset that the car I've had for 9 yrs and would like to replace with the same car, no longer comes as a manual. I don't want an automatic, and I don't want to go one level down in the car. Why do car makers think that if we want the nice seats and moonroof and entertainment options, we can't possibly also want a stick.

[pll]

Me too! And they are now all shocked because I'm upset that the car I've had for 9 yrs and would like to replace with the same car, no longer comes as a manual. I don't want an automatic, and I don't want to go one level down in the car. Why do car makers think that if we want the nice seats and moonroof and entertainment options, we can't possibly also want a stick.

Another one with manual transmission by choice here! I also consider it an anti-theft device. Even more perplexing to people than the manual transmission is the fact that I don't have automatic locks and windows. It's all manual, baby. Also, people are in disbelief when I tell them it costs less (~$1000 less) than the same model with automatic transmission.

[Catrin]

Sales manager at my dealer told me the manuals are the slowest to leave his lot, it was just a coincidence they had one in the model and color I wanted. They simply would have had to get one for me from another dealership if they hadn't...

I agree it is an anti-theft device - and is also easier on the brakes and gas mileage. The one time I have regretted a manual was after my foot surgery...I couldn't drive for a LONG time

[KnottedYet]

I think those of us who drive stick-shifts should get discounts on our insurance.

We know the inertia of our cars. Intimately.

We can disengage the engine at a moment's notice. (no runaway Toyotas for us!)

We can downshift if our brakes fail or fade.

We simply cannot talk on the phone or text while driving.

If we park on a hill, in gear, the car won't roll away even if the parking brake poops out.

[Owlie]

Well, thanks for saying that all of us that drive automatics are inconsiderate drivers or stupid or something.

Honestly, there are lots of times on here where I feel I'm getting attacked. I know it's the internet and therefore nothing personal, but still.

[Blueberry]

This is why I have a VW. Nice creature comforts - and a manual transmission