SRAM has acquired Shockwiz, a tuning assistant for air-sprung mountain bike forks and rear shocks that was being launched on Kickstarter by Dustry Dynamics.
SRAM said it will put engineers who support its Quarq power meter and RockShox suspension brands to work bringing ShockWiz to life. Dusty Dynamics’ Nigel Wade will also continue to work full-time on the project.
ShockWiz combines hardware, software and finely tuned algorithms to improve suspension set-up for different terrain and riding styles. The product is compatible with most air-sprung suspension forks and rear shocks, from many different manufacturers.
Quarq Founder, Jim Meyer, saw the potential of ShockWiz early.
“ShockWiz combines high-tech mechanical sensing with a smartphone app and automated tuning recommendations,” Meyer explained. “For suspension, there is simply nothing else like it.”
“The intersection of bicycles and technology is nearly infinite, but we really want to make bicycles better to ride,” Meyer continued. “We are looking for creations that take away the thinking and leave the thrill. ShockWiz does that.”
Just over 400 people backed the project on Kickstarter and with SRAM’s backing, Wade expects to fulfill their orders beginning next month.
“Quarq and RockShox are world leaders in bicycle electronics and suspension,” said ShockWiz inventor Nigel Wade. “With the backing of SRAM I can deliver performance and support that would take Dusty Dynamics many years to match.”
ShockWiz will be manufactured at SRAM’s factory in Spearfish, SD. The factory is ISO 9001-certified and produces Quarq bicycle power meters and data systems. SRAM’s Colorado Springs Development Center, 450 miles away, is home to RockShox, another vital part of the collaboration.
“I have spent time in Spearfish and Colorado Springs, in the R&D labs and on the trails. The wisdom and experience of the SRAM team has been and will continue to be invaluable. Backers will be rewarded with a first-rate tuning system.”
The devices shipped to Kickstarter backers will be badged Quarq – SRAM’s data and digital technology brand – but future commercialization is unknown. “The technology shows great promise and we are excited to explore other applications,” said Meyer.
Dusty Dynamics was founded to bring innovative engineering and technology to mountain bikers and cyclists with the aim to enhance rider enjoyment. Wade invented ShockWiz, which is the company’s first product, after seeing that the suspension on many mountain bikes is not configured to perform at its full potential.
