RojFerman20.jpg "Credit: Roj Ferman / Santara Studios")
On-Bike Wind Tunnel Brand Body Rocket Declares Crowdcube Raise a Resounding Success
Body Rocket is the world’s first real-time aerodynamic drag force measurement system for cyclists and triathletes
17 July 2024, Brighton UK: Body Rocket, the tech startup behind the world’s first and only real-time aerodynamic drag force measurement system for cyclists and triathletes has declared its recent Crowdcube raise hugely successful.
Whilst wind tunnels are widely considered the gold standard in accurately measuring aerodynamics. there are only a limited number in existence. These facilities can be expensive to use and are often reserved for athletes at the very top level of sport, despite being the most sought-after performance gain for road cyclists and triathletes around the world.
Even if access weren’t an issue, wind tunnels require an expert to interpret the data and riding in static, laboratory conditions doesn’t always translate to riding in the real world, riding for longer periods or over multiple rides.
The Body Rocket system uses a series of wireless, proprietary force sensors located at all the rider contact points - the handlebar/stem, seatpost/saddle and pedals, coupled with an out-front mounted airspeed sensor. The system measures, then transmits, aero data directly into a Garmin head unit, giving live feedback on a rider’s aerodynamics and body position. Their AI-driven analysis software guides users through the process and helps them track their progress over time, without them needing to become aero experts.
The funds from this latest raise, which closed out at 32% overfunded, well above the £390k target, will contribute to the refining of production prototypes of the Body Rocket system as the UK startup targets a 2025 launch date.
Reigning Olympic triathlon champion Kristian Blummenfelt who invested in this latest round, doubling down on his existing investment said, ‘Body Rocket has been a key tool in my preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics letting me keep improving aerodynamics without disrupting my training schedule. I invested in their last round because I believe it's going to unlock aerodynamics for athletes at every level. Like power meters, which have completely reimagined what on-bike performance looks like over the last 30 years, Body Rocket has the potential to push the frontiers of cycling and triathlon well beyond what anyone could have imagined even 10 years ago‘
Eric DeGolier, Founder of Body Rocket, said, ‘As we move ever closer towards bringing to fruition many years of research and development with a commercial launch, it was crucial to secure this investment. We’re in the process of finalising not only our production models but also manufacturing processes, supply and distribution chains and this investment takes us one step closer to our goal. We’re thrilled and humbled to see such an incredible show of support by the cycling and triathlon communities.‘
Earlier in July, Body Rocket exhibited at Europe’s most prominent cycling trade show, EUROBIKE, giving thousands of visitors the opportunity to test ride a static indoor demo version of the system and experience live CdA for the first time.
Images are available here.
An embeddable video which shows Kristian Blummenfelt and his coach Olav Aleksander Bu reacting to seeing Body Rocket’s first road bike integration (redacted), is available here.
A press pack explaining how Body Rocket works is available here.
Sam Doll
About Body Rocket
Body Rocket is creating the world’s first device to provide real-time aerodynamic drag force measurement for cyclists and triathletes, with the accuracy of a wind tunnel. The patented technology (UK only and USA applied-for) provides the rider with real-time drag measurement collected by sensors on the seat post, handlebars and pedals, which is then beamed wirelessly to a Garmin cycle computer.
Eric DeGolier, Founder, came up with the idea of Body Rocket while training to compete at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, as the able-bodied tandem captain with three-time Paralympian Matt King in the match sprint and kilo. A design engineer, he’s worked for industry leaders Trek Bicycles, PowerTap, and CycleOps.