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Want to support People for Bikes and win this insane custom FiftyOne road bike inspired by Silca’s founder Felice Sacchi’s love of his Alfa Romeo sportscar, built with a full kit from Silca, Shimano, Omata and Pirelli? That was a mouthful! At any rate, you can donate $10 to People for Bikes and enter for a chance to win this dreambike package at Silca.
Caletti Ultra Light Rando Roadie
Photos and words by Chris Corona
Lately, I have been doing longer mixed distances with a camera, sandwich and a couple of extra layers of clothing. I have a couple bikes that are great for cross riding but nothing that really fits the bill for 80-120 mile (mostly road with some dirt) rides that I’ve grown accustomed to. In late July, I approached John Caletti with a concept to create a bike that is on the ultralight touring side of road bikes.
If you’re looking for something different to do tomorrow evening, check out this event at Rapha’s new Cycle Club in Santa Monica. The event starts at 6, and the speaking portion will get rolling at 6:30. The theme of this evening is to “See things differently”, and there will be speakers from OMATA, photographer Brian Vernor, and frame designer Spencer Canon of Ritte Bicycles.
Ever since Brian Vernor first told me about Omata and consequently, seeing their Kickstarter begin last year, I was intrigued by their unique cycling computer. I, like many people, still wear a wrist watch, in an era when we are constantly glued to our phones or laptops. Let’s be honest, a classic watch is a luxury item. We don’t need it to function in today’s world, yet many people still use them, even when there are loads of “tech” watches on the market, there’s something comforting about an analog face. Personally, I’m not against GPS watches like my Suunto, yet I would never wear an Apple Watch, or any other square and super tech-looking watches. Perhaps that’s what drew me to the Omata.
Its design aesthetic and m.o. appealed to me. The data is presented in an analog, almost static interface, with the most notable visible change being the speedometer hand. All other functions move so slowly on the face that you really spend more time looking at the road and less at the computer, another gripe I have with instantaneous cycling GPS devices – there’s just too much information being displayed, or flashing simultaneously – they’re distracting. My read on the Omata One, after a few rides, is that it is as luxurious as a wrist watch, yet completes the aesthetic of a bike, rather than competes with it. Expect a full review once I log more miles with this device, I was just so intrigued by it that I had to post something in the interim. If you’re interested in pre-ordering, or just reading more about the One, head to Omata.
Those who ordered an Omata from their Kickstarter campaign will be receiving their unique cycling computer in October. Now, the rest of us can order one, with a 90-day delivery. I’m sure everyone’s got loads of questions about Omata, all of which are addressed on their website, so head over to Omata to read more!
Hey SF! Perhaps you saw that new analog cycling GPS Omata earlier this week? Maybe you’ve got questions? Or you’d like to see one in person. Head over to Mission Workshop tonight for a launch party! Hear about the product design and development from founders Julian Bleecker and Rhys Newman along with photos from Brian Vernor.
Beer and Wine Provided
Doors open at 6:30
541 Valencia St. San Francisco, CA 94110
What is OMATA? It’s the world’s first analog GPS speedometer. Sounds crazy. Looks crazy. Looks damn good! Check out more details below and back them on Kickstarter if you’re into it!
