Saga’s HoloBike: A Bizarre Virtual Reality Cycling Experience

Pedaling into the Future: A Ride on the HoloBike

As someone who hasn’t been on a bicycle in years, the allure of riding again is undeniable. The freedom, the rush of the wind, and the ability to explore the world on two wheels – it’s a feeling that’s hard to replicate. So, when I heard about the HoloBike, a stationary bike with a stereoscopic display that promises to transport riders to virtual trails around the world, I was intrigued.

Designing the Ultimate Riding Experience

The HoloBike is the brainchild of Samuel Matson, founder of Saga, who collaborated with renowned industrial designer Benjamin Hubert and his agency, Layer, to create a unique indoor cycling experience. The result is a sleek, steel-framed bike with a footprint slightly larger than a standard NordicTrack, featuring an adjustable seat and handlebars for optimal comfort.

Immersing Yourself in Virtual Worlds

The standout feature of the HoloBike is its stereoscopic display, which creates a 3D effect when viewed from the rider’s perspective. The touchscreen is responsive, allowing users to easily navigate through the available demo rides, such as the Lappa Junction Trail in Queensland, Australia.

However, the experience isn’t without its quirks. As an amateur cyclist, I found myself constantly shifting positions on the bike, causing the image on the display to appear jumpy due to the camera’s lag in adjusting to my movements. Additionally, the virtually generated trails, while based on real-world locations, still felt more like a video game than an authentic outdoor ride.

Comparing to the Competition

Unlike popular platforms like Zwift or Peloton, the HoloBike doesn’t currently offer features such as live classes, leaderboards, or fitness tracking. Instead, it focuses on providing an augmented reality experience that aims to make the virtual world feel more tangible.

The Potential for Endless Possibilities

The beauty of the HoloBike lies in its potential. With virtually generated trails, riders could safely explore places they might not otherwise visit, from the bustling streets of Mumbai to fictional landscapes inspired by classic video games or movies. The idea of users contributing to or designing their own trails is also an exciting prospect, as Matson playfully suggested:

They should make some version of a trail that goes all the way around the world, so you could circumnavigate the globe over the course of a year’s worth of rides, only to have him suggest creating a little onscreen pedal boat for when you’re crossing the Atlantic.

However, with a starting price of $2,599 on Kickstarter and an expected delivery in the winter of 2024-2025, the HoloBike is a significant investment in potential rather than a proven product. For now, I’ll continue to dream of the open road and the possibilities that lie ahead for this innovative indoor cycling experience.