Comment by donatj | Hacker News Reader

Comment by donatj | Hacker News Reader

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> Bicycles without fenders are typically used for specific recreational activities

I'm guessing you are European? Bicycles in the US almost never have fenders except for old timey / retro style models. Fenders fell out of style in the 1980s and never really returned. People who do have them usually install them themselves as an upgrade.

Speaking as an American who owns a basic beach cruiser bicycle and

- puts less than 50 miles on it per year

- has zero desire nor space for a full electric bike

- would never use their bike in any kind of inclement weather

- would never use their bike for anything other than leisure

I think it might be aimed towards my demographic specifically?

Like this thing seems pretty neat, just strap it to my bike and go? Sign me up.

> Bicycles in the US almost never have fenders except for old timey / retro style models. Fenders fell out of style in the 1980s and never really returned.

Counterpoint: Portland OR, where I live — enormous bike city (in some rankings, the highest in the country) — and most have fenders due to the rainy climate much of the year.

If you use your bike for 50 miles a year, why do you even need that thing?

I don't. I don't need a bicycle at all.

The only reason most Americans outside NYC and Chicago ride a bike is leisure. Well, that or too many DUIs if we're being honest.

Ideally though if I had something like this it would encourage me to use my bicycle more.

I suspect you underestimate the number of utility cyclists. People on bikes take a lot less space than people on SUVs and pickup trucks, so it is easy to underestimate their numbers.

If you don't need it then why do you write that you are the target group?

Most products don't exist to fill a need but instead want

If we took the time to count all the things I own that that I actually need, I would be shocked if that number cracked 5% of everything I own. The vast majority of items I own are for fun or labor saving. Often the prior masquerading as the latter.

Need != Target Market. Jet Skis target market isn't water patrol enforcers. It's people wanting to have fun.

Do you live in New England? Because any adult I see on a BMX I automatically assume has lost their license. Just wondering if it’s regional.

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