T-BLOCKS, the new alternative to bike racking for race directors, has launched its Kickstarter campaign to help the business embark on its next manufacturing phase. The clock is now running for T-BLOCKS to hit its funding target of US$150,000.
The Kickstarter initiative will only be funded if at least US$150,000 is pledged by Wednesday 1 April 2015. As the campaign points out…
If this campaign receives less than $150,000 in pledges, there is the risk that T-BLOCKS may never get made, thus perpetuating the practice of leaving state-of-the-art bikes hanging precariously on old-fashioned transition racks for all eternity.
However, if this campaign receives $150,000 or more in pledges, I will mitigate this risk by using my twenty years of finance and business administration experience to make sure that T-BLOCKS get made and all Official Backers receive their rewards.
As with most good ideas, the concept of T-BLOCKS is a simple and straight-forward one. Instead of bikes being racked during the transition of a triathlon, T-BLOCKS enable a bike’s rear wheel to be docked into a dedicated tray or block.
The T-BLOCKS Kickstarter campaign points to the benefits of the new concept, stating that:
Race Directors should back this project because…
- T-BLOCKS accommodate more bikes per linear foot than old-fashioned transition racks, 1.00 versus 0.75, respectively, which makes it possible to generate more revenue per event from any given transition area.
- T-BLOCKS provide up to 30 square feet of customizable advertising space per rack, which could be sold to sponsors to generate additional revenue.
- T-BLOCKS are available for rent, which saves time and money compared to owning, storing, and transporting old-fashioned transition racks.
- T-BLOCKS have tire trays that easily fold in and out to save time during transition setup and breakdown.
- T-BLOCKS look better than old-fashioned transition racks, which enhances the overall perceived quality of an event.
Athletes should back this project because…
- T-BLOCKS provide a defined space that’s the same size for everyone.
- T-BLOCKS accommodate bikes of any height and tire width, even children’s bikes with training wheels.
- T-BLOCKS are easier to use than old-fashioned transition racks, especially for children.
- T-BLOCKS have tire trays that hold bikes upright by one tire, which prevents the bikes from sliding around.
Further details to follow in the coming weeks, including a new website (currently in development) and an update on the T-BLOCKS Kickstarter campaign.
