Scott Powers’ KoldRush invention helps cyclist performance and comfort in hot-weather rides
Fayetteville, Arkansas, March 18, 2014 — Entrepreneur and inventor Scott Powers of Fayetteville knew there had to be a simple way to keep cool while riding bicycles during hot weather. He invented the KoldRush bike helmet accessory and launched a crowdfunding campaign this month on KickStarter.
Scott has a master’s degree in exercise physiology from the University of Arkansas and understands how overheating can cause underperforming. “I would pour cool water on my head after a hot training ride or race,” he said. Cyclists often drop out of races or slowing down due to overheating. “I heard that one team actually brought an ice chest full of frozen iceberg lettuce leaves, which they placed on their heads under their helmets, in an attempt to keep their heads cool during the race,” said Powers. After the lettuce became warm it actually blocked the air, making the cyclists’ heads hotter. Powers invented KoldRush, a system where cyclists can easily press a button mounted conveniently on their handlebars, to cool their head instantly with cold water during the ride. This system works with any adult-sized helmet.
Powers is known for inventing the exercise product called StretchRite, which was awarded two patents. He successfully sold that company, and was ready for a new venture. He spent the past two summers building prototypes for the KoldRush bike helmet accessory and gathering feedback from other cyclists. Powers determined it takes only a small amount of cool water sprayed evenly on a cyclist’s head during a ride to help them feel and perform better. With the KoldRush system, the wearer presses a button to receive an instant cold rush of water sprayed onto their head from beneath their bike helmet. They can cool off as they ride, rather than waiting until the end of the race. The invention is comprised of an aerodynamic water reservoir that sits under the bicycle seat, a medical-grade tube that leads to a thin helmet insert designed to spread water evenly over the head for maximum results. Based on feedback from other cyclists, Powers designed the tube for fast breakaway in case of a bike crash, and he added a built-in tool kit pouch to the reservoir cover.
After two years of designing, prototyping and self-financing KoldRush, Powers is ready to go into production on his patent-pending design. “I want to make this summer a pleasant time, rather than a miserable time for all cyclists,” said Powers. He launched a crowd-funding campaign on March 18th on Kickstarter to raise the money necessary to start production and make it available for purchase in summer 2014.
Kickstarter link: tinyurl.com/koldrush
The Koldrush bike helmet accessory. Push a button, cool off instantly.
Contact:
scott (at) koldrush.com
