How adult-site OnlyFans helped this high-tech handlebar come to market

We’ve spent years following interesting high-tech developments in the e-bike industry, often while the more traditional non-electric cycling industry has had to make do with comparatively lower-tech leaps. But now all cyclists can rejoice in an interesting new “smart handlebar” that happens to have gotten a friendly helping hand from an unlikely source.

Flitedeck, a tech-infused handlebar for road bikes, is hoping to offer some stiff competition to the otherwise low-tech handlebar market.

Developed by motorsport engineer Sabrina Fischer and her co-founder Mattias Huber, the Flitedeck smart handlebar seeks to bring car-like display features to road bikes, ending the need for riders to strap-on their own displays, meters, lights, and other accessories.

As Fischer explained to WIRED, “We asked ourselves, why couldn’t handlebars function like a car’s cockpit? We thought there just had to be a more integrated, more connected solution.”

The carbon fiber Flitedeck handlebar features a high-resolution touchscreen display measuring a hearty 180mm or just over 7 inches long, which I’m told is well over average. That display is also IP68 waterproof, ensuring smooth operation even when wet.

Features include GPS connectivity for mapping as well as 5G and Bluetooth support, integration with common cycling sensors, long battery life, built-in lighting, and more. A rearview mirror camera had originally been planned, though any rear-focused plans are currently on hold.

In addition to the smart features, Flitedeck is also raising eyebrows and more with its growth story, which relied on a very different style of crowd-funding.

Instead of launching a Kickstarter or offering investors equity to help fund the idea, Fischer turned to the hefty part of the Venn diagram overlap between those who like bikes and those who like women in various stages of undress.

Described as a “slow-burn approach”, Fischer first opened an Instagram page four years ago, gathering interest for her cycling-inspired pinups, often in attire that would logically appear to help one cool down after a long, hot ride. In doing so, she collected a healthy audience of thirsty cyclists, a group already notorious for spending big bucks on their recreations. She then leveraged that dedicated following by expanding onto the adult site OnlyFans, where content creators can charge subscriptions for viewers to see their content — nearly all of it not safe for your work computer.

She has reportedly surpassed the top 0.2% of creators on OnlyFans. For reference, the top 0.1% of creators reportedly earn around US$100,000 per month from their followers. I’m told.

That’s a lot of chain lube.

The novel funding method could be described as a mixture of business and pleasure, taking a hands-on approach to entrepreneurship. But it appears to have worked quite well for Fischer, who has turned those earnings into startup funding to help bring her high-tech handlebar to market. And even while making money hand over fist, she hasn’t had to give up any equity in the company.

While it might sound like a lot of play, it’s been years of hard work, too. Modeling on camera was matched by modeling on CAD as Fischer and her business partner put their engineering experience to the test. With bona fides from past work at BMW and Porsche, they know a thing or two about design work. Fischer even wrote her thesis on racecar electrification while employed at Porsche.

The Flitedeck is now available for pre-order, with the company hoping to pre-sell 500 units ahead of expected delivery in Q2 2026. For folks willing to take the risky first plunge, the reward is a hefty discount. The current early-bird price of $1,685 for the Flitedeck handlebar is marked down from an MSRP of $2,370.

The company is also selling a few unique packages to further round out the funding. The premier option, priced at $26,339, is described as the Ultimate Adventure package. It includes a private ride with Sabrina and “a completely organized luxury package that includes flights, hotel and personal support.”

If that’s a bit rich for your blood, but you’d still like to help support and fund Sabrina’s bike tech, there’s always that other option for just $24.99 per month…