this post was submitted on 24 Aug 2023
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CassetteFuturism

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this is a space for Cassette Futurism -- retro images, media, design and technology from the 70s and 80s

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Source: Raleigh Vektar Appreciation Society (Facebook)

Bike seen on 1985 Raleigh Vektar (r/RetroFuturism)

Some info from The Raleigh Vektar | The Bike Comes First:

The Vektar, the worlds first computer bike, was launched in 1985 long before we had health and safety laws. Equipped with ‘micro chip technology’ the rider could see how fast they were going, how far they had gone and how long they had been riding for at the touch of a button. The head’s down display ensured that you would ride into the back of your mate or a kerb as you fiddled with the control panel.

If that wasn’t enough you could listen to the radio on one of the three AM preset stations either while riding the bike or parked up hanging out with their pals. Later models came with a MW tuner giving even less crappy sound quality.

The main feature though was the advanced warning and alarm system. Once you had chosen one of the eight sounds from the ‘revolutionary sound generator’ on the top tube mounted control panel, you could use the handlebar mounted controller to terrorise old ladies as you rallied around the housing estate.

Posted originally in r/cassettefuturism

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[–] [email protected] 14 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Ah yes. The bike I always wanted, but never had.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

Same. I wanted one of these so badly. Saw it in a paper ad shortly after seeing BMX Bandits at the movies. Peak 80's right there.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago

Looking on bright side, if you’d got it, all your pocket money would have had to go on D-cell batteries.