After two and a half years of development, we can finally present our first joint product. The Fidlock Twist System expands the KEEGO by one dimension and brings the best of both worlds. The number of awards for both systems is impressive and promises nothing less than the best drinking solution for cyclists on the market.
But this is not about awards, but about an insight into the history and development behind the product.
When KEEGO made its debut at Eurobike in September 2019, it didn't take long until we came across the Fidlock team. Interest was piqued on both sides. While we at KEEGO primarily eyed the clever design and mechanism of the Fidlock Twist mount, Fidlock was interested in the elastic titanium at KEEGO. A few coffees and beers later, they said goodbye with the intention of staying in touch.
Half a year later, the next meetings followed at ISPO. This time it became more concrete, and the development of a joint product was outlined at the Brandnew Area coffee bar. The big sticking point: Could KEEGO get its material into the shape desired by Fidlock.
Shortly thereafter, the Corona Virus struck for the first time. This naturally dampened the euphoria, and closed factories slowed down the development. There was only one way to produce a meaningful prototype – the now well-established KEEGO production process. A 3D print or an alternative process would not provide the desired insights.
In the summer of 2020, the time had come, and we were able to make a first attempt.
A temperature-resistant 3D print...
...provides an initial, insightful result.
A few rounds later (the dimensions must fit).
The specific material properties of aluminum 3D printing and the small radii (the indentation for the magnetic holder) were two major hurdles, but in October 2020 we had a first prototype and the proof that it works. Nothing stands in the way of bringing the best bottle together with the best mounting system – we thought!
We were certainly enthusiastic. But we also knew that this possible product would have its price. To get a feel for whether the community shares our enthusiasm, we decided to combine the KEEGO bottles with the Fidlock Universal Connector first - which is already a super solution and a first-class Christmas present in 2020. The combination was very well received.
In the spring of 2021, the development was delayed due to many new products from Fidlock and turbulent months at KEEGO (no more bottles due to lockdown). In the middle of it all, Fidlock's central development partner was also given his first child. The time with the little one briefly pushed work and product development into the background before discussions were resumed in the spring of 2021.
Fidlock was also convinced by the small market test, the prototype, and therefore ready to take the next step: the final design of a new shape and size. We agreed on a target value of 600ml.
The new bottle should fit well into the family.
To be on the safe side and to avoid technical difficulties in production, we decided to initially rely on the tried and tested belt system, in which the Fidlock connector is attached to the bottle with a strap. This was also an important intermediate step in the history of Fidlock.
Next, we considered the economic aspects: Who would finance further development? What would the production costs be? What quantity should be produced?
These points were clarified exactly 2 years after the initial meeting at Eurobike 2021. Joachim Fiedler (the founder of Fidlock) once again brought a lot of momentum to the matter. It was important to him not to lose any more time – no matter the cost. So we upped the ante.
In November, we already made the first attempt to start production. However, we had to abort this because the entrances to the holding points were not completely clear (marked in yellow).
We identified a critical point that could have jeopardized the bottle's durability. The design and tools had to be adjusted. Then came Christmas and New Year and so we couldn't make a second attempt until the end of January.
And unfortunately, the second one also went wrong!
The lateral recess for the Fidlock Connector and the circumferential strap have a stiffening effect on the bottle. This means: The bottle is therefore not so easy to squeeze, which is essential for the cycling area. To improve the squeezability, we can reduce the wall thickness only up to a certain point before the bottle melts in production. The most critical points are the corners and small radii. After four test runs with adjusted wall thicknesses, we had to realize that it would not lead to a satisfactory result even in this form.
The adapted form 6 weeks later.
And this time it worked! We were finally able to start production.
And there it was: One of the first bottles from the final production run.
Today (mid-May 2022) we are very pleased to present the new KEEGO Fidlock Twist. A new dimension, because it combines the best of THREE worlds. The advantages of a lightweight and squeezable plastic bottle with the clean taste of a titanium bottle and with the best mounting system on the market. Maybe we'll think of a better marketing slogan.
Let the corks pop!
In any case, we are overjoyed with the result and are very much looking forward to getting your feedback! Summer has just begun!
KEEP GOING
Lukas for Team KEEGO
