If you follow me on twitter, you may have seen some tweets from me throwing some support for a San Francisco based company called Bia — when they launched I was enthusiastic for a couple reasons.
- I enjoy supporting start-ups and love when people follow their passions and go for it.
- I’m really into greek mythology and Bia, defined as the personification of a mighty force, was a winged enforcer of Zeus, as well as the sister to Nike (Victory). (source) Pretty cool, right?
When they initially launched, I sent out a couple tweets encouraging sign-ups for their website. Several people joined and I received a tech shirt as a “thank you” for spreading the word — this wasn’t the reason I did it, but was a nice gesture by the company. Fortunately for wifey, at the time, they only had ladies shirts. Lucky her, she gets a new shirt. It fits nicely and she rocks it regularly. Seeing that the main focus for this company was women, I understood as it is common to see women as the main focus for running items and apparel. After all, there is an astounding number of active women in our community. Although, I am pretty jealous that the ladies running gear is much more fashionable. True, there is some great gear for men, but we have to search pretty hard to find something other than a solid colored running shirt and shorts with more than a stripe. I digress.
When Bia decided to enter the watch market, I was immediately intrigued. Don’t get me wrong. I love my garmin. It’s my best friend and we hang out all the time. I’ve had it for almost 5 years and despite a couple issues (battery not charged after sitting on the charger, trouble locating a between the tall buildings in downtown San Francisco) it has been great and reliable. It’s a little bulky and leaves a nice huge watch tan on my wrist, but overall, I’m happy.
Bia went the route through Kickstarter asking for pledges to get this watch up and running (pun totally intended). The story of why they went this route is here posted at BexLife.com. The deadline was yesterday and with a really strong push to the finish line, they hit their goal and the watches will available around April 2013. As you can see, the watches are targeted for women… but wait, AND MEN.
I was hesitant to throw a pledge in their direction only because I have yet to see a really strong push towards the male audience. When I saw that the watch WAS available for men to wear, complete with a long black band for our manly wrists, I was intrigued. As the number of backers at this level grew and grew, I became more excited. “There are other fellas interested in using this.” As of the writing of this post, there are (at least) 160 backers that will receive watches for men. That is a small number based on 2,100 total backers, but we do exist. Honestly, I did wait until the last day to “officially” pledge, but I was committed mentally after reading Bex’s post. Yes, let’s reinforce the perception that men wait until the last minute… but I got it done, so there.
So in April of next year when you see me flying across the Golden Gate Bridge wearing a super-duper watch with an extra long black band, don’t think I’m wearing a women’s watch because:
Bia IS also for the dudes!
And if you scream at me: “you are wearing a ladies’ watch!” remember that I am a runner and I have no shame in kicking you in the shin and running away from you at sub-7 pace.
What do you think? Are you a backer? If not, are you anxiously awaiting them to go on sale?
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I’m a backer and am SO jazzed to get my watch in April! I’m not one to wish away the summer, but seriously, April of next year can’t come soon enough. Of course, I’m also going to St. John then too, so lots of things to look forward to. Anyway, I’m SO glad that you are a backer and helped Bia to reach their goal – great post! Oh, and I can’t wait to get my shirt too!
Dude! I love that you’re not a hater of the girl-centric momentum. I am SO excited for my Bia next year. I might even train for a triathlon just so I can use it in the water!
I’ve been seeing all the chatter about this and am very curious (also curious to know whether they’ll be available in Canada…)
I’ll sneak one across the border for you… wait, is that illegal? Are the mounties going to come after me?
I am a backer and am so excited for this watch!!! I am glad that they made it “man” friendly because when I first watched the video it definitely looked to be geared towards women. I also waited to the last day but I was just back and forth on the cost but I decided to just go for it!!!
I LOVE BIA!!! SO backing them! Yeeehaw!
Tamara – I know they’ve had backers from Australia so I believe it will be available all over.
Until a watch can compete with the Tech or the Garmin 910 there is no reason for me to switch.
Those are some heavy duty pieces of hardware. Nice.
I’m def. not “replacing my Garmin,” I’ll be using both. For the price and ability to start my run quicker during my lunch hour (downtown SF has a problem finding satellites), it made sense.
I was excited to see this if for no other reason the ergonimic design. I can’t wait to get mine next March!
We are Bia Backers! Bia convinced the “go with the flow slow” twin to want a GPS sports watch – even though she was adamant she’d never wear one like the “Garmin obsessed fast” twin! ;-)
hahaha… love it. One for everyone, right?
Yes, I’m a backer and I’m excited to see how the product works compared to my Garmin 405!
I just got a Garmin in May and I’m in love with mine, but the Bia looks really neat too. A girl can never have too many accessories right?!
Very true. I still plan on using my Garmin. I think this will be great to add in to the mix as an option.
I’m a backer but like you, I waited until yesterday to do it. Quite honestly, I was trying to determine if it was a better or different product than a Garmin. After I thought about it for a bit, I realized that even if it wasn’t, another competitor in the market is a GREAT idea! Additionally, I love the SOS feature-that truly makes a difference for me :)
I am backing and CAN’T WAIT to get the watch in April! I’m so thrilled they were funded.
I’m a backer. I was hesitant at first, like other people are saying because I wasn’t sure if it’s better than Garmin. Then like you I decided I wasn’t replacing Garmin, but adding to it. My Garmin will probably be my baby for longer runs and trail runs when I love the various stats. But Bia will be awesome for shorter runs or group runs and HELLO water? I can track laps more easily too. On a final note, the SOS feature is a huge deal since I run alone so much.
I’m a backer as well! & the husband wants a BIA too. He loves it! :) And you are right – ladies running gear is much more flashy and fun. Really, you poor men have such boring shirts/shorts. Sorry. Maybe you should start a running apparel company!
I’m getting one!! I’ve never used a watch :/ and decided this should be my first. Great post!! Did you order the pink?
Amazing watch it is!!! I’m a swimmer and I’m very excited to buy this Bia as early as possible. Thanks for your wonderful news.
I’m a backer and cannot wait for my watch to come! (Especially after waiting almost 10 mins for my Garmin to find a satellite yesterday!)
I’m a backer and can’t wait for my new watch! I’ve been hemming and hawing about getting a Garmin but kept putting it off but didn’t really hesitate when I saw Bia. Loved the idea of backing a start-up and loved the design and features. I was excited to see guys like you backing the product as well!
Did not make the deadline to be a kickstarter but I look forward to the arrival of a new GPS watch to the market. I don’t own a piece of tech gear I didn’t get with a gift card or on Craigslist, so I hope BIA will be competitively priced!
you are soooo supportive.
and ME? I support the BIA too.
I’m so loyal and addicted to my Garmin, but I’m intrigued by the colors and different design. I will look for them in a few years.