The End
With great sadness I have to tell you that Brim Brothers is ceasing operations.
We have run out of time and money. The difficulties we have had with production quantities, together with variable accuracy of the finished units when in use, mean that we are unable to deliver and we don’t have the resources to continue.
Over the last couple of weeks it has become clear that putting an innovative product into manufacture has more challenges than we planned for, particularly achieving the consistent accuracy that a power meter requires. Our first production batch demonstrated that more time and investment is needed to test and re-test new production processes. This is beyond our resources, and our efforts to find new finance have not been successful.
What this means for you as a customer is that we can’t deliver your power meter, and we can’t provide a refund. For me personally this is what hurts most, and I wish there was something I could do to change it.
We attempted to create the most innovative power meter in the world, the only wearable power meter, and in doing that we probably took on bigger technical challenges than any other power meter design team. Over the last 8 years we solved so many of the challenges, and created new technologies, but we have fallen short at the last hurdle. We very nearly made it.
To our customers, our employees, and the many people who have supported us in so many ways I say thank you, and I’m sorry we couldn’t deliver.
Barry Redmond
CEO, Brim Brothers
barry.redmond@brimbrothers.com
Albert Mah 2 days ago
I would like to receive a Zone DPMX Single power meter subject to the conditions of your project update #19.
Thank you very much.
Jerome Marcelino 2 days ago
Hello Barry (Brimbrothers),
I wish to receive a Zone DPMX Single power meter subject to the conditions listed in the update.
Michael Vig Larsen 2 days ago
Hi Barry
Its hard to imagine the project come to an end - I really believed in it. Somehow, on an idea level, I still do.
Let me emphasize, that it is dead wrong not to utilize the devices already manufactured. And it does'nt matter if the product is not perfect, and able to fly to the moon. I think its important to let poeple at least try it out. Talk about it. Showing it to other people. It might be the solution to find investors to complete this journey. Who knows. I mean whats there to loose?
It is not important if its inaccuracy, and does not meet expectations. It is important to let me/us just try it. I know its not the dream scenario, but think about it.
greg steele 5 days ago
If you have functioning units, as a supporter of the dualsided unit, I would be interested in having a functional unit.
That said, this probably could have improved your situation a lot:
http://speedplay.com/index.cfm…
Because in my experience, while only adding 8g to the cleat setup, it is remarkably more stiff and as such, speedplay cleats last 5-10x longer since the spring do not wear flat from rubbing while flexing.
Jason Tsang 6 days ago
I will take one of the units, regardless how inaccurate they are.
Steve Scott 7 days ago
I will take one of the units. Thanks
Mateusz Zdyb on October 26
please send me one of these units too, no matter how unreliable they are.
Alan Chorley on October 26
Please can I have one of the unsupported units?
After waiting for the product for years It'd go some way to alleviate the disappointment.
Daniel Pass on October 26
@Brim Brothers,
"The flexing of the shoe sole affects the force sensor in an unpredictable way. The shoe construction, the fixing of the cleat to the shoe, and the rider's pedalling style can all cause the effect to vary significantly. "
If this is the case, how did you get beyond the prototypes several years ago? Surely this would have been noticed as different employees (there are more than one of you... right?) and beta testers used different shoes. It's difficult to imagine that you made it to final production without seeing this issue in prior tests.
Brim Brothers Ltd Creator on October 26
On another issue, and again just to keep the record straight, the complexities described in Keith Wakeham's blog post ( http://keithhack.blogspot.sg/2016/10/how-hard-is-it-to-make-cleat-based.html ) are not what stopped us. We solved the motion sensing challenges described by Keith and more - in fact high speed video showed that our system detects the crank angle correctly to within 2 or 3 degrees and the pedal angle within about 5 degrees.
Our problem is mechanical. The flexing of the shoe sole affects the force sensor in an unpredictable way. The shoe construction, the fixing of the cleat to the shoe, and the rider's pedalling style can all cause the effect to vary significantly. This makes the power meter accuracy unreliable.
Stefano on October 26
I also would like to receive one of the units, even if not accurate.
David Johnson on October 26
I would also like to receive one of the units, irrespective of accuracy.
Brim Brothers Ltd Creator on October 26
Thad, we have 60 single-sided functional units. I have no idea where the figure of 26 came from.
We actually manufactured the full batch, but an issue in the assembly process meant that most of them had a fault that could not be corrected and the critical parts could not be recovered.
Thad Pasquale on October 26
Whatever makes you feel better Barry. You implied that these types of issues had been solved and that the money was for the production run. But even putting that aside, you made 26?!? And now are out of funds and resources? That is almost unbelievable. Where did our money go? Show us an accounting for it, surely you have that in hand, right? Article 4 of the KS rules that you are shameless hiding behind actually says you should provide those details if the project fails.
Benjamin Lee on October 25
I've backed many KS projects (and have received many items that were way short of what was promised) so I understand the risks of KS. The failure of this project hurts not only because it is the first project in which nothing is delivered. I have been following it way before it was listed on KS and was on the Brim Brothers pre order mailing list. All this time, the project looked feasible and the one interaction with Barry was promptly replied and sincere. The same cannot be said for every KS project creator. Of the many delyed projects that I have backed, this was probably the last one that I thought would go belly up.
It would be nice to get something, even or box or non-working prototype. But reading between the lines of this brief update (wish there was more elaboration), I do think that there might not be enough to go around.
Btw just read this article that might shed some light on the issues that Brim was facing. Can't say for sure if this was one of the issues but it does show that the problems that Brim were grappling with were non-trival.
http://keithhack.blogspot.sg/2016/10/how-hard-is-it-to-make-cleat-based.html
Raul Magadia on October 25
I Am also interested in getting a unit regardless of accuracy, guarantee
B Xavier Disley on October 25
Receiving a non spec unit would be fine.
Tennyson Nadah on October 25
Brim Brothers'
I'll take a duff sample! I've come too far to not have something! I sold my vector for this so for better or worse i'd like to be considered for the batch you've got.
do you know if the inaccuracies are consistent? on your FB page you said something about the interaction with the shoe does it vary between say nylon vs carbon soles (more accurate with carbon sole for instance)
chris goodrick on October 25
Yep hand over a unit please I will judge
Simon White on October 25
Would like to just refer to section 4 of the Kickstarter terms here. This gets at the heart of the issues raised by Peter Foradas below - as they a neither here nor there statement and more based on protecting kickstarted than defining the obliations of the creator.
Anybody backing a project on Kickstarter must understand the inherent unlying risk no which to base their backing decision. However the information presented through this process seems to have given many (me included) a false sense of readiness and progress on which to base their backing. Paritcularly given the years of waiiting, I had felt, "OK, the progress so far has been cautious and they are obviously ready to go" This appears to have been far from the case and justifies much of the anger being shown.
I don't doubt that BB was honest in trying to deliver a product - but given the outcome, the way the various status have been communicated leaves a very sour taste.
Too many cases like this and kickstarter as a model is doomed anyway...
Section 4 Kickstarter terms and conditions.
When a project is successfully funded, the creator must complete the project and fulfill each reward. Once a creator has done so, they’ve satisfied their obligation to their backers.
Throughout the process, creators owe their backers a high standard of effort, honest communication, and a dedication to bringing the project to life. At the same time, backers must understand that when they back a project, they’re helping to create something new — not ordering something that already exists. There may be changes or delays, and there’s a chance something could happen that prevents the creator from being able to finish the project as promised.
If a creator is unable to complete their project and fulfill rewards, they’ve failed to live up to the basic obligations of this agreement. To right this, they must make every reasonable effort to find another way of bringing the project to the best possible conclusion for backers. A creator in this position has only remedied the situation and met their obligations to backers if:
•they post an update that explains what work has been done, how funds were used, and what prevents them from finishing the project as planned;
•they work diligently and in good faith to bring the project to the best possible conclusion in a timeframe that’s communicated to backers;
•they’re able to demonstrate that they’ve used funds appropriately and made every reasonable effort to complete the project as promised;
•they’ve been honest, and have made no material misrepresentations in their communication to backers; and
•they offer to return any remaining funds to backers who have not received their reward (in proportion to the amounts pledged), or else explain how those funds will be used to complete the project in some alternate form.
The creator is solely responsible for fulfilling the promises made in their project. If they’re unable to satisfy the terms of this agreement, they may be subject to legal action by backers
Sam butler on October 25
Barry, I would be really happy to receive a unit with all of the caveats you listed.
Brim Brothers Ltd Creator on October 25
Sam, just to keep the record straight I have to point out that there was (and still is) an extensive "Risks" section on our Kickstarter page. It has not been changed since the Kickstarter campaign was launched. It includes the following:
"We are now awaiting full production samples of the main redesigned sensor parts, and starting to make changes to the moulding tool for an associated part."
It also included:
"It is also possible that tests of the production power meters will reveal performance issues that have not appeared in production samples."
Brim Brothers Ltd Creator on October 25
We do have a limited number of finished 1-side units but we decided we could not deliver them because their accuracy is not reliable. It's ok during test and calibration but unreliable during actual use. It can vary depending on the shoe, how the sensor is fixed to the shoe, and the rider's pedalling style. To fix this would require resources that we don't have and can't get. A number of people have asked about getting a unit anyway, so we will look at the costs and implications of doing this. I'll let you know if this turns out to be possible. If we decide to do it, it will be with no guarantee, no accuracy specification, and no support.
Sam butler on October 25
Barry, you allowed us all to believe that all the testing and delays had meant you now had a product ready for production and the only thing stopping it was the funding to mass produce. This was clearly not the case since you didn't even have production of the flat wires nailed down and you never mentioned that until after you had received the funding. Kickstarter investments are certainly a risk but you duped many of us in to investing in to something that didn't really exist. As mentioned in the other comments you should at least allow people to receive a unit that may not be completely accurate as recognition of the support and patience.
Matthieu BRUNET on October 25
Barry:
I have paid delivery fees for your sending of the parcel.
Can you please hold this promise and send me a device even if you think its accuracy is not up to my expectations?
It is not as if a bad product may damage your brand image.
Plus, I don't care if its "accuracy may vary depending on the shoe and on the rider", neither will change.
I understand that I will not have my initial expectations met, but at least I will have something that could be useful.
And I will not feel cheated.
chris goodrick on October 25
Kickstart your waste of space aswell, a breeding ground for failing entrepreneurs to have a swing with other people's money. So crap KickScam
chris goodrick on October 25
Who the hell left supportive messages or emails � Probably those not down $1000. The key word was pre-purchased which makes it sound very close to finished, such a scam.
Steve Scott on October 24
Let's just think that there are those involved with this project that have suffered much greater loss than us. 8 years dedication to get to a point where you fail at the final hurdle is tough. I know from experience that turning great technology into a reproducible manufacturing process is a very difficult task. Yes I'm bummed at the loss of money and no power meter but I feel for the Brim team.
Chris Florko on October 24
I was on the waiting list when it didn't cost anything. This went on for a couple of years. I saw the thing in person at Interbike in 2014. Then I get an email saying they're so close, they just need to make it a Kickstarter campaign to get the cash to get this into production. Glad I opted for only half it.
Especially after seeing boxes of them, I thought this was a sure thing. While I think the best intent was there, I also feel there was deception. To show finished units, then say they were no good, and nevermind the whole thing? Surprising and very disappointing.
Peter Foradas on October 24
Xiong Yang, I completely disagree that loss is an assumed risk when backing a Kickstarter or Indiegogo campaign; in fact I believe that Kickstarter goes out of their way to make backers believe the normal risk of investing in a startup is removed. Part of the point of products stating backer goals before charging is that it removes the risk from the equation, or at least that is how Kickstarter presents it. I understand that in a business and from production standpoint, there are unexpected costs that may not be foreseeable, but this is not the way that the agreement is presented to a Kickstarter backer.
As Simon White touches on below, the Kickstarter backer agreement is not a normal investment in a startup. With an investment in a startup, there is an assumption of risk in exchange for a possibility of larger reward. In the case of Kickstarter campaigns, the idea is that there is no risk and a guaranteed reward: if the project reaches its funding goal, you get the product (albeit with possible delays, but you get the product); if the project does not reach its goal everyone is disappointed, but no one is out any money (other than the money the project founders may have spent to get it to Kickstarter).
I believe that Brim Brothers had every intention of bringing the product to market and that they are just as upset as -if not more than their backers, but I believe that the real issue is with the way that Kickstarter presents these campaigns. They make it very clear that an initial pledge is not a purchase, but insinuate -if not outright declare -that once the project is funded, your pledge becomes a purchase. This is simply not true. Even after the project is fully funded, these payments are still a futures investment, and they need to be presented as such. While Brim Brothers may be at fault for miscalculating their costs of production, I do not believe that they are at fault for deception. That fault - the truly unforgivable and criminal fault lies with Kickstarter as a business and the way that they present the backing agreement to potential project funders.
Xiong Yang on October 24
While I'm disappointed that this never came to fruition I am not disappointed in my negative-return of my investment; I chose to back this risky venture. I truly wanted to see a product like this and- like many backers, was hopeful for a product. But, I'm not kidding myself (and why are you) that this is a complete gamble. I expect these types of venture investments to be a total loss until I have the actual product in-hand; don't invest unless you're willing to lose it all.
Everyone who backs a Kickstarter or Indiegogo knows the risk. I'm completely bummed- sure, but it is the risk for these types of products (as novel as they are) and the costs you have to stomach. I was never under the assumption I'd be getting a refund back. Backers, don't pretend that's not something you weren't aware of- you are only kidding yourself. I hope somebody can pick up after Brim Brothers and or they (Brim Brothers) can make it open-source, this is a product that shouldn't be left to die. Heck, there's at least $100,000 worth of data there- DO SOMETHING WITH IT!
David Johnson on October 24
In your update of 13 September I calculate over 26 units marked next to the caption 'packed and ready to go'. What has become of these units? I am sure you have not wilfully or knowingly made any false statement to your backers. I look forward to more of an explanation. Rest assured I am looking at this debacle very closely indeed.
Brim Brothers Ltd Creator on October 24
To those of you who have sent supportive messages, thank you. To those of you who are angry, you have reason to be, but please understand that we did our utmost to stay on the road, right up to the last moment. We were honest and open at all times. Everything we wrote was what we believed and what we planned. All photographs and videos were real and of exactly what they said they were. We have a limited number of finished units, but their accuracy may vary depending on the shoe and on the rider. A power meter like that is not deliverable, but to continue requires investment that we do not have. We put everything into the project, and have nothing left. There are no winners in this.
Norman Briggs on October 24
This is completely unacceptable. I am starting to believe you had no intentions of ever delivering the product. Scamming Pieces of SHIT!!!
Rob Ryan on October 24
Money down the tubes and a deep feeling of being conned for the last few months. Honesty earlier on would have been a better course but now there are 290 people out of pocket for a product that was obviously a pipe dream. DISGUSTED AND FEEL ROBBED !!!!!
Timothy Spann on October 24
This is outrageous! Were all of those pictures just staged photos of props and not actual units? What have you done with the millions of dollars you have scammed from people? I hope you are sued into oblivion! You rotten piece of no good human waste!
Jim Farney on October 24
Unlike probably most I am 65 years old and every season may be my last one. Waiting for 8 plus months and shelling out $1100 has been painful but this is ridiculous! You should be ashamed of your lack of proformance! Back to the drawing board.
Per Jonny Vik on October 24
I hope that nobody gives these guys more at Indiegogo. I am not sure they had intentions to deliver.
Keith Lai on October 24
there should be companies interested in these tech
Matthieu BRUNET on October 24
What about the items that were produced?
Are they going to be sent to backers?
Simon White on October 24
Obviously disappointed that I have been waiting for so long for this product - one that I really believed in - and now it won't be delivered.
But am truly annoyed that when putting down my $1000 - I at least got the impression that things were much closer to final production than they were.
As things have dragged on I have got increasingly concerned - so unfortunanty I was not shocked to get this. But I feel the last updates have been close to dishonest as to the status. Clearly things were far worse than indicated and for people who have put up a lot of money this way this is not good enough.
My first and last use of kickstarter. Almost worse than gambling. If you win you get what you paid for. If not - nothing. Big difference to being an equity investor where there is potential for an upside as well.
Daniel Pass on October 24
I'm also pretty peeved, but not surprised. There were warning signs nearly 9 months ago.... but I was too stupid to observe them. :(
edward mitoma on October 24
WTF?!!!! You took my thousand dollars and ran off! Lesson... don't back any crowd funding without assuming you are gambling. The most I ever spent on a CF item and the only one ever to not delivered. This is criminal! I can see there is no legal recourse.! Pissed beyond all description!
Allen Foster on October 24
Any plans to try and sell on the technology?
Thad Pasquale on October 24
Thief
David Johnson on October 24
I sincerely hope that this is a joke.