ForkIt: Suspension Tuning Data Vending Machine

Open source sensors, Rust back end and a Flutter app that turn every ride into suspension data.

Overview

ForkIt is an open source hardware and software kit that measures a bike front end motion so riders and technicians can dial in suspension settings with data instead of guesswork.

A rugged ESP32 based logger with IMU, GNSS and SD storage captures acceleration, fork travel and ride context. A Flutter client and a Rust digital vehicle mechanic (DVM) turn that telemetry into personalised setup guidance for each rider.

Why It Matters

  • Brings pro level suspension science to any rider with consistent telemetry and repeatable tests.
  • Provides explainable recommendations in minutes instead of trial and error over days of riding.
  • Community driven bill of materials keeps hardware affordable, hackable and easy to mount on almost any frame.
  • Encourages experimentation and shared improvements through open designs and shared data tools.

How It Works

  • Riders enter bike and rider specifications in the app, including make, wheel size, weight, current settings and spacer count.
  • During test runs the logger records motion data and writes CSV files to storage.
  • From the mobile app riders upload ride CSVs and submit optimisation requests directly to the ForkIt DVM.
  • The Rust back end can run Design of Experiments based runs or work from ad hoc telemetry to recommend pressure, damping and spacer changes.

Data Path and Security

  • The Flutter client secures direct messages with Nostr NIP 59 for transport level privacy.
  • Ride files are handed off to Blossom storage for reliable hosting and retrieval.
  • The DVM processes the data, prepares recommendations and returns results to the rider through the same Nostr based channel.
  • Users can keep their raw data, share it with the community or delete it after tuning.

Nostr and Bitcoin Role

  • Nostr provides transport, identity and coordination between riders, shops and the ForkIt DVM.
  • Encrypted messages allow riders to keep control of their telemetry and identity.
  • The DVM model can integrate Lightning payments so users pay for processing and insights only when they need them.
  • Developers and data scientists can publish new analysis paths that the DVM market can route work to.

Call to Action

Download the ForkIt Android app here (sha1 hash), build the logger and start every ride with a suspension setup that is proven on your own trails. Join the community that is tuning faster, riding smoother and sharing every breakthrough.