We’ve been seeing a number of new methods to deliver music to those riding a bicycle, and this week we came across the Otus Mini-Speakers, which mount to the wearer’s helmet. These resemble traditional earbuds, but the 15-watt speakers are not actually designed to go into the years. Instead these are applied to hang just above the ears. Videos after the jump
Author: Enid Burns
G-Form Intros Three New Protective Gear Garments
Suiting up for a sport takes on a whole new meaning when you’re talking about slipping into G-Form protective apparel. The flexible yet strong padding withstands a surprising amount of impact. Now there’s three new garments in the G-Form line to help keep you covered when out on the field, trail, or wherever your activities take you. G-Form just introduced the Sternum Shirt, Crash Shorts and Protective Compression Shirt. Continue reading G-Form Intros Three New Protective Gear Garments
Hands On: UVSunSense Monitoring Wristband
With summer approaching, we’re looking to ways to cover up and protect our skin from the harmful rays as much as we’re looking forward to spending some time in the sun. One product that helps us gauge how long we’ve been in the sun, and tells us when we’re at risk, is UVSunSense Monitoring Bands. These bands are plastic strips you put on like a bracelet, and apply sunscreen to when you apply to your skin. This strip then works as a timer to let you know when to reapply, and simply when you’ve had enough time in the sun. Continue reading Hands On: UVSunSense Monitoring Wristband
Hydration Systems Adds Lapels!
Bicycle accessory innovator Showers Pass has released it latest improvement for hydration systems, the LapelEau, a drinking hose attachment reel for use with virtually hydration backpack. Simple but effective, it will help keep the drinking tube in place. It features unique patent-pending magnetic retractable reel technology that provides just enough retention force to keep the tube close at hand and under control.
MLS Offers Real-Time Performance Tracking
While it is possible to watch how athletes are performing during a sporting match, adidas and Major League Soccer are taking it to the next level. And while coaches essentially “guess” from what they can see, and what the players say, micoach professional soccer team tracking system provides coaches with real time performance metrics on the field of play including player position, power output, speed, distance covered, intensity of play, acceleration and GPS heat mapping.
This technology will see its debut during the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game on July 25 in Philadelphia, which promises to be the world’s first “smart soccer match” and will feature the new micoach professional soccer team tracking system. Continue reading MLS Offers Real-Time Performance Tracking
Cord Crunching Headphones
Music fuels workouts. But sometimes the cord from headphones gets in the way. On a run your arms swing and often come in contact with the cord and rip it out of your ear. The reason for this is too much slack in the cord, though shorter cords aren’t necessarily the answer, then you risk not having enough cord to accommodate your needs. videos after the jump
Cool Point Tackles Heat on those Hot Days
Trigger Point Performance, a company that makes products that regulate and stimulate the muscular movement of the body, just created its Cooling Division with the release of Cool Point. The concept is that athletes keep cooler by reducing mental and physical stress that heat places on the body. This is done by cooling certain points with a targeted ice pack.
This ice pack is about the size of an ice cube, with a strap that wraps around the hand. By placing the ice pack on your palm the rest of your body will be cooled, or will maintain a cooler temperature while working out on hot days. The Cool Point pack was previously available, in fact we checked it out at Interbike last fall, but the new model includes a few upgrades. Those include improved gel with up to 50 percent longer cooling time, a lighter strap, dual-sided mesh for improved cooling. The new Cool Point has a more prominent logo, which has its pluses and minuses for those of us sensitive to brand advertising on products
Hear the earHero
Wearing headphones can help make a workout more enjoyable, and in turn make you want to go longer and even harder. The problem is that wearing headphones when running or worse cycling on the road can limit the ability to hear traffic. But the earHero has come to the rescue
This earphone system is designed to allow users to hear the world around them, while still providing reasonable sound quality to the listener. It was designed by audiologist Matt Murphy, and works by not actually blocking the ear canal – so you can wear these and hear that car approach. Continue reading Hear the earHero
Inactive America
While we’re happy that you’re reading this, we’d like to encourage all of our readers to get out there and get a bit more active. According to the recently released Physical Activity Council (PAC) study, inactivity levels in the United States has risen to 68.2 million people, up from 67.2 million in 2010. This included adults ages 18 and older, and those not participating in any of the physical activities measured continued to increase, rising from 58.7 million in 2010 to 60 million in 2011.
The good news is that PAC, a partnership of six major trade associations in the sports, fitness, and leisure industries, reported that inactivity among children ages six to 12 fell slightly from 4.6 million people in 2010 to 4.5 million people in 2011. This may be an early indication that efforts to engage children in sports, recreation and other related physical activities are starting to have a slight effect on America’s youngest generation.The research is part of the 2012 Participation Report, an annual study tracking sports, fitness and recreation participation in the United States. Continue reading Inactive America
To infiniti3D and Beyond
In urban centers bicycles are unfortunately stolen a lot. And a quality bike lock can protect the bike but only to a degree. Thieves often use tools to steal the expensive components from an unguarded bike, but now we’ve started to hear about British bike component maker Atomic22, which has introduced its infiniti3D system that utilizes a one-of-a-kind key tool that is paired with matched fasteners including bolts, wheel skewers and other parts that require tools. Continue reading To infiniti3D and Beyond
ITCA Opens Online Training, Certification for Triathlon Coaches
Those looking to get certification for triathlon coaching need look no farther than the web. The International Triathlon Coaching Association (ITCA) just announced its online triathlon coaching program in conjunction with Polar and USA Triathlon (USAT).
The program offers aspiring coaches education, certification and business training for the three-event sport that includes swimming, biking and running. The ITCA-run program is an online, self-paced certification program that provides a blueprint for triathlon coaching. Coaches can go on to offer one-on-one coaching, group coaching, online coaching and triathlon camps and clinics. For many coaches there is also potential to create training videos and book publishing to support a coaching business. The program gives coaches the tools to get set up and off to the races. Continue reading ITCA Opens Online Training, Certification for Triathlon Coaches
The Air Ion Up There
Plenty of action sports cameras can capture your moment of glory or your agony of defeat, but the ION AIR PRO HD Spots Video Camera is the first that is capable of recording full HD video and allowing you to share the footage in real time via a social networking site. The camera can be wirelessly connected with a smartphone or table PC running the company’s free-to-download app and the add-on Wi-Fi PODZ attachment. Continue reading The Air Ion Up There
Much More Than a Pup Tent
For those who camp alone the traditional method is to utilize a bivy, but we recently heard about the Kilo 1P from Easton Mountain Products. This is a one-person tent that weighs just 1 kilogram – or 2.2 pounds – and provides three-season shelter with just a single, sleek carbon fiber pole. It provides enough space for the equipment and more importantly provides some headspace that is usually missing in a bivy. With about 18 square feet, along with a side area for a pack this is like bringing creature comforts to the great outdoor!