When we think of “Cutters” and bicycles we think of the film Breaking Away, but the folks at DOIY Design had something else in mind – namely a pizza cutter shaped like a bicycle. Perhaps this is perfect for those Friday “Pizza Rides!”
Author: KineticShift
SRAM’s Show Of Force
This month SRAM released details of its new Force CX2 group, a single-chainring cyclocross racing parts kit that reportedly borrows technology from its single-chainring mountain bike groups. Force CX1 uses SRAM’s X-Sync chainring technology, which uses alternating wide- and narrow-teeth to improve chain retention. The chainring design is combined with a rear derailleur with a roller bearing clutch, X-Sync pulleys and other technologies to improve chain retention. The parts will be available July 1.
Armor Warmers
The StantoVelo Protective Arm Warmers could just as easily be called “armor warmers,” as these feature 6mm EPDM foam padding within the Lycra/elastane and micro fleece fabric. The result is a cycling arm warmer that features an antibacterial and waterproof covering for those cool spring rides – but also some padding to protect from road rash and much worse. The StantoVelo logo is even reflective to help riders be seen at night.
Yuba Boda Do Again!
Yuba Bicycles has updated its Boda Boda cargo bike with new accessories for carrying children, adult passengers, groceries or a surfboard – yes a surfboard. The bike, which is also available in “Step-Over Red,” features a redesigned rear cargo and passenger rack, which is now compatible with Yepp child seats. The 2014 Boda Boda also offers new mounts for its Bread Basket front basket, new Cruz Cream tires, rear disc brake tabs, new handlebars and saddles and removable Love Handle side loaders for easier shipping.
On the Double
Spyderco has you fixed for folding blades with the Double Bevel, which draws its name from its most distinguishing characteristic—its unique double-ground blade. As with all Spyderco folders, the Double Bevel’s VG-10 stainless steel blade features the maker’s Trademark Round Hole for ambiidextrous one-handed opening, while the flat-ground section offers a distal taper that terminates in an Americanized tanto-style point for an exceptional balance of tip strength and sharpness. The tip is also full-flat-ground for superior edge geometry and low-friction cutting performance. This is a pocket knife that will get the job done.
Nau Covers Up For Spring
The calendar says spring – and while winter might hang on, we know that soon the rains will fall and wash away the snow. That’s the good news for cyclists. The bad news is that it will mean wet riding. However, Nau has you covered. The apparel maker has introduced its Spring 2014 Pedal Collection, which includes the Poncho Via, a hardshell poncho made from a three-layer blend of recycled polyester and cotton.
It features sealed seams and water resistant DWR finish to protect your clothes from the rain. A belted waist ties on the front while a long back protects the back as well as seat from wet commutes to and from work.
Panasonic Gets Wearable
The wearable market is hot and Panasonic is on board with the first 4K/30p Wearable Camera, the HX-A500 (A500). It features Wi-Fi and NFC to allow for quick connectivity to a mobile device.
The main unit of this camera is separate from the lens so it can be mounted at face level to provide hands-free shooting, while the main body offers a 1.50inch LCD monitor for previewing or reviewing recordings. This camera can record up to 30 minutes of video in 4K, and while not the most rugged device on the market it offers an IPX8 waterproof rating, and can survive in up to three meters (about 10 feet) of water. It is also rated IPX5 for dust.
The A500 also offers a 1080p option at 60fps, 720p at 120fps and 480p at 240fps crawl – the latter options allowing for true “slo-mo” recording. Continue reading Panasonic Gets Wearable
Force of Power
PowerBilt debuted its latest rendition to its popular Air Force One driver line this month. The Air Force One DFX (Deep Face Extreme) offers a clubface that is 5mm than the previous model, which allows the club to catch the ball at impact slightly longer and combines with the nitrogen inside the clubhead to create reduced spin and more distance.
“We reduced the nitrogen pressure to 80 pounds, for better impact feel,” says Ross Kvinge, President of PowerBilt. “This new amount of nitrogen generates a tremendous trampoline effect for increased ball speed. In fact, now the trampoline effect is up to the USGA maximum limit. Shot dispersion is also the tightest ever in our drivers. And by adding 6 grams low and forward in the clubhead, we moved the CG lower and more forward than in any other Air Force One driver. We did this to appease our clubfitters who requested a better smash factor. I can confidently say that this is the most solid driver we have ever produced.”
The new club utilizes PowerBilt’s patented Nitrogen N7 “Nitrogen Charged,” technology makes its debut in the Air Force One DFX driver. This newly patented method reinforces the clubface without adding any weight. The club also features a forged titanium body with titanium cup face technology, as well as aerodynamic clubhead shaping.
The Air Force One DFX is one serious club.
Allo Allo!
The Allo promises to be the world’s first bike mount-speaker combination, which can provide riders with a safer way to access a smartphone while riding. The Allo features a built-in speaker that can allows users to listen to music, navigation and even make phone calls without having to take their hands off the handlebars and without the need of headphones.
“I’m passionate about biking and music and saw there was no safe product out there that let me combine the two,” said Benji Miller, inventor of the Allo. “After seeing many cyclists illegally and unsafely use their earbuds or phones while riding, I wanted to create a way for people to use their smartphones while still being safe, which is when I first started designing and creating the Allo. With design experts on the team, they fine-tuned the concept to what it is today.”
Miller launched a Kickstarter project earlier this month to help produce the Allo. Video after the jump
Brownells Takes Aim With Archery
Brownells has been a firearms and shooting industry supplier for 75 years but this month it announced it extending its brand to bowhunters and target archers. The company looks to become one of the largest Internet retailers for all things archery with more than 10,000 products from the major brands in the archery industry.
“I think it’s great Brownells is serving the archery customer now,” said Pete Brownell, CEO of Brownells. “Many of us are bowhunters and competitors at Brownells, and when existing customers told us they wanted archery products from us, it made the decision to jump in with both feet an easy one. We’ve been serving outdoorsmen and women for 75 years; this is just another way for us to continue fulfilling their shooting-related needs.”
Get Pumped Up
BlueAnt is looking to pump it up with its new wireless multi-sport headphones that promise to deliver unrivaled HD audio in what is billed as an “Aussie design.” The PUMP HD Sportbuds are IP67 waterproof certified and can be immersed in up to 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. The Bluetooth earbuds further features a military-grade, rugged design to protect the premium audio components – which include 12.5 mm diameter drivers, Mylar composite diaphragms, Neodymium magnets and overhung voice coils – from rain, dust, debris, sweat and can be rinsed off post-workout without fear of damage.
These were developed in Australia over a three year period in coloration with extreme athletes and performance fitness enthusiasts. The result is the PUMP, which promises deep, thumping sound that is designed to let the beat set the pace.
Big Sticks
Winter should be on its way out, but for skiers this just means it is time for spring skiing and if you’re going to go – go big or go home. The Big Stix 122, which feature a wood core combined with ABS sidewalls to provide balanced flex, are designed to provide big fun in what has been an epic winter.
Sail or Fly?
The Flying Phantom is a sailboat that apparently lives up to its name. Launched earlier this year at the Paris Boat Show, this $40,000 catamaran will likely be used in a number of sailboat races in 2014. The Flying Phantom can get up on its foils in wind as low as seven knots sailing downwind, and upwind if the speed is above 10 knots. According to the makers its maximum speed has hit 33 knots, but it could easily reach 45-50 knots in the right conditions. Video after the jump