Random Noise It Isn’t

Bicycles make a lot of noise, and the wrong kind of sound – such as a clicking – can drive some of us to near madness. But when the noise combined together it can actually stop being noise and instead can become music. Composer Johnnyrandom used just the sounds from a bicycle to create “Bespoken.” Instead of guitars and drums he made the sounds by strumming on spokes and tapping on the frame and components. The results might not be music to all ears but it is impressive none-the-less.

Johnnyrandom Official Website

Weekend Reading List (02.01.2014): Fat Summit, Super Apps, Cold Runnings

Fat Summit

Fat-Bike

From Bicycle Retailer: Fat Bike Summit: It’s time to develop rules for the sport
Mike Van Abel, IMBA’s executive director, told more than 110 participants at the annual Fat Bike Summit that it’s time to develop rules to guide the use of fat bikes on public land and private property. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (02.01.2014): Fat Summit, Super Apps, Cold Runnings

Light Headed

K2-RouteAt the recent Outdoor Retailer Show winter sports gear maker K2 showed it was headed in the right direction with the Route, which it claimed was “the lightest snow-certified helmet” ever made. It weighs just 320 grams and features 59 vent holes, ear warmers and boa closure to provide a tight fit. The company noted this is actually a multi-sport helmet that could be used for mountain biking as well as snowsports, but either way it provides plenty of airflow to help keep the head cool.

K2 Helmets Official Website

Vending Refurb

Vending-MachinePark Tool’s Eric Hawkins had a great idea, and recently appeared on History’s American Restoration reality show, where the creative team of Rick’s Restoration took an old cigarette vending machine and transformed it into a Park Tool vending machine. This was actually partially filmed last September at Interbike, and now the completed project is in the Park Tool HQ in Minnesota.

American Restoration Official Website
[Via Bicycle Retailer: Park Tool makes History Channel]

Mariachi Skier

Hubertus-von-HohenloheWhile the U.S. Olympic Opening Ceremony uniform may not be scoring points with everyone – despite the fact that it was actually made in America – the choice of attire for Mexican skier Hubertus von Hohenlohe is another story. He unveiled his “Mariachi” motif this week and it is as remarkable as his story.

As his name suggests he is actually a descendant of German royalty but was born in Mexico. “The Prince” – as he’s known – been a staple on the slopes since he raced World Cup at age 22 in 1981, and he made his Olympic debut at Sarajevo in 1984. He’ll turn 55 on Sunday but he’s heading to Sochi next month where he’ll once again represent Mexico.

We applaud that he’s back for more, but we seriously question whether he’ll actually don that uniform on the slopes.

[Via The New York Daily News: Mexican ski racer Hubertus von Hohenlohe ready to wow at Winter Olympics in Sochi]

Mobile Running Coach

Personal-Running-TrainerSometimes a good coach can motivate you to work harder and go further. Since not everyone can have such a coach the Personal Running Trainer app will be there instead. Designed to help beginning runners train for distance running it provides professional and motivational coaching instructions that voices over personalized music selection, and with this is there to tell you when to change pace and when to rest.

Users can even track other runners using the same program. It is the next best thing to your own coach, and this app is available in nine languages and for Android and iOS devices.

Personal Running Trainer Official Website

Set it Up

Bike-SetupApp-uncture, which makes mobile phone apps for mountain bikers, has released the Bike Setup app. Users can enter as much or as little setup information as they like and this helps riders determine the best fixed dimensions and bicycle suspension. Currently it is available for iOS 7 or later, and is available now for $0.99. For less than a buck you can help tune up the bike’s suspension to truly suit your needs. Demo video after the jump

Kinetic Trainers Goes Interscholastic

Kinetic-TrainerKinetic, a division of Kurt Manufacturing, announced this month that it will continue its support of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) as a bronze level sponsor for the next two years. Kinetic has created a detailed training section for the fourth edition of the NICA Coaches Manual to help volunteer leaders provide the best information to young student-athletes looking to maximize their training. This eight-page contribution outlines the basics of stationary bike workouts, safety precautions, creative and fun training techniques and race warm-up and cool-down routines for race-day use. In addition the coaches’ manual is available to individuals participating in NICA’s coach licensing program across the country and provides detailed guidance on riding, training, coaching and other relevant topics essential to creating a fun and positive environment for adolescent cyclists.

As part of the sponsorship, all certified NICA coaches can purchase the full line of Kinetic trainers and accessories at a discount through a Kinetic retailer in their area. This program enables coaches to set up an indoor “practice” facility so the team can get together for a workout regardless of the weather.

Kinetic Official Website

One Xtreme Lizard

SLXtreme-5Snow Lizard’s new SLXtreme 5 has your iPhone 5/5S covered. Designed for those who like to head off the beaten path these ultra-rugged, waterproof cases also feature battery-boosting technology. These offer an integrated 2550mAh battery that can more than double the life of the handset, and the cases also offer a built-in solar panel for emergency charging on the go.

These cases can also help ensure a phone can survive some wild water adventures and the SLXtreme 5 can handle being submerged up to six feet and has an IP-68 rating. It even provides functionality for underwater photography.

“The SLXtreme line has a proven track record of protecting and enhancing iPhone usage while tackling the harshest outdoor conditions,” says Steve Calle, CEO and co-founder of Snow Lizard Products. “We are excited for consumers to check out the SLXtreme for the iPhone 5/5S as it shields against drops, spills, providing peace of mind that their investment is protected.”

The case is further certified with MIL SPEC 810G rating, and thus can protect the phone from a six feet (two meter) falls as well as from dust and sand. This new model case has also been updated to include a 3.5mm audio input jack allowing users to listen to their favorite tunes, and watertight plug to keep it waterproof. The SLXtreme 5 is now available in Black, Orange, Yellow, White or Hunter Camo.

Snow Lizard SLXtreme 5 Official Website

Reign It In

ReignThere may be a new fitness monitor that is looking to take the top spot. The Reign Activity Tracker from Jaybird rules by providing more flexibility – not so much in letting you slack off in your workouts, but rather by featuring materials that shape to your wrist over time. There are eight interchangeable size options and this provides just enough customization. This activity monitor is compatible with Android, iOS and web apps and features wireless connectivity. It tracks your sleep and daily activities and helps you “reign” in your workout.

Jaybird Reign Activity Tracker Official Website

Schwinn Navigated CES

schwinnEarlier this month at CES in Las Vegas Schwinn unveiled its new CycleNav Smart Bike Navigator, a free mobile application that is paired with a handlebar-mounted smart-bike navigation unit. It is designed to give riders turn-by-turn audio and visual navigation from their handlebars.

When connected to a smart phone via Bluetooth the device can provide riders with audio commands and visual light indicators and this way can direct riders to the desired destination. In addition, the CycleNav application records key statistics from the journey including distance, duration and calories burned. This ride data can be shared through social networking integration including MapMyRide, and the CycleNav also includes a headlight. Continue reading Schwinn Navigated CES

Sidi Gets Casual

SidiWe know Sidi for their hardcore cycling attire and shoes, but apparently the company has a more relaxed side. This is apparent as the company has introduced a line of casual, urban shoes as part of its 2014 Side Sport Collection.

These new “sneakers” are called Insider and are both technical and fashionable at the same time. These feature a rubber sole that provides grip on a variety of surfaces along with ankle bones and toes that provide for a reinforced and protected fit. The Insider even offers a removable insole that is closed with laces and suede uppers. The shoes are available in gray, black and camouflage (above). Any way you choose these can’t be missed.

Sidi Sports Official Website