Author: KineticShift
Pole Position
Many of us hate the thought about going out for a bike ride in the winter, but British adventurer Maria Leijerstam took a long ride last week in the snow. While technically summer in the southern hemisphere it surely felt like the dead of winter as she was the first person to ride a bicycle to the South Pole from the edge of Antarctica.
It took Maria nine days to travel the 400 miles, and she arrived at the South Pole on December 27 at 1am GMT. She rode the distance on a specifically-designed recumbent trike build by Inspired Cycle Engineering (ICE).
Congrats to Maria for being the first to ride to the South Pole.
Speed Freak
Quick release has been a standard feature on higher end bicycle wheels for decades, but there is a new game in town that could have the fast draw on the old school quick release. This is the SPEEDrelease hub, which offers a quick take down of quick release, but offers the added benefits of thru-axles.
Developed by Topolino Technology the SPEEDrelease promises quick wheel changes along with a more solid wheel connection. This is because while thru-axles are designed to be stiffer and thus safer than traditional quick release axles it isn’t without its faults. The SPEEDrelease system incorporates a permanently-attached skewer that runs through the center of the axle. It is also ideal for closed dropouts and ideal for road disc applications.
In other words it could be truly a best of both worlds product. It is one of those that begs the question why someone didn’t come up with it sooner? Continue reading Speed Freak
The Sage Series Speaks
Spyderco’s Sage Series is not just another line of folding knives. These feature an innovative lock mechanism that has helped define modern folding knife technology, and each member of the Sage family shares the same basic design profile and unifying features like a flat-ground, leaf-shaped CPM S30V blade, an ergonomic handle with textured forefinger choil and thumb ramp, and a reversible tip-up wire clip.
The Sage3 recognizes one of his most significant inventions: the Bolt Action Lock, which was designed by Blackie Collins, a legend in the knife industry. This locking mechanism consists of a spring-loaded steel bolt that wedges between a ramp on the back of the blade tang and the inside of the handle back strap when the blade is opened. Retracting a sliding button attached to the bolt releases the lock, allowing the blade to close safely without the user’s fingers crossing the path of the blade edge.
This line also supports a worthy cause, and proceeds from the sale of every Sage Series folder are donated to the Alzheimer’s Association, Colorado Chapter.
Show Your Compatriotism
California snowboarder Rick Hansen is the man behind Compatroit snowboards, and he’s now looking to Kickstarter to get the next line of boards off the ground. Designed for the core rider and mountain enthusiast, the new boards feature new graphics that will help this indie start-up standout on the slopes. Video after the jump
Pyle Scale for Those Who Piled on the Pounds
Did you pile on the pounds this holiday season? While the Pyle Audio Bluetooth Fitness Scale won’t actually help you shed the pounds, it could help you monitor the progress. Along with an integrated app it is designed to provide the most critical data points for any workout regimen including body fat, hydration levels, muscle level and bone level percentages.
It can wirelessly send data to a mobile device, and work with the free Pyle Health Fitness Tracker app to create user profiles and chart progress. Workout data can be shared online via Facebook and Twitter or kept password-protected for private tracking.
SHOT Show Preview: Morakniv is Fixed for Blades
The Industrial Revolution changed the world and the company Industrial Revolution will introduce their game changing Morakniv brand at the 2014 SHOT Show in just two weeks. Manufactured in Sweden, these specialty knives offer 400 years of craftsmanship.
Made of the sharpest steel available, Morakniv blades are fashioned for accuracy. The handles are designed to fit the contours of the palm, becoming, in effect, an extension of the hand.
The Bushcraft Orange (left above) keeps you from losing your knife while the .125” thick stainless steel blade is heavier and more robust. You can use the back of the blade with a fire starter as the spine of the blade is sharp and ground especially for that purpose. The plastic sheath comes with two interchangeable belt clips.
The Companion Serrated (center) in orange is a knife with a patterned high-friction grip and serrated blade that has been developed for cutting rope, nylon, and fiber. Blade of Swedish-rolled special stainless steel. Plastic sheath with a belt clip.
The Fishing Comfort Fillet 155 (right) is a classic filleting knife with a blade of Swedish cold-rolled special stainless steel. Patterned high-friction grip handle and “Easy-Clean” sheath with two interchangeable belt clips. MSRP: $24.99
Nike’s Lunar Empire
John Carter may have met a princess on Mars, but Nike is looking to rule the moon – or at least the golf course with its new Nike Lunar Empress women’s golf shoes. These don’t feature any rocket boosters, but to feature innovative technology including Nike Lunarlon, Dynamic Flywire and Integrated Traction meaning they’ll offer the benefits of natural motion, cushioned comfort, control and breathability combined in a waterproof shoe.
“We’ve loaded up the new Lunar Empress with performance features designed to benefit golfers of all levels who want a flexible yet supportive shoe with amazing comfort,” says Lee Walker, Nike Golf Global Footwear Marketing Director. “It’s been fun working with golfers during product testing for the Lunar Empress and seeing their reactions to the shoe – how excited they are to welcome the fresh, sporty design to their ensemble and also their surprise at just how light it is.”
The shoe is so light, at just 7.4 ounces per shoe, that it might make wearers think they’re walking in lower gravity. Each step will also be softened as these offer responsive, full-length Lunarlon cushioning that runs from heel to toe.
SIGGI Lights It Up
Sigma USA looks to cast some light with the SIGGI, a half watt USB rechargeable bike light that features an integrated silicone strap for quick mounting to the handlebars. It offers three modes of operation and has a claimed burn time of up to 10 hours on standard mode. Unlike other lights it provides side visibility panels that emit enough light for increased safety for the rider, but without blinding other riders or drivers. Yet another bright idea.
Storm Trooper
Spring isn’t exactly around the corner but when it gets here you won’t want a little rain to spoil your day on the fairway. The Antigua Storm Suit will have you covered. This 100 percent polyester, waterproof and seam-sealed suit promised to be packable, and can fit even in a small golf bag. While lightweight and made to travel, it also includes a number of hidden features that make it comfortable to wear.
It includes pass-through pockets, an elastic draw cord waistband, an adjustable bungee toggle bottom hem, and hidden zipper pocket on the inside left chest. With this you’ll be a storm trooper and ready to take on those rainy days.
Made in America: Chain Stay Away
Those who commute by cycle face a number of perils on the way to and from the office including cars, people not paying attention and other hazards of the road. While there are plenty of cycle friendly clothing options the bike doesn’t always play nice with nice clothing.
Grease from the chain can ruin and outfit and day, but the StaySharp Commuter Cuff from Exposed Seam will help cover up the spot where a grease spot might otherwise ruin the clothing.With these on the leg there is no reason to roll up the pant legs, and it can protect from spotting and keep the clothing out of the chain.
These are made in America of Cordura fabric and available in a range of colors. The cuff closes ithging around the ankle with Velcro and there is even a reflective panel to help with other perils of the ride home.
Weekend Reading List (12:28:2013): Party Down, Safe Stuff
Party Down
From Bicycle Retailer: Specialized workers scale down party, donate to charity instead
Specialized Bicycle employees decided to scale down their holiday party this year, and doante the excess party budget to two non-profit organizations. The employees decided in a company-wide vote about two months ago to opt for a modest office party instead of an off-site event.
In a second vote, the employees chose to donate the extra budget amount to the United Way San Jose and World Bicycle Relief. Last Thursday representatives from each organization came to Specialized headquarters to accept the donations of $15,000 each. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (12:28:2013): Party Down, Safe Stuff
CES Preview: It’s On
InvenSense will showcase its new “AlwaysOn” solutions at the upcoming 2014 CES, where sensors can track motion, audio, visual and even environmental conditions including pressure, temperature and humidity. This could enable a “human like” context of awareness, intuition and natural interaction. Wearable sensors could track touch, while audio devices could “hear.”
The company will showcase its new MPU-6515 product, the world’s first MotionTracking SoC optimized for Google’s Android KitKat 4.4. Android 4.4 defines several new sensor functions including Significant Motion Interrupt, Pedometer, Step Event and Event Batching.
We’ll be sure to check out the AlwaysOn technology in Las Vegas at CES.