KineticShift | Evolving Consumer

Truly Elitist

There is nothing wrong with being somewhat “elite.” This is very much true when it comes to handmade bicycles, and the new book The Elite Bicycle by VeloPress offers just why. Written by Graeme Fife with photos by Gerard Brown it includes portraits of some of the world’s greatest bicycle artisans, examining the philosophies, the workmanship, and the personalities behind the prestigious brands.

There are more than 250 photographs along with a foreword by Sir Paul Smith.

The Elite Bicycle offers profiles of Independent Fabrication, Time, Richard Sachs, Ben Serotta, Chris King, Alex Singer, Seven, Brooks, Selle Italia, Ira Ryan, Reynolds, Cinelli, Tony Pereira, Columbus, Guru, Winter, Chas Roberts, Rourke, Cyfac, Faggin, Pegoretti, Condor/Paris, DiNucci, Spécialités TA, Sapim, Royce, Mavic, FMB, and Continental.

Get your elite on.

The Elite Bicycle Official Website

Made in America: Back to Nature

Go old school with the Natural Log Skateboards, which are hand crafted in San Diego from either vertical grain bamboo or recycled oak with two internal layers of tri-axial fiberglass for added strength. An Entropy Resins Super Sap epoxy will provide protection for the deck and add some bounce.

While these look vintage these boards should endure the test of time.

Natural Log Skateboards

Goal Zero Scores With New Charger/Flashlight

Having the right tool for the job is key to doing something right, and Goal Zero scores again with its Switch 8 Recharger and Bolt Flashlight Tip. This wining team converts the recharger into a small flashlight, but the recharger can also be used to juice up a mobile phone in the backcountry.

It offers enough power to bring a dead phone back to life, while also being there as a 160 lumens flashlight that can run for three hours on a single charge. During the day it can also be charged up with a solar panel, so each night it can be there to in turn do the charging.

Goal Zero Official Website

Tough Glove

With the calendar telling us that it is October we can’t deny much longer that colder weather is on the way for parts of the country, but the Hestra gloves will keep the digits warm and even provide some extra dexterity.

The Hestra Ergo Grip OutDry Long Gloves, which are arriving in stores this month, are designed for those who need to use a tool or other equipment in cold weather. These aren’t ideal for extreme cold, but for those times when some cover on the fingers is enough these will do the job and more. These feature a waterproof yet breathable OutDry construction along with a thin fleece lining. The palm and fingers of the gloves are designed with a slight inward curve to provide a natural fit out of the box.

The exterior is made of “army goat leather” that has been reinforced with abrasion and heat resistant kangaroo leather. This material means a very tough glove that are up to most tasks.

Hestra Gloves Official Websites

No Saber Rattling

Wiley X isn’t looking to create a ruckus, but instead is offering an affordable option in tactical/changeable eye protection. The Saber Advanced Changeable Series model remains a versatile choice for shooters and hunters designed for Medium, Large or Extra Large head sizes.

It is offered with subtle Matte Black frames and features a variety of premium lens options – including Pale Yellow, Light Rust, Smoke Grey, Clear and Vermillion – to match almost any conditions or shooting activities. These Changeable Series models are built to the highest standards and even meet the stringent ANSI Z87.1 High Velocity and High Mass Impact Safety standards as well as the updated MIL-PRF-32432 (GL) MCEP Standard for combat protective eyewear. You probably won’t ever need this level of protection but you won’t mind that you have it!

Wiley X Saber Advance Official Website

Get in the Frame

The Tenzing TZ CF13 Carbon Fiber Frame System weigh just 3 pounds, 8 ounces, yet have been designed to be among the most comfortable wearing pack frame system on the market. It can be used as a frame only, or as a more traditional pack when fitted with the Tenzing custom components that are included with the system.

It is built with a quasi-isotropic, balanced layup of 2×2 twill weave carbon fiber, which ensures the ideal strength-to-weight ratio, while the frame’s form-fitting rigid shape and fully adjustable suspension system are all about wearer comfort when hauling big loads.

Tenzing Official Website

Ready to Climax with ClimbAX

There are plenty of fitness monitors that can track heart rate and performance, but the ClimbAX is designed with climbers in mind. This system consists of two rubber-coated wristbands that contain an accelerometer, orientation sensor, altitude sensor, a NAND memory chip, and a 16-bit microprocessor.

This can help detect the orientation of the climber’s arms and track movement and even composure. The wearer can get information that is presented via four metrics that look at power, stability, control and speed. This can determine the strength that was used, the ability to transition between holds and even the total time it took during a climb.

Unlike many fitness trackers that provide real-time monitoring the idea with this one is for climbers to analyze their efforts after an ascent. Trying to look at one’s wrists while climbing wouldn’t be a good idea now would it?

ClimbAX Official Website

Colorado Flood Relief Shirt Released

The rains may have stopped in Colorado but the damage has been done. Stephanie Baum and Scott Brooks have launched the Great Colorado Flood Relief Project which is offering a special t-shirt for sale, where all the net proceeds will go to relief agencies helping those who have been displaced by the floods.

Great Colorado Flood Relief Project Official Website

Pure ENERGI Plus!

The new TYLT backpack will ensure that your gizmos and gadgets are juiced up when you need them. The ENERGI+ Backpack features a built-in charging system via a removable 10,400mAh rechargeable lithium ion battery. The 11 ounce battery features seven pass-thrus and can charge three devices simultaneously, while the backpack still offers 1,450 cubic inches of internal space and 13 total pockets. Specs after the jump

Fall to Spring

Spring isn’t exactly around the corner, as we still have a lot of fall and then winter, but Antigua has us thinking ahead. The company has unveiled its Spring ’14 Performance 72 Golf Collection, which promises vivid color, sophisticated styling and luxurious fabrics.

It builds on the company’s proprietary Desert Dry and Desert Dry Xtra-Lite moisture management technology to help wick away moisture, and the line is replete with 17 shirt models, 12 outerwear tops, two shorts and seven hats. Collection Highlights

Weekend Reading List (09.28.2013): Big Descent, Race Nerves, Go to Google, Newbie Boards

Big Descent

From GearJunkie: Ski Descent Of Fourth Tallest Mountain On Earth
A three-man Italian team will attempt the first complete ski descent of a coveted line high in the Himalayas this fall. Skiers Edmond Joyeusaz and Federico Colli plan to climb and ski down Lhotse, the fourth tallest mountain in the world at 27,940 feet, with videographer Carlo Limonta in the Lhotse Ski Challenge Expedition. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (09.28.2013): Big Descent, Race Nerves, Go to Google, Newbie Boards

Interbike 2013: Slide Out

There is often a worry that when using the front brakes on a bicycle that it could propel you over the handlebars. That would stop you in more ways than one. This is where the Slidepad system comes in.

It actually allows both the front and rear brakes to be applied on a single lever, but in such a way that the front brake won’t lock up and turn the bicycle into a catapult! This works with traditional-style cable and housing running from the handlebars to the rear brake – but the system only works with rim brakes not the more modern discs.

As the user squeezes the brakes it operates both the rear and front – with the latter being activated being just a split second earlier, thus ensuring a smooth braking. Video after the jump

Get Your Skate and Leather On

Leather isn’t something you typically need for surfing and not really for skating, but that hasn’t stopped Leatherman from announcing a new line of pocket tools designed specifically for both sets of action sports. This follows the company’s new line of snowboard tools that were rolled out earlier this year.

The Grind and Jam pocket tools are aimed at the skateboarders while the Thurster and Shooter are for those who like to catch some waves. The former are designed to be carried or clipped on a belt, and feature flat and Phillips head screwdrivers, file, bottle openers, multiple open ended wrenches, hex driver, truck key and carabiner – in other words all the things to do some work on the board while on the go.

The surf tools feature bottle openers, bit drivers, wax comb, spring hooks, a lanyard hole, easy outs and a rubber bit holder.

With these tools small repairs won’t let the good times end.

Leatherman Official Website
[Via Gizmag: Leatherman announces new pocket tools for skaters and surfers]