KineticShift | Evolving Consumer

Timberland at 40

Timberland is celebrating its 40th year in business with a very special 40th Anniversary Ltd. Collection, where only 1,973 of each style will be made available – while numbers #1 and #1973 will be put up for auction. Bidding began this week and will continue until October 5th, with all auction proceeds going to Rainforest Alliance.

As the company notes:

“These are the boots that have not only withstood our tests for durability and protection, they’ve withstood the test of time. This special collection is limited to only 1973 pairs each to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our very first original Yellow Boot – the one that started it all.”

Timberland 40th Anniversary Ltd. Collection Official Website

Interbike 2013: Rock Out

Earlier this year we heard that Kinetic’s Rock and Roll trainer had been redesigned for the 2013-2014 season. At the recent Interbike trade show we were able to check it out.

It now comes fully assembled, with a design that is lighter, takes up a smaller footprint and has a re-engineered pivot point above the elastomer stack. According to Kinetic this produces a more realistic rocking motion for all rider weights. The new model also is compatible with wheel sizes up to 29 x 2.4-inch and now has rubber-over-plastic molding on all knobs and footings, and stronger roller to tire adjustment mechanisms. The Rock and Roll is compatible with Kinetic inRide Watt Meter for power training.

Kinetic by Kurt Official Website

ENDEVR Enters the Iron Age

This month ENDEVR has announced that it has been named the official athletic gear sponsors for the most prestigious event series in the sport of triathlon, the IRONMAN Triathlon Series. At next month’s IRONMAN World Championship in Kona the company will make available its MyID, the customizable medical wristband that stores vital information with an optimized QR code that is easily accessible for the fastest and most complete medical profile in a time of emergency.

In additional the ENDEVAR StrengthTape will be the official athletic tape of the big event. The unique feature of StrengthTape is its ability to be worn for up to seven days and withstand any extreme condition including water training, which makes it a popular one for the IRONMAN.

ENDEVR Official Website

Go Ballistic

For the release of new iPhones Ballistic has introduced a new lineup of cases that have been engineered to provide drop protection. These feature reinforced corners, durable interior rubber to absorb shock and a raised lip for screen protection, preventing screens from touching the surfaces they are placed on, to prevent any cracks or damage. These cases come in a range of colors, styles and protection strengths to meet user’s needs. Continue reading Go Ballistic

Interbike 2013: Chrome Still Shines

At last week’s Interbike trade show in Las Vegas Chrome put the spotlight on its line of rugged commuter bags and packs for 2014. This included a peak at its knurled welded technology, which utilizes high tech radio frequency welding with a mechanical interlock between thermoplastic fabrics to create bags that will protect virtually anything inside.

These include the Front Rack Duffel 40, which is designed to attach quickly to most front utility racks and can also be carried as a duffel off the bike and the Saddle Bag Rolltop 20, a 20 liter welded-waterproof pannier that can handle adventure cycling as well as the daily adventure to work. The Saddle Bag Rolltop 20 further includes integrated laptop sleeve, five-bar haul handles and a Hypalon MOLLE system. Continue reading Interbike 2013: Chrome Still Shines

Interbike 2013: SealSkinz has the Foot Covered

U.K. based SealSkinz headed to the dry desert terrain of Las Vegas to introduce its own U.S. subsidiary and is unveiling its full line to American retailers last week. The company’s line of waterproof yet breathable socks will be heading to America.These handmade socks are filled with water, and if it leaks it won’t make it to your feet.

The Thin Angle Length Sock (left) is 100 percent waterproof and breathable. It has elastic around the ankle for mobility.

The Cycle Over Sock (right) are designed to be ideal for those early morning rides in the wet weather, particularly when it’s cold but these can be also used for everyday commuting just in case the weather turns. These socks are close fitting, yet the highly stretchy material easily slides over cycle shoes and the close, smooth fit means cleaner lines and less wind resistance. These even fold up and can be washed just like a pair of socks – compact and easy to clean.

SealSkinz Official Website

Stick Sensor

We’ve seen sensors make their way to all sorts of devices and the Quattriuum Team is looking to deliver the Powershot, the first performance sensor for hockey players via a Kickstarter project. The Powershot sensor, which is designed to attach to a hockey stick, can reportedly measure the puck speed, acceleration, shot speed, duration and angle of slapshots and snapshots.

The Powershot can further learn how the user plays and targets both strengths and weaknesses and follow progress over time while comparing performance to other players. It weighs only 50 grams and can store up to 1,000 shots – moreover it can sync with the FWD Powershot app for Android and iOS device. Video after the jump

Going Asolo

Whether you decide to hike with a friend or hit the trails solo you can do it with the Asolo Piuma, a light but supportive boot. It is heavier than a trail running shoe, so it isn’t meant to replace one – but it still provides natural movement more than a lot of boots. It features a suede/nylon mesh upper and Vibram sole that provides a secure footing on most terrain. While it isn’t waterproof it is meant to be rugged enough for hiking beyond the beaten path.

Asolo Official Website

Made in America: Bullet Time

In video games bullet time is just another form of slow motion, but on the trail bullet time is anytime you’re packing the Bullet Rack Coyote. This slim American-made pack from Goruck offers a 3L hydration bladder and attachment for a MOLLE-compatible GR2 Field Pocket. The military-grade, highly water resistant material will go the distance and provide liquid for the trip.

Goruck Bullet Ruck

Sigma ROX On

The Sigma ROX 10.0 will help you find your way on the bike. The company’s first GPS-enable bike computer supports ANT+ plus offers route guidance and navigation, in addition to speed, cadence, altitude and heart rate functions.

It features a 1.7-inch LCD display with a reported “super bright “backlight, plus the computer is compatible with ANT+ power meters for added training data. It also comes with Data Center 3 software that can be used to download and analyze ride data, create routes or share your rides on any site that uses .FIT or .GPX files.

The Li-ion battery is charged with a standard micro USB cable and promises 13-plus hours of use per charge.ROX on!

Sigma ROX 10.0 GPS Official Website

Interbike 2013: Water is Essential

At this year’s Outdoor Demo Days at the Interbike trade show in Las Vegas there was no shortage of fitness drinks on hand, but on a hot and very windy day what really stood out most to us was something quite basic. It was just good tasting water from Essentia.

The brand is the top dog in the natural channel and the fastest growing top 10 brand in grocery, and possibly for good reason! The water line was created by Ken Uptain in 1998 but unlike a lot of bottled waters doesn’t need to come from a particular source. Instead Essentia Water is a non-source-dependent water that goes back to the basics.

This is accomplished by removing the acidic ions to produce water that is 9.5 pH. The company claims that the charged ions help the water permeate the body instantly, meaning instant hydration. We certainly felt refreshed after a few hours on bikes in the desert! And we certainly liked the taste.

Essentia Super Hydrating Water Official Website

Eurobike: Are Those Shorts Inside Out?

No those shots in the photo aren’t inside out. These were spotted at last month’s Eurobike, and are a new trend from X-Bionic – which offered clothing demos last week during the Demo Day. The Swiss company noted that its brand hasn’t been available in the United States, which is why these may look so odd to us. The chamois is sewn into the shorts or bibs without the usual layer of material on the outside. This reportedly allows it rest directly on the saddle and reduces friction.

X-Bionic also introduced a line of jerseys that also appear inside out and feature technology called “The Trick,” which is there to make riders sweat more.

These both look odd to us, but then again to those who don’t ride cycling attire isn’t exactly considered normal clothing either!

[Via Bicycle Retailer: X-Bionic clothing is coming to the US — Is the US ready?]

Youth Come Out Swinging

Is it ever too early to get in a few holes? Nike Golf has come out swinging with a new line of VR_S Covert Junior clubs, which feature the same look, feel and signature red color as the VR_S Covert line of clubs made for adults.

Available in two sizes these are designed to promote proper swing fundamentals through ideal length, weight and aerodynamic design. Both the five-piece and seven-piece sets include a lightweight and specialized VR_S Junior Golf bag. The Size 1 set features a driver, 7-iron, sand wedge and putter. As young athletes progress in size and skill level, they can transition into the Size 2 set, which adds a hybrid and 9-iron to the bag.

Continue reading Youth Come Out Swinging