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Interbike 2013: Sony Looks For More Action

Sony has rolled into Vegas for this year’s Intebike with its newly announced Action Cam model – the HDR-AS30V – its ultra-compact point-of-view HD shooting solution. This camera comes with a ruggedized, waterproof housing and is 25 smaller than the previous model and even 35 percent lighter. The Action Cam now adds GPS, and can capture 11.9megapixel still photos as well as Interval Still Recording mode for time-lapse photography.

The Action Cam also offers built-in Wi-Fi so users can instantly share their Action Cam content to a smartphone or tablet for easy upload and also allows control of the camera with any compatible device, including the new Live-View Remote. There is even NFC one-touch connection support so you can get the camera going without needing and get back to the important stuff.

Sony’s HDR-AS30V is available through the Sony Store

Checking In

The “Boot” of Italy has a lot to offer in the way of sights, foods and so much more. While there are plenty of options to drive from point to point in Italy, why not take a bicycle – arguably the truest form of Italian transportation. Consider it a personal Giro d’Italia!

And while many hotels in America and elsewhere don’t always appreciate riders bringing a bicycle, this isn’t a problem in Italy, where almost 50 hotels make up a comprehensive consortium. From the Italian coastlines to the Italian Alps, and through the country side these hotels promise a unique experience for customers, along with many biking accommodations that include mechanical workshops and bike garages to Italian style dinners. There are even options for relaxing massage therapy and spa – not to mention free laundry for sweaty cycling apparel!

Italy Bike Hotels Official Website

Hammer on the Road

Hammering while riding means going all out and possibly a bit more, but the Hammerhead Navigation system could be a way to help you navigate streets and trails with ease. This compact, portable device affixes to the handlebar and guides you via an LED light array.

This system, which communicates with an Android or iOS app via Bluetooth Smart, provides turn-by-turn directions. This can include crowd sourced route suggestions offering the best possible options to get from point A to point B. It is even designed to work with bike share programs including Bixi and B-Cycle.

Hammerhead Navigation is now looking to Dragon Innovation to raise funding.

Hammerhead Dragon Innovation Site

Interbike 2013: Sights From the Show Floor Day 1

Interbike 2013 started off with a bang as we took in the sights of the show floor. We chatted with 2006 Tour de France winner Oscar Pereito. Continue reading Interbike 2013: Sights From the Show Floor Day 1

Grand Fondo Pedal

Gran Fondo mean big ride in Italian, but the Fondo from Sampson Sports is one grand looking cycling pedal. Deisgned for ease of use while still providing high-performance, the pedals feature a large shoe/pedal contact area for comfort, a very thin profile with chamfered outer edge for added cornering clearance, and a cold-forged and CNC-finished axle that spins on a sealed bearing system.

These new pedals, which weight just 143 grams each, feature Sampson’s new GripStrip, which helps grab the cleat so you can pedal and not lose balance or forward momentum. The Fondo is compatible with its own recessed cleat but will also work with Shimano’s SPD cleats. These further off adjustable entry and release tension and an alloy body that is open to allow mud and debris to pass through.

Sampson Sports Official Website

Against the Wall

There is nothing wrong with simple, especially in today’s world where often the complex is used when something basic would do. The El Gringo Wall Mounted Surfboard Rack is about as simple can get. It is made of steel or stainless steel with cork pads to protect the surfboard and it is being produced by Make by Consult, which previously made a similar bike rack.

At $125 it isn’t exactly cheap, but it probably beats trying to make your own.

Make Official Website

Interbike 2013: Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut

You don’t have to be nutty to want to look good and stand out while protecting your head. The Nutcase helmets, which are being demonstrated at this week’s Interbike are multi-purpose helmets for recreational use in snowboarding, skiing, cycling, inline skating, skateboarding and watersports.

As the company likes to proclaim these fit your head, and suits your soul. We think these are just the thing that could make helmets cool for all sports.

Nutcase Helmets Official Website

New Twist in the Fork

A fork in the road usually means that things can go different ways, and the Lauf Forks does take cycling technology in a very different way indeed. This new mountain bike suspension fork, which was designed by Icelandic entrepreneurs Benedikt Skulason and Gudberg Bjornsson, could be seeing as coming out of left field.

However, the Lauf Fork – which first made its appearance at Eurobike – is designed with no moving partners and thus requires virtually no maintenance. It also weights just 980 grams – or roughly half traditional suspension forks. It features main legs made out of carbon fiber, but the secret to this one’s potential success is its use of “springstacks” – two on each leg – that provide the shock absorption.

This reportedly provides about 60mm of travel, which is far less than the convention suspension forks that offer at least 110mm. However, this could be just the thing that takes fork development in another direction. Video after the jump

Interbike Outdoor Demo Day 2

Another day at the Outdoor Demos at Interbike. With temperatures in the upper 90s and wind that kicked in from all directions it wasn’t so much a day of demos as it was a day of enduring the elements! But where else can you get a cold one before noon? Continue reading Interbike Outdoor Demo Day 2

Interbike 2013: Greg LeMond Goes Back in Time

The Greg LeMond brand had been rolling for years with Trek but things took a turn for the worse in recent years. Now the three-time Tour de France winner has announced that he’s getting back into the bike business with a limited-edition line of carbon road bikes produced by Time.

The LeMond line will reportedly consist of three bikes, with color schemes based on his Tour wins in 1986, 1989 and 1990.

“My interest in the bicycle as a machine, with its design, details and innovative possibilities, never went away after I retired from racing in late 1994,” LeMond said via a statement. “For a time I lost my creative outlet, but like form coming back to a rider who was weakened, I have rediscovered my creativity and passion for the bike. I’ve traveled the world, observing carbon fabrication in more detail than ever before, and I’ve refined my ideas.”

LeMond is also selling fitness trainers and stationary through his LeMond Fitness business.

LeMond Fitness Official Website
Time Sport Official Website

Interbike 2013: Smells Like V-Spirit

At this week’s Interbike trade show in Las Vegas Vittoria is introducing its V-Spirit high-performance lightweight shoe. This features a new micrometric cable closure system that perfectly adapts to the foot. It further utilizes a highly breathable upper mesh and the Pebax air system allows heel ventilation.

The V-Spirit also offers a CNS Carbon Heart sole. Spirit, sole and heart and all for the feet. What more could you want?

Vittoria Shoes Official Website

Come Clean… From a Ride

A dirty mountain bike is a loved and well-used mountain bike. The layers of dirt can be reminders of good times, unless of course you live in an apartment or just don’t want piles of “reminders” everywhere. This is where the QBike automated bike-washing station comes in.

It was demonstrated at the recent Eurobike trade show and could be a way to get a bike clean after you have all that fun. Video after the jump

From the Ashes

We’re not saying this shoe burned up and rose from the ashes, but perhaps if you wear it you’ll be able to burn up the track – at least stylistically. The Nike Air Pegasus 83/30 offers a classic look and comes in a range of colors. There is even a reflective strip that provides visibility at night. The shoe offers a mesh upper that features stitch-less construction for a comfortable fit with excellent ventilation. It will look good and feel good – and isn’t that a way to rise above?

Nike Air Pegasus 83/30 Official Website