Author: KineticShift

Interbike Preview: Proof of Life

LifeProofAt next week’s Interbike trade show LifeProof will demonstrate its latest iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy SIII and iPad Mini waterproof and shockproof cases. These allow users to have full control of the smartphone/tablet touchscreens while further providing a built-in scratch protector.

In addition the LifeProof Bike Mount allows those devices to go on the ride with you, while further ensuring quick removal with one hand via a quick release. We’ll be sure to check out LifeProof’s latest offerings at Interbike in Las Vegas.

LifeProof Official Website

Console Power

Bike2PowerThe Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy line of smartphones make good cycling computers, and now Bike2Power has introduced the new BikeConsole Power Plus Rechargeable Mount to protect the handsets. These provide a weatherproof and shock-protected all-in-one solution that also recharges a user’s smartphone while riding. It is sealed against rain, snow, dust, and dirt and can help provide protection from crashes as well.

It provides full phone functionality, and offers a 360 degree swivel design plus a battery backup so you’ll have the juice to go the distance.

Bike2Power Official Website

The Maximum Shoes

Fresh-FoamWe’ve seen much made in the way of the minimalist shoes, but this fall there is a lot of traction being made on the other end of the spectrum with “maximum-size” shoes. Leading the pack of running shoes is the New Balance Fresh Foam, which offers a fresh take on shoes that can provide support as well as absorb shock.

This shoe features a sole that is 16mm in the heel and 12mm at the forefoot, and this might offer a feeling of running on air. The shoe also features a unique diamond-shape pattern in the foam that New Balance claims further adds stability while keeping the cushioning plush. The New Balance Fresh Foam was introduced this summer at the Outdoor Retailer Show and should be hitting the road soon.

New Balance Official Website

The True Wingman

Squirrel-WingsuitHow should you dress if you are a “wingman?” While you might think it would involve a nice suit, to be a true wingman consider the Squirrel Wingsuits, which allow wearers to jump off a cliff and glide much like Rocky the Flying Squirrel. Of course the suits won’t break your fall – so be warned.

Squirrel Wingsuits Official Website

Weekend Reading List (09.07.2013): Treasure Chest, Toilet Time, Football to Football

Treasure Chest

BikeCase

From BikeRadar: $50,000 Fairwheel Bikes travel case
Say you’re a wealthy Swiss cycling enthusiast who just bought an incredible custom Crumpton road bike – you would, of course, want to take it with you on business trips. When just such a customer approached Arizona retailer Fairwheel Bikes for a custom travel case, they developed one in carbon fibre. For $50,000. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (09.07.2013): Treasure Chest, Toilet Time, Football to Football

Shift for Good

Bike-Shift-LeverOne Street has announced that its Bike Shift Lever for Anybody, by Anybody is ready to launch via a Kickstarter campaign beginning next month. The bicycle advocacy group has been working on simple to make, simple to use bike components for a while now and the shifters are shifting into high gear.

These feature a symmetrical design that works on both the right and left side, using only six parts and can be easily repaired. The Bike Shift Levers can be produced via primitive casting using scrap aluminum and are designed for people who depend on their bike, and is simple for those with weak or injured hands.

We’ll be sure to follow the efforts as the Bike Shift Lever heads to Kickstarter.

One Street Components Official Website

Toshiba Gets in Rugged Camera Game

ToshibaNext week at the Interbike trade show we won’t just be seeing bicycles – in recent years more and more consumer electronics makers have been on the show floor with products such as action cameras. Last year Sony and JVC were both there, and we won’t be surprised if Toshiba makes an appearance.

The Japanese CE manufacturer unveiled its new Camileo X-Sports actioncam, which is unique in that it comes with a helmet. The Camileo X-Sports was debuted in Europe this week, not at Eurobike but rather at the IFA 2013 trade show. This means that Toshiba is still aiming at the electronics crowd first.

The device, which does look like a GoPro, offers something GoPro doesn’t – namely a built-in two-inch screen. This camera can shoot at 1080p Full HD at 60fps, and offers an ultra-wide lens. It can also shoot 12megapixel still images. Continue reading Toshiba Gets in Rugged Camera Game

Light Apparel

FosThere have been various attempts to help add some lights to cyclists and runners who might head out at night, and now EroGear is introducing its Fos line of wearable LEDs. These can be programmed to shimmer, offer words and generally make riders a lot more visible.

The system consists of a Velcro-lined fabric patch that contains a super-bright LED grid that can be programmed wirelessly via Bluetooth from a mobile phone or other device.The device reportedly weighs less than a golf ball, but is bright enough that it can be seen even at distance, and can run for several hours on a charge.

The developers are currently looking to Kickstarter to get the light show on the road. Continue reading Light Apparel

Water Launcher

XLAB-Torpedo-Hydration-SystTorpedoes can blast through the water, and now the XLAB Torpedo Hydration System 400 can deliver water right on target to cyclists on time trial and triathlon bikes. This 26-ounce BPA-free aero bottle offers a carbon mount, carbon cage and even includes a color-coordinated bite valve and spacers.

It offers two straw potions for riders, includes a bike valve that allows for fluid intake only and features a solid refill lid for adding powders, tablets for sport drink mixes. The refill area is even behind the computer to avoid any spills or mishaps.

XLAB Torpedo Hydration System 400 Official Website

Chop or Saw

4-in-1Sink or swim – that’s an easy one. But what about whether you should saw some wood or chop it? A saw and an axe will each get the job done, but with different degrees of precession. Zippo Manufacturing Company offers both options in one tool – and actually it does a bit more as well.

The 4-in-1 Woodsman works as a hatchet with a five-inch blade, a bow saw that can cut oak up to four-inches in diameter, plus it works as a mallet and a stake puller. Why bring more tools than you need to the campsite when this is truly like four tools in one.

4-in-1 Woodsman Official Website

Over Yonder

YonderIf you’re looking to head over yonder and see the world, then load up the iPhone with the free mobile Yonder App, which makes it easy to find great outdoor destinations. Users can further track their adventures with geo-tagged video and images, follow other users, and share experiences with the Yonder community and other social networks.

Yonder automatically identifies a user’s current location and displays a feed of nearby places to explore. Users can filter the feed by one of 18 different activities including hiking, biking, rock climbing, kayaking and more.

Yonder Official Website

Retro Glove

Shoeless-Joe-JacksonEven though he was banned from the game following the Black Sox Scandal in 1920, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson is still a real legend in baseball. So it is fitting that the Handmade Baseball Gloves offers the 1937 Fielder’s Glove by Shoeless Joe Gloves, a retro looking glove is custom-made by hand from high quality materials, specially aged, hand oiled and even professionally broken-in.

It looks like something that would come straight out of the cornfields and from a time before million dollar salaries.

Handmade Baseball Gloves: 1937 Fielder’s Glove by Shoeless Joe Gloves