Author: KineticShift

Vari the Ride

VaribikeWe’ve been seeing a trend in bicycles that provide a drive train that utilizes arm as well as leg-power. The 4StrikeBike and the Raxibo Hand-Tret-Velo both offer hand cranks in addition to the typical pedal cranks.

Now Varibike looks to feature both a traditional drivetrain and a handlebar stem-mounted set of cranks that the rider turns with the arms. This power is transmitted from down to the main drivetrain via a rubber-sheathed chain. The advantage of this system is that it could allow riders to use just the arms, just the legs or both. This lets riders “vari” their workout. Video after the jump

Stable Boost

adidas-adistar-BoostAdidas has announced that its adistar Boost is now available and ready to pound the pavement. This is the first stability shoe featuring BOOST, adidas’ revolutionary cushioning technology and the highest energy return in the industry. It features a seamless Techfit upper helps hold the foot securely in place, and help runners go the distance.

Adidas Official Website

Interbike Preview: Day Trader

Bicycle-Blue-BookA used bike doesn’t have to mean used and abused, but determining the value of a “previously owned bicycle” can be more challenging than buying a used car. However, the Bicycle Blue Book might make things a whole lot easier – for both buyers and sellers.

This service can take a lot of guess work out the pricing for used bikes, and it can even reduce some of the risk out buying via sites such as Craigslist – by involving a third party. As the company noted, “Bicycle Blue Book is a service that takes the wild west out of the used bike market.”

The Bicycle Blue Book will be at this month’s Interbike trade show in Las Vegas.

Bicycle Blue Book Official Website

Loaded With Buckshot

BuckshotThis Buckshot will blow you away – with big sound from its small package. This rugged, water-resistant speaker is built for cycling and other outdoor adventures. It features an IPX-5 water-resistance rating, and is both shock-resistant and dust-proof.

The Outdoor Tech Buckshot can connect wirelessly to a handset, tablet, laptop or any other Bluetooth-enabled device; and stream clear audio for a range of up to 32 feet for 10 hours. It features a built-in microphone for hands-free phone call functionality as well.

Outdoor Tech Buckshot Official Website

Breaker Breaker

Breaker-OneWith the fall weather approaching you might not know what the prospects for rain might be, but the Product No. 1: Windbreaker from Prospekt Supply will have you covered. This luxury pullover windbreaker isn’t cheap at $250, but it is equipped with superior fabrics and hardware.

It features a polyester shell that was crafted in Japan, a 100 percent nylon lining made in the USA, cotton drawstrings, a Swiss made neck zipper, Italian pouch zipper, and a 100 percent leather zipper garage, pull and stoppers. It was all put together in Canada making for one very international windbreaker.

Prospekt Supply Official Website

Made in America: Detroit Bikes Are Rolling

Detroit-BikesWhile Detroit rusts away, the once proud Motor City still produces some fine products – and that includes the new line of bikes from Detroit Bikes. These durable steel bikes look ready to handle the mean streets and more. The 3-speed A-Type comes with coaster brake and fenders, but takes a page form the Henry Ford Model T playbook, and are available in any color you like – as long as it is black.

If you want one you’ll have to head Michigan as the company is looking to sell locally before rolling out nationwide.

Detroit Bikes Official Website

Kinetic(Mis)Shift: Golf Board?

GolfBoard

Perhaps there should be a Kickstopped instead of a Kickstarter – case in point is the Golf Board, a project that is looking to create a standup electric golf cart. This is one we wanted to like, but found it to be a little misguided. With a few days to go it isn’t clear if the designers will get the funding, so apparently we’re not alone in thinking that maybe walking nine holes isn’t such a problem!

Golf Board Kickstarter Site

Camp Coffee

Poler-&-Stumptown-Camp-CoffThose who can’t start the day without a cup of coffee likely know that camping is truly getting away from it – and that could mean caffeine headaches and a slow start to the morning. Of course you can brew up some coffee on the campfire, but if be sure to do it right with the Poler & Stumptown Camp Coffee set, which includes a travel kit with two mugs, an AeroPress Kit, Porlex JP-30 grinder, bag and even 12 ounces of Holler Mountain that will help you start the day.

Poler & Stumptown Camp Coffee Official Website

Tips and Tricks

FitTripTablets are truly revolutionizing the way people work out, and Shane Schieffer of Gusto Technologies is looking to Kickstarter to develop the FitTrip App that merges games with fitness.

This is hardly the first time we’ve seen some “cross pollination” but the FitTrip app ties together an iPad, a heart rate monitor and can create a virtual experience. When used with an exercise bike, rowing machine or treadmill it will let users get engaged and push themselves by transforming the workout in a game, where effort actually works as the controls.

The idea is to transform each workout into an exciting trip, and the only downside we see is that users are limited to such a small screen to enjoy the journey. Video after the jump

Eurobike: German Leader Attends Bicycle Trade Show

MerkelPRESS RELEASE: Last Wednesday 28 August, German chancellor Angela Merkel officially opened Eurobike, the biggest bicycle trade show in Europe, a first for a German head of government. Addressing the more than 10 000 attendees of the show, Merkel said that Germany is a „cycling nation“. She also said that the more cyclists there are on the streets, the safer they are – a „reason to increase the share of cycling.“
“Angela Merkel attending Eurobike is a big day for cycling advocacy,” said Burkhard Stork, executive director of German ECF member ADFC. “With a German chancellor opening Eurobike, we have shown that we can actually get world leaders to listen to us as a cycling federation.” Continue reading Eurobike: German Leader Attends Bicycle Trade Show

Weekend Reading List (08.31.2013): Eurobike Gets Fat, Bats Evolve, Ethiopian Made

Eurobike Gets Fat

Fatties

From Bicycle Retailer: Fatties make their way to Germany
“I nearly didn’t bring this back,” said Ian Ganderton, as he dismounted Salsa’s new carbon fat bike, the Beargrease.
Ganderton, a distributor for QBP’s brands in Dubai, said he brought fat bikes in about a year ago and can’t keep enough of them in stock. “The [Surly] Moonlander has been a huge hit. Interest in [fat bikes] is just phenomenal. This past winter, they were big for us.” Continue reading Weekend Reading List (08.31.2013): Eurobike Gets Fat, Bats Evolve, Ethiopian Made