Another BrickLock in the Wall

BrickLockManchester-based Lion Forge has a solution for securing a bike. Instead of providing a rack that is mounted to the ground the BrickLock is a laser-cut steel device that can take the place of a single brick, which can be used with a heavy duty chain to lock up the bike.

This obviously is a concept for buildings not individuals, and probably is ideal during construction or a serious renovation project not just to remove and replace another brick in the wall. However, it could serve to provide inspiration to those buildings looking for ways to optimize bike storage.

Secure My Bike BrickLock Official Website

Keep On Rolling

Women-Bike-ReportThe League of American Bicyclists released its first-of-its-kind report that shows that “women are on a roll” and highlights the power and potential of female cyclists. This report showcased the trend that is being seen across the country; namely that women are changing the face of bicycling, and bicycling is transforming the lives of women.

This report has complied more than 100 original and trusted sources of data and showcased the growth and potential of female riders in the United States. This included focusing on the “5 Cs” including comfort, convenience, consumer products, confidence and community.

According to the report 82 percent of American women have a positive view of bicyclists, while 60 percent of bicycle owners aged 17-28 are in fact women. Moreover, women accounted for 37 percent of the bicycle market in 2011, spending $2.3 billion.

While 89 percent of bike shop owners are male, 33 percent of shops are run by a husband/wife team, and 45 percent of local and state bicycle advocacy organization staff are female. However, the report also found that women are still underrepresented in leadership positions, including the boards of national industry and advocacy organizations — and their membership.

League of American Bicyclists Women Bike Resources Official Website

Baby Fat Bike

On-One-Baby-FattyYou’re never too young to ride a fat bike, and perhaps if more kids today took up cycling there wouldn’t be the childhood obesity problem we now face. UK-based On One has introduced just the thing in the Baby Fatty, which features a 12-inch frame built around 24×4-inch tires.

The Baby Fatty features the same CNC hubs, same 6061 T6 hand-welded frame, same SRAM X5 components as On-One’s adult Fatty, which was introduced earlier this year. The Fatty has been moving too, as the company noted more than 500 have already been sold, making it the company’s most popular off-road bike.

This Baby Fatty bike will be ready to roll out in November.

On One Bikes Official Website

Garmin Power

Garmin-VectorA number of companies are doing power meters but the new Garmin Vector might just power away from the competition. This pedal-based power meter delivers readings from each pod to a head unit (not included) via ANT+, and one notable advantage over other systems is that the pedals can be easily transfer from bike to bike.

The Garmin Vector won’t come cheap – it is available now in the United States for about $1,700. But for those who want to know how much power they generate this could be the system to beat. Official specs after the jump

Solar Tent

Eddie-Bauer-Katabatic-2-SolA tent is great for keeping you out of the elements, but the Eddie Bauer Katabatic 2 Solar Tent can also be paired with the Sherpa 50 Solar Recharging Kit from Ground Zero. This means you can let your gizmos and gadgets get juiced up and remain safely inside the three-person, four-season tent.

This backcountry-ready tent will be able to keep you covered, and power up those electronics you just can’t leave at home next spring.

Eddie Bauer Official Website

Shower Power

Viteo-ShowerWhile it is nice to have an outdoor shower by the pool or just for a way to clean up after a messy bike ride, run or even just yard work the truth is that many would find this to be a waste. However, the Viteo Shower might be the answer.

Designed by Danny Venlet, this portable outdoor shower is actually more portable water fountain/sprayer. Instead of standing under the shower, this is one you stand on top of. Water streams up around 13 feet before falling down on the user. Water can be supplied via a hosepipe, so it could mean refreshing – not to mention cold – showers. Continue reading Shower Power

Enduro Challenge Coming to Interbike’s Outdoor Demo

InterbikeWe at KineticShift look forward to the OutDoor Demo Days during Interbike. It is our chance to test ride a variety of bikes on and off-road. This year the show organizers are looking for something a bit bigger with the Enduro Challenge to be held at Bootleg Canyon and presented by Innovative Timing Systems (ITS).

The all-new Enduro Challenge will consist of four stages covering both days of the OutDoor Demo. There will be two unique timed courses that riders can put their skills and the latest bikes to test on over the two days. Awards will be presented both days to the top three finishers for both men and women, with three grand prizes awarded on Tuesday afternoon to the combined two day winners. The overall winner is the rider (male and female) who accumulates the lowest combined time from the four timed sections. Participation in the event is free of charge to all attendees. Riders can take practice runs, but only one official time will count towards the prizes.

The Endure Challenge, will take place on both Monday and Tuesday, with winners to be crowned both day, and is open to all Interbike & OutDoor Demo attendees.

Interbike Official Website

Stower Not Thrower

FlameStowerThe Flamethrower was actually a somewhat “ancient” invention used during the Byzantine Empire to shoot fire, and reinvented more recently for the same nefarious purpose. However, the FlameStower is something less menacing and actually could be considered a way to make camping downright civilized. It can charge the batteries of a USB-connected device via a camping or cook fire by conducting the heat to a thermoelectric generator.

The generator is in contact with a water reservoir and the combination of hot and cold produces the energy to juice up a device in a few hours.

FlameStower Official Website

High Energy

NewtonSir Issac Newton didn’t really consider the role of energy in this theory of gravity, but he’d likely still appreciate that Newton Running Shoes is inspired by his research. Understanding all of Newton’s (the brilliant man) concepts can be difficult for novices, but so can running with a pair of Newton shoes. The Newton Energy NR Guidance Trainer is designed to facilitate a seamless transition from conventional running shoes to the Newton way. These shoes will be ready to hit the road later this month.

Newton Energy NR Guidance Trainer Official Website

Too Cool

O2-CoolWhile out on a hike in the hot sun there are times when you need to cool off and the O2 Cool Mist ‘N Sip packs will do more than just provide a refreshing drink. Introduced at the Outdoor Retailer Show earlier this month, the packs provide the company’s patented Mist ‘N Sip system that provides a cooling spray, plus it still will function just like any other hydration pack. With this you can stay hydrated and get a blast of cool!

O2 Cool Official Website
[Via GizMag: O2 Cool hydration backpacks offer both sipping and cooling mist]

Pocket Protected

Adventure-UnderwearNeed to stash some cash while out on a run or a hike? The Adventure Underwear aren’t exactly what we think James Bond might wear, but these travel briefs feature a waterproof pocket, which can be used to hold some money, a small electronic device, the plans to a secret base or who knows what!

This special underwear is being developed via a Kickstarter project and could feature 100 percent superfine Australian merino wool. The cool factor is that there are two hidden pockets that are waterproof. One is a quick access pocket that is ideal for money and credit cards, while the second is large enough for a small phone or passport and is certified to be waterproof up to 200 feet deep by Scuba Schools International.

The pockets are reportedly even “food safe” as these are made from new age polyethylene, but we’re not sure if you’d want to actually put food down there.

Of course we do wonder if wearer’s might hear, “is that a mobile phone you have in your underwear…” Video after the jump

Skater’s Car Rack

Skateboard-RackThere are plenty of racks for skis, bikes and even snowboards, but skaters are typically left to toss the board in the trunk and go. Lacey Carlson of Provo, Utah had another idea and is looking to Kickstarter to help produce the Longboard/Skateboard car rack, which can help organize two or three boards and reduce the clutter. Video after the jump