Magellan has long been there to help you find your way, and now the company has announced its first smart running watch. The Echo utilizes smartphone fitness apps and takes these to their full potential by wirelessly connecting it to your wrist. You can view and control the fitness app but keep the phone tucked away.
With the watch you can get data including distance, pace and heart rate sent straight to the wrist and not have to worry about dropping the phone. Video after the jump
It can rain on your parade but with the Showers Pass new line of waterproof cases for the tablets and smartphones it won’t matter. These cases are designed for year-round all-weather use for cyclists and other outdoor activities, as each case offers a slim profile with welded edges to keep out rain, snow, dirt and water but retain touchscreen, phone call and camera functionality in all conditions. These cases offer a dual zip-lock feature keeps every device safe from an accidental splash in the water.
The Cloudcover include a pull-tab for easy opening on-the-go, a side tab to attach to a keychain or mini-carabiner as well as a dual zip-lock for ultra waterproof protection, plus reflective elements for easy location in the dark and welded edges that also help to cushion any falls or blows on the trail. The Cloudcover line includes cases for iPads for $49.99; iPad Minis for $37.50; Kindles for $37.50; smartphones (Samsung Glaxy, etc.) for $24.99; iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 for $24.99; as well as a dry wallet for $19.99.
Lazer Sports has been on the cutting edge of cycling helmets, and this month introduced the Ultrax mountain bike helmet, the first to include the Autofit retention system. The new helmet will arrive in September and will offer an adjustable visor, optional rear light, a plethora of vents and it weighs just 366 grams (medium size).
It even features a GoPro Mount while a Multi Mount for other rugged cameras or blinky lights that can be added as well, and it will be out in October.
Lazer Sports Official Website
[Via BikeRumor: LAZER ULTRAX MOUNTAIN BIKE HELMET WITH AUTOFIT DEBUTS, PLUS NEW UNIVERSAL LIGHT/CAM MOUNT]
Power meters are the new thing in cycling – well, maybe not the new thing but certainly the hot thing in tracking effort and energy spent. Now One Giant Leap is looking to do for kayakers what various companies have done for cyclists.
The company is introducing the world’s first Kayak Power Meter. This carbon fiber, adjustable, split-shaft can track power output, power balance (including left stroke vs. right stroke) and even stroke-rate. This unique paddle can sync – but hopefully not sink – via ANT+ and can used to record power, power balance, stroke-rate and even boat speed and heart rate. The Kayak Power Meter can be used with various software including Garmin Connect and TrainingPeaks.
There are times when an electric bike can come in handy, but for those who prefer simple pedal power buying an electric bike might seem a waste. Not only is there the added cost, but also the weight. However, the Rubbee could be just the thing.
This add on gizmo is being developed through a Kickstarter project, can turn (almost) any regular bike into an electric bike. This unique conversion kit features an integrated clamp mechanism that can be mounted on a bike in just a few seconds, while the innovative drive motor with an internal battery can help propel the bike for more than 25 miles without pedaling. Unlike other kits that can add as much as 15kg to the bike, this one weighs just 6.5kg (14 pounds), and it can fully recharge in just two hours. Video after the jump
When adventure takes you to off the beaten path you can take the BRAVEN 855 rugged speaker to ensure that you’ll have a soundtrack for your journey. This IPX3 rated water-resistant speaker can pump out 20 hours of continuous music.
It is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, has a brute looking grill and is able to charge mobile devices including cameras, smartphones and even tablets. It utilizes a combination of class-leading extended-range aluminum cone drivers, dual passive radiators and a digitally enhanced audio based on DTS Audio’s SRS WOW technology. It even utilizes Bluetooth 3.0 for effortless pairing with wireless devices.
The makers of Guitar Hero are looking to do something very different. Kai and Charles Huang, the founders of RedOctane – the company that inspired a generation of gamers to rock out on plastic guitars – have announced a new venture to launch an interactive fitness company called Blue Goji.
The company’s mission is reportedly to transform the cardio exercise experience through immersive gameplay, track activity towards personal fitness goals, and create a social workout experience with friends. The Blue Goji platform combines innovative software and hardware with the portability and power of tablets and smartphones to make cardio exercise routines an entertaining and rewarding experience. We like what we’re hearing.
“Our goal is to help people lead healthier and more active lives by providing anyone across all fitness levels with a fun way to work out, one that is accessible and compelling to use,” said Kai Huang, Blue Goji co-founder and CEO. “With Blue Goji, we’re developing a platform to support a variety of entertainment content that enables people to immerse themselves in their workout routines for a more enjoyable and social experience.”
We’ll continue to watch for this new venture. If Blue Goji can do for fitness games what RedOctane did for music games than perhaps there is hope that games can truly get the world fit.
When hitting the road sometimes you want to feel like you could take flight and this is where “aero” helmets come into play. The LG Course Aero resembles a regular road-ready helmet, with large massive vents, but Louis Garneau maintains it has aerodynamic performance that can’t be beat.
The helmet was created through extensive research at the Canadian National Research Council’s low speed wind tunnel facility, while Computational Fluid Dynamics Software was called into play to create a superior aerodynamic performance.
It features in-mold construction, with integrated strap system that provides support and protection while still retaining its lightweight status. It offers evacuation channels to increase airflow and wick moisture away, while the Spiderlock PRO II provides a snug yet comfortable fit.
Riding a bike isn’t the easiest thing for a child to master, but these balance bikes such as the FirstBIKE make it a lot easier. It is designed for children as young as two years old to enjoy riding a bike without the aid of training wheel. The bike is comfortable, lightweight and provides children with a no-stress method of riding on two wheels.
The company has also offered a “thank you” to men and women who have served our country, and announced that military families will receive 25 percent off FirstBIKE purchases. Continue reading First You Balance
While Jerusalem is a city rich with history and culture it will also be a cycle city on October 11, for the very first Italian-themed cycling event. The organizers of Italy’s Giro d’Italia will bring the Italian passion for cycling to the Holy City.
This will include three courses to choose from, (20 km, 85 km and 127 km), touring the history and archeology of Jerusalem: a long course of 127 km with 3,000 meters of vertical gain and a medium course of 85 km with 2,400 meters of vertical gain, both leading also to the mountains around the city, offering incredible vistas and challenges worthy of the Giro d’italia, including timed climbs (Gran Premio della Montagna or GPM) that are part of the experience, with awards given in each category. There will also be an urban 20 km route perfect for families, children and cyclists looking for a shorter route.
“We are very happy to have here in Jerusalem an event that is part of the international series Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia,” said Nir Barkat, Mayor of Jerusalem, adding “The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Jerusalem will be for sure a great success, because we have a great location and a great route to make international participants happy to be here. Jerusalem is a special place, and we will be supporting this special event to make it one of the flagship events of our city for years to come.”
The organizers of the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia have also announced that registration is open for the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Beverly Hills, which will take place on Sunday, November 3.
Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Official Website
Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Jerusalem Official Website
Despite what movies such as Jaws or Discovery Channel’s Shark Week might suggest, shark attacks are actually not all that common. However, about 100 people are attacked by sharks each year and this isn’t all that comforting to surfers and divers.
Researchers have suggested that black wetsuits could make wearers look like seals, which just happen to be a shark’s favorite snack. Australian based Shark Attack Mitigation Systems (SAMS) has developed a line of wetsuits that are designed to look a little less appetizing to sharks. These feature a disruptive pattern that sharks may have trouble seeing, or even make them think otherwise about taking a bite.
While sharks can reportedly detect small amounts of blood in the water from miles away and can detect electric currents in the water for the kill – or rather bite – the shark depends on vision. This is where the SAMS suit comes in as it could provide enough to confuse the shark, and give the wearer time not to be the catch of the day. Video after the jump
Scosche has added some new colors to its line of boomBOTTLE wireless speakers. Why leave the music at home when riding a bike, camping or just on the go when music can be streamed via via Bluetooth from a mobile or other device to this durable non-slip, shock absorbing speaker. Dual 40mm drivers deliver music while the omnidirectional diffuser channels music in all directions creating a 360 degree soundscape. Continue reading California Riding
From Bicycle Retailer: LeMond Revolution sponsors Bike Pure team
LeMond Revolution is becoming a supplier and co-title sponsor of the Australia-based anti-doping organization Bike Pure and its road racing team. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (07.27.2013): Pure Cycling, Speed Thrills, Fat Breath, EVO-lution, ING Out