As efforts are made to streamline every last part of a bike something has seemed a bit odd – namely those cycle-computer mounts that sort of ruin the sleek lines and look a bit like a tumor on the handlebars. But last season 3T introduced an integrated steam – fittingly called the Integra. Now comes word that the stem will be used this season by the Team Garmin-Barracuda in this season’s pro cycling races. Continue reading 3T Stem Integrates Cycle-computer
Author: Peter Suciu
Sunday Q&A: Patrick Mayer Talks Wheelblades
Last month we profiled the innovative Wheelblades, which essentially allow a user in a wheelchair to better travel over snow and ice. Patrick Mayer, the visionary behind this technology, told us how he hopes it can improve the users’ lives. Continue reading Sunday Q&A: Patrick Mayer Talks Wheelblades
Quad Bike Tears It Up
Do you like the idea of tearing it up off-road, but would like to do so with pedal power, yet don’t want to ride a mountain bike or BMX bike for various reasons? This limits the options, but you aren’t out of luck either, as the Athos from Contes Engineering will let you experience quad-style riding but with the freedom of pedal power. Video after the jump
Shower Power
After a day hiking in the wilds a warm shower can be so welcome, but if you’re camping the best option might be a jump in the lake. There are systems that use propane and an electric pump, but those are only ideal for car camping – and aren’t the sort of thing to camp in the wilds with.
However, another option is the Helio Pressure Shower from Nemo Equipment, which takes the basic gravity shower up a notch. It uses the Nemoid Foot Pump to provide an even-pressured stream of water – ideal for getting clean but still small and easy enough to take on a trek in the woods. It offers 11 liter capacity, where the water can be heated by the sun, and provides around five to seven minutes of shower time or even dish washing. But after a long day we think a shower in the woods would be seven minutes in heaven.
Steel This Bike Light
While this nifty new light from Denmark-based Copenhagen Parts won’t likely have owners of carbon fiber bikes hanging their rides up for an old-school steel frame, it could create some “steel” envy. The company is developing a magnetic bike light that attaches directly to the steel frame and turns on as soon as it is in place. By removing the light from the frame it automatically turns off. Continue reading Steel This Bike Light
The Lamborghini of Bikes… Literally
Whatever happened to the Cadillac standard? As in “the Cadillac of bikes,” because it seems that could practically be slumming it he states. Last year Italian bicycle maker Colnago partnered with Ferrari for a new race-worthy road bike, and now Swiss maker BMC is partnering with Lamborghini for the ultimate in luxury bicycles.
This follows partnerships by Porsche, BMW and even McLaren, so it is no surprise that Lamborghini is looking to getting here. And the BMC impec Automobili Lamborghini Edition looks as if it could blow away some cars on the open road. Feature wise it is all first-class, with unbranded carbon fiber rims, the Di2 electronic dérailleur system from Shimano and even a suede saddle. Of course the Lamborghini logo is present in high profile. Continue reading The Lamborghini of Bikes… Literally
Wheelblades Let Users Cut Through the Snow
We’ve seen a variety of technology that allows those in a wheelchair to go off-road, but usually only on hard-packed and more importantly dry ground. Most winter conditions remain a difficult, if not impossible proposition, for those in a wheelchair. Wheelblades looks to change this.
These small yet high-quality skis can be mounted to the front wheels of a wheelchair with a simple click, and can allow for easier movement through the snow. While obviously not intended for downhill skiing, or traversing deep snow, these could still allow users greater flexibility come winter.
Sunday Q&A: Michael Folan of Infinit Talks Custom Sport Drinks
Avid runner, mountain and road bike racer Michael Folan knows a thing or two about sports drinks, as he’s had a lot over the years. He played NCAA Lacrosse and Hockey as a youth through College, and is a 10-time Ironman finisher, and runs Marathons, as well as the occasional adventure race.
He’s also one has helped develop customized nutrition solutions at Infinit Nutrition. But it is a lot more than just delivering great tastes! Michael talked to KineticShift about the sports drinks. Continue reading Sunday Q&A: Michael Folan of Infinit Talks Custom Sport Drinks
Another Bright Idea for Biking at Night
It seems that great minds must think alike, is we’ve come across another innovative (and dare we say bright) idea for helping cast a little illumination for those cycling at night. Los Angeles industrial designer Nathan Wills has launched a Kickstater project to create a helmet with built-in luminous panels.
The still in prototype Torch T1 features white LED bulbs in the front, and red ones at the back, covered with plastic lenses, which dispersed the bold light to a greater viewing angle. These LED lights are powered by two rechargeable CR2 batteries and can offer five hours of run time in a non-flashing mode. Continue reading Another Bright Idea for Biking at Night
Is 11-Speed Dura Ace Shifting into Gear
Japanese bicycle component manufacturer Shimano continues to drive innovation. The company was the first (at least successfully) to introduce electronic shifting for bicycles, with its high-end Dura Ace groupo. Now the company could be shifting gears again, as it looks to introduce an 11 speed version.
Photos surfaced this week on a Japanese website of what appears to be the Dura Ace 9000 groupo, and it will be interesting to see if any of the pros will take advantage of the extra gear this season – or it will even be allowed by the UCI? Addition photos after the jump
Surf Carbon Fiber
It might not take a rocket scientist to build a surfboard but that isn’t stopping a couple of surfboard makers from using aerospace engineering to create a line of light, strong and ascetically pleasing boards. Kitson Boards, LLC, a company that looks to change the way surfboards are made, and do so with new materials.
The company has been developing recreational boards that feature sleek designs yet are built for the long haul with carbon fiber, which offers a long history of strength to weight ratio. Additionally, as we noted in our recent Weekend Reading List coverage, “the typical surfboard is a slab of petroleum-spawned polyurethane slathered in layers of toxic polyester resin.” Carbon fiber could be an improvement on this, in part because of its ability to essentially last a lifetime. While polyester resin may break down in the surf and sun, carbon fiber is not inherently photodegradable and thus endure season after season. Continue reading Surf Carbon Fiber
Running With the Goat
While many companies have introduced shoes that offer barefoot style running, a new player from Portland, Oregon looks to take on the big boys in an all-out foot race. Skora has introduced a new line of “zero drop” midsole shoes. These offer no rise in the shoe from toes to the heel area to provide that so-called “natural” running experience. The new fashion oriented Form line is a lace up model made with goat leather. Continue reading Running With the Goat
Sea Otter 2012: Move Over 29er, the Ibis Maximus is Here
At this weekend’s VolkswagenSea Otter Classic – the bicycle festival, Grand Fondo, Expo and races – a few new surprises were shown. These included new 29ers – mountain bikes with 29 inch wheels – but Ibis skipped introducing, one and instead rolled out a 59er, aptly named Maximus.
The bike weighed in at about 1000 pounds, and used 59 inch diameter tractor wheels. The bike is of course too big for anyone – at least shy of Paul Bunyan – to actually ride. The Maximus is actually the brainchild in creation of Fort Bragg Calif. sculptor Nick Taylor, and is made from 4 inch diameter steel, and features custom made works, bars and stem. Continue reading Sea Otter 2012: Move Over 29er, the Ibis Maximus is Here