We remember that childhood game of “Pickup Sticks” but the Fix It Sticks is something you might want to pick up and put in your pocket before a ride. This bicycle multi-tool was developed by Cat 3 racer Brian Davis, who is now trying to bring it to market via a Kickstarter project.
What makes this one stick in our minds is that it provides more leverage than most mini tools. The sticks are made of aluminum and hold standard ¼-inch hex and steel bits, so any bits you have will work and go along on the ride. As the video below shows the design is simple, but sometimes simple works best. Video after the jump
It might only be January but Adidas could have you itching to get to the golf course. The company has introduced its newest golf shoes and they are ready to make a tour. The adizero Tour feature ultra-lightweight adizero technology that has been found in running and basketball shoes, and the result is a golf shoe that will put a snap in your step through 18 holes. The new Sprintframe outsole is just 1.2mm thick making for a shoe that will feel good throughout the whole round.
You don’t have to travel coast to coast in the dark, you can turn to COAST Products and have the way illuminated for you with the company’s new HL27 LED headlamp, which it unveiled at this week’s SHOT Show in Las Vegas.
What is the best way to stay fit? We think not getting out of shape in the first place. And the best way to lose weight is not to put in on. One way to better manage weight gain can be better managing how much you eat. There are endless diets, scales but now the developers of the HAPIfork have another thought.
We’re not sure how 45NRTH came up with the name Xerxes for its snow full traction commuter tire, but perhaps it has something to do with the way that it can “conquer ice, conquer snow, conquer your winter commute.” We just ask because while Xerxes I of Persia was a serious conqueror let’s not forget that he was also the Persian ruler who was held off by King Leonidas of Sparta – of the movie 300 fame. He did eventually conquer Greece but his victory was short lived, which isn’t exactly the sort of thing one might want to dwell on whilst riding to work.
Charles Dickens would certainly appreciate the Pickwick bag from Brooks of England. While this versatile water-resistant treated canvas roll-top backpack was made in England, it would certainly be the type of bag that the members of the Pickwick Club might have used on their various adventures to the old coaching inns of England.
StickNFind has introduced its new BluTracker, a Bluetooth 4.0 GPS locator that offers a range of 2500 feet. This portable tracking device runs on a rechargeable battery and it is compatible with iOS and Android apps. The device features an integrated and customized RF design and antenna, can broadcast its last known position, and can even alert users when something is moved. In this case it could be good for ensuring that a user’s items aren’t snatched – good to make sure that a bear doesn’t run off with your picnic basket for example. But it could also be used to keep a virtual tether on the young ones while out in the wild while camping. 
While speed skaters already wear helmets for protection from concussions, the Cambridge Speed Skating Club in Canada installed a special mat system this year to further protect skaters should they have a spill in races. All speed skating clubs in Canada will eventually be required to fit rinks with a mat system within the next two years.
There is usually more to carry on a bike than can be jammed into the jersey pockets. This means that riders either have to hope for the best or find other ways to carry the goods. For those who don’t want a big seat pack the Seatsleev could be just the thing.
We continue to watch for innovative companies that solve a common problem – namely what to do with old or broken fitness equipment? Green Mountain Ski Furniture is one company that has found a use for old and broken skis by transforming the old skis into chairs, tables, benches and racks.
While many cycling apparel companies offer jerseys with team logos, flags and other images we do like the unique looks that Elevengear has to offer. The company released unleashed the Coral Snake line of jerseys, which feature eye-watering fluorescent yellow dyes an a pattern that authentically replicates the scales of a snake.
OK, this isn’t the most fitness friendly device we’ve chronicled but as one of the last items we’ll call out for 2012 we felt it was worth noting. The Bottle Grenade is as the makers proclaim, “the last opener you will ever need.” Unlike many devices and gizmos that add a bottle opener, this one begins as a bottle opener and offers other functionality.
Time and tide wait for no man and when the snow falls you can either wait until spring or hit the treadmill to get in a run. Or you can add some layers and endure a run in a winter wonderland. But what if you prefer the barefoot running? That doesn’t seem to mix with ice and snow.