We’ve seen a few concepts in foldable bike helmets, but the CLOSCA, which is now wrapping up a Kickstarter project, offers a little style along with functionality. While it likely won’t provide the same level of protection as a typical road or mountain bike helmet, for commuters who might otherwise not don a helmet this could go a long way at helping ensure that the rider’s head is indeed covered! Video after the jump
Category: concept
(Key)Chain Ring
There are a lot of multi-tool concepts out there but that didn’t stop Jonathan Sabutis of New York City from launching a Kickstarter project to bring out his Ringtool concept. This tool is a simple round ring (as the name implies) that features a variety of hex bits. It can be used as a keychain and even a bottle opener for that post ride refreshing beverage.
It is even TSA approved. Video and features after the jump
City Bike Helmet
New York’s Citi Bike Share is off and running – or should we say riding – and while the grid pattern of Mid Town makes it easy for people to find their way, even New Yorkers can find anything below 14th Street to be confusing, while Lower Manhattan can be like a maze. The folks at FLORA have come up with a novel solution with the Citi Bike “Smart” Helmet, which can help riders navigate to the nearest station.
The LED lights will offer blinking directions on when to turn so riders will be directed where to go. In addition the lights on the helmets help ensure that riders will be seen after dark. Continue reading City Bike Helmet
A Really Cool Shirt
Cycling jerseys are made to help keep riders cool, but the Vortex Cooling Cycling Shirt takes this to a whole new level. It is an air cooled cycling shirt that according to its designers utilizes the power of nature to keep you cool. The shirt, which is now being developed via a Kickstarter project, uses the natural airflow generated by a cyclist.
Small concealed compartments on each shoulder and at the lower back area hold purpose made shields lift the fabric off the rider’s back to create an air channel to provide cooling air flow while also shielding the body from the sun. These shields are even removable for washing. We’re not sure if this will create drag, which in turn could make a rider have to work harder but it is still an interesting concept. Video after the jump
Capture Goes Pro
We’ve followed Peak Designs’ Capture Camera Clip since it launched on Kickstarter back in 2011. Now the company is at it again with a new version – the Camera Clip v2 – which includes a basic version and a “pro” version. The new v2 offers an redesigned double-spring action quick release button that prevents binding, while a safety lock prevents accidental release. There is new clamping system that can be used to stabilize the camera and enables use with a tripod head and even GoPro mount.
The CapturePro also features an all-aluminum body that is better suited to those daring adventures, while it can convert to a quick-release tripod clamp. Video after the jump
Light On (When You Need It)
Having a bike light is only good if it works, because otherwise it is just extra weight. The Rydon Pixo Bicycle Light is designed to always work. The special batteries are designed to hold 75 hours worth of light, and moreover feature an integrated solar panel that converts every beam of sunlight into energy and stores this to the batteries.
The designers claim that in just five days of sun the battery can be fully charged for years of use. So just riding the bike in the day ensures that you’ll have light at night. The developers are now looking to Indiegogo to put this one in the spotlight and raise funds to bring it out in the bright of day. Video after the jump
The Flying Bike – ET Not Required
The first – and perhaps most important – question that comes to mind when considering the Paravelo, the world’s first flying bicycle, is why would anyone need to design a flying bike? However, apparently some 60 backers are pledging money on Kickstarter to see this thing… well, take flight. It apparently works with a parachute so it actually glides as much as flies, but it does use a large fan to power its forward motion.
It travels at 15mph on land, so not exactly a speed demon, but reportedly 25mph in the air. It reminds us a bit like the flying contraption that Barney invented on TV’s The Flintstones. Compare the Paravelo to Barney’s creation after the jump
Scrooser is Scooting
The scooter craze keeps going. Ever since the scooter made its return almost 20 years ago people continue to ride to two week foot-powered pushers. There have been some unique twists along the way, but Scrooser Manufactory in Germany is looking to Kickstarter to get its fat-wheel design up and rolling.
This version features a batter power pack that can run for up to 25 days in urban environments and allow people to get from point A to point B with more than just some shoe leather. Video after the jump
Stair Descender
We’ve seen many a stair climber but the Stair-Rover is a skateboard that can apparently do its things on stairs, while tackling just about any terrain the urban jungle can throw at it. The London-based creators are now looking to Kickstarter to get this thing rolling.
The Stair-Rover can handle flat even surfaces like a traditional longboard, but the unique chassis features a V-frame design that allows wheels to bounce up and down independently and conform to the shape of stairs and steps. This provides a crab-like scuttle that gives a smooth ride on any surface. Video after the jump
For Whom the Bell Rolls
Bells have been on bikes for years, but Dutch Design is looking to introduce The Bell. The Amsterdam-based company is taking its concept to Kickstarter and is now raising funds for what could be the last bell you’ll ever need. This one features high quality materials that can endure the weather as well as the harsh UV rays from the sun.
The 100 percent Dutch made The Bell is also designed to be heard and thus can alert people – because that’s the purpose of having a bell in the first place! Video after the jump
Light Helmet
Being seen at night is key to riding on the roads, and the QitaWear Ultra High Visibility Bike Helmet, which is being developed via an Indiegogo project might be hard to miss. The developers are actually looking to produce two helmet models, including the QS-1 sports style bike helmet, and the QB-1 bicycle style helmet. Each is designed to be fully customizable with a variety of color lighting to ensure that his helmet will be seen in the dark. Continue reading Light Helmet
Handle on Things
There is so much stuff to bring while cycling and even with three pockets in the jersey there is also more to carry. The Handleband could solve that problem as this universal bike mount can hold phones and even open bottles post-ride. The Handleband is now being developed by Daniel Haarburger of Boulder, Colorado via a Kickstarter project.
This simple band attaches easily to a bike and removes just as easily. It should work with almost any handset and any bike. And as noted the metal latch doubles as a bottle opener! Video after the jump
Indoor Ride
While TV’s The Brady Bunch taught us not to play ball in the house the gang at Wasatch Indoor Bike Park are taking to Indiegogo to build a place to ride year round in downtown Salt Lake City. The group hopes to convert a vacant warehouse for use as an indoor mountain bike and BMX park. We’ve seen a few similar ideas take off and this one sounds like it has potential.
However, with just a few days to go the goal is still far away, so we’re not sure this one will pan out.