Category: concept

XBand on the Run

XBandTracking runners once just required a stopwatch, but today coaches have more options and now the XBand Speed Pro offers coaches as way to track speed and agility metrics through a new wearable device. A wearable body module is paired with a finish line module and smartphone adapter and can be used to interpret data and display the results in the accompanying app. It utilizes a microwave sensor, accelerometer and RF modules to precisely measures and transmits key performance data to a smartphone app as runner’s train, and with this information runners can improve their speed and performance.

The XBand Speed Pro is being developed via a Kickstarter campaign, and the designers hope to have it off and running later this year. Video after the jump

Healthy Idea?

Dpardo’s-T2-Healthy-Saddle

We’ve seen a lot of interesting bicycle saddle designs in recent months, and the Dpardo T2 Healthy Saddle is in a word unique. It is a horizontal bar that offers two main functions – it is designed to eliminate friction on the groin but also pressure on the perineum.

It certainly does seem based on the concept that less can be more!

[Via BikeRumor: Make your Butt happy with the Dpardo T Type Healthy Saddle]

Cool Breezer

BreezerBreezer has launched a new line of of full-suspension bikes with 29-inch wheels and 120 millimeters of travel, called Supercell, which are equipped with Link suspension design Breezer introduced on its 650b Repack enduro bike last year. The MLink was designed with Sotto Group, an independent engineering firm.

“When we introduced Repack last summer, Breezer’s new all-mountain bike, it climbed and handled so well it completely changed people’s perception of what an all-mountain bike could do,” said JT Burke, Breezer product and brand manager. “And with Supercell, our new trail bike, we’re pushing that even further. Our patented MLink suspension technology is so efficient, lockouts are a thing of the past; and Breezer riders are seeing just how fast a balanced and efficient full-suspension system can climb.”

This innovative MLink design features a short-link pivot placed in the middle of the chainstay, which reportedly can balance out opposing braking and pedaling forces for an anti-squat and anti-rise ride. Breezer Supercell and Repack are currently the only bikes available with the technology.

Breezer Supercell Official Website

Double O Light

Double-OThe Double O isn’t exactly something we’d expect 007 or any other British super spy to use, but these are being developed in the U.K. by Paul Coksedge Studios through a Kickstarter campaign. The Double Os put out 80 lumens up front and 45 lumens in the rear. The designers suggest that this round style uses less bright LEDs but more and that results in a more visible light – without being blinding or otherwise distractive to drivers and other cyclists.

These charge up in 90 minutes via USB and have three modes – steady, which can run for about 2.1 hours; flashing at 4.2 hours and Eco at about 10 hours. Video after the jump

Airbus Ready to Roll

AirbusCharge Bikes is charging ahead with a new brand dubbed Fabric. This includes a new collaboration with aerospace giant Airbus to produce bike saddles with 3D-printed titanium rails and carbon shells. The seats look to be aerodynamic, sleek and lightweight. They almost look like these could take flight right off the bike.

Charge Bikes Official Website
[Via BikeRadar: Fabric saddles – sonic bonds and hyper pins]

UCI Looking at Google Glass

Google-GlassThis week VeloNews reported that a technical commission from the world’s cycling governing body, the UCI, has taken a “look” at Google Glass.

“The equipment commission will address concerns over the outdated method of data and video capture in the biggest races,” one source told VeloNews, on condition of anonymity due to a forthcoming official announcement from Google. “Google Glass technology will take the sport to the head of technological development in major professional sports. The possibilities for entertainment, sport science, and, yes, safety, are nearly limitless.”

Google Glass incorporates a small, Internet-enabled computer in a pair of lightweight eyeglasses and provides wearers with the ability to capture and share photographs and video hands free, and even complete a number of other commands.

This move into cycling marks Google’s first major sports sponsorship as part of its Glass launch. It could mean that Google Glass could soon join such technology as race radios in future events like the Tour de France.

[Via VeloNews: UCI commission to recommend Google Glass use on WorldTour]

On the Trigger

TriggerBellWhile yelling will get someone’s attention, bells on bikes are a less aggressive way to let someone know you’re approaching. The problem is that many bells aren’t exactly placed where they can be easily accessed – meaning that riders have to take their hands off the handlebars to use the bell.

The Trigger Bell, which was designed by London cyclists Stefan Buxton, allows it to be quickly accessed with a single finger! Buxton is now wrapping up a Kickstarter campaign and has already surpassed his goals. That might be something to ring about! Video after the jump

Glow Rack

Solo-GlowThere are a number of products to help cyclists be seen at night, but now Saris has introduced a bike rack that will glow in the dark. The Solo Rack looks black in the day but at night it has an iridescent green glow that helps it be seen on the car’s truck. This can help load up the bike as the sun goes down, and maybe even can help a car be seen on a dark road.

Saris Official Website

The Ice Tee

IceTeeIt’s hard to think that soon we may want to “cool down” but after a long winter the warm weather is on the way and when working out you can get overheated all too easily. The IceTee is an athletic shirt that is features reusable gel packs that are strategically placed to help wearer’s stay cool.

Users do need to place the garment in a freezer, and the gel packs will remain cold for up to one hour. While this shirt is probably best for when you’re already getting warmed up, it can help you stay a little cooler on a hot day. The IceTee is now being developed via Kickstarter campaign, and we think it is one cool idea. Video after the jump

Up to the Task

MyTaskThere may be many apps for the iPhone but when it comes to fixing things the handset might not be enough for most cyclists. This is where the MyTask comes in. Instead of calling for help this iPhone case holds just the tools you might need for a quick fix that will have you on your way.

The MyTask Bike features an interchangeable case with easy slide out mechanism, soft touch coating, polycarbonate protection. Within are a pedal/axel wrench, six Allen wrench, three tire patches, Phillips screwdriver, flat head screwdriver, four metric box wrenches, two tire levers, bottle opener and two bicycle spoke wrenches.

If you take mass transit to work there is also the MyTask Urban, which features a USB drive, comb, nail file and pen as well as 2-inch scissors, tweezers, stylus pen, regular pen, usb stick, bottle opener, Phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, nail file, ruler, personal mirror, LED light (three modes) for FaceTime and mirror.

Both MyTask kits are now being developed through a Kickstarter campaign, which will conclude later this month. Video after the jump

Shhh… This is one is Spying On You

ShySpyNo, the NSA hasn’t been spying on bike riders, but the ShySpy GPS bike computer could help track a bike were it to be stolen. It utilizes a GPS-based platform that can monitor both theft and even track performance.

The designers had launched a Kickstarter campaign, which did not meet its goals last month. Perhaps they were being too stealthy! Now the designers will have to be even less “shy” and perhaps a little more “sly” in their efforts to bring this one to market. Video after the jump

Halo Glow

HaloWhether you are running, cycling or even just out for a walk at night you will want to be seen, especially in areas where there might not be a lot of lights. The Halo Belt 2.0, and update to the original Halo Belt, will offer some illumination so that you can’t be missed.

The new version of this wearable light system is being launched through a Kickstarter campaign, and it has been redesigned to be brighter and rechargeable while the designers have integrated a refined LED fiber optic system and 3M reflective elastic onto the belt. This can also be adjusted to the desired size and length to accommodate most users. Video after the jump