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
Category: concept
Motion Capture Suit Helps Athletes Train
Motion capture technology has been used in the creation of movies and video games, and even used by athletes to identify problems with their technique. However, it typically requires athletes to go to a studio or environment designed for motion capture not training. Moreover athletes can only see the results afterwards. But a new suit might give athletes on the fly feedback during training. Researchers at Birmingham City University have developed a wearable device called the “Vibrating Suit,” which can be worn just about anywhere, and more importantly can provide feedback in real time. Video after the jump
Kinetic(Mis)Shift: Cadillac Escalde With Built-in Bike
We’ve heard some companies state they have the “Cadillac of bikes,” and while we even noted that there are such things as the Lamborghini and Ferrari branded bicycles the folks at Becker Cadillac Escalade ESV have introduced an Escalde with a bike inside! Basically in the Cadillac Escalde SUV there is a stationary bike so riders in the car can spin during their ride.
We see this is probably better than just sitting in the SUV, but frankly this is a true Kinetic(Mis)Shift. If you want to spin, save some gasoline and ride a bike to the destination!
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
WeBike Brings the Cycle to You and the Office
We have seen a few attempts at creating a way to peddle at the desk? Most of these hybrid desk chair/bicycles would probably seem out of place at most offices however. Belgium’s We-Watt has taken the concept in another direction, putting a fresh spin on it.
Rather than being the chair you’re using your desk all day, the WeBike is three-person circular table so you can get into the spin with two of your colleagues. This could be used for meetings, or during the break. It set the table is an interactive LED ring display in front of each seat, which indicates the amount of human power being generated. This power can even be used to juice up and recharge mobile devices through the pedal power created by you and your coworkers. Continue reading WeBike Brings the Cycle to You and the Office
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
Chalktrail Leaves a Chalkline Behind the Wheel
There’s some innovations we have to applaud for getting people on the bike and doing some exercise. Chalktrail is one of those innovations. Chalktrail is an accessory that drags a very big piece of sidewalk chalk behind a bike or scooter to leave a line. Possibilities for fun are endless. Continue reading Chalktrail Leaves a Chalkline Behind the Wheel
Milan Design Week 2012: TechnoGym Brings the Tech
At last week’s Milan Design Week 2012 Technogym introduced a new line of exercise machines that might be ready for the dance club. This included the CROSS Personal Trainer, which look so pretty you might feel bad working up a sweat on it. It includes an integrated VISIOweb display so you can watch TV or surf the Internet, but it also includes a range of training programs to help you get the most out of your workout. The elliptical machine has the promise to offer a smooth and impact free workout , but it still looks like something we’d expect to see any European rave.
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
Milan Design Week 2012: Exercise by Design
The Italians take two things very seriously – design and bicycles. So it is no surprise at this week’s Milan Design Week 2012 several new fitness devices were introduced, which can only be described in a word as “cutting-edge.” Video after the jump
GripRings, Modular Bike Grip
Handlebar grips are a necessary accessory on every bike, but they can be difficult to put on. Grip tape wants to be wrapped just right, and then it can slip. Formed grips are extremely difficult to slide over the handlebars and into place. Kickstarter project GripRings by Spurcycle hopes to change that by providing modular silicone rings to be stacked to form grips on several types of handlebars. Continue reading GripRings, Modular Bike Grip
Crash Test Dummy Developed for Bikes
Automotive designers have long used the so-called “crash test dummies” to determine how a passenger in a car will fare in a crash. Now students at Ottawa’s Carlton University have developed a crash test dummy specifically for testing bicycle equipment.
Dubbed “Superman,” this dummy doesn’t actually ride a bike but rather can fly – perhaps earning his moniker – over the handlebars at speeds in excess of 15 mph, crash into an obstacle or make impact with the ground. This is done to simulate head and neck injuries, will also determining what other injuries a rider may sustain.
[Via The Toronto Sun: Researchers make crash test dummy for bikes]