We’ve seen numerous ways of bringing a laptop when traveling on a bike. Most solutions call for the computer to ride in a bag or side pouch, and last December we saw the Samsung Galaxy Tab bike – but now Peugeot is taking it a step further with its DL122 bicycle.
The company, which started producing bikes in 1882, has introduced a lot of bicycle innovation and the concept here is that a laptop can ride within the frame. Actually it makes use of what is traditionally the open front triangle of the bike between the down tube, seat tube and top tube, and by placing a heavier object here – instead of on the side or back – it should help with the center of gravity. It also helps protect the laptop should the rider fall or crash – of course this is because the rider is also providing that protection, but given how some value their laptops, this might be a small price to pay.
[Via Gizmag: Peugeot’s elegant DL122 – the bicycle with a laptop compartment]
This week at the Taipei Cycle Show in Taipei, Taiwan the JD Group presented its award-winning automatic-shift bicycle gear system, the Automatic Gear Transmission Bike+ (AGT Bike+). This handlebar mounted, computerized unit automatically determines when the rider needs to shift and puts the bike in the proper gear. This system features a maintenance free self-charging Lithium battery that attains ranges of up to 500km. 
While probably not much of a problem this season, in years with deep snow or when regions get lots of natural snow, some skiers might find themselves trying to find lost skis. This no doubt cuts down on the fun. It seems like a small problem, but enough that Ski Retriever has come to the rescue with a homing system.
Last week our friends at BikeRadar.com got us all excited, and we helped spread the rumors that Geoff Kabush was spotted possibly riding a prototype Shimano Di2 XTR groupo – in other words it sounded like the popular electronic shifters for the road were going off-road.
There are parts of a bike that can be stolen easily and those that require tools. Bicycle light usually fall into the former category, which is a shame as these are meant to keep riders safe. Now commuters can look to the Defender, a bike light that looks tough and is quite tough for a would-be thief to remove. The aluminum clamp, as well as the battery pack require Allen keys, so this won’t stop a determined parts-pilferer but it could deter those quick grab and run crooks.
Wind power could get personal. At least that’s the idea from Joao Paulo Lammoglia, who has devised the AIRE Mask. While it looks a bit cyberpunk to us, the concept is that it takes the power of breath and converts it to electricity via tiny wind turbines, which in turn can power an iOS device such as an iPad. It could be used while sleeping, watching TV, and of course while working out.
It is hard not to think of the Robert Redford movie The Electric Horseman when seeing the Sporty Supaheroe cycling jacket, which features 64 integrated RGB LEDs and a stretchable and very wearable circuit board. The LED array can light up the way and display a variety of patterns.
Road cyclists have been able to do the electronic shifting thing for a while now. Shimano, which introduced the first successful (key word is successful) electronic shifters with its Dura Ace line that the pros seem to love, brought Di2 to its step down (but still very high-end) Ultegra line last year, and this season will see rival Campagnolo also going electronic. Meanwhile there have been efforts to develop electronic shifting for off-road, but only in the aftermarket world… until now.
Video games have opened possibilities beyond mere “gaming.” While no one is actually going to be a rock star playing the various musical themed games, the wave of Rock Band and Guitar Hero have reportedly inspired some young musicians while more recent releases have actually utilized more realistic instruments. On the fitness side of things games have tried to encourage exercise, with motion control opening up new possibilities.
There seems to be a magnetic connection this winter season when it comes to ski helmets and goggles – at least as a means to keep the ear protection attached to the head protection. While Anon has introduced its Magne-Tech lens technology, Casco has now developed the Magne-Link system, which also replaces the traditional wraparound headband.
Earlier this week we noted that helmet development continues as research has shown that rotational motion is something needs to be considered as well. Numerous helmets have tried to offer ways to provide additional support, and now we heard about Vacotechnology AG’s Vaco 12 technology, which used vacuum cushions that are comprised of small, round beads – the kind you might find in a stuffed animal or bean bag chair – and the concept here is to provide a snugger helmet that is comfortable and can help absorb impact up to four times more effectively than just a traditional foam helmet.