It is sometimes hard to believe what people try to use crowd funding for as some are truly senseless. The Shaggo Skateboard almost falls into that category, but we suppose someone might have a reason to need a carpet on a skate deck… right?
With nearly 120 backers at press time the company has almost made its goal, so apparently there are those that like the idea of some rug on the board. Video after the jump
There are plenty of options for those looking for a durable tactical flashlight. ZeroHour could however be the first modular tactical battery that doubles as a flashlight when it is needed most. The ZeroHour a 1,000 lumen LED, 10,000mAh of USB backup power for smartphones and tablets; while its modular component design allows for a variety of other uses.
This tactical-grade flashlight, which is now being developed via a Kickstarter campaign, is dust-proof and waterproof up to one meter and features a made in the USA CREE LED with four levels of illumination and two safety modes. Continue reading Lighting the Way at ZeroHour
Sometimes good ideas don’t take flight, such is the case of the LifeDisc – a Frisbee-shaped gizmo that wasn’t about a game. Actually, this was devised to be a survival pack that just happened to be in the shape of a disc.
It was designed to hold everything you might need to survive in the wilds, but we’re not sure why it needed to be in a disc? Perhaps that why this Indiegogo project didn’t take off and go. Whether the LifeDisc sees new life isn’t clear, but the designers can always toss it around with some other ideas we’re sure. Video after the jump
The technology behind 3D printing continues to change the world of fitness equipment, and while we have seen development in the printing of various parts in the design stage, now Giant Bicycles is using 3D printing technology for the bike saddles.
However, at this point the selective laser sintering (SLS) is mostly being used to create full size prototypes rather than finished goods. But it does suggest that in the future you could always pick a saddle at a shop and have it printed while you wait.
[Via PDDNET: New Saddle for Giant Bicycles Uses 3D Printing Technology]
Winning an International Bicycle Design Competition Award is no small honor, so how are the designers of the MORGAW following up? By launching an Indiegogo project to bring the saddle to market. It promises real active comfort, as the materials allow light movement, making it more responsive to the rider’s body movement. Video after the jump
David Lewis has launched an Indiegogo project with the goal to get an American made bicycle company off the ground. This disabled U.S. Army veteran served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He noted that hassle with building bikes in China and is looking to make Made in America mean something again.
To that end he’s looking to raise money, not just to start the project but to use the funding to buy other American made equipment. Those investing $10 will get his thanks, and those investing $2,500 or more will get a handmade, veteran made complete bicycle!
We wish Lewis the best of luck with this project.
The sound of a cricket at night can be either soothing – if the insect happens to be outside and you’re in the country – but can be annoying when it might be in your house or apartment. The latter is likely what the developers of the Cricket bike alarm had in mind. However, instead of it making a chirp the alarm will alert bike owners.
As the developers noted, “as someone as much as touches your bikes, you’ll get an instant (as in one tenth of a second instant) notification in your smart phone.” That is one smart Cricket. It is now in development via an Indiegogo project. Video after the jump
The above helmet has a real Scottish look to it, and it features wool plaids and genuine leather – and it will look stylish for commuting. This cycling helmet is actually part of the new line coming from German lock maker Abus, which is looking to enter the North American market next year.
It could give some new options for bike commuters and casual riders.
Can you ever have too much protection when securing or locking up a bicycle? Probably not, especially if the bike is valuable and you count on it for riding to and from work. The Next Gen Bike Rack might just be generation overkill.
It was invented by Montreal inventor Peter Krantz and this rack offers much more than what the best U-Lock will provide. It is as much a docking station as a bike rack and the front wheel is secure in a special opening that makes it impossible to remove the wheel, while a steel arm locks the back of the bike. A U-Lock secures the rear wheel and the back of the frame.
No bolt cutter could get through this thing, and the design is such that it won’t scratch the paint. The downside to this is that it is more for a bike garage so it does limit where it could be placed. For those who commute by bike it could mean the difference between hoping the bike is safe and knowing it will be there at the end of the day.
The Company:
The company is a major manufacturer of high-tech bicycles with a worldwide distributorship and many professional endorsements. Their mission is to promote bike riding through innovative products and exceptional care for their dealers and customers.
The Challenge:
In their ongoing quest to improve the efficiency and aerodynamics of their bikes, company engineers have been testing them in a wind tunnel since 2000. The goal is to improve design to reduce drag, so the same amount of power will create more speed and better air flow. The wind tunnel testing works well for mechanical assemblies like the bikes and components. However, in order to obtain truly realistic results, the interaction between the bike and the rider must also be factored into any wind resistance testing plan. Continue reading Kinetic Op-Ed: 3D Scanning Speed and Accuracy Prevail to Scan Bike and Rider for the Windiest Conditions
There have been a few concept skateboards that looked to go off-road, and others that looked to provide some juice to get up and go. The Altered V3 DS, is the world’s first dual sport electric skateboard. In other words, this concept – which is now being developed through a Kickstarter project – is both on-and-off road board, and it features an electric engine. It could make it the go-anywhere board – but only if it gets the funding it seems. Video after the jump
When out on the slopes the last thing you are likely to have is a tool to adjust your bindings. The CL!CK CARABINER is something that will likely be within reach and is thus there when you really need it most.
This tool provides a large slot screwdriver, a pair of Phillips heads and even bottle opener for those times when you reach the end of the run. While designed with skiers and snowboarders in mind, this could be a tool for anyone looking to clip one on. Designer Mark Schmid of San Diego is now looking to Kickstarter to get the CL!CK to click with investors. Video after the jump
A helmet is a good thing to have when riding the mean streets, but as we’ve found many opt not to don one on their heads because it can be a pain to have to carry it around the whole day. We’ve seen some folding helmets already, but the Morpher truly knows when to fold it.
This helmet is now being designed via an Indiegogo project, and unlike other designs this one folds completely flat. The prototypes have already passed European testing standards and British designer Jeff Woolf is looking to get authorities in Australia and the U.S. on board as well. This could be the beginning of one mighty, morphing bike helmet. Video after the jump