Category: Cycling

Bianchi Launches Android App

Bianchi Bicycle owners can be a dedicated bunch, and we don’t blame them for loving their finely crafted Italian made machines. Now they can share their joy with a new app for Android mobile smartphones that follows the release of the iPhone and iPad launches – and don’t worry a BlackBerry version is also in the work.

The free to download app offers users the ability to surf the whole Bianchi range of products with itemized images and technical features, news and updates from the official Bianchi website and geolocation search so users can easily find the closest Bianchi dealer. And what would a Bianchi app be were it not highlighted in Celeste green?

Bianchi App on the Android Market

Interbike 2011: Tern Folding Bicycle

Enid Burns of KineticShift talks to Joshua Hon VP of Tern Bicycles about the features of their Eclipse model. This folding bicycle has a unique dynamo hub switch that allows the rider to turn off electric power production. The bicycle also has other characteristics to fit an urban life. The stem height and reach can be adjusted by hand in about 2 seconds while the entire bike can be folded and bagged up for storage in around 15 seconds. It also sports a peculiar chain cover that will shield your body and clothing from grease.

Tern Bicycles Official Website

Interbike 2011: SRAM’s pART PROJECT

What might appear to be a waste of perfectly good bike parts, the SRAM pART PROJECT was a challenge given to 50 artists to create something out of 100 brand new components. Their results were on display at this year’s Interbike where they were judged before being shipped to a galley in Chicago to be put on display in October where additional judging will occur. After both exhibitions are complete, all of the pieces will be auctioned off online.

This is not some sort of snooty artist affair with champagne and caviar – this is art with a purpose. After all of the shows and auctioning of the pieces is complete, the proceeds will go to the World Bicycle Relief.  This non-profit organization was created in 2005 by the SRAM Corporation and with additional support from other leaders in the bicycle industry, the World Bicycle Relief helps people in third world countries through the use of bicycles.

Video after the jump

Continue reading Interbike 2011: SRAM’s pART PROJECT

Interbike 2011: 29ers Worth Riding

With so many manufacturers offering 29er hardtail mountain bikes, it can be difficult to pick one that is right for you. Just as demo days that many companies host around the country for the public, the Interbike OutDoor Demo, that occurs each year before the Interbike tradeshow, allows individuals involved in the bike industry to test the newest and latest rides on the market. Not all manufactures are present, but most of the major players are there alongside the little guys offering a fleet of bikes to ride on the trails of Bootleg Canyon outside of Boulder City, Nevada. Having had a chance to test numerous bikes, 29er hardtails were this writer’s choice to put trough the loops of loose, dry and rocky trails of Bootleg Canyon. Before you lay down your hard earned cash on a hardtail 29er, give any of these bikes a spin. Continue reading Interbike 2011: 29ers Worth Riding

Fitness Journal: Footbalance Custom Fitting Inserts

Over the years, my feet have sent me to the store, doctor and chiropractor to seek relief. I’ve bought insole inserts off the shelf from running and sporting goods stores. I’ve also had custom inserts and orthotics made for my feet to address specific problems. While they help, I’ve resolved that what I really need is a new pair of feet.

Short of getting a new pair of feet – science and technology just haven’t caught up to me yet — I go for shoes that offer support and add extra support by way of custom orthotics or other inserts.

At Interbike 2011 last week I had the opportunity to get a personalized pair of insoles from Footbalance. The Finnish-based company makes it possible to get custom inserts from a store rather than the costly orthotics you get at the doctor. A quick evaluation is all you need.

Video after the jump

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Interbike 2011: Surly Rims Go Big

If you need traction and flotation in mud, sand, or snow, surly rims and tires have a combination for you. They offer tire sizes up to 4.7″ wide! If you don’t require this type of extreme gear they are still worth a look. They have hilarious names and are simply outrageous. Filmed at Interbike 2011 in September. Continue reading Interbike 2011: Surly Rims Go Big

Interbike 2011: MOOTS MX Divide

For 30 years, MOOTS has been creating hand built bicycles that seek to strike a balance between liveliness and stiffness. This spring they will add a full suspension 26-inch and 29er to their collection. The MX Divide is a 100mm (4-inch) front and rear travel bike.  At Interbike 2011 in Las Vegas, we got a first look at this new bike and Jon Cariveau from MOOTS talks about the main features on the bike. The MX Divide production models will be available in March 2012 and as of Interbike 2011 in September, the price had not been determined.

MOOTS Official Website

Interbike 2011: KineticShift at the Show

We went, we saw, we rode! Last week’s Interbike allowed us to see the latest and greatest in new gear, gizmos and equipment in the world of bicycling. While a lot of this stuff won’t come cheap, it is clear that bicycles are going to lead the way when it comes to fitness technology. Here is our photo recap of Interbike 2011 from Las Vegas. Continue reading Interbike 2011: KineticShift at the Show

Google: Moving Sustainably for Commuting Employees

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt5sMxYMkGs&feature=player_embedded

Google has long been thought of as an innovator in the high tech industry, but most people who do not live in the San Francisco Bay Area are unaware that they are also innovators when it comes to their employees commuting to work. With 1000’s of employees, Google has grown what was a grassroots van pool in 2006 to a 70 vehicle fleet with 275 daily departures which can all be tracked online by the waiting employees. This program alone has reduced their yearly carbon dioxide emissions by 5,400 tons or the equivalent of almost 2,000 cars off of the road a day.

Realizing not everyone can or wants to take the shuttle, Google also encourages their employees to use other modes of transportation to commute to work. Along with reducing the carbon footprint and getting some exercise, employees who are part of the Self Powered Commute Program (ie. cyclists) also earn a charity credit for each day that they ride. In addition to encouraging employees to use alternative transportation to commute to work, Google also has 1,000’s of bicycles around that Mountain View campus that employees can use as needed.

Brendon Harrington, Transportation Operations Manager at Google, talks about alternative transportation and says that 40-percent of Google’s Mountain View employees commute via non-single car driving.

Though Google has not completely achieved the goal of being ‘carbon neutral’, they are making a valiant effort. What is your company doing?

Google Green Official Website

Interbike 2011: KineticShift Gets Down and Dirty

 
Brian O’Connor is in the zone with Litespeed’s new 29er

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, but is it actually work or play when you get to check out the latest upcoming bicycles? From the smile on Brian’s face above, it certainly seems like work he really enjoys. Check out some more of the sights from this week’s Outdoor Demo Days at Interbike 2011: Continue reading Interbike 2011: KineticShift Gets Down and Dirty

Interbike 2011: Wahoo Packs a Lot in Bike Pack

“And that’s not all,” is sort of the feeling we had when Wahoo announced its new Bike Pack that features the Wahoo Bike Case along with the Wahoo Fitness Speed and Cadence sensor. These items are now offered together as a combo pack that might make iPhone users ditch their cycling computers.

Wahoo Fitness instead allows users to wirelessly connect the iPhone to an ANT+ fitness measuring device and includes the bike case to ensure the mobile smartphone can survive a spill on the road, while mounting the handset on the handle bars!  The case fits iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4 in both Verizon and AT&T versions.

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Interbike 2011: Wahoo Fitness On the Run

The company that brought you a cycle computer on your iPhone via ANT+ now has a run and gym solution. The Wahoo Run Pack from Wahoo Fitness is ideal for cyclists looking to cross-train in the colder winter months. Of course it also works quite well for those who simply run or go to the gym, even if they don’t ride a bike as part of training. Continue reading Interbike 2011: Wahoo Fitness On the Run

Interbike 2011: The Owl 360 Rear View Camera

There are plenty of cameras out on the market to catch you or your friends in the action, but there is now a camera to try help you from becoming the action courtesy of a car. For years there have been helmet, handle bar and eyewear mounted mirrors that allows cyclists to see the approaching traffic from behind. Another option, soon to be available and debuting at Interbike, is a new rear view camera for cyclists. Continue reading Interbike 2011: The Owl 360 Rear View Camera