Category: Cycling

Halo Like a Guardian Angel For Your Bike

Almost everyone at one time or another says, “if only this thing could talk, imagine the tales it would tell.” Well, imagine if one of those tales was about how it stopped a potential theft. That’s the idea behind designer Steve Hunt’s Halo Bike Lock. This flexible ring, which looks a bit like the angelic halo is heaven-sent for an entirely different reason.
An angelic way to deter theives

The Halo is actually constructed in such a way as to make breaking or otherwise removing it from a bike a bit more difficult than just cutting a simple pad lock, thus slowing down a possible theft. The cable connector of the Halo is actually housed inside the lock’s frame, but the real reason to buy the lock is the warning an owner will get. The Halo Bike Lock will send a text message, via an integrated wireless transmitter, should someone try to tamper or cut the lock.

All that sounds great right? Well, there is a problem. Steve Hunt hasn’t actually produced the Halo yet, and thus the idea is still very much in the clouds. Dare we say that Steve needs an angle investor to get the Halo off the ground?

Steve Hunt’s Halo Bike Lock Official Site

[Via Softpedia: Halo Bike Lock Notifies Owner of Bike Theft]

ElliptiGo Gets You Going

Where running and cycling meet

Imagine being able to do the running and cycling parts of a triathlon at the same time? That’s sort of what the ElliptiGo can do. This outdoor elliptical bicycle essentially combines running with cycling, for what the manufacturer dubs a low-impact yet high-output cross-training form of exercise. The bike lacks any seat, but does utilize typical hand brake levers.

Developed by Bryan Plate, a former cyclist and Ironman competitor who suffered from hip and knee injuries, the ElliptiGo is a 18.1kg eight-speed trainer that is geared towards runners who want to avoid the impact of road work, but still want to remain “out of the saddle.” While the ElliptiGo is probably best for fairly flat terrain – and does require a reasonably smooth surface – the bike can reach some decent speeds, around 24 km/h, although the company maintains that strong riders/runners could reach up to 40 km/h.

The ElitptiGo retails for $2,200 and is available in blue, black and for the environmentally friendly, green.

ElliptiGo Official Site

[Via Asia Cnet: Taking the ElliptiGO bike for a spin]

 

Pedal Power to Power Mobile Phones

Handlebar mounted mobile phone complete with charger - your legs supply the power

Being able to burn some calories while charging a mobile phone might sound like a great combination, especially for those looking to go green. But this technology could be a life changer, especially in areas where reliable power isn’t always available. Nokia has shifted in high gear, basically by utilizing a familiar technology, but with a new twist. The Nokia Bicycle Charger Kit can help power a mobile phone as soon as you reach a walking speed (around 6 km/h), while at 12 km/h it can actually be as efficient as a plug-in charger. It can install on practically any bike, and it works much like those 1960-1970 era lighting systems, where it generated power as a wheel made contact with the actual bike tire. The faster you pedaled the brighter the light. It was so simple; it is a wonder why it hasn’t been used for other applications.

But now Nokia has essentially taken the technology and adapted as a phone charger. It consists of a bottle dynamo, a charger and a phone holder. The bottle attaches to the front of the bike via a mounting bracket, while the charger and phone holder are mounted to the handlebars. To the serious rider this could be a turn off as it will add some weight, but except for race day it shouldn’t matter.

For those in less fashion-centric locations, where a bike is a means of everyday transportation, this could have a big impact. TMCnet is reporting that this technology is already being used in parts of Africa, where reliable power isn’t always readily available to users. This makes for an easy to use alternative, and unlike wind and solar recharging devices is good for those on the go.

Via TMCnet: How Nokia Turns Bicycle Technology Into Charging Device

Nokia Bicycle Charger Kit

Hands On: Garmin 500 Edge – First Impressions

The Edge 500 fittingly on my Felt road bike, the same brand that the Garmin Transitions Team is riding in the Tour de France.

This past week we had the chance to test out the Garmin Edge 500 GPS-based cycling computer. With this on my bike I’m feeling like I’m ready for the Tour de France – that is if women actually were allowed to race in the most famous of cycling classics. But it helped me on my way for my local training rides.

The very first impression was that this one could be difficult to setup and calibrate. The problem with technology is the more it can do, the more complicated it is to use. But I was more than pleasantly surprised with the ease of the set-up and the versatility that this device offered out of the box. While not the most notable, but certainly appreciated is the fact that this device comes with several rubber loops for securing the computer’s mount to the bike. This is such a small thing, but it is so welcome, especially for anyone who can’t decide the best placement for the mounts, and only realized this after tightening the zip ties.

But the more notable point is that this is a wireless device. So there is no wire to run, making for a cleaning line on the frame, and more importantly making for one less thing to worry about. The Edge 500 can be used without a heart rate monitor, without the sensors. But the version I’m testing came with those items, and all this set up very easily and quickly too. Continue reading Hands On: Garmin 500 Edge – First Impressions

Does Wearing a Cycling Helmet Really Help?

Today putting on a cycling helmet is something most serious riders do whether going for a long training ride, or just when they’re taking the bike out for a short spin. But Harvey Echin of The Vancouver Sun brings up an interesting question, and that is whether wearing a bike helmet actually makes you any safer? One point that is brought up by Colin Clarke, a mechanical engineer is that helmets can actually be subjected to more impacts than a non-helmeted helmet – in part because the helmet is larger and thus an otherwise near miss becomes a hit.

The other point that Echin notes is that some sources have noted an increase in cyclist accidents as more riders wore helmets. The argument here could be made that riders have a greater sense of security and thus take greater risks. In this case, we can kind of agree. In those times when we’ve rented bikes – such as biking in Paris or Rome (where helmets were not available) – we were trying to be a little more careful, in part because we weren’t familiar with the bikes, but also because we didn’t have a helmet.

Finally, there is the debate about freedoms and whether laws should be passed that make it mandatory to wear a helmet – as is the case in Canada. To weigh in on the issue, we’ll only say that we suggest everyone wear a helmet but to generally try and ride as safely as possible.

Wearing a bike helmet might not make you any safer [Via The Vancouver Sun]

Tour de France: Tech of the Tour

The Cervelo P4 Time Trial bike might just give you the time of your life on a long ride

While we’re setting our alarms so we can get up bright and early to watch the Tour de France live and of course in high definition, we have to admit that we haven’t been able to follow all the trends on the latest technological advances. Our friends at Gnews have compiled a look at some of the biggest innovations that you’re likely to see on the roads throughout France in the next two and a half weeks.

Let’s just hope we don’t see more blood on the road. After the numerous spills in Rotterdam, on the roads in Belgium and on the cobblestones the technology most in demand might be anything to help the riders heal up. And while jokes have been made about electronic motors, we think any suggestions that any rider is getting a mechanical aid should be put to rest, especially after the efforts we seen so far.

Top Tech of the Tour de France [Via Gnews.com]

The Latest Organic: Bicycles

Bamboo tubes and grips are accented by green or any other color of choice.

Steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium, just a few metals and alloys that are used to make bikes. Add bamboo to the list. The Dylan Bamboo Bicycle from Organic Bikes uses the strong and sustainable wood for its tubing, and recycled alloy for frame lugs and chainstay tubing. Available in five sizes XS to XL, the bike is customized to your color and style specifications including a water bottle cage made from bamboo.

The bamboo is said to absorb some of the bumps in the road better than alloy and metal frames, producing a more comfortable ride. The Dylan is a three-speed cycle. Organic Bikes plans to release town bikes and road bike frames in the future. Committed to sustainability, the company also makes biodegradable water bottles as well as clothing and messenger bags made from recycled materials.

Organic Bikes Dylan

Tour de France: Oakley on the Eyes

All eyes are on Oakley, or is that Oakley is on the eyes at this month’s Tour de France? The performance eyewear maker has announced updates to the glasses that will be worn by the competitors, and which will now be available to fans as well.

Lance Armstrong sporting a pair of Oakley Radar glass

Among the racers wearing the new Oakley glasses will be Lance Armstong, and he’ll be sporting LIVESTRONG versions of the Oakley Radar and Jawbone models. Each is available with quick change-out lenses, including the G30 lens that is being used by Armstrong. There will also be new Clear-Black Iridium Photochromic lenses with new technology that automatically adjusts to changing conditions – like those in parts of France where it can go from rain to sunny skies.

Fabian Cancellara will also  be riding in the Tour with Oakleys and while his chances to get back the Yellow jersey maybe off the radar, it will be the Oakley Radar glasses that will let him see the saw. He won’t be alone, as Carlos Sastre will also have his Radar on. Finally, look for Mark Cavendish to sprint to the finish with a pair of BMX Chrome Jawbone. Let’s just see if he actually can earn the green ones!

Oakley Official Site

BehindTheTour.com to check for information on Oakley riders and daily updates on the race.

Tour de France 2010: High Road Sports Teams Up With Google and Skype

Follow Mark Cavendish and the rest of Team HTC-Columbia throughout the Tour de France

This year fans of the Tour de France will be able to follow the HTC-Columbia riders in real time, thanks to a new technology and marketing collaboration with Google Inc. High Road Sports announced that will work with the Internet search engine giant, along with team sponsors HTC and SRM to provide data from the HTC-Columbia riders during this year’s tour.

This partnership won’t just let you see where the riders are on the course, but will give you details on track speed, heart rate of specific riders, power output and other data that is provided by the SRM power meter! So if you want to know how much power Mark Cavendish cranks out in a sprint, or the heart rate of Marco Pinotti in a time trial, you’ll be able to track it.

 Taiwan based HTC, which was the maker of the first Google Android powered mobile handset, worked closely with SRM, Google and High Road to develop the HTC Legend smartphone. These will collect real time racing and location information, which in turn can be transmitted wirelessly to Google’s own servers. The phones will run Google’s mobile application “My Tracks,” which can read the racing data directly from the SRM sensors on the HTC-Columbia rider’s bikes. 

And when Cavendish makes his famous “phone gesture” while crossing the finish line we’ll have to wonder if he’s thinking make a call with Skype. HTC-Columbia has also signed a deal with the global telecommunications service, and the Skype logo will make a debut on the jerseys as they ride through France.

High Road Sports: Team HTC-Columbia

Check back throughout the Tour de France for the news and updates on latest technological advances in the world of cycling.

Stopping Bicycle Thieves

The classic Italian movie The Bicycle Thief (1948) tells the story of how a life can be changed when a bike is stolen. While most such thefts today don’t mean the difference between life and death (or at least in feeding one’s family), bike theft remains a problem. In fact, the FBI estimates that more than 1.5 million people fall victim to a bicycle theft each year, meaning that a bike is stolen about every 20 seconds! Fortunately some companies are starting to fight back. One such example is BaitBike, which provides specially monitored bikes that are meant to be stolen.

This is sort of a type of a trap to would-be thieves, leaving a bike in an area where similar thefts have occurred. In this case the BaitBike has electronic tracking gear, which in turn allows law enforcement to find said bike and arrest the thieves. While this technology isn’t yet available to the public, hopefully soon we can see a low-jack of sorts for bikes.

But the best advice is to lock your bike if you must leave it, but the better method is to avoid the locks and just never leave your bike out of your sight!

BaitBike.com

UCI Cracking Down on Doped Bikes

After winning the Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders Swiss rider Fabian Cancellara came under the spotlight. Not for doping, but rather for using a motor hidden within the bicycle frame. Cancellara has since laughed off the allegations, but apparently not everyone is laughing.

Cycling has taken some bad hits as many high profile riders have been accused of using – and unfortunately even caught using – performance enhancing drugs. But this latest twist is probably one no one saw coming. This week the International Cycling Union, the sports governing body, announced that “a scanner will be used from the time of the Tour de France.” Such a scanner would further bolster “measures that have already been put in place, in particular the visual inspection of bicycles.”

The UCI it has been reported has been in contact with former racers, including Davide Cassani and Chris Boardman. The formers claims that a bike equipped with a concealed motor could help a ride cheat, and that if he were using such a device at 49-years old he’d be able to finish a classic or a Giro stage. We are a bit dubious to say the least. The latter even wrote an editorial for The Telegraph, explaining how the technology could work.

While there have been endless technological upgrades to bicycles in the 100+ years since the founding of the UCI, the idea of a hidden motor to aid a racer seems to be more trouble than it would be worth. Such a motor would need a large power source – one that would add weight to the bike, although Boardman says it is a moot point since bikes come in under weight anyway – and it would need to be reliable. Boardman again offers the opinion that the energy source would be enough to power a motor that in turn could help provide riders with a way to “take a break.” But is this really enough? Riders are pretty much on camera from beginning to end, and sitting on a bike and “faking” the pedaling is a lot of work.

The proper gearing, drafting from other riders and various riding techniques are what already give riders that little bit of edge. Would a mini-motor – something else that could break down – really be worth it? That’s not to say that we encourage anyone to try, so let’s hope that the sport stays clean. And that is with both the riders and the bikes.

Phone it in to the Tour with new iPhone App

This week LIVESTRONG.COM and RadioShack have announced the official release of the Team RadioShack free mobile app for the iPhone. This could be the next best thing to heading to France for the Tour next month, as it offers users exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of Lance Armstrong and the rest of the team as they take part in the greatest race in cycling.

The free app offers instant, on-the-go updates and news, exclusive content and photos, behind-the-scenes Tour de France coverage, and video blogs from Lance himself, as well as expert commentary from the entire team. The updates can be accessed with a tap of an app, and easily shared via Facebook and Twitter.

The Team RadioShack iPhone app is available fro free download from the Apple App Store and from the LIVESTRONG.COM website.

Cycle to Foot, Keen Pedal Footwear Goes Extra Mile

Biking to work or cycling into town to meet a friend for lunch or run a few errands means compromise. You have to bring an extra pair of shoes or walk around in your cycling shoes and worry about your cleats getting scuffed and scuffing a few floors. KEEN now offers its popular Presidio women’s shoe (Austin in men’s) in its Pedal line. The lace-up passes for a casual office setting or even a light hike.

The SPD-compatible shoe has tread that extends further than the cleat. Therefore when walking you don’t need to worry about the metal scratching wood floors or getting ground up by the pavement. Even for more serious rides, it’s nice to step off the bike and be able to walk normally.

KEEN Women’s Presidio Pedal ($120)

KEEN Men’s Austin Pedal ($120)