The Orp is making some noise. Launched via a Kickstarter project this is the first bicycle light that integrates a dual-tone horn – emitting 76 or 96 decibels of sound to alert cars, pedestrians, runners and other cyclists. As a light it can also blast out 87 lumens.
Category: Cycling
The Shirt Says It All
Cycology has introduced a new shirt that pretty much says how many cyclists feel. Live – Breathe – Bike. If that’s how you go through life than this shirt is for you.
Made in America: Hang On
We like to see products recycled or better still “upcycled” where an old product finds new life. Velocity USA fitting has used bicycle rims that don’t meet quality control standards and repurposed them as clothes hangers. This is a true “upcycling” of bicycle gear. Each hanger is apparently made in Grand Rapids, Michigan out of Velocity Deep V rims that weren’t quite good enough for the road. However, these seem perfect for hanging that favorite jersey.
Shimano Cuts the Cord
Shimano announced this week that it has cut the cord on its electronic shifting system. The company has introduced a new wireless device that will connect its Di2 groups, and this will sync with the new Shimano PRO computer via ANT+.
The Di2 Wireless Unit (Shimano product SM-EWW01) will be compatible with Dura-Ace 9070, Ultegra 6870 Di2 and Ultegra 6770 E-tube road shifting systems. This Di2 Wireless Unit is powered by the same Di2 battery that powers the Di2 shifting system.
Sky Suits Up
If you thought existing cycling apparel was already a little revealing Rapha has introduced a new Road Race Mesh Skinsuit that takes it up a notch. The skinsuit is meant to breathe and then some. It is designed for ultra hot weather locations such as Qatar and Oman, but it does leave little to the imagination! Continue reading Sky Suits Up
Weighing In
Making weight means different things in different sports, but in cycling there is a lot to eating right. VeloPress has introduced the Racing Weight Cookbook, the third title in the Racing Weight series. This books includes more than 100 recipes that are intended not to get riders to lose weight but rather to hit their ideal weight without compromising performance. Racing Weight author Matt Fitzgerald worked with dietician Georgie Fear to put together the cookbook.
The 240-page paperback books offers full-color interior with plenty of pictures and also features:
• 100+ healthy recipes for any athlete, from reluctant cook to cooking enthusiast
• Whole grains, fiber, and lean protein to elevate diet quality
• Fresh, energy-dense meals that help runners, triathletes, and cyclists train harder
• Nutrient-rich bars and smoothies to promote fast recovery
Random Noise It Isn’t
Weekend Reading List (02.01.2014): Fat Summit, Super Apps, Cold Runnings
Fat Summit
From Bicycle Retailer: Fat Bike Summit: It’s time to develop rules for the sport
Mike Van Abel, IMBA’s executive director, told more than 110 participants at the annual Fat Bike Summit that it’s time to develop rules to guide the use of fat bikes on public land and private property. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (02.01.2014): Fat Summit, Super Apps, Cold Runnings
Adidas Expands Bra Collection
This year the sports bra collection doubled in size. That is to say, there are twice as many bra styles as last year, and includes the new maximum support Energy Bra. The collection, adidas says, “helps control the ladies”
The Energy Bra offers maximum support and is best for contact sports, running and high intensity workouts. The new Energy Bra will retail for $55. It has a three-clasp closure that allows for better adjustability. The cross-back strap design offers a personalized fit and more ventilation. Continue reading Adidas Expands Bra Collection
Vending Refurb
Park Tool’s Eric Hawkins had a great idea, and recently appeared on History’s American Restoration reality show, where the creative team of Rick’s Restoration took an old cigarette vending machine and transformed it into a Park Tool vending machine. This was actually partially filmed last September at Interbike, and now the completed project is in the Park Tool HQ in Minnesota.
American Restoration Official Website
[Via Bicycle Retailer: Park Tool makes History Channel]
Set it Up
App-uncture, which makes mobile phone apps for mountain bikers, has released the Bike Setup app. Users can enter as much or as little setup information as they like and this helps riders determine the best fixed dimensions and bicycle suspension. Currently it is available for iOS 7 or later, and is available now for $0.99. For less than a buck you can help tune up the bike’s suspension to truly suit your needs. Demo video after the jump
Kinetic Trainers Goes Interscholastic
Kinetic, a division of Kurt Manufacturing, announced this month that it will continue its support of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) as a bronze level sponsor for the next two years. Kinetic has created a detailed training section for the fourth edition of the NICA Coaches Manual to help volunteer leaders provide the best information to young student-athletes looking to maximize their training. This eight-page contribution outlines the basics of stationary bike workouts, safety precautions, creative and fun training techniques and race warm-up and cool-down routines for race-day use. In addition the coaches’ manual is available to individuals participating in NICA’s coach licensing program across the country and provides detailed guidance on riding, training, coaching and other relevant topics essential to creating a fun and positive environment for adolescent cyclists.
As part of the sponsorship, all certified NICA coaches can purchase the full line of Kinetic trainers and accessories at a discount through a Kinetic retailer in their area. This program enables coaches to set up an indoor “practice” facility so the team can get together for a workout regardless of the weather.
Schwinn Navigated CES
Earlier this month at CES in Las Vegas Schwinn unveiled its new CycleNav Smart Bike Navigator, a free mobile application that is paired with a handlebar-mounted smart-bike navigation unit. It is designed to give riders turn-by-turn audio and visual navigation from their handlebars.
When connected to a smart phone via Bluetooth the device can provide riders with audio commands and visual light indicators and this way can direct riders to the desired destination. In addition, the CycleNav application records key statistics from the journey including distance, duration and calories burned. This ride data can be shared through social networking integration including MapMyRide, and the CycleNav also includes a headlight. Continue reading Schwinn Navigated CES