Modern western societies are swamped with the most advanced communication technology the world has ever seen. They’re also – almost universally – suffering from epidemics of obesity and preventable deaths from related conditions like diabetes. Are the two related? Well possibly. Certainly, we live more sedentary lives than when we were chasing our dinner. However, mobile technology can be a good guy as well as a villain in this story, with plenty of apps offering to keep an eye on your exercise program, monitor your health and help the disabled live more active lives. Continue reading Can Your Mobile Phone Really Keep you Healthy?
Category: Cycling
Rig in the New Year
Get in the big ring with the Big Rig pedal desk. We’ve seen a variety of other desks that have melded bicycles to work, but this one is designed to meet the demands of getting a spin and getting work done.
Andy Wekin and his team are now looking at ways to harness cycling power – which they claim is already 97 percent efficient – and utilize it as a practical method of providing power as well as helping burn calories. Many of the workout desks with treadmills need to be plugged in, and the pedal power of many workout desks with bicycles just goes to waste. The concept with Big Rig is one where the energy created from pedaling could power a device!
The team is now looking to a Kickstarter campaign to get this one rolling. Video after the jump
Hand Signals
When riding a bike we know that drivers can’t read our minds when we need to make a turn. The best option – really the only option – is to use hand signals. The problem is that many times drivers still don’t take notice, and at night it can be hard to see these signals.
The Zackees Turn Signal Gloves, which are being developed by San Francisco cyclist Zach Vorhies, a former software engineer at Google, could help make the signals a little clearer to drivers. The gloves are washable, utilize a super bright LED light, and offer a long battery life. The Zackees are now being developed by a Kickstarter project and could be just the thing to make your intentions known.
Holiday Gift Guide: These Waterproof Socks Fit
Showers Pass has a new line of waterproof yet breathable socks for runners, cyclists, skiers and anyone else who might risk some cold, wet feet. The new Crosspoint WP socks offer moisture control while still feeling a regular old pair of socks.
These feature three-layer bonded construction that includes an Artex waterproof-breathable membrane that is sandwiched between the knit outer layer and moisture-wicking Coolmax FX nylon lining, while some Spandex ensures a snug fit even after multiple washings.
Hot Pants
Staying warm in cold weather isn’t easy, especially on a bike where movement creates wind. DirtBaggies has a solution and it is looking to help warm up the pants. The company is looking to develop a line of winter-purpose thermal liners.
DirtBaggies has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help get things cooking. These American made bibs feature stretchy, single-sided, wicking fleece on the legs. These are already successfully funded and will begin shipping January with a knicker and standard short lengths in all sizes. Video after the jump
Spring in Your Pedal
We’ve seen plenty of shoes that put a spring in your step, but the BIUS1 is designed to put a spring in your pedal stroke. This bicycle pedal does so by actually including a spring-mounting with it, which is designed to reduce the stress on the joints. BioConform devised these pedals so that the shoe stays in place against the platform, but the pedal can move in and out along the axle so the leg does its own thing. The company even claims these pedals work a wider range of leg muscles than other pedals.
Schwinn’s Diamond Anniversary
Schwinn is now celebrating its 75th anniversary and it doesn’t seem a day over 50! The company is marking this occasion with the release of its Paramount model with a limited edition, U.S.-made, steel road frame made at the former Schwinn-owned Paramount factory. Each of these will feature limited-edition 75th anniversary lugs, while options will include internal or Di2 routing, decaling and paint options. Paramounts will be available in three frame level options: the Paramount Air, Paramount front/stainless rear, and Paramount full stainless.
Only 25 of these custom frames will be made, and retail prices will start at $4,175 for the frame and fork. In addition, those lucky customers who buy one of the 25 frames will be invited to visit Waterford Precision Cycles for an in-person fitting. The Waterford factory was once Schwinn’s Paramount factory and was managed by Marc Muller, who bought the factory with Richard Schwinn soon after Schwinn Bicycle went bankrupt in the 1990s.
Jim Beam Lights the Way
While Jim Beam probably isn’t something that will help the ride home, the Jimmy Beam Down Light will help cyclists be seen at night. Designed for numerous uses including trucks and autos, the bike version casts light around a cyclists so that riders can be seen from a distance. This helps drivers better judge a safe distance when passing riders at night.
Dear Motorist Campaign
MyID creators ENDEVR have launched the Dear Motorist campaign this month as a way to promote cycling safety and driver awareness. The brand has partnered with various sponsors, including Bell Helmets, Camelbak and Shimano. The goal is to help educate and create positive relationships between those on bikes and in cars.
“We want to spread the message that as cyclists and motorists we can all do a little bit better; Because, I am more than just some guy or girl on a bike. I am a person with a family and friends who love and need me,” said ENDEVR, VP of Marketing and co-creator of MyID, Josh Taylor. “And, a few careless seconds can change both of our lives forever. Our video really hones in on people who have been directly affected by such circumstances.”
“Our love of cycling and the outdoors inspires us to make it safer for everyone and inspire more people to try it,” he added. “We want to reach a critical mass of cyclists and motorists that really want to make the roads safer for each other. If this message can save just one cyclist or motorist this year, think about the difference it will make for their family, friends and loved ones. Our goal is for people to walk away with a positive feeling of hope that together we can make a difference.” Continue reading Dear Motorist Campaign
The Wright Way to Ride
Detroit is in Michigan, a state that has some rivalry with Ohio. Apparently Detroit-based Shinola is putting that aside to honor Ohio’s own Wright Brothers with a special version of the Shinoloa Runwell bicycle. The Wright Brothers Bike will feature a gloss black finish, bamboo fenders and a Torpedo headlamp. Just 25 of these 11-speed internally geared bikes, which were created to honor the Wrights’ incredible contribution to America’s history of innovation and industry, will be offered for sale at the company’s stores in Detroit and New York City.
Shinola Official Website: THE WRIGHT BROTHERS LIMITED EDITION RUNWELL
The Full Finger
While mountain bikers often rely on full finger gloves, roadies sometimes need to cover all the digits as well. To this end Giro and Cinelli have stepped up with the Giro DND gloves X Cinelli. These will help those hitting the road this winter keep their hands warm, while these also offer some roadie style and flash.
[Via BikeRumor: GIRO DND GLOVES X CINELLI, C WING GETS DOWN AND DIRTY]
Lock and Dry
No one wants to ride home with a wet bicycle seat and the HelmMate offers an ideal solution, plus makes sure your helmet will be safely stored as well. This simple accessory attaches to the saddle rails on provides a large waterproof nylon bag with elastic band. This can be stretched over the seat to keep it dry during the day, plus it is large enough that a helmet can snugly held inside.
Holiday Gift Guide: The Cycling Big Shot
Do you have a friend who thinks he’s the cycling big shot? Well, than perhaps a Big Shot Custom Single Speed Bikeis just the thing to put under the tree. You can choose a high or low bar frame, pick out different accessories such as fenders and of course customize the color combo for that big shot you know.