The CycleTEK Momentum1 trainer will help riders get through the winter months. The fluid resistance unit uses neutral silicone that is not affected by temperature, and this helps produce a resistance curve that is measurable and repeatable.
It also features 29er compatibility, a large flywheel for realistic coasting and acceleration resistance and a fluid resistance unit that offers a smooth and repeatable resistance curve.
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]
This Thursday is Thanksgiving and while that means a lot of food, it shouldn’t mean stressing out and it shouldn’t be about packing on the pounds. We’ve been compiling a list of cycling related events, activities and tips for cyclists:
Sacramento Appetite Enhancement Thanksgiving Day Bike Ride
The 5 Best Thanksgiving Bike Rides and Tours
When traveling to a far off land with a bicycle it usually means taking a plane, but what about a Jetpack? Not the super high tech personal flying gizmo that will probably never really be practical, but rather a special bike case that will ensure the bike arrives safely.
The Jetpack from Biknd is designed for road and mountain bikes, and it includes an inflatable wall system that acts like an airbag, absorbing any impacts the bag receives during transit. The system includes an adjustable rear axle, which allows users to fix their bike in place. It also includes a safe-locking mechanism, while an inflatable airbags lightens the overall load and provides additional protection by absorbing shocks from all angles.
Inside, the bag includes stem and crank covers, while roller wheels and an easy gripping handle allow it to be easily transported through the airport and beyond. According to Biknd the bag’s weight and build complies with luggage weight restrictions for many airlines, and when not in use the Jetpack folds down into its 12-inch by 14-inch by 50-inch nylon cover.
It is the Jetpack for the cycling jet setter.
Who says they don’t make things like they used to in Detroit. The limited edition Bixby is the product of a collaboration between Shinola and Filson, and it is one that truly shines. It features a double-butted TrueTemper steel frame, painted Filson Green, along with a Shimano Nexus 3-speed hub and mech discs. While bamboo doesn’t grow in the Motor City it still makes for a nice material for the fenders, and goes nicely with the Portland Design Works rear rack.
This is one bike that proves there are still those that can make quality products in Detroit.
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 League of American Bicyclists announced the second “Platinum” college campus, along with 17 new Bicycle Friendly Universities. Joining Stanford is the University of California-Davis, which is fitting as the City of Davis has been a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community since 2005.
With this latest round of applications and awards, the program has expanded to a total of 75 colleges in 32 states and Washington, D.C.
“As our Bicycle Friendly University program grows, the promise for a more Bicycle Friendly America does, too,” said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. “Colleges and universities propel our leaders of the future, and more and more of those students are choosing bicycles as their transportation option of choice. We commend universities like Bowdoin College; University of California, Davis; and the University of Montana, who are leading the way to a healthier, more sustainable future.”
Current Bicycle Friendly Universities Fall 2013 Official List
For many commuting by bicycle might be in their genes, but it will be the jeans and much more that cover the riders. Levi’s Commuter clothing line has expanded for the fall, and includes new parkas, tees, woven tops and of course jeans. These offer performance features including water resistance, moisture wicking, reflective accents and greater mobility.
The lineup includes the waterproof Type 2 Commuter parka (MSRP $348), which offers high breathability and heat retention, odor protection tech, drop-tail coverage, touring pockets, and elongated cuffs for partial hand coverage. The 504 Straight 5 Pocket Jean ($98) is a meant for riding. It is made of performance stretch fabric and offers a raised rear yolk to prevent back exposure, while reinforced crotch gusset and utility waistband for U-lock storage make it ideal on the bike while still looking good off it.
The Commuter Pocket Tee ($38) provides a causal look that offers comfort as well. It is made from breathable cotton and has extended raglan sleeves and reflective dots on the lower back for visibility. The Commuter Work Shirt ($88) is ideal for those cool but not cold days, as it has water-repelling and perspiration-absorbing properties, extended tail for back coverage and gusseted shoulders for improved mobility.
Many bike lights will shine the way but they have a design that will make you glad it’s dark so no one will have to see it. Fixed Bike Lights has designed a line of permanently attached lights that will look good day or night, and this includes the Space Light, which can sit below the steam in the stack of handle bar spaces. It is angled to light the path ahead, and features a double-lens and is sealed with a silicone gasket to make it weather resistant.
This is designed for both 1-inch and 1 1/8-inch steer tubes, and by sitting in the spacers this light is difficult to steal and will be there at night to light the way home.
Strava certainly lets users push themselves, but often times you can’t tell how you’re doing until the ride is over. But now the personal mapping and tracking system for runners and cyclists is working with 4iiii’s, which produces special glasses that can stream data directly to the lenses.
The new Cliiiimb app can now pull live segment data from Strava and relay it to the Sportiiiis heads up display. Just be sure to keep your eyes on the road! Video after the jump
Minnesota has winter. Whether you consider it “harsh” depends on if enjoy or endure it. For those in the latter, winter is a time to hit the fat wheel bikes – and this winter those on a budget can take out The Minnesota, which is available in two models beginning at $799.
These are from The House Outdoor Gear, the giant retailer of snow sports equipment. Clearly the company saw a market for snow bikes. The basic $799 1.0 model features a nine-speed aluminum frame with disc brakes and SRAM X5 components. The 2.0 is $100 more and offers 18 speeds. Both are ready to roll this winter.