The above helmet has a real Scottish look to it, and it features wool plaids and genuine leather – and it will look stylish for commuting. This cycling helmet is actually part of the new line coming from German lock maker Abus, which is looking to enter the North American market next year.
It could give some new options for bike commuters and casual riders.
From Sport Techie: Reviewing the New Olympic Athletes’ Hub App for Sochi 2014
On November 3, the International Olympics Committee (IOC) launched a new Olympic Athletes’ Hub app in order to connect fans with Olympic athletes like never before. With a searchable directory of all athletes and their various social network feeds, fans can find their favorite stars on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Another unique feature within the app is the ability for verified athletes to text each other or the IOC from within the framework of the app. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (11.16.2013):
Chrome Industries has probably saved many a bike commuter by providing durable bags that can carry a lot, but the company is truly the rescue with its line of durable BLCKCHRM bags. These are made form hypalon, material originally used to make U.S. Coast Guard rescue rafts. These bags feature liners with tightly woven nylon, while the trim is full grain leather and hardware is coated with rubber.
These American made bags are guaranteed for life.
Can you ever have too much protection when securing or locking up a bicycle? Probably not, especially if the bike is valuable and you count on it for riding to and from work. The Next Gen Bike Rack might just be generation overkill.
It was invented by Montreal inventor Peter Krantz and this rack offers much more than what the best U-Lock will provide. It is as much a docking station as a bike rack and the front wheel is secure in a special opening that makes it impossible to remove the wheel, while a steel arm locks the back of the bike. A U-Lock secures the rear wheel and the back of the frame.
No bolt cutter could get through this thing, and the design is such that it won’t scratch the paint. The downside to this is that it is more for a bike garage so it does limit where it could be placed. For those who commute by bike it could mean the difference between hoping the bike is safe and knowing it will be there at the end of the day.
While many businesses have been steadily embracing cycling, things haven’t been as smooth on the government side of things. However, this month the League of American Cyclists announced that many federal agencies are now becoming bike friendly as well.
The League of American Bicyclists announced 91 new Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFB) from across the country, extending the program to 43 states and Washington, D.C. These new awardees join a trendsetting group of more than 600 local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies across the United States that are transforming the American workplace.
“Government agencies are definitely following the lead of the private sector in creating better places to work,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “That’s particularly exciting because the health savings, environmental benefits and increased productivity of a healthier and happier workforce benefit us all. Let’s hope the politicians on Capitol Hill are paying attention to this good work!”
On the government side of things the National Park Service, which manages the nation’s parks and National Mall, moved up from Bronze to Silver this round. In addition the Federal Communications Commission moved up from Bronze to Silver this round. The FCC has seen its number of bike commuters double since the agency received Bronze, and leaders look forward to even more participation with this latest announcement.
Also based in D.C., the International Monetary Fund is a new Bronze-level business. The IMF boasts more than 400 registered bicyclists in its workforce.
Current Bicycle Friendly Businesses Fall 2013 Official Website
The Company:
The company is a major manufacturer of high-tech bicycles with a worldwide distributorship and many professional endorsements. Their mission is to promote bike riding through innovative products and exceptional care for their dealers and customers.
The Challenge:
In their ongoing quest to improve the efficiency and aerodynamics of their bikes, company engineers have been testing them in a wind tunnel since 2000. The goal is to improve design to reduce drag, so the same amount of power will create more speed and better air flow. The wind tunnel testing works well for mechanical assemblies like the bikes and components. However, in order to obtain truly realistic results, the interaction between the bike and the rider must also be factored into any wind resistance testing plan. Continue reading Kinetic Op-Ed: 3D Scanning Speed and Accuracy Prevail to Scan Bike and Rider for the Windiest Conditions
The Electra 2 cycling jacket from Louis Garneau will help keep the chill out on those cool days, and if it heats up just a bit the sleeves are detachable and it can quickly convert to a vest. The back is even vented to prevent cyclists from overheating. It features a front two way zipper, as well as chest and back pockets that zip closed to carry that important stuff. There is even a mini-light tab that helps a rider be seen at night.
The Electra 2 is made of Diamond Air fabric that is light and breathable but still can act as a windbreaker, while the Mesh Airdry will wick moisture away. It is a cool jacket for those cool days.
Last month the Spanish cabinet approved amendments to the existing Law on Traffic, Circulation, Motor Vehicles and Road Safety, and then passed the proposed bill to the Spanish Parliament for approval. Under the heading “Improving Road Safety’ is an amendment that could make bicycle helmets mandatory for all cyclists under the age of 18 on all roads (urban and rural).
This may sound like a good idea, but the European Cyclists’ Federation noted that mandatory helmet laws could actually discourage people from cycling. The above poster – in Spanish – noted “20 children are run over per year. Would you feel safer if your child wore a helmet? The danger for children are cars, not riding bicycles.”
The ECF also added:
“Research in the field of cycling in Australia (a country with a MHL) has led to the conclusion that “the greatest effect of the helmet law was not to encourage cyclists to wear helmets but to discourage cycling” (Robinson 1996). By portraying cycling as a dangerous activity, MHLs dissuade people from cycling.”
This is something to consider. While recommended use of helmets could warn people why a helmet is necessary, making these mandatory could have the effect of keeping people off bikes.
No pain, no gain. So if you want a serious workout on the training bike you need to do more than watch cartoons and the evening news. The Sufferfest provides downloadable cycling training videos that feature high-intensity workouts along with a soundtrack to get you and keep you in high gear. These are training videos for beginnings to the pros. And now Sufferfest is even compatible with Strava. Video after the jump
Plenty of cycling apparel companies offer the latest fabrics, but if you’re looking for a retro look and want the old school Merino wool – with a 21st century twist – then Earth, Wind and Rider might be just the thing for you. The company utilizes 100 percent Australian Merino wool that offers a timeless look. The New Rochelle, NY company even does custom jerseys – complete with a retro look.
We know that “Fat Tuesday” is the usually held for Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but Ogden Utah will have a fat Friday and Saturday. The Global Fat Bike Summit will be held January 24-25 to promote fat bikes’ low environmental impact, seek access to lands currently off limits to bikes, and explores the potential for local economic growth opportunity such access can bring. It will bring together dealers, consumers, land managers, fat bike manufacturers and media representatives.
The two-day event, co-sponsored by Quality Bicycle Products and Ogden City, combines educational seminars, a fat bike expo, a festival, and a race.
From Cycling News: Lance Armstrong exclusive interview: Part 1
A year on from USADA’s Reasoned Decision, Lance Armstrong swivels in his desk chair as he talks at length about the last 12 months and many aspects of his career starting from when he turned professional back in 1992. The now disgraced Texan has agreed to sit down with Cyclingnews Editor Daniel Benson for a face-to-face interview in his new temporary home in a sleepy suburban district of Austin. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (11.09.2013): Lance Comes Clean, Student Board, Race Circuit
A helmet is a good thing to have when riding the mean streets, but as we’ve found many opt not to don one on their heads because it can be a pain to have to carry it around the whole day. We’ve seen some folding helmets already, but the Morpher truly knows when to fold it.
This helmet is now being designed via an Indiegogo project, and unlike other designs this one folds completely flat. The prototypes have already passed European testing standards and British designer Jeff Woolf is looking to get authorities in Australia and the U.S. on board as well. This could be the beginning of one mighty, morphing bike helmet. Video after the jump