Category: Cycling

Octoplus Has You Covered

OctoplusDon’t toss that old cycling helmet just because the liner has seen better days. While we all know that helmets should be replaced on a regular basis the internal liner often wears out long before the outer shell. Italian cycling company Effeto Mariposa has shown that it reaches out in many directions and fitting has introduced the “Octoplus” a replacement helmet pad system.

The non-allergic, anti-microbial and machine washable kit – which includes a star-shaped main pad along with several smaller pads, provides a solid fit for most helmets. Video after the jump

Fab FLAB

FLABRiding a bike is meant to get you – and even keep you – in shape. But while riders do come in all shapes and sizes, clothing does not. Often time most cycling attire is designed for those ready to wear yellow in the Tour de France, so larger riders are left with fewer options.

Seeing this need for clothing for the larger set is Fat Lad at the Black – or FLAB – a new clothing line launched by three Yorkshire cyclists. Designed in the U.K. it is made in Italy and is aimed at Mamils (Middle aged men in Lycra). So enjoy the extra beer after the ride, or go back for another burrito. These clothes will have you covered – just don’t over do it too much.

Fat Lad at the Back Cyclewear Official Website

Weekend Reading List (10.12.2013): UniRider, Shoe Hole, Football Tech

UniRider

UniRiderFrom Gear Junkie: Man Rides Unicycle On 525-Mile Bike Tour
Riding 525 miles on a bicycle is a solid physical challenge. Grandfather of five Mark Massie made it tougher, opting to ride the entire California Coast Classic Bike Tour on a unicycle. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (10.12.2013): UniRider, Shoe Hole, Football Tech

Dutch Inspired Jacket

Showers-PassOne thing about the Netherlands is that it rains a bit and people ride bikes – hence they ride in the rain. The new Amsterdam jacket from Showers Pass would be right at home in the Dutch capital, as it is designed for bicycle commuters who want to stay comfortable and dry on the bike but still look presentable off it.

The jacket is made with a three-layer waterproof softshell fabric in a charcoal gray. It features a drop-down 3M reflective rear panel, reflective piping accents, gusseted weather-guard cuffs and adjustable hem with cord lock, hidden pit zips, side pockets and a chest pocket with audio port.

Showers Pass Official Website

Serious Ride to Work

BMCIf you’re commuting to work on BMC’s ACO1 then you are riding in style. The company introduced the redesigned urban commuter for 2014 and the AC01 borrows aero technology from BMC’s timemachine aero road bikes, and geometry from the company’s gran fondo bikes. Other features include a cutaway seattube to allow the same chainstay dimension as the BMC grand fondo GF01 (412mm) while still allowing room for fenders and wider tires. Up front, the fork is deisgned for minimal length while accepting fenders and wider tires.

The AC01 is slimmed down from last year and is 500 grams light, while the lateral and torsional stiffness was increased. Accessories also include BMC’s proprietary Curana fenders, which can be installed in seconds. Lighting and anti-theft devices also are even available from BMC. The bike is available in four colors and seven component packages, ranging from a Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal drivetrain with Gates belt drive to an Alfine Di2 group or SRAM XX1 group. It won’t come cheap to ride this one to work, and you may be brown bagging lunch as a result. The complete bikes range in price from $1,499 for a Shimano Soro-equipped model, up to $4,999 for the Alfine Di2 or XX1 bike.

BMC Official Website

Join the New Belong

PeopleForBikesThe industry-backed Bikes Belong Foundation has changed its name to PeopleForBikes, and with that the Boulder, Colo., organization is looking to get one million people on board.

“I am for bikes. I’m for long rides and short rides. I’m for commuting to work, weekend rides, racing, riding to school, or just a quick spin around the block. I believe that no matter how I ride, biking makes me happy and is great for my health, my community and the environment we all share. That is why I am pledging my name in support of a better future for bicycling—one that is safe and fun for everyone. By uniting my voice with a million others, I believe that we can make our world a better place to ride.”

Sign the pledge Official Website

Speak Up

AudioPLUX“What did you say? I couldn’t hear you! That’s because I’m wearing headphones that block the outside world.”

We’ve all been there in one way or another, but Lou Tortola of Windsor, Canada is looking to change this with the AudioPLUX speaker system for cyclist. Tortola is now looking to Kickstarter to develop these speakers, which are meant to be “away from the ear” while still providing solid audio quality.

The idea is that these won’t suppress ambient sounds, but will still let you enjoy the tunes. Video after the jump

Chopping at the Bit

BitLockThere are plenty of durable and very secure bike locks on the market, but one problem is that if you lose the key you’re bike isn’t exactly accessible. However, Mehrdad Majzoobi is looking to launch a Kickstarter project for the BitLock, which turns a smartphone into the key for the lock.

This works with iOS and Android and takes advantage of Bluetooth technology. In addition to providing a secure key that you hopefully won’t use, it also records the location of the bike lock via GPS, which can allow multiple users to “share” a bike and find it when it is needed.

We’ll be sure to watch this project and let readers know when it goes live.

BitLock Kickstarter Site

Dutch Cycle Intersections

httpv://youtu.be/FlApbxLz6pA

Coming to a busy intersection is what may be most worrisome for many cyclists, but apparently the Dutch are considering some options as the video above demonstrates. While not exactly a new video, it is making the rounds again and shows that there are better ways bike lanes can be integrated into the urban infrastructure.

Bicycle Boot Kicks It up

Buca-BootWhen we think of a boot for a bicycle we’re thinking of something you wear on your feet, but the Buca Boot is really taking the British concept that the “boot” is the trunk of a car, as in the place for storage and transporting of things. Designed for the urban rider who has to often carry more than just his/herself, this storage space attaches to the rack of the bicycle and can carry big things such as groceries, while side panniers can be used to increase the load size. There is also the option to close up and lock the Boot protect smaller stuff – and thanks to the gasket around the lid items placed inside can endure some weather such as rain or even snow.

The Buca Boot is the brainchild of designer Kathryn Carlson, who launched a Kickstarter project to bring this one to market. Continue reading Bicycle Boot Kicks It up

Weekend Reading List (09.05.2013): Boa Yeah, Getting Warm

Boa Yeah

Boa

From GizMag: Boa Taking Over As Bike Shoe Closure Of Choice
Boa Technology touts its twist-to-tighten, cable-and-dial closure systems as light, easily adjustable and strong. Manufacturers seem to agree. Eight bike shoe brands will release 39 new models with Boa closures by spring 2014. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (09.05.2013): Boa Yeah, Getting Warm

Strider Shaves the Weight

StriderStrider announced that its new aluminum-framed ST-PRO is about two pounds lighter than the company’s steel-framed balance bikes, making it easy for even the smallest children to handle (but hopefully not to throw).

The Strider ST-PRO was designed and built based on the same no-pedal design as the original Strider, and at under five pounds, it is the lightest Strider available to date and was designed for toddlers aged 18 months to 5 years old. It has puncture-proof 12-inch EVA polymer tires, adjustable seat and handlebar and even a number plate.

Strider Official Website