Category: Cycling

Hip to be Locked

Hiplok-D Hiplok-PopA bike without a lock is often a bike you won’t see again. However, all locks won’t guarantee that it will be enough to deter thieves. At the recent Interbike trade show in Las Vegas bike security brand Hiplok has announced the launch of two innovative new products.

Hiplok D and Hiplok Pop could make bringing a lock a little less of a pain. The Hiplock D is designed to be the first wearable D-Lock, and it utilizes a unique clip system integrated in to the body of the sold secure rated D-lock. With this it can easily be attached to belts and bag straps as well as fit firmly in pockets, offering maximum comfort and convenience when riding.

The Hiplok Pop is designed as a lightweight, versatile cable lock and it utilizes Hiplok’s innovative patent pending “pop” system, where it easily adjusts to and fits around the riders waist. It is available in six funky colors that can be customized to suit the rider’s individuality offering a convenient and stylish way to secure your bike in lower risk areas. Video after the jump

Truly Elitist

EliteThere is nothing wrong with being somewhat “elite.” This is very much true when it comes to handmade bicycles, and the new book The Elite Bicycle by VeloPress offers just why. Written by Graeme Fife with photos by Gerard Brown it includes portraits of some of the world’s greatest bicycle artisans, examining the philosophies, the workmanship, and the personalities behind the prestigious brands.

There are more than 250 photographs along with a foreword by Sir Paul Smith.

The Elite Bicycle offers profiles of Independent Fabrication, Time, Richard Sachs, Ben Serotta, Chris King, Alex Singer, Seven, Brooks, Selle Italia, Ira Ryan, Reynolds, Cinelli, Tony Pereira, Columbus, Guru, Winter, Chas Roberts, Rourke, Cyfac, Faggin, Pegoretti, Condor/Paris, DiNucci, Spécialités TA, Sapim, Royce, Mavic, FMB, and Continental.

Get your elite on.

The Elite Bicycle Official Website

Six Parts to Shift

Bike-Shift-LeverOne thing we’ve noted with bicycles is that everything is getting a lot more complicated, especially when it comes to repair. This is no doubt good for the bike shops, but it can be bad for those who depend on a bicycle as a primary means of transportation.

It is a small problem for bicycle commuters in America when something breaks, as it means finding another way to work such as driving or taking mass transit. Generally riders in the developed world head to the shop and get the part fixed. In the developing world this isn’t so easy.

This is where One Street Components comes in with its Bike Shift Lever for Anybody, by Anybody. Sue Knaup of One Street has worked hard to develop a simple shifter that is easy to make, easy to use and most importantly of all easy to fix.

“People who rely on their bicycle can only choose from ridiculously complex, expensive shift levers or ones made from plastic and pot metal,” said Sue Knaup, One Street’s executive director. “Both types break within a few months of daily use and cannot be repaired. That’s why these new shift levers are so important for keeping people pedaling.”

One Street has just launched a Kickstarter site to bring out the simple shifter. It could be a shift towards good for those who depend on a bicycle. Video after the jump

Interbike 2013: Head Above

POCPOC has been a company that has turned heads with its unique head protection, and at last week’s Interbike trade show the company introduced its Octal helmet that weights just 200 grams while offering a precise fit. The helmet is designed to be minimal but still provides ample protection. It includes a shell that extends lower around the head and thus offers greater protection to the temples in a crash.

It is also available in red, which the company claims will stand out in traffic and help riders be visible on the road.

POC Official Website

Interbike 2013: Slide Out

SlidepadThere is often a worry that when using the front brakes on a bicycle that it could propel you over the handlebars. That would stop you in more ways than one. This is where the Slidepad system comes in.

It actually allows both the front and rear brakes to be applied on a single lever, but in such a way that the front brake won’t lock up and turn the bicycle into a catapult! This works with traditional-style cable and housing running from the handlebars to the rear brake – but the system only works with rim brakes not the more modern discs.

As the user squeezes the brakes it operates both the rear and front – with the latter being activated being just a split second earlier, thus ensuring a smooth braking. Video after the jump

Interbike 2013: Rock Out

Kinetic-Rock-and-RollEarlier this year we heard that Kinetic’s Rock and Roll trainer had been redesigned for the 2013-2014 season. At the recent Interbike trade show we were able to check it out.

It now comes fully assembled, with a design that is lighter, takes up a smaller footprint and has a re-engineered pivot point above the elastomer stack. According to Kinetic this produces a more realistic rocking motion for all rider weights. The new model also is compatible with wheel sizes up to 29 x 2.4-inch and now has rubber-over-plastic molding on all knobs and footings, and stronger roller to tire adjustment mechanisms. The Rock and Roll is compatible with Kinetic inRide Watt Meter for power training.

Kinetic by Kurt Official Website

ENDEVR Enters the Iron Age

MyIDThis month ENDEVR has announced that it has been named the official athletic gear sponsors for the most prestigious event series in the sport of triathlon, the IRONMAN Triathlon Series. At next month’s IRONMAN World Championship in Kona the company will make available its MyID, the customizable medical wristband that stores vital information with an optimized QR code that is easily accessible for the fastest and most complete medical profile in a time of emergency.

In additional the ENDEVAR StrengthTape will be the official athletic tape of the big event. The unique feature of StrengthTape is its ability to be worn for up to seven days and withstand any extreme condition including water training, which makes it a popular one for the IRONMAN.

ENDEVR Official Website

Interbike 2013: Chrome Still Shines

Chrome1At last week’s Interbike trade show in Las Vegas Chrome put the spotlight on its line of rugged commuter bags and packs for 2014. This included a peak at its knurled welded technology, which utilizes high tech radio frequency welding with a mechanical interlock between thermoplastic fabrics to create bags that will protect virtually anything inside.

These include the Front Rack Duffel 40, which is designed to attach quickly to most front utility racks and can also be carried as a duffel off the bike and the Saddle Bag Rolltop 20, a 20 liter welded-waterproof pannier that can handle adventure cycling as well as the daily adventure to work. The Saddle Bag Rolltop 20 further includes integrated laptop sleeve, five-bar haul handles and a Hypalon MOLLE system. Continue reading Interbike 2013: Chrome Still Shines

Interbike 2013: SealSkinz has the Foot Covered

SealSkinzU.K. based SealSkinz headed to the dry desert terrain of Las Vegas to introduce its own U.S. subsidiary and is unveiling its full line to American retailers last week. The company’s line of waterproof yet breathable socks will be heading to America.These handmade socks are filled with water, and if it leaks it won’t make it to your feet.

The Thin Angle Length Sock (left) is 100 percent waterproof and breathable. It has elastic around the ankle for mobility.

The Cycle Over Sock (right) are designed to be ideal for those early morning rides in the wet weather, particularly when it’s cold but these can be also used for everyday commuting just in case the weather turns. These socks are close fitting, yet the highly stretchy material easily slides over cycle shoes and the close, smooth fit means cleaner lines and less wind resistance. These even fold up and can be washed just like a pair of socks – compact and easy to clean.

SealSkinz Official Website

Interbike 2013: Wipeout Helmet for Kids

wipeout_helmet1Triple Eight is onto something. The Wipeout Dry Erase Helmet doesn’t encourage a wipeout on a bike, skateboard or in-line skates. The “wipeout” in the name is actually to denote that the surface of the protective helmet can be decorated using dry erase markers. The helmet, which is available in three sizes, comes in a 3-pack that includes multi-sport wrist guards; knee pads and elbow pads; two neon dry erase, non-toxic markers; and a helmet in either black or pink. Triple Eight also offers stencils to give kids some shapes such as rockets, spiders and peace signs to get started on their doodles. Continue reading Interbike 2013: Wipeout Helmet for Kids

Sigma ROX On

SigmaThe Sigma ROX 10.0 will help you find your way on the bike. The company’s first GPS-enable bike computer supports ANT+ plus offers route guidance and navigation, in addition to speed, cadence, altitude and heart rate functions.

It features a 1.7-inch LCD display with a reported “super bright “backlight, plus the computer is compatible with ANT+ power meters for added training data. It also comes with Data Center 3 software that can be used to download and analyze ride data, create routes or share your rides on any site that uses .FIT or .GPX files.

The Li-ion battery is charged with a standard micro USB cable and promises 13-plus hours of use per charge.ROX on!

Sigma ROX 10.0 GPS Official Website

Eurobike: Are Those Shorts Inside Out?

X-BionicNo those shots in the photo aren’t inside out. These were spotted at last month’s Eurobike, and are a new trend from X-Bionic – which offered clothing demos last week during the Demo Day. The Swiss company noted that its brand hasn’t been available in the United States, which is why these may look so odd to us. The chamois is sewn into the shorts or bibs without the usual layer of material on the outside. This reportedly allows it rest directly on the saddle and reduces friction.

X-Bionic also introduced a line of jerseys that also appear inside out and feature technology called “The Trick,” which is there to make riders sweat more.

These both look odd to us, but then again to those who don’t ride cycling attire isn’t exactly considered normal clothing either!

[Via Bicycle Retailer: X-Bionic clothing is coming to the US — Is the US ready?]