Cycling | Evolving Consumer

Interbike 2013: Pioneer Starts a Dual

Pioneer is looking to power up, or rather have cyclists get in the power know with its new power meter system and cyclocomputer, which made their debut at last week’s Interbike trade show. This new robust system is the first to ever achieve on-bike, real time, dual-leg pedaling power measurements and analysis that graphically illustrates left and right power output, as well as pedaling stroke efficiency, power loss, force vector analysis and torque.

The SGX-CA900 Cyclocomputer and SGY-PM900H79 Pedaling Monitor/Power Meter Sensor can track cadence and heart rate; GPS positioning, speed, distance and elevation gain/loss; and even barometric pressure and ambient temperature. The system is now available through KHS Bicycles, located in Rancho Dominguez, California, and QBP, located in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Video after the jump

Interbike 2013: Sights From the Show Floor Day 3

The final day of Interbike 2013 still saw a lot of activity on the show floor, and allowed us to take in everything we (almost) missed including Colnago’s new road bike above. It was hard not to know this was a Colnago! Continue reading Interbike 2013: Sights From the Show Floor Day 3

Interbike 2013: Triple 8 Goes Four

We’re not exactly good at math, but Triple Eight announced at Interbike this week that it is expanding its Bike Line with four new helmets. These include the new Gotham (above), which offers a mix of style, comfort and safety for the urban/commuter market. This helmet features a subtle brim and Triple Eight logo vent, along with a custom Adjustable Fit Dial System, patented Conehead EPS liner technology plus reflective branding for safety.

In addition the lineup includes the lightweight in-mold design Compass, which will be good for those heading out to the trails or just a cruise through town. This MTB helmet features greater head coverage than traditional bike helmets and an Adjustable Fit Dial System to provide a secure, custom fit no matter how rugged the terrain. The Invader takes up it up a notch and is for those who want to make a full blown assault on bombing hills or hitting jumps, while the Lil 8 is for those younger riders, and is dual certified for toddler skaters and riders. It even offers the Adjustable Fit Dial System because the little ones should have a great fit too.

Triple 8 Official Website

Interbike 2013: Basket Case

In the Netherlands bikes are more than just something people ride for exercise or as an alternate way to commute to work. In fact in the Netherlands bikes are often the primary means of transportation and this means you need a way to carry things home.

Basil Bags has been creating bicycle baskets since 1976 and while it might not seem all that innovative, the company looks to deliver cutting-edge designs that are fashionable and more importantly functional for daily use. This can be enough to quickly transform any commuting-worthy bicycle into a cargo bike.

Basil Bags Official Website

Fortified Light Promises to Go the Distance

The concept of “planned obsolescence” is very much alive and well today. If products last forever then the company making it would eventually find itself out of business. But apparently Slava Menn didn’t take the business studies class that explained this fact.

He’s going against the grain with his Kickstarter project to launch Fortified: Bike Lights That Last Forever. While he’s about half way through his crowd funding campaign he’s long since surpassed his goals. The MIT grad is looking to create a line of bike lights that aren’t just durable, but are also theft-proof.

The new concept includes the Aviator, a head light, and the Afterburner tail light. Both feature a water- and shockproof aluminum construction and attach to the bike via a custom security screw – making it very hard for thieves to steal the light. Each of these LED lights is further powered by a lithium-ion battery that can be recharged via USB, and both lights will go the distance. On a single charge the Aviator can run for about 40 hours while the Afterburner won’t burn out for 200+ hours!

Menn knows a thing or two about Kickstarter campaigns too, as he successfully launched The Defender last year and has since sold 5,000 to city cyclists around the world. Now he’s looking to create a street-proof light that is invincible, theft-proof and comes with a lifetime, “no-matter-what-guarantee.” If anyone can deliver on this promise we think Menn is just the man. Video after the jump

Interbike 2013: Sights From the Show Floor Day 2

More sights from the Interbike 2013 – including World Jersey’s notable “2nd Amendment” jersey (above), which we thought made a powerful statement! Kudos to this company for not being one to pull punches. Continue reading Interbike 2013: Sights From the Show Floor Day 2

Interbike 2013: 2006 Tour de France Champion Oscar Pereiro to Marshal RTC Viva Bike Vegas 2013 Gran Fondo Pinarello

While he might not be in yellow on Saturday, 2006 Tour de France champion Oscar Pereiro will be leading the RTC Viva Bike Vegas 2013 Gran Fondo as Grand Marshal.

“The sheer environment and energy a ride like Viva Bike Vegas offers is impressive,” said Periero. “With my passion for this sport, coupled with a city where the cycling culture is ever-growing, I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to ride through the famous Las Vegas Strip and some of the most majestic and unique destinations in the world, such as the Red Rock Conservation Area.”

RTC Viva Bike Vegas 2013 Gran Fondo will occur at the conclusion of this week’s Interbike, and the annual cycling event offers routes for all skill levels, including a 104-mile Gran Fondo, a 61-mile Metric Century, and a 17-mile ride. This year’s RTC Viva Bike Vegas 2013 Gran Fondo will begin under the lights of the famous Las Vegas Strip and go through downtown Las Vegas.

Viva Bike Vegas Official Website

Checking In

The “Boot” of Italy has a lot to offer in the way of sights, foods and so much more. While there are plenty of options to drive from point to point in Italy, why not take a bicycle – arguably the truest form of Italian transportation. Consider it a personal Giro d’Italia!

And while many hotels in America and elsewhere don’t always appreciate riders bringing a bicycle, this isn’t a problem in Italy, where almost 50 hotels make up a comprehensive consortium. From the Italian coastlines to the Italian Alps, and through the country side these hotels promise a unique experience for customers, along with many biking accommodations that include mechanical workshops and bike garages to Italian style dinners. There are even options for relaxing massage therapy and spa – not to mention free laundry for sweaty cycling apparel!

Italy Bike Hotels Official Website

Hammer on the Road

Hammering while riding means going all out and possibly a bit more, but the Hammerhead Navigation system could be a way to help you navigate streets and trails with ease. This compact, portable device affixes to the handlebar and guides you via an LED light array.

This system, which communicates with an Android or iOS app via Bluetooth Smart, provides turn-by-turn directions. This can include crowd sourced route suggestions offering the best possible options to get from point A to point B. It is even designed to work with bike share programs including Bixi and B-Cycle.

Hammerhead Navigation is now looking to Dragon Innovation to raise funding.

Hammerhead Dragon Innovation Site

Interbike 2013: Sights From the Show Floor Day 1

Interbike 2013 started off with a bang as we took in the sights of the show floor. We chatted with 2006 Tour de France winner Oscar Pereito. Continue reading Interbike 2013: Sights From the Show Floor Day 1

Grand Fondo Pedal

Gran Fondo mean big ride in Italian, but the Fondo from Sampson Sports is one grand looking cycling pedal. Deisgned for ease of use while still providing high-performance, the pedals feature a large shoe/pedal contact area for comfort, a very thin profile with chamfered outer edge for added cornering clearance, and a cold-forged and CNC-finished axle that spins on a sealed bearing system.

These new pedals, which weight just 143 grams each, feature Sampson’s new GripStrip, which helps grab the cleat so you can pedal and not lose balance or forward momentum. The Fondo is compatible with its own recessed cleat but will also work with Shimano’s SPD cleats. These further off adjustable entry and release tension and an alloy body that is open to allow mud and debris to pass through.

Sampson Sports Official Website

Interbike 2013: Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut

You don’t have to be nutty to want to look good and stand out while protecting your head. The Nutcase helmets, which are being demonstrated at this week’s Interbike are multi-purpose helmets for recreational use in snowboarding, skiing, cycling, inline skating, skateboarding and watersports.

As the company likes to proclaim these fit your head, and suits your soul. We think these are just the thing that could make helmets cool for all sports.

Nutcase Helmets Official Website

New Twist in the Fork

A fork in the road usually means that things can go different ways, and the Lauf Forks does take cycling technology in a very different way indeed. This new mountain bike suspension fork, which was designed by Icelandic entrepreneurs Benedikt Skulason and Gudberg Bjornsson, could be seeing as coming out of left field.

However, the Lauf Fork – which first made its appearance at Eurobike – is designed with no moving partners and thus requires virtually no maintenance. It also weights just 980 grams – or roughly half traditional suspension forks. It features main legs made out of carbon fiber, but the secret to this one’s potential success is its use of “springstacks” – two on each leg – that provide the shock absorption.

This reportedly provides about 60mm of travel, which is far less than the convention suspension forks that offer at least 110mm. However, this could be just the thing that takes fork development in another direction. Video after the jump