Category: Cycling

Water Launcher

XLAB-Torpedo-Hydration-SystTorpedoes can blast through the water, and now the XLAB Torpedo Hydration System 400 can deliver water right on target to cyclists on time trial and triathlon bikes. This 26-ounce BPA-free aero bottle offers a carbon mount, carbon cage and even includes a color-coordinated bite valve and spacers.

It offers two straw potions for riders, includes a bike valve that allows for fluid intake only and features a solid refill lid for adding powders, tablets for sport drink mixes. The refill area is even behind the computer to avoid any spills or mishaps.

XLAB Torpedo Hydration System 400 Official Website

Vari the Ride

VaribikeWe’ve been seeing a trend in bicycles that provide a drive train that utilizes arm as well as leg-power. The 4StrikeBike and the Raxibo Hand-Tret-Velo both offer hand cranks in addition to the typical pedal cranks.

Now Varibike looks to feature both a traditional drivetrain and a handlebar stem-mounted set of cranks that the rider turns with the arms. This power is transmitted from down to the main drivetrain via a rubber-sheathed chain. The advantage of this system is that it could allow riders to use just the arms, just the legs or both. This lets riders “vari” their workout. Video after the jump

Interbike Preview: Day Trader

Bicycle-Blue-BookA used bike doesn’t have to mean used and abused, but determining the value of a “previously owned bicycle” can be more challenging than buying a used car. However, the Bicycle Blue Book might make things a whole lot easier – for both buyers and sellers.

This service can take a lot of guess work out the pricing for used bikes, and it can even reduce some of the risk out buying via sites such as Craigslist – by involving a third party. As the company noted, “Bicycle Blue Book is a service that takes the wild west out of the used bike market.”

The Bicycle Blue Book will be at this month’s Interbike trade show in Las Vegas.

Bicycle Blue Book Official Website

Loaded With Buckshot

BuckshotThis Buckshot will blow you away – with big sound from its small package. This rugged, water-resistant speaker is built for cycling and other outdoor adventures. It features an IPX-5 water-resistance rating, and is both shock-resistant and dust-proof.

The Outdoor Tech Buckshot can connect wirelessly to a handset, tablet, laptop or any other Bluetooth-enabled device; and stream clear audio for a range of up to 32 feet for 10 hours. It features a built-in microphone for hands-free phone call functionality as well.

Outdoor Tech Buckshot Official Website

Made in America: Detroit Bikes Are Rolling

Detroit-BikesWhile Detroit rusts away, the once proud Motor City still produces some fine products – and that includes the new line of bikes from Detroit Bikes. These durable steel bikes look ready to handle the mean streets and more. The 3-speed A-Type comes with coaster brake and fenders, but takes a page form the Henry Ford Model T playbook, and are available in any color you like – as long as it is black.

If you want one you’ll have to head Michigan as the company is looking to sell locally before rolling out nationwide.

Detroit Bikes Official Website

Swing and Tilt

YakimaGetting a bike to the trails shouldn’t be a headache, and the new Yakima 2014 line of hitch-mast bike racks make it a bit less of a headache. This includes the FullSwing and the FullTilt.

Available beginning in the New Year these models feature a function that puts all controls for the arm, fold, and mast tilt on top of the unit, eliminating the need for the user to bend down. The hitch pin also automatically engages when inserting the mast into the vehicle hitch, eliminating the need to reach under the vehicle.These also include ratcheting ZipStrips to attach the bikes, instead of the more common rubber straps. The FullSwing and FullTilt come pre-assembled and include a full SKS (“Same Key System”) lock package that locks the bikes to the rack and the rack to the vehicle.

The FullSwing, which carries four bikes and swings away from the vehicle laterally, will retail for $499, while the FullTilt tilts back (hence the name), away from the vehicle, and it offers four- or five-bike capacity. The four-bike FullTilt will retail for $399; while the five-bike model retails for $429.

Both models even have integrated bottle openers so you can enjoy a beverage at the end of the ride – but before you drive home.

Yakima Car Racks Official Website

Tips and Tricks

FitTripTablets are truly revolutionizing the way people work out, and Shane Schieffer of Gusto Technologies is looking to Kickstarter to develop the FitTrip App that merges games with fitness.

This is hardly the first time we’ve seen some “cross pollination” but the FitTrip app ties together an iPad, a heart rate monitor and can create a virtual experience. When used with an exercise bike, rowing machine or treadmill it will let users get engaged and push themselves by transforming the workout in a game, where effort actually works as the controls.

The idea is to transform each workout into an exciting trip, and the only downside we see is that users are limited to such a small screen to enjoy the journey. Video after the jump

Eurobike: German Leader Attends Bicycle Trade Show

MerkelPRESS RELEASE: Last Wednesday 28 August, German chancellor Angela Merkel officially opened Eurobike, the biggest bicycle trade show in Europe, a first for a German head of government. Addressing the more than 10 000 attendees of the show, Merkel said that Germany is a „cycling nation“. She also said that the more cyclists there are on the streets, the safer they are – a „reason to increase the share of cycling.“
“Angela Merkel attending Eurobike is a big day for cycling advocacy,” said Burkhard Stork, executive director of German ECF member ADFC. “With a German chancellor opening Eurobike, we have shown that we can actually get world leaders to listen to us as a cycling federation.” Continue reading Eurobike: German Leader Attends Bicycle Trade Show

Weekend Reading List (08.31.2013): Eurobike Gets Fat, Bats Evolve, Ethiopian Made

Eurobike Gets Fat

Fatties

From Bicycle Retailer: Fatties make their way to Germany
“I nearly didn’t bring this back,” said Ian Ganderton, as he dismounted Salsa’s new carbon fat bike, the Beargrease.
Ganderton, a distributor for QBP’s brands in Dubai, said he brought fat bikes in about a year ago and can’t keep enough of them in stock. “The [Surly] Moonlander has been a huge hit. Interest in [fat bikes] is just phenomenal. This past winter, they were big for us.” Continue reading Weekend Reading List (08.31.2013): Eurobike Gets Fat, Bats Evolve, Ethiopian Made

Docking Station

Bike-DockWe’ve seen a variety of bike racks, wall mounts and other storage options, but the Bike Dock is certainly a novel one. This hideaway bicycle/gear storage rack, which was designed by Dave Custer of Bend, Oregon is currently a Kickstarter project.

He reportedly came upon this idea when he found he had not room to park multiple bikes in his single car garage and yet wanted more than a generic wall rack. The result was the Bike Dock, which is made of powdercoated steel and a few springs. As with a few other racks we’ve seen this one can fold up when not needed – and has that industrial art look to it.

When it is needed, it provides a place to hang a bike along with ample storage for a helmet and other gear. Video after the jump

Kinetic(Mis)Shift: Pedal Pub Got Tipsy

PedalPubCan this be a good idea? In 2009 Minneapolis Pedal Pubs rolled out with an interesting premise- it is a rolling bar where each person is required to pedal. The driver of said vehicle isn’t actually drinking but everyone else on board might be partaking in a brew.

Already this sounds like a BAD IDEA! But the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported last week that two were taken to a hospital after the vehicle crashed – should we be the least bit surprised?

The most shocking part is that the police say alcohol was a factor. We say, “this time.”

[Via: StarTribune: 2 taken to hospital after pedal pub tips over in downtown Minneapolis]