Cycling | Evolving Consumer

NOAH Where to Go

NOAH the movie didn’t exactly make a splash at the box office, but NOAH the bike could be the next big thing. NOAH – or Normally Operated Articulated Hybrid suspension system – made its debut at the recent Bespoked U.K. Handmade Bicycle Show in London. It was developed by U.K.-based COFA Engineering.

This is a unique full-suspension system for a bicycle and instead of utilizing the usual rear and shock and front suspension fork it offers two midships-mounted rear shocks. In its current form it provides 230 mm of front travel so it can more than a mere bump in the road.

The bike does weigh in at 40 pounds, so it isn’t exactly light. However, in its current form it is still a proof-of-concept bike not a production model. If the designers can get it to lose some weight they could completely change the traditional dual suspension mountain bike. Video after the jump

Color of Controversy

This week the Giro d’Italia kicks off in Northern Ireland and begins surprisingly on a Friday – not a Saturday. The biggest controversy however could be off the course as Rapha has launched a memorial jersey in honor of Marco Pantani. While a percentage of each jersey will go to the Pantani Foundation, which encourages troubled teens to get into cycling, the choice of jersey still remains a bold choice – given that Pantani was disqualified from the 1999 Italian classic for testing positive for performance enhancing drugs.

However, some are seeing that Pantani still brought a certain level of panache to the sport, and through the foundation could perhaps some youngsters to steer clear of trouble.

[Via BikeRadar: Commemorative Rapha Pantani Jersey launched]

CYLO Ready to Go

CYLO has rolled out what it claims to be the “Ultimate Urban Bicycle,” and it could live up to the claim with its lightweight yet durable 6061 aluminum frame, dynamo hub that powers the front and rear integrated lights and Gates Carbon Belt Drive with 3-speed Shimano Nexus hub. This bike was designed by ARRO.studio in Paris, but will be manufactured and assembled in Portland, Oregon.

CYLO Official Website

Eye of the Cat

The CatEye Rapid X safety light won’t leave you in the dark. It can switch from steady mode to flashing mode automatically when the battery power decreases by 20 percent while the flashing mode can provide riders with a full extra hour of light.

Both the front and rear modes are USB-rechargeable and offer Lithium Polymer batteries to go the distance. The lights feature a total of six modes, and will run in high mode for about one hour, low mode for about five hours and in flashing mode for about 30 hours. There is a “Rapid” flash mode will run for about 16 hours, “pulse” flash for about the same amount of time and even a “vibration” flash mode will run for about eight hours. CatEye claims that the pulse mode is “peloton friendly” so fellow riders won’t be blinded by the light.

CatEye Official Website

Forska Looks to Catch Up

Cycling apparel maker Foska looks to play catch up – or rather Ketchup. It has introduced a new jersey for this season that is dedicated to Heinz Tomato Ketchup. It is just one of several new food inspired jerseys. Something tells us you might get hungry and thirsty with a pack ride filled with these jerseys.

These jerseys are made of Coolmax material and feature a ¾ zipper along with three deep pockets, and with a sport fit could perfect for the next ride to the pub!

Foska Official Website

Freedom Ride

The FreeRider Pannier for Urban Bike Commuting are designed to allow for stress free rides to work. The idea is to take the heavy bag off the back and allow for a more comfortable – and potentially less stressful – commute. The pack, which is being brought to market via a Kickstarter campaign, can hold a backpack, messenger bag or even as the designers suggest a 12-pack of beer.

The FreeRider will be manufactured at Green Guru’s production facility in Boulder, Colorado. Video after the jump

Made in America: Kit Up

Simple is the way that some people roll, and the EDC Bike Kit is truly as simple as it gets. These tools are all made in America and are just what you need for the daily commute – hence EDC (Every Day Carry). The idea isn’t just to make it simple, which it is, but also to make it pocket friendly, rugged and there when you need it.

The EDC Bike Kit includes two hex keys, a pair of mini pry bars for quick tire changes and a glow in the dark compass to ensure you find your way. It is all tied together on a quick release brass key ring.

EDC Bike Kit Official Website

Stand Up

There are times when you don’t need to hang the bike on the wall, but you don’t want to lean it there either. If you’re short on walls many bike stands just won’t work, but Scorpion Bike Stands offers a solution. This simple looking metal stand does look a bit like the stinging creature but its “tail” doesn’t so much sting as can hold a bike in place via the crank holes.

One stand fits all wheel sizes, and it comes with a 10mm stinger welded on as well as two adapters to accommodate larger crank holes. We think it rocks out like a scorpion.

Scorpion Bike Stand Official Website

Weekend Reading List (05.03.2014): Passing Lane, Feature Friendly, Sit Back

Passing Lane

From Runner’s World: When Passing Another Runner in a Race, Should You Offer Encouragement?
They might appreciate it. But, then again, they might not. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (05.03.2014): Passing Lane, Feature Friendly, Sit Back

Taking Action

The League of American Bicyclists looks to take action. It has addressed the “Vision Zero” campaigns for cities including New York and San Francisco.

There is only one acceptable number: 0.

While cities like New York and San Francisco have set decisive “Vision Zero” targets to dramatically reduce bicyclist and pedestrian fatalities, the U.S. Department of Transportation has just released proposed safety measures that have no goal, no accountability and no attempt to reduce the 16% of all fatal crashes that include people who walk and bike.

League of American Bicyclists Action Center Official Website

The Challenge is On

The National Bike Challenge kicks off today and it looks to build on last year’s challenge that saw more than 34,000 bicyclists ride some 19 million miles. For 2014 the League of American Cyclists is calling upon 50,000 bicyclists to reach a combined goal of 30 million miles.

The National Bike Challenge, now in its third year, is a fun, free, game-changing event that runs from May 1 to September 30.

National Bike Challenge Official Website

Interbike Charges Up

Interbike is still several months away, but the trade show’s organizers are going back east – to New Jersey specifically. Later this month the Interbike and Outdoor Retailer have signed several key brands to participate in Charged Up, a new experiential media event that will bring electric bike and portable outdoor technology brands together with non-endemic consumer and technology print, broadcast and online media. BionX, Prodeco, Pete’s Electric Bike’s, Currie Technologies (izip, eflow, Haibike, Lapierre), Leatherman, Led Lensor, Ascent Solar Technologies/EnerPlex, GoalZero, D.Light Designs, Celliant and many more, have already signed on to participate.

Charged Up is supported by PeopleForBikes, the Outdoor Industry Association and Bicycle Retailer & Industry News. PeopleForBikes and the Outdoor Industry Association will present detailed content outlining trend data as it relates to the ebike and outdoor technology categories. It is a way for the media to test products without having to head out to Las Vegas in September, and it allows them a chance to get truly charged up!

Interbike Official Website

Cup Holder for the Handlebars

A waterbottle cage doesn’t work so well as a cup holder – and it certainly isn’t ideal for warm or hot beverages like coffee. If you’re taking a cup with you (or a large iced tea) the waterbottle cage won’t do. This is where the Bookman Cup Holder might work so much better.

The Bookman Cup Holder, which can be flipped and used with either the smaller ring or the larger ring depending on cup size, attaches to the handlebars with a spring steel construction. Open the spring by pressing the rings together, place it on the handlebar and let go. According to the company the Cup Holder will not lose its grip even during rides over bumps and potholes. Plus there is even a small “storage cube” that slots into place when not in use to keep everything flat and tidy. The Bookman Cup Holder is available in black, white, red and green.

Bookman Official Website