Strava Gets Real

Strava-Real-Time-SegmentsWhen out and about it is important to keep it real, and Strava announced this week that it is doing just that with its Real-Time Segments, which provider runners and cyclists live performance updates during their segment effort. This adds another layer of motivation to Strava Premium, where athletes can see exactly where they stack up on a certain segment the instant they complete it.

These instant segment times can be sent right to the phone, so instead of waiting until the activity is finished, runners and cyclists can see the results as they happen. Continue reading Strava Gets Real

Boa Bites Into Triathlon Market

BoaBoa Technologies has helped cyclists have a snug fit with shoes that is just right. This wire-based system works in place of laces, Velcro strips or ratchet closures. Companies such as Zoots and Speicalized have expanded into the market for triathlons as well.

For 2013 Boa will sponsor nine events including the Boulder, Colorado’s Ironman 70.3 in August and the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, in October. In addition to these two Ironman events, Boa is sponsoring seven other Colorado triathlons.

At these various events, racers and competitors will have an opportunity to stop by Boa’s booth to trade their shoes for a new pair of Boa-powered footwear at pro deal prices. Used shoes will be donated to One World Running and Mountain2Mountain, two Colorado-based nonprofits.

Boa Technologies
[Via Bicycle Retailer: Boa enters tri market with shoes, race sponsorships]

Trek Rolls in Africa

TrekWisconsin-based Trek Bicycles announced that it partnered with World Bicycle Relief and will double the impact of donations made to the advocacy group for all of July. For each donation to WBR Trek will match those contributions, dollar for dollar, and together Trek and World Bicycle Relief are looking to supply 1,300 bikes to Africans in need. Continue reading Trek Rolls in Africa

Finish Without Friction

Finish-Line-MaxMountain biking can be dirty business, and getting to the finish line ahead of the competition in a bike race means having a bike that is perfectly tuned, but even if you aren’t racing Finish Line’s new Max Suspension Spray will help reduce friction and suspension stanchions.

This can help smooth out, quiet and even improve the performance of old and new forks.

The Finish Line Max Suspension Spray is made with polysiloxane and function-specific fluoropolymers, and it can also be used on rubber gaskets and o-rings to condition and protect them. The Max Suspension Spray can even be sprayed on a bike’s downtube to prevent mud build-up.

For those looking to go the distance, the Finish Line Max Suspension Spray will help get you there.

 

Finish Line Official Website

Pedals on the Launch Pad

LaunchpadLaunch Components launched it Magnesium Launchpad flat bicycle pedals last year and for those looking to reduce the weight the new Aluminum Launchpad is ready to roll. These are designed for downhill racing, but are light enough for the cross country riding as well.

These feature an ultra low profile body that is just 120mm x 100mm, and yet offer a low surface area that retains grip even when wet. The Aluminum Launchpad pedals weight just 367grams per pair while the CNC machined pedals are hard anodized and ready for off-road adventures.

Launch Components Aluminum Launchpad Official Website

(Key)Chain Ring

RingtoolThere are a lot of multi-tool concepts out there but that didn’t stop Jonathan Sabutis of New York City from launching a Kickstarter project to bring out his Ringtool concept. This tool is a simple round ring (as the name implies) that features a variety of hex bits. It can be used as a keychain and even a bottle opener for that post ride refreshing beverage.

It is even TSA approved. Video and features after the jump

City Bike Helmet

Citi-Bike-HelmetNew York’s Citi Bike Share is off and running – or should we say riding – and while the grid pattern of Mid Town makes it easy for people to find their way, even New Yorkers can find anything below 14th Street to be confusing, while Lower Manhattan can be like a maze. The folks at FLORA have come up with a novel solution with the Citi Bike “Smart” Helmet, which can help riders navigate to the nearest station.

The LED lights will offer blinking directions on when to turn so riders will be directed where to go. In addition the lights on the helmets help ensure that riders will be seen after dark. Continue reading City Bike Helmet

Women Friendly Bib Kit

RS-Pro-Bib-ShortsNot everyone loves bib shorts, and for women there is the added issue that these don’t make it easy to answer nature’s call. However at last week’s Bicycle Press Camp 2013, Sugio unveiled its 2014 Women’s RS Pro Bib Shorts, which could solve the aforementioned problem.

These feature a pair of quick release clips at the base of the straps that allow these to be removed a little easier. The Women’s RS Pro bibs also feature a re-engineered leg opening with silicone printed inner tape and a low-profile leg band to keep the short in place during the ride. This bib shorts will be available this winter.

Sugoi Official Website

TomTom Off and Running

TomTomBack in April TomTom announced its line of GPS sports watches and, and now these is ready for the wrist. The TomTom Runner and TomTom Multi-Sport offer extra-large displays, full-screen graphical training tools and one-button control for ease of use.

These both offer up to 10-hours of battery life and are waterproof to 50 meters. These also feature a scratch- and impact-resistant glass display that can handle some rugged workouts. The multi-sport model also adds an altimeter, swim motion sensor and bike mount along with bike cadence sensor. The TomTom Runner is $169.99 and the TomTom Multi-Sport is $199.99 and both are available now. Videos after the jump

A Really Cool Shirt

Vortex-JerseyCycling jerseys are made to help keep riders cool, but the Vortex Cooling Cycling Shirt takes this to a whole new level. It is an air cooled cycling shirt that according to its designers utilizes the power of nature to keep you cool. The shirt, which is now being developed via a Kickstarter project, uses the natural airflow generated by a cyclist.

Small concealed compartments on each shoulder and at the lower back area hold purpose made shields lift the fabric off the rider’s back to create an air channel to provide cooling air flow while also shielding the body from the sun. These shields are even removable for washing. We’re not sure if this will create drag, which in turn could make a rider have to work harder but it is still an interesting concept. Video after the jump

Cav-iler Brand

CVNDSHWe heard that the world’s fastest man on a bicycle – that would be Mark Cavendish of the U.K. – has launched a new brand called CVNDSH. Since he’s also the bad boy of cycling we aren’t surprised that it also features the tagline “FST AS FCK,” but you can read it as you see it.

The first product to reportedly carry the CVNDSH brand was the Specialized Venge bicycle that was launched earlier this year at the Giro d’Italia pro-cycling race. We can only imagine what he might roll out this weekend at the start of the Tour de France.

CVNDSH Official Website

Made in America: Bike Holster

Rocky-Mountain-HolsterWith a name like Rocky Mountain Holster should we be surprised that the company is introducing a Western themed bike cup holder for cruisers? Andrew Houston reportedly makes each leather cup and beer holder by hand out of leather at his Park City, Utah workshop. He further personalizes these as well.

The Rocky Mountain bike cup holders can carry cans, water bottles, beer, phones and wallets and these attach to a basket, handlebar, pannier or belt. Basically, wherever the leather straps can be looped and snapped, thus giving the bike a western look.

Rocky Mountain Holster Official Website

Light On (When You Need It)

Rydon-Pixio-Bicycling-LightHaving a bike light is only good if it works, because otherwise it is just extra weight. The Rydon Pixo Bicycle Light is designed to always work. The special batteries are designed to hold 75 hours worth of light, and moreover feature an integrated solar panel that converts every beam of sunlight into energy and stores this to the batteries.

The designers claim that in just five days of sun the battery can be fully charged for years of use. So just riding the bike in the day ensures that you’ll have light at night. The developers are now looking to Indiegogo to put this one in the spotlight and raise funds to bring it out in the bright of day. Video after the jump