From GearPatrol: Hundreds of Bike Helmets on a Brick Wall (at Portland Art Museum)
A giant grid of bike helmets affixed to the brick exterior of the Portland Art Museum serves as signage for an upcoming exhibit. Nutcase donated 475 Helmets to the museum so its staff could build this one-of-a-kind sign. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (06.08.2013): Helmet Wall, Strava Suit
X-1 Audio can’t be slowed down, as the company has some serious momentum with its new headsphones. These sport-specific earbuds are designed so that cyclists and runners (or anyone else) can still hear ambient noise while enjoying the tunes. The open ear design allows for that ambient noise from cars and other people to get through, and while maybe not ideal for those looking to escape the world it could be the difference between hearing the approaching car or getting run down.
The Momentum earbuds aren’t exactly rugged designs but do feature an Ingress Protection Rating of IP4 so these can endure sweat and rain without worry.
The “soul” of a cycling computer these days could just be the GPS functionality that connects with a higher plane. The Soleus Draft , which is the sport watch maker’s first foray into cycling, can track current/average/max speed, calories burned and distance. It isn’t compatible with heart rate monitors so we could say this one is lacking “heart” but with its ability to provide the data via GPS in a $99 device who needs heart?
The Hero Kit is something that can truly save the day as this bicycle rear kit includes tools, small supplies and even a step-by-step manual that help make common bike repairs. It includes a 12-function multi-tool, Tyvek tire boot, frame and cleat bolts, chain links, brake and gear cables and even zip ties. It sure beats having to take the bike to the shop when you’d rather be out riding.
While an electric fork might be something that Homer Simpson would use for dinner, Magura has introduced something entirely different. The bicycle component maker has followed RockShox and Fox by introducing a fork for mountain bikes that provides an electronic auto-lockout technology called eLECT.
This new fork system replaces the top-mounted adjustment cap/knob that is typically found on suspension forks. Instead eLECT offers a lightweight module that contains a microprocessor, servo motor, 3D accelerometer and it all runs on a lithium-ion battery that can be juiced up via a micro USB port.
The accelerometer is there to detect when the tire hits a rough patch – and it registers the size of the bump and just as fast the module alternates the suspension accordingly. It can also determine whether the bike is going uphill, down or rolling on flats. When on flats or downhill the suspension will remain opened to soften the ride; while on the uphill can be automatically locked to the most rigid setting to make it easier for the rider to climb. This system can reportedly even detect if the bike has “caught” some air and will respond to help soften the landing.
With this new technology we say put a “fork” in it – it’s done and ready to ride.
Do you have a road bike and on those rare occasions look to ride a time trial or triathlon? You could have two bikes but for those on a budget, or for apartment dwellers with limited space, this isn’t always an option. Switch Aero is looking to Kickstarter to take their project off the ground and provide a system that offers a quick transition from road bike to aero bike.
Unlike other systems that merely add simple aerobars, this one offers fully adjustable areobars that you’d expect to find on a true aero bike. In addition this system utilizes a special seat post that allows for quick change positioning of the seat as well. It could turn virtually any road bike into a transformable bike that is ready to go aero. Video after the jump
We’ve been seeing an increase in more causal and less hardcore apparel for cycling. For those early days and cool nights the Betabrand Bike to Work Jacket might be just the thing. This jacket looks good, features a detachable hood and reflective patches and is ready for the office and the road. Video after the jump
Century Cycles proudly reported that more than 4,000 students hit the bikes to ride some 50,000 miles and burn nearly a million calories in the 6th Annual Bike to School Challenge (BTS), which took place from May 6-24 of this year. In all Northeast Ohio students biked 57,627 miles and set a new record. Press release after the jump
Riding a bike doesn’t have to mean skin tight apparel – something we’ve noted before but will say again as Boulder, Colorado-based Panache Cyclewear reminded us that riding can be a casual thing. As the name suggests this line of apparel has a little “panache” to it as well. The Move line features button-up shirts and button-fly shorts that are aimed for those times off the bike as much as one.
The company likes to provide clothing that provides the right fit, with pockets that can hold phones and wallets and still be comfortable on the bike. In this way Panache has moved the apparel of cycling in another – casual – direction.
Need to fix your bike? Then pick up Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair from Park Tool, which is now in its third edition. This book offers 241 pages that address the most advanced technology used in today’s bicycles including electronic shifting, new suspension and disc brake systems and new standards for cranks, headsets and bottom brackets. The Big Blue Book is perfect bound and printed in large format to allow for larger images.
Author Calvin Jones, Park Tool’s director of education, is a 40-year industry veteran who also serves as an Olympic and professional team mechanic, teacher, author and industry consultant. He uses many photographs, examples and helpful tips that are easy to follow for seasoned and novice mechanics.
This might just be the bible of bike repair.
While we like plasma as a technology for watching TV, the Mavic Plasma SLR is a high-tech helmet that features Ergo Fit Pad technology. This race ready helmet offers carbon fiber structural reinforcement that allows for oversized vents while there is no compromise on protection.
The Ergo Hold SL Retention System makes for a lightweight brain bucket that offers optimal adjustability, comfort and head hold, while reflective highlights help it be seen – not that this one could be missed!
Lightweight is once again living up to its name. The company recently introduced an 18-gram Edelhelfer carbon fiber water bottle cage, and now the company is providing the RESERVETANK water bottle to go in it. This “tank” will be available in two sizes – 500ml and 750ml – and features a super-wide mouth so it is easy to clean.
Clipless pedals are a misnomer because these are the ones you clip into – but are called clipless because these lack the cages for the shoes. With that in mind clipless pedals can be a problem because if you don’t have cleats for the shoes it can be hard to ride on the pedals.
Kurtis Meyer of Ohio had another idea and he created the Bike Dabs, which turn a Shimano SPD-SL clipless pedal into a flat platform pedal. Next up will be KEO, Speedplay and even Crankbrothers. These can come in handy for those times when riding the bike is necessary – such as to the store – but wearing cycling shoes isn’t a possibility.