The new eVent Cap by Showers Pass isn’t meant to replace a helmet while cycling, but it can help keep riders a little warmer in the early spring riding. This cap is made of the same material as the company’s waterproof yet breathable shell jackets, and thus can not only keep the rider’s head warm but dry as well.
Category: Cycling
Tri the Sitero
Specialized has introduced its new triathlon friendly saddle, the Sitero. It is designed to provide more comfort for those 112 miles in an Iron Man, where riders might be sitting on the nose of the saddle to stay in the most aerodynamic position. It will be available this spring in a Pro model with carbon rails, and an Expert model with titanium rails. These might be something worth “tri’ing” out.
SRAM Taking it to 11?
Was it an April Fool’s joke last week or did someone at SRAM just watch Spinal Tap? We ask because the company seems to be ready to release a new 11 speed cassette, which isn’t surprising as both Campagnolo and Shimano have 11-speed road groups.
This isn’t actually just one better than the old “10 speeds” either – as technically those had five speed cassettes – so this is technically a 22-gear system, which brings up the other interesting point. SRAM released a 22-second video with numerous references to 22. In other words half of 11. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Hybrid Bike
When we think hybrids we think of a bike that is a cross between something for the road and off-road, but Boo Bicycles had something very different in mind. The Aluboo, which was shown at the recent North American Handbuilt Bicycle Show (NAHBS) is an aluminum alloy and bamboo bicycle! The company has even launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring this thing out.
The rational for the choice of materials is that it provides the ride characteristics of bamboo at a much more attractive price. Boo yeah! Video after the jump
DIY Project Bike
The picture above is what it seems. Designer Jurden Kuipers has introduced a wood and plastic kit for building a bicycle cruiser. Given the looks of the parts this is surely just something that is art and we don’t expect the actual bike can be ridden, but it certainly looks nice.
It is also proof of concept that in the future it might be possible to print out a bike – or at least order a kit – and after the “some assembly required part” have a complete bike.
Lance to Return to Pro Cycling (Yes, April Fools)
In a surprising move the UCI has announced that Lance Armstrong will get the ultimate “do over,” and will take part in this summer’s 100th running of the Tour de France. Apparently Armstrong had convinced the cycling governing body that he should be given the chance to prove that he can race clean.
In a statement the UCI said, “Mr. Armstrong has admitted his mistakes, but given that much of the peloton was getting some sort of enhancement as well we can’t fault his decision. He did have cancer, which claimed one of his testicles after all. Hasn’t Armstrong paid enough.”
The Tour de France will begin on June 29 in Corsica, the first time the Tour has visited the island Metropolitan department of France.
Tube Top
Finding a good use for a used product is what we like to see. We’ve seen efforts to “upcycle” used bicycle tubes, and the Vaya Bags new Bike Tube Laptop Bag truly gives new meaning to the concept of Tube (Lap)Top. Since the shell is made of recycled bike tubes the bag is completely waterproof, making it perfect for computing in the wet spring weather.
Natural Ride
We’ve seen a lot of wooden bicycles over the years, as well as bikes made of bamboo. Most have truly been impressive, but the concept bicycle from Yojiro Oshima, a student at Tokyo’s Musashino Art University, might be the most extraordinary wooden bike we’ve seen.
Whereas most wooden bikes are simple double diamond designs that evoke a traditional European touring bicycles, this one has a natural flow in its lines. With everything – including the wheels – made of wood except for the drive train, brakes and tires, it almost seems like something that could have been grown. The bike has an organic look through and through. While Pinocchio may have became a real boy from wood, this is in fact a real bike that just happens to be made of wood.
Musashino Art University Official Website
[Via BicycleDesign: Wooden bike by Yojiro Oshima]
Weekend Reading List (03.30.2013): Dam Crowded, Book Run, Winter End, Cycle-Friendly Lorry
Dam Crowded
From BikeRadar: Too many bikes in Amsterdam?
Are there too many bikes in Amsterdam? Not enough spaces to park them, narrow lanes clogged with swelling ranks of cyclists and a growing tension with moped drivers have raised an interesting problem for the city famed for its love of the bike. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (03.30.2013): Dam Crowded, Book Run, Winter End, Cycle-Friendly Lorry
Bike Bag
When going for a bike ride it seems there is always more than fits in the pocket. Now you could stuff things down your shirt like those riders in the Tour de France, or you could use a bag or pack. The problem with the under seat bag is that it makes accessing items difficult. The Serfas Stem Clamp Bag System puts the bag on the bars, and while we don’t recommend actually riding and in motion, it is a lot easier to quickly stop and open the bag while still straddling the bike. The system includes a few attachments and options, including a large carry all bag, and even a hard case. Video after the jump
ION Grips Cycling
German glove maker ION has introduced its new bike gloves for spring. These include the Path, Ledge and Wisp and each model features “digital tips” that can work with touchscreen-enabled devices. ION has placed the tips on the actual tips of the fingers to make use with touchscreens a little easier.
The Path and Wisp are designed for off-road riding and for men and women respectively, while the Ledge model is for endure and gravity-oriented riders. All three models feature pre-curved fingers while the inner palm and inside panels of the gloves are made of “holy_cow” synthetic leather.
Shifting Gears… For You
Tired of shifting gears so much? The AutoBike, which features a NuVinci system, will do the shifting for you. The Michigan-based company is launching its automatic transmission line of bicycles that are aimed at commuters. These feature a Nuvinci N360 CVP hub, which offers continuously variable gearing.
This system reportedly analyzes the rider’s actual condition (speed, grade, gear ratio and cadence) and determines when it is time to do the shifting – so you don’t have to. Continue reading Shifting Gears… For You
Recumbent Concept 2
The Firefly is an apt name for the other recumbent design we came across recently. This one from Geospace Studio is similar to the City Speeder, but features three wheels to add stability. Its fabric LED-lit dome will also keep the rider protected from the elements and ensure he/she can be seen (possibly from space). Dare we call this one the night rider? Video after the jump