There have been attempts to break from the traditional “double diamond” design that has graced bicycles for more than a century. But Italian designer Paolo de Giusti has created something truly revolutionary.
The XXXVI DG features the standard frame shape but with a unique twist that seems almost like an M.C. Escher painting. The result is an asymmetric frame that features an overlapping frame and fork, along with unconventional placement of the chainstay. This concept bicycle – and let’s be honest this will likely never see mass production – features 36-inch wheels, something that was once common once.
This bike has everything a bike should have. Two wheels, pedals, fork, frame, seat. But de Giusti has put together in a way we really haven’t seen before. What’s not to love?
Water bottle and hydration system maker Hydrapak is a bit like mythical serpent-like chthonic water beast that possessed many heads, but whereas the Lernaean Hydra had many heads Hydrapak just offers many hydration options for athletes.
Wattbike have announced the release of its new and enhanced indoor cycle trainer. This bike, which will help riders stay in shape and in gear through the winter months, offers a new user interface with increased responsiveness, while also offering improvements to the display of key performance parameters including heart rate, power and cadence. This training cycle even offers redesigned handlebars to replicate the feel of a road bike. The bike is ready to get rolling – even if it just stays in the living room.
The Nutcase Crossover helmet, which is distinctive for its glittery gold finish, will make the transition and let users cross from winter to summer. This bicycle helmet features removable fleece ear flaps, which can provide plenty of warmth during the cold winter commuters, but can also be removed as the weather turns. While it probably doesn’t offer enough ventilation for summer riding, it is ideal for those cooler days.
The League of American Bicyclists noted this month that women continue to be the driving force – and thus are doing the pedaling – to the forefront of the bicycle movement. According to a recent national poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates, more than 80 percent of American women have a positive view of bicyclists and two-thirds think their community would be a better place to live if riding a bike were safer and more comfortable.
Rust is no friend to bicycles, and often time bikes that are improperly stored can see parts practically fused together with the nasty stuff. Don’t stress about it, fight back… calmly.
Winter isn’t letting up this year, but one way to be ready for spring is to continue to train. We’ve seen a number of trainers but to work these need the right resistance. The new CycleTEK Momentum1 indoor trainer makes you work for it, as this one features a silicone-filled resistance chamber and what could be the heaviest flywheel and larges roller in the industry. Yet this two-stage folding trainer can still fold up for easy storage and transport. With the CycleTEK resistance isn’t futile, it is just there to keep you in shape.
While many Americans ride bikes for pleasure, few actually rely on the bicycle as a primary means of transportation. In some parts of the world the bicycle can change the world. Sue Knaup, executive director of One Street, has worked for years to help those in the developing world get bicycles.
Last month saw the second annual Fatbike Summit where land managers and bike advocates talked about banding together in an effort to promote the sport of winter cycling. In recent years mountain bikers have been increasingly hitting the trails and unfortunately this has resulted in some concerns over trail usage. But the recent summit ensured that the trails can be shared by skiers, bikers and even those on snowmobiles.
Winter is in full swing, but Shower Pass is already thinking of next year with gloves that might have you covered. It recently introduced its line of cycling gloves, which include four different versions including three windproof outer gloves and one liner. The Softshell and Hardshell gloves are all fully waterproof and feature Outdry material, which reportedly fuses a waterproof membrane with an outer layer so moisture isn’t trapped instead; while the Wind Glove and Artex liner are designed to stop wind and water alike.
We know that a “seat clamp” is what holds the seat to the bike, but imagine if the seat/saddle can also be used as a bicycle lock? That’s the concept of the Saddle Lock, which was designed by Lee Sang Hwa, Kim Jin Ho and Yeo Min Gu. The idea here is to lock the rear wheel of the bicycle without needing additional locking accessories. Of course this doesn’t actually secure the bike to anything, but for those who need to grab a coffee or otherwise look to step away, the Saddle Lock can lock down the bike.
Spring is most certainly not in the air, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t coming. And for those who will be riding to work in the not-quite-warm spring weather can bundle up with the new line of Merrell vented jackets, which will help keep wearer’s dry during the daily commute.