With a name like Travel Trac you’d think this bike accessory would be good on the go, but actually it is ideal for going nowhere when on a bike. The Travel Trac Book Caddy, which is available from Performance Bikes, is actually a handlebar system that can hold a tablet PC or a magazine. But what about those of us who read an actual hardcover book? We’re not sure if the Travel Trac has us covered, but it sure beats balancing a book on a the handlebars!
Category: Cycling
Skinsuit for Your Big Adventure
Podium Cycling has introduced a line of new skinsuits for this season, and you can “suit up” as Spiderman, Superman, even a Tron-inspired suit. But the one that stood out to us was the Pee Wee Herman-inspired skinsuit, which could certainly turn heads – and might look a little odd on any bike other than Herman’s cruiser. And we don’t even want to think about what you might want to do during a natural break – that could be asking for trouble.
Personal Property
When riding to work you probably take your personal items with you, and while you could wear a shoulder bag Property Of… (that’s the company’s name) offers the Tommy Pannier Bag. This dual use bag can serve as both a bike pannier for the ride to work and then do double duty as a shoulder bag.
It features a wax coated cotton outer fabric, weatherproof tarp inner splash facing and heavy YKK nylon zipper to ensure that your property is protected. If those personal items include a laptop it is further protected with a padded pocket, while cotton straps will help secure this pack to the bike. This isn’t Tommy’s property but Tommy can be a Property Of… you.
Moves App Monitors Your Activity from Your iPhone
Activity monitors are great, but you have to remember to put them on or the investment means nothing. You know what device you probably never forget to have on you? Your phone. Moves app from ProtoGeo is an app that uses your iPhone to monitor your activity. Continue reading Moves App Monitors Your Activity from Your iPhone
Plastic Fantastic Clear Frame
One thing is clear about this bike, the frame! The German designed Clarity Bike does indeed evoke the thoughts of “clarity.” While obviously a concept bike, the folks at DesignAffairs could be on to something with this bike, which is constructed of Trivex, a transparent polymer commonly used for aircraft windscreens. If it keeps the wind and bugs out of soldier’s hair it must be good enough for a concept bike.
The result is a lightweight bike frame that can hold up against impacts and even extreme temperatures. As with carbon fiber it could probably result in some aerodynamic shapes that titanium, steel and aluminum can’t deliver, but unlike carbon fiber it could be injection-molded – and more importantly could be recycled if damaged.
Bicycle Rollers
When we think of bicycle rollers we think of the trainer system, but bicycle component maker SRAM had something else in mind with its new Carry-on Roller Bag, which is an airline compliant bag with deep main compartment, multiple inner and outer pockets and features smooth roller wheels to get you through the airport and wherever your journey takes you. Then you can unpack your bike gear inside and get in a ride!
Outdoor Retail Show Stays in Utah
While there was talk that the Outdoor Retailer Show would pull up stakes, it will in fact remain in Utah – and remain Utah’s largest trade show at least through 2016, but likely longer. The show pulled in about 22,000 attendees this January.
The show had looked to relocate as the attendance has increased, and has actually all but outgrown the Salt Palace Convention Center, which now utilizes temporary pavilions to accommodate all the exhibitors. The show, which continues to showcase advancements in outdoor technology, brings in an estimated $18.5 million of visitor spending and $40 million overall to the local economy.
Hopefully the show will continue to grow and Utah will find a way to accommodate the show going forward.
Weekend Reading List (01.26.2013): Mall Race, London Show, Old Stick New Tricks
Mall Race
httpv://youtu.be/Bsm_1h10H6c
From YouTube: Arkády DownMall 2013 – Michal Prokop
Continue reading Weekend Reading List (01.26.2013): Mall Race, London Show, Old Stick New Tricks
Helmet Tease
httpv://youtu.be/aWF95DosX-I
What do we know about the new Troy Lee Designs A1 Trail Helmet? Not much after watching the above teaser video. Fortunately Troy Lee Designs did eventually offer a better look at the new helmet, along with some photos. Photos and information after the jump
No Joking Around: Cheat to Win Braclet
The Onion is known for its parody news stories but the newspaper is offering a very real product in the “Chat to Win” bracelet. We think that says it all.
Specialized to Offer “Specialized” Cycling Chamois
Bike manufacturer might just be living up to its name for 2013 as the company looks to roll out a line of attire that could be truly specialized for the type of riding one does. Leading the way are shorts that include new chamois pads (above). The Roubaix and SL chamois are designed for two very different styles of riding with the blue SL actually being the more aggressive for when the pelvis is often titled forward; whereas the red RBX is for more upright riding.
While the country is divided with red and blue states we think the red and blue chamois maybe more non-partisan politically at least. And this could even change the question from boxers or briefs to red or blue.
Cool Multi-Tool
We remember that childhood game of “Pickup Sticks” but the Fix It Sticks is something you might want to pick up and put in your pocket before a ride. This bicycle multi-tool was developed by Cat 3 racer Brian Davis, who is now trying to bring it to market via a Kickstarter project.
What makes this one stick in our minds is that it provides more leverage than most mini tools. The sticks are made of aluminum and hold standard ¼-inch hex and steel bits, so any bits you have will work and go along on the ride. As the video below shows the design is simple, but sometimes simple works best. Video after the jump
Rack It Up
New York City’s Department of Transportation has adopted a plan that will transform more than 12,000 former parking meter poles into bike racks. This started as a test project in 2011 with just 200 former parking meter posts. Originally the city planned to remove the poles as it switched to electronic multi-meters, but this reduced the place for cyclists to chain the bikes.
The city had looked to install about 8,500 new bike racks, but this could be a win-win for the city, for riders and for the local economy as Louis Barbato Landscaping is going to create the new racks that will be affixed to the existing poles.
[Via StreetsBlog: NYC DOT Prepares for 12,000 Parking Meter-to-Bike Rack Conversions]