Riding a bicycle with earbuds isn’t a good idea as it can drown out all the noise around you, which can be a problem especially in traffic. But for those long rides when a little music can help motivate there are some solutions. The Bipo is a bicycle helmet mount that holds earbuds in place but more importantly delivers music to the wearer without blocking outside noise.
The developers have brought the Bipo concept to Kickstarter. The concept is a novel one, where the music from Apple earbuds – the company specifically was designed for Apple products but could probably work with other models – is set into the air vent. The idea is that the sound disperses and loses its directionality thus can be heard in the background, which should be perfect for riding where you want to hear the world as well as the music. Video after the jump
We’re full into the holiday season, and whether you’re running a marathon, keeping fit for the season or running ragged in the aisles getting all the items on your family’s gift list, you may need a power up. Keep it in the season. CLIF Bar has three seasonal bars to get you in the mood this holiday season. 
The very notion of clipping into bicycle pedals may seem crazy to those who haven’t tried it. While it can be easily – and quickly – mastered, trying it isn’t always for the faint of heart. But Look Cycle, which was one of the companies to pioneer clipless pedals, has introduced the Keo Flex.
We like to call out products that offer no real fitness value as Kinetic(Mis)Shifts but the Misfit isn’t one of those, despite the rather misleading name. The Misfit is actually a wireless activity tracker that goes beyond what similar devices do. First off we were caught by how small this one is, but then were really impressed that the all-metal device appears like it could stand up to real activity, which could include cycling and swimming. To sync with an app all that is required is laying it on the phone. The company is currently engaged in an Indiegogo fund raising project and we think this is going to be one to watch. 
Polar Bottle is doing more than spinning its wheels these days. While the insulated bottle manufacturer got started catering to cyclists, it’s expanding outside of the water bottle cage and offering products focused on other sports, and everyday lifestyles.
This week Interbike, the largest bicycle industry trade show in North America, announced that for 2013 the show will allow select consumers to attend the event. According to the organizers the new program’s primary intent is to showcase the industry to some of its most loyal enthusiast customers.
Rollers are an excellent way for cyclists to stay in gear through the long winter. But many roller systems tend to be fairly passive and only offer a little actual resistance. But SportCrafters looks to make riders work a little harder with the new patent-pending power bicycle roller system, which utilizes magnets in the roller drum. All produced is quickly dissipated as well, so there is no worry about the drums getting hot. Additionally, as this is magnetic based there is no friction, no fluid and no fans.
Riding a bike – even if it is just commuting to work – should be an adventure. And we don’t mean that in a bad way in the least. Cycling shouldn’t an arduous trip, even if it does involve some work or effort. With that in mind outdoor retailer REI’s Novara brand has rolled out the Safari, an “adventure touring bicycle” that can handle the daily commute on the mean streets, weekend rides on fire roads and turn simple trips to the store into an enjoyable ride. This steel bike is built with 27-speed gearing and looks ready to haul serious gear. So even if you never make it to the African veldt the Safari will have you feel like you’re heading on an expedition to fun.
Later this week the SRAM pART Project NYC will take place at the Cedar Lake Theater and feature works of art – all made from SRAM components – from more than 80 artists. For the time this will include works of collage as well as sculpture. 100 percent of the proceeds be will donated to World Bicycle Relief.
For Dan Smith his life changed when he and his twin brother Michael were stuck down by Leber’s Optic Neuropathy, an extremely rare condition that leads to a loss of vision as a result of the death of cells in the optic nerve. This causes it to stop relying vital information to the brain. For Dan this likely meant that he couldn’t ride his bike anymore.
Riding through the snow
Trek Bicycle President John Burke has offered the ultimate tribute to his father and company founder Richard Burke, in the new book The Last Great Thing. This tells the story of how Richard founded the company in a red barn in Waterloo, Wisconsin and through the years has become one of the most respected brands in the bicycle world.
For the holidays season and even towards St. Patrick’s Day the Little Nutty Snow and Bike Winter Wonderland helmet will show the holiday and winter spirit. Riding with it in the summer will certainly seem nutty, but once spring springs put this themed brain bucket away until next season.