There are bike lights that are designed to ensure that you make it home alright and then there are the lights from MonkeyLectric, which are LED lights that mount to the spokes. This will ensure that you are seen by cars after dark, but with a bit of fun as well. These lights can be programmed with 42 patterns that are sure to be noticed. Video after the jump
Category: Cycling
Sanpei Optics Produces Its Audio Adaptable Glasses
At the SIA Snowsports Show in January we got to see an early model of the Sanpei Optics audio-adaptable glasses. It’s a combo pair of sunglasses and earbud headphones that work together to discretely fit into the ears. Sanpei Optics is currently running a crowdfunding program on Indiegogo.com, and will begin shipping its product soon. Continue reading Sanpei Optics Produces Its Audio Adaptable Glasses
Move Over Tubeless Tires – The Airless Tire is on the Way
httpv://youtu.be/v9SWIsY8rzQ
During World War II bicycles were widely used by the various military forces, but because of rubber shortages various solutions were considered as alternatives when the tires went flat. The Japanese simply gave up the rubber and its soldiers rode their bikes on the rims.
Energy Return Wheel likely has a far better solution, one that could be quite revolutionary. It is developing an airless mountain bike tire that would use rubber or alloy structures in place of air chamber. This could provide a bounce effect that could even increase acceleration.
There might be some drawbacks to address, such as how to keep mud, rocks and other debris from entering the inside of the tire, but this could be a great way to ensure that you won’t get a flat tire on the trails!
Pannier for Picnic
While people still picnic it typically means paper plates, a two liter of soda and probably something bought pre-cooked at the grocery store – but there are still those who like the traditional picnics, with actual plates and cups. And what better way to get to the picnic site than by bicycle.
That’s the idea behind his Picnic Basket Pannier, from Bloon Design which can be strapped to the side of the bike and then converted into a mini tablet for two!
Pour Cold Water on Your Workout
It’s necessary to drink water during workouts. But new research shows that cold water is more effective at helping exercisers keep up the momentum during workouts. Findings in two studies say that cold water helps keep core body temperature down longer, which allows athletes to push harder during workouts. Continue reading Pour Cold Water on Your Workout
Backpack Adds Some Light
Torch clearly likes to put lights on things. Early this year we noted that the company had designed a helmet with a built in light, and now comes the Torch FLUX backpack, which also features an integrated LED light. This light can run for two to five hours, depending on whether it is used for steady or flash modes, and it features a USB connect for easy recharging.
The LED unit is also removable and can be mounted directly to a bike seat post for those times when a bag isn’t needed. The bag should be able to endure the daily commute with ease, as it is made of 1,000 denier Cordura nylon, and features a waterproof vinyl-coated polyester lining.
Weekend Reading List (10.27.2012): Human-Powered Flight, Phoning it in, Jones’in to Sled
Human Powered Flight
httpv://youtu.be/emK-qIbuJ-k
From NPR: A Human-Powered Helicopter: Straight Up Difficult
“I grew up wanting to fly,” says Graham Bowen-Davies. “I guess I just settled for being an engineer.” Continue reading Weekend Reading List (10.27.2012): Human-Powered Flight, Phoning it in, Jones’in to Sled
Polar Releases Exercise Intelligence App
There’s activity monitors, and then there’s apps that track your activity. But then what happens with all that data? Polar created Polar Beat, a next generation exercise training app. While other devices will sync up to the app, Polar recommends the new Polar H7 heart rate sensor, which is the first device from the company to use low energy Bluetooth Smart technology. Continue reading Polar Releases Exercise Intelligence App
$70k Bike Not 14 Karat Gold
When dropping $70,000 on a bicycle you’d think it would come with a frame made of gold or perhaps diamonds on the handlebars. The Thonet concept bicycle has no such as features and it is made of wood not gold. But the bicycle, which was designed by London architect Andy Martin, utilized steam-bent technology that has been used for a century and a half by the Thonet Chair Company.
Even in the days of space age materials such as carbon fiber and titanium it shows that old technology and natural materials can still make a very cutting edge bicycle.
Cleaning a Bike Chain as Smooth as Butter
Cleaning a bicycle chain can be dirty work, but the Butter’s b1 Chain Holder could make it a bit easier. Just remove the rear wheel and pop on the b1.
It is made of machined billet alloy while a stainless steel post holds it together. This will keep the chain in place, making it easy to clean, but it could be good for those who pack up their bikes for travel as well.
Bike Desk?
Apparently bike parking is so bad in Japan that a designer has crafted this “Bicycle Desk.” Dubbed the “PIT IN,” it is designed as a way of parking the bike and using it as a chair as well.
We’ve seen some strange innovations, like desk chairs that double as workout machines, and even a treadmill desk. What makes this questionable is that it is only for parking. Perhaps if it could be used with a trainer we’d see it as being more than just a tall table. Maybe there is a shortage of chairs in Japan as well, but really we see this a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist.
Wooden B’ike That Grows
As our bicycle editor can attest babies do something very annoying – they grow very fast and this really doesn’t stop as they age. That means replacing clothing, shoes and a whole lot of stuff. But it also means that things like bicycles can become “small” pretty quick.
Noelia Vallano Alvaro developed the “B’kid, a wood bicycle that is really three in one. It starts out as a trike, a balance bike and a pedal bike. We’ve seen similar products such as the Orbea Grow, but this is unique that it is designed to also help kids learn to ride. It is made of wood, giving it that natural and sustainable vibe that we think is also pretty cool.
Ever Spoke’n Belgium?
As simple as they look, there is a lot of considerations when lacing up a bike wheel. Beyond selecting the brand of hub and rim, a lot of focus also needs to be placed on the spokes and nipples. Not just the number, but material, butting, length, tension, and weight all need to be factored along with color. In the U.S., DT Swiss and Wheelsmith have been the longtime favorite of wheel builders, but there is a Belgium manufacturer who has been making spokes for decades longer than both companies combined. Started in 1918 by Herman Schoonhoven, Sapim (Société Anonyme Pour l’Industrie des Métaux) has been making spokes and nipples in Belgium for well over 90 years. Continue reading Ever Spoke’n Belgium?