Category: Cycling

The KoldRush to the Head

KoldRushAs winter finally is turning to spring that means summer isn’t far off. Anyone who puts in the long miles on a bike knows that the sun can beat down on the helmet and just heat things up. The KoldRush is a new bike helmet accessory that is being developed via a Kickstarter campaign. This takes the approach that a little cool water dripping on the head can cool you down. The still in concept device, which was designed by Scott Powers, is built around a 24-ounce reservoir that is mounted to the seat post, while an internal pump drives the water through a tube to the back of the helmet.

This does seem to be a rather complicated way to get some cool water to the head, but on a hot day it might be worth it. It could also be a good kind of “cold rush” to the head – as opposed to say eating ice cream too fast on a hot day! Video after the jump

Lucky 13

13Dutch cycling brand Allez Cycling knows that pro cyclists who ride with the number “13” often place it upside down. With this in mind, the company now offers a cycling-themed t-shirt for men and women that reflects the cycling tradition that race number 13 is bad luck. The number on this 100 percent organic cotton shirt is also upside down – making this shirt sure to be a conversation starter.

Allez Cycling Official Website

Reflective Ride

Lumen-BikeBeing seen at night at night is crucial when on a bike. The Lumen Retro-Reflective City Bicycle doesn’t exactly light up the night sky, but it features a reflective paint that looks black during the day yet reflects light at night. The creators, including Jefferson McCarley of the Mission Bicycle Company, noted that in most urban environment glow-in-the-dark paint is actually not all that visible, but the reflective paint on the Lumen bike is much harder to miss. This bike requires no batteries.

The Mission Bicycle Company, which launched a Kickstarter project to bring the Lumen to market, has been working with Halo Coatings to develop the innovative coatings on the bike. It seems like a bright idea and one to reflect on. Video after the jump

Looking Hip

HipsterIt was no April Fools this week when Mt. Borah announced that the April Jersey of the Month would be the Hipster, a jersey that will feel at home on the trails to the post-ride pub. It features an urban plaid design that it is hip wherever it goes.

Mt. Borah Men’s Hipster Jersey of the Month
Mt. Borah Women’s Hipster Jersey of the Month

Pure Fixie!

Pure-Fix-CoolidgePure Fix Cycles has lowered the bar – so to speak. The company has added a new premium fixed-gear ride to its collection – the Coolidge drop-bar bike. It features 4130 chromoly frame, 700x25c Thickslick tires, 30-millimeter 700c wheels built around sealed bearing hubs, Tektro front brake, raked chrome fork and polished silver quill stem. It comes 50, 54 and 58 cm, with weights ranging from 19 to 21 pounds.

It could have you down in such a good way.

Pure Fix Cycles Official Website

Staged Crash Scene

Crash-SceneThis might seem like a not-so-funny April Fool’s joke, but it is a very serious effort to raise awareness to a serious problem. The BBC reported that last month the police in Belarus staged what appeared to be a crash scene with a “dead cyclist” to raise awareness regarding a dangerous stretch of road.

The scene was set up to resemble a “hit-and-run” complete with mangled cycle, tire tracks and a dummy that stood in for an injured (even dead) cyclist. The sad part reported the BBC is that just nine people out of 186 cars that drove past actually took the time to stop!

[Via BBC: Police stage cycle crash in road safety campaign]

Backcountry Hits the Trails

BackCountryOnline retailer Backcountry.com has announced that it is launching its first pro mountain bike team, which will include a four-person squad to race in cross-country and stage races across North America this year. The team, which will race on Niner bikes, and consists of rider-manager Jason Sager, Chloe Woodruff, Evelyn Dong and TJ Woodruff, also expects to compete at the Mongolian Bike Challenge.

“Mountain biking is at the core of who we are as a brand and being able to extend our expert gear knowledge to the trail and support the sport is a priority,” said Jill Layfield, Backcountry.com’s CEO. “Assembling a pro team of this caliber that possesses the tools to compete at the highest level is a natural extension of our cycling brands and culture.”

Besides Niner, other team sponsors include: Geax, Clifbar, Louis Garneau, FSA, WTB, Chris King, ENVE, SRAM, Crankbrothers, Eureka, Jet Boil and Gore Bike Wear. The team kit shows the Backcountry.com logo and trademark mountain goat on the front and legs. The company’s bike-specific e-commerce site, Competitivecyclist.com, is featured on the shoulders.

Backcountry.com Official Website

April Fools? NEMBA Stay Off The Muddy Trails Or A Kitten Dies PSA

httpv://youtu.be/sr_ISTB33J0

This is no April Fools joke actually. The New England Mountain Bike Association is noting that the calendar may say spring but that the trails are likely to be muddy and suggests that riders stay off them and allow the trails to dry. They added the kitten part too!

Intense to the Extreme

IntenseIntense Cycles has looked to show that it has staying power with its new endure/trail bike. Two years after debuting its aluminum Tracer 27.5, the company has rolled out the Tracer T725 Carbon, which features 145/160 millimeters of adjustable VPP suspension, monocoque front triangle, ISCG 05 mounts, internal cable routing and 142×12 dropouts.

Bicycle Retailer reports that the Tracer T275 carbon frame retails for $3,199, and builds range from the $5,999 Expert level — with 34 Fox Float Evolution fork, XT drivetrain and brakes, Stan’s NoTubes ZTR Flow wheelset and Fox Evolution Float CTD rear shock — to a $9,999 Factory-level build with RockShox Pike RCT3 fork, SRAM XX1 11-speed drivetrain, XTR brakes and Enve/DT Swiss wheels. The builds come standard with a RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post.

Intense Cycles Official Website

Rocky Mountain Low

RockyMountsWhile there is something to be said for the Rocky Mountain High, cycling accessory maker RockyMounts is now about the lows. The company has introduced a new low-profile crossbars and towers for bikes and ski racks.

The Ouray Crossbar and Flagstaff Towers will reportedly integrate with most vehicle’s factory roof rails. These are meant to be mount together, but are compatible with other RockyMounts base rack systems as well.
“This new system represents another step forward for us in terms of not only carrying your gear, but enhancing your vehicle in the process,” said Bruno Maier, president of RockyMounts, Inc. “Just because you like to play outside doesn’t mean you should have to compromise efficiency and aesthetics when it comes to your vehicle.”

RockyMounts Official Website

Half Way There

HalfbikeA Half-Track is a cross between a tank and a truck. These aren’t used so much today, but the notion of “half” still exists as the Halfbike suggests.

Its designers, which launched a Kickstarter campaign to help bring the device to market, see it as truly half way between a scooter and a bike. It is actually a tricycle of sorts with a big wheel in the front and two small tires in the back, but it is designed as an urban transport solution – making it easier to go from point A to point B than on a traditional scooter – but still smaller than a traditional bike.

The unique design could also give a serious workout to the glutes, quads and buttock muscles as there is no seat! But thanks to its small size it could be ideal for navigating crowded urban streets. Video after the jump

Cargo Hauler

FietsklikThe Dutch know a thing or two about hauling stuff on a bike, and Fietsklik has introduced a line of bicycle carrying solutions. This system utilizes a “Klik” adapter, which allows a standard pannier rack to accept a range of special accessories – that the company makes of course!

This includes sturdy box-racks, bags and even a child seat.

Fietsklik Official Website
[Via BikeRadar: Fietsklik lockable luggage solutions]