Do you like the idea of tearing it up off-road, but would like to do so with pedal power, yet don’t want to ride a mountain bike or BMX bike for various reasons? This limits the options, but you aren’t out of luck either, as the Athos from Contes Engineering will let you experience quad-style riding but with the freedom of pedal power. Video after the jump
Category: Cycling
Kinetic(Mis)Shift: Cadillac Escalde With Built-in Bike
We’ve heard some companies state they have the “Cadillac of bikes,” and while we even noted that there are such things as the Lamborghini and Ferrari branded bicycles the folks at Becker Cadillac Escalade ESV have introduced an Escalde with a bike inside! Basically in the Cadillac Escalde SUV there is a stationary bike so riders in the car can spin during their ride.
We see this is probably better than just sitting in the SUV, but frankly this is a true Kinetic(Mis)Shift. If you want to spin, save some gasoline and ride a bike to the destination!
Review: 2012 Moots Mooto X YBB 29er Titanium Frame
Just over six months has past since writing a post regarding my 2011 Mooto X YBB bike build that ran last summer. That 2011 Moots should have been a keeper and still hanging in my garage, but shortly after the post went live, the 2012 model was announced. Year after year there really hasn’t been any major changes in Mooto X YBB model that would justify the replacement of a frame with less than 1,000 miles of riding. Unfortunately for me (or maybe fortunately for all dirt heads), the 2012 model is a bit different when compared to most other years. There are the obvious changes with the curved down tube and top tube on the 18 and 19-inch models, but it is the other changes that are not as obvious which makes the 2012 model the basis of a much different bike. There were fairly significant changes including the geometry that really made me wish that I had stalled my purchase. Then a chance arose to build a 2012 model and that opportunity was seized upon! Continue reading Review: 2012 Moots Mooto X YBB 29er Titanium Frame
Pebble Smartwatch Gets First App
The most-funded Kickstarter project to date is the Pebble smartwatch, and it landed its first app partner this week – working-tracking app RunKeeper. Users will still have to wait until fall for the release, but when it arrives it will be able to interact with an iPhone or Android device, and with the RunKeeper app will provide data straight to the wrist. Users can take control of their handset, which can remain tucked away in a pocket or pack. Continue reading Pebble Smartwatch Gets First App
May is National Bike Month
Spring is in the air and this is the time to ride. Sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists and supported by the Sierra Club, the month will feature more than 450 events across the nation, highlighting the popularity of bicycling and the need for bike-friendly transportation policies. However, a war over biking funding is being waged.
“It’s time for Congress to recognize the many benefits and rising popularity of cycling and stop shortchanging Americans who choose to travel by bike because it’s good for their health, saves them money and improves their community,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists.
Steel This Bike Light
While this nifty new light from Denmark-based Copenhagen Parts won’t likely have owners of carbon fiber bikes hanging their rides up for an old-school steel frame, it could create some “steel” envy. The company is developing a magnetic bike light that attaches directly to the steel frame and turns on as soon as it is in place. By removing the light from the frame it automatically turns off. Continue reading Steel This Bike Light
Danish Bicycle Super Highway
Fitness Journal: Bicycle Repair Tips – Shifting
Roadies and mountain bikers plagued by shifting problems may serve themselves well by first examining the health of their inner and outer cables. Those unable to solve shifting issues with a simple cable tension adjustment or who experience stiff action at the shift lever should strongly consider starting from scratch with new cables.
The ease with which the inner cable travels through the outer cable is paramount to superior shifting performance, especially at the rear derailleur where only a small amount of travel is required to make a clean and easy shift. Here, a compromise in travel as little as 1-2mm can adversely affect shifting performance. Cable travel can be impeded by a corroded inner cable, a bent outer cable, an outer cable whose inner wire strands have pulled through the casing (which may not be revealed without removal of the ferrule), or simply too many rides in the rain or mud.
Continue reading Fitness Journal: Bicycle Repair Tips – Shifting
Take The National Bike Challenge
This week the League of American Bicyclists, Bikes Belong, Endomondo and the Kimberly-Clark Corporation kicked off the National Bike Challenge, which runs from today until until August 31, 2012. This is a new, nationwide initiative to inspire and empower millions of Americans to ride their bikes for transportation, recreation and better health.
The friendly, online competition is looking to unite 50,000 bicyclists to ride 10 million miles in communities across America. The Challenge is simple, free and open to everyone, and can sign up as an individual or as a team, log your miles, share your stories and encourage others to join you. Smartphones users can download the free, GPS-enabled Endomondo mobile app to record travel distance and automatically upload their miles. Riders will compete for prizes and awards on the local and national level, including a Grand Prize trip through California wine country from Trek Travel. Continue reading Take The National Bike Challenge
The Lamborghini of Bikes… Literally
Whatever happened to the Cadillac standard? As in “the Cadillac of bikes,” because it seems that could practically be slumming it he states. Last year Italian bicycle maker Colnago partnered with Ferrari for a new race-worthy road bike, and now Swiss maker BMC is partnering with Lamborghini for the ultimate in luxury bicycles.
This follows partnerships by Porsche, BMW and even McLaren, so it is no surprise that Lamborghini is looking to getting here. And the BMC impec Automobili Lamborghini Edition looks as if it could blow away some cars on the open road. Feature wise it is all first-class, with unbranded carbon fiber rims, the Di2 electronic dérailleur system from Shimano and even a suede saddle. Of course the Lamborghini logo is present in high profile. Continue reading The Lamborghini of Bikes… Literally
New Bike Racks Ready to Park on the Streets
An increase in biking calls for an increase in places to park your bikes. We don’t see to many of those multi-bike parking structures anymore, they take up too much space. But there are lots of new options coming out that take up little space, and are kinder to bikes. Continue reading New Bike Racks Ready to Park on the Streets
WeBike Brings the Cycle to You and the Office
We have seen a few attempts at creating a way to peddle at the desk? Most of these hybrid desk chair/bicycles would probably seem out of place at most offices however. Belgium’s We-Watt has taken the concept in another direction, putting a fresh spin on it.
Rather than being the chair you’re using your desk all day, the WeBike is three-person circular table so you can get into the spin with two of your colleagues. This could be used for meetings, or during the break. It set the table is an interactive LED ring display in front of each seat, which indicates the amount of human power being generated. This power can even be used to juice up and recharge mobile devices through the pedal power created by you and your coworkers. Continue reading WeBike Brings the Cycle to You and the Office
Weekend Reading List (4.28.12): Caught on Camera, Home Cooking, Strange Surfing
Hit and Run Caught on Camera
httpv://youtu.be/h3LatOGCWVc
From YouTube: Berkeley Cyclist Hit by Car
Me and my friend were hit by a car in California – Berkeley
The guy did not stop! He ran away!
Thank guys for your support! Yesterday I went to the police department and I reported the crime. I also gave the video to the police officer. It was possible to identify the number of the car on the video. The police have located the car and the owner. Now I’m waiting for the return of the police on the case. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (4.28.12): Caught on Camera, Home Cooking, Strange Surfing