Equipment | Evolving Consumer

UCI Cracking Down on Doped Bikes

After winning the Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders Swiss rider Fabian Cancellara came under the spotlight. Not for doping, but rather for using a motor hidden within the bicycle frame. Cancellara has since laughed off the allegations, but apparently not everyone is laughing.

Cycling has taken some bad hits as many high profile riders have been accused of using – and unfortunately even caught using – performance enhancing drugs. But this latest twist is probably one no one saw coming. This week the International Cycling Union, the sports governing body, announced that “a scanner will be used from the time of the Tour de France.” Such a scanner would further bolster “measures that have already been put in place, in particular the visual inspection of bicycles.”

The UCI it has been reported has been in contact with former racers, including Davide Cassani and Chris Boardman. The formers claims that a bike equipped with a concealed motor could help a ride cheat, and that if he were using such a device at 49-years old he’d be able to finish a classic or a Giro stage. We are a bit dubious to say the least. The latter even wrote an editorial for The Telegraph, explaining how the technology could work.

While there have been endless technological upgrades to bicycles in the 100+ years since the founding of the UCI, the idea of a hidden motor to aid a racer seems to be more trouble than it would be worth. Such a motor would need a large power source – one that would add weight to the bike, although Boardman says it is a moot point since bikes come in under weight anyway – and it would need to be reliable. Boardman again offers the opinion that the energy source would be enough to power a motor that in turn could help provide riders with a way to “take a break.” But is this really enough? Riders are pretty much on camera from beginning to end, and sitting on a bike and “faking” the pedaling is a lot of work.

The proper gearing, drafting from other riders and various riding techniques are what already give riders that little bit of edge. Would a mini-motor – something else that could break down – really be worth it? That’s not to say that we encourage anyone to try, so let’s hope that the sport stays clean. And that is with both the riders and the bikes.

E3 2010: Exercise Games Coming to More Platforms than Wii

: EA Sports Active 2 is heading to the Xbox 360 and will be compatible with Kinect

The Wii and exercise games have made great companions the past few years. However with Microsoft Kinect on its way, the video game workout may get a whole lot more active. Electronic Arts’ follow up to EA Sports Active is expecting to add more activity to both its Wii and Microsoft Xbox Kinect versions. More activity also means ore sensors and gear however. A demo at EA’s press conference showed wireless activity for EA Sports Active 2, heart rate monitors strapped to the upper arm, and weights and bands added for strength training.

Expect more variation in workouts. The demo included an intense cycling sequence, weight lifting and boxing. The Kinect version measures movement of the entire body versus the Wii version, which measures arms and legs through holding the controller and leg straps.

An online log on EA.com is an added component. Workout data is stored so you can evaluate your progress and fitness goals. You can also share your results and compare progress of others.

EA Sports Fitness 2

Weigh In With Wi-Fi

For many of us progress isn’t the distance we went, the time we spent or even the fun we had. At the end of the day, or more likely first thing in the morning, we judge our results with a scale. The problem with this madness is that the method can be flawed because we only judge what the scale tells us at that point. To get a fuller picture we need to track gain and losses with the activity we did. After all, how can you judge fat lost vs. muscle gained?

The Withings Internet-connected Body Scale ($159) lets you track your results by sending the data to a web account via Wi-Fi. The thin black-metallic scale features a backlit display to provide your pounds clearly for you, while wirelessly sending the data to a Withings Web account. Here you and up to seven others can track progress over time – and you can (when you reached a goal or mark) post the results to Facebook and Twitter. Alternatively, if you need a push you can send them to DailyBurn and RunKeeper to monitor your progress over time. Time to weigh in.

Withings Internet-Connected Body Scale from Withings.com

E3 2010: Shape Yourself with Microsoft’s Kinect

Kinect Microsoft 360 E3 — Smile you're on the Kinect camera for the Xbbox 360

Exercise games on the market still require you to grab or stand on a controller to get your workout in. Yourshape Fitness Evolved, just announced from Ubisoft for the Microsoft Xbox promises a much more casual yet engaging workout. Using the video and sound controls of the game console’s Kinect, you just have to make sure you have space to move. The camera picks up your image and presents it as a polarized image or heat map-like image of you and captures all of your movements. Select cardio, toning or other activities and get to work. Yourshape Fitness turns some workouts into a game where you can kick and punch boxes that come into range. End your workout with a calming cooldown by doing Tai Chi and other relaxing exercises.

Check back all week for the latest fitness related news from the Electronic Entertainment Expo

Polar and Nike Partner Up for New Heart Rate Monitor

These are two companies that just go together so well, Polar and Nike. What’s not to like? So we’re quite pleased to note that Polar and Nike have introduced the Polar WearLink+ heart rate monitor, which will work with Nike+ SportBand and the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit.

The kit will improve the training experience of the Nike+, devices, such as Sportband or iPod. After training, runners can have their heart rate data transferred to the Nikeplus.com website, where it can be tracked to see how long they ran in their target range, and see how their heart rate progress over time. The WearLink+ is also compatible with most Polar training computers (those using 5kHz transmission technology), and this allows for monitoring from both Nike+ and Polar computers to be used at the same time.

The Polar WearLink+ will be available later this month in the United States, and in Canada and Europe in July through Polar retailers, Nike stores and even the Apple Store.

Polar website

Nike website

Polar Introduces Two New Heart Rate Monitors

One problem for many people when they first use a heart rate monitor is that there is just too much to understand. Many heart rate monitors can track so much of a workout that the learning curve for new users is difficult – and this can result in some just not bothering. That’s why the Polar FT1 and FT2 are such sound alternatives. These are designed for those who want to get fit and need a bit of motivation and exercise guidance along the way.

The FT1 is also designed for recreational exercisers, and works as a basic training computer. This means it has a large easy to see digital display. Users receive a training summary that includes information on the duration of their workout along with average and maximum heart rate. With the FT1 users can learn how to exercise at the right level, and since it is better to work out with others, it comes with a T31 coded transmitter to ensure that you don’t track your training buddy’s heart rate by mistake! The FT1 will be available in June for $69.95. The step-up FT2 adds automatic heart rate zone functionality, with visual and audible alarms to let people know when they need to slow it down or even pick up the pace. It will also provide workout summary. The FT2 will also be available in June for $89.95.

Light Up Your Ride

Last weekend I went to the bike shop with a friend to get a new road bike. While at the register I told him to go and get a blinkie for his bike, he thought I was kidding. OK, maybe I should have used a less toy-like name. But lights are a crucial accessory for every bike, especially when you plan to remove the reflectors. Enter Knog Frogs from Australian company Knog. They come in 12 colors, and light up in white or red, your choice. A stretch waterproof rubber housing wraps around your seat tube, handlebars, helmet, or other objects to light your afterhours workout. Two straps wrap around, no fitting, no adjustments, and no slipping. The battery supports 80 hours of burn time with the light on steady, and 160 hours if you choose the flashing setting.

With 12 colors it’s easy to match your bike and stay fashionable. I got a bright yellow that goes well with my Felt road bike. When the sun goes down and I’m still on a ride I push once for a solid red light to alert cars on my tail, I push a second time for a blinking light — hence the “blinkie” reference. These lights are available at most bike shops. My friend didn’t buy a blinkie on Saturday, but does plan to pick one up soon.

Knog Frog

Available at many bike shops, including Trophy Bikes in PA for $15.

Shake and Tone

Dumbbells are just not intelligent. You have to lift them, lower them, and know how to use them in order to get results. The Shake Weight is one part gimmick, one part intelligence for your workout. It’s shaped like your typical dumbbell, but has an accordion gasket on each of the weighted ends to give you Dynamic Inertia, which claims to increase muscle activity by as much as 300 percent compared to traditional weights. A Shake Weight workout is also completed in six minutes compared to half an hour of toning and sculpting.

Pick up the weight, give it a little jolt and hold it while you jiggle the Shake Weight in one of a number of positions. Hold the weight with both hands in front of you and tone your triceps, biceps, and chest. Weights come with a DVD that shows you several moves to tone your targeted areas such as your upper arms. Other workouts such as the firm — with controlled, slow movements, promised to do more for your fitness in the past. This one may also overpromise. But it’s a but welcome to see an update to the classic dumbbell.

Shake Weight

Bell Built This Citi to Bike and Roll

: Bell Citi Bike Helmet

Riding to work looking like Joe Pro probably won’t endear you to your boss, especially as you might seem more ready to hit the road than saddle up in the cubical for a day of punching the keyboard and hitting the daily grind. Likewise, the gear meant for training probably isn’t always ideal for commuting. A few companies have realized that, and Bell has introduced a helmet for the urban road warrior.

The Bell Citi is designed for commuting, just as the name suggests. It is actually a little bulkier and heavier than a race day helmet. There is even a “glow in the dark” version for those who ride either before dawn or just after dusk. There are also versions in gloss black, matt pewter and safety yellow for those who do their commuting when the sun still shines. But either way, you can stand out in the dark with reflective strips and the ability to affix a light to the back of this lid.

This helmet features the ErgoDial fit system for easy sizing adjustments, and it will protect your head with the Fusion In-Mold construction. It also offers a Blade visor to keep the sun and rain out of the eyes, and air-moving Channeled Ventilation. This brain bucket can even be used with a Flip Mirror as well, so you can see the cars even if they don’t see you. It has good style, without too much racing style, so it is perfect for commuting.

Bell Helmets: Citi

[Via BikeRadar.com]

Bespoke: The Handbuilt Bicycle Goes MAD

MAD handbuilt bicycle — The Museum of Art and Design's The Handbuilt Bicycle

Want to browse some bikes that you likely won’t be seeing anytime soon at your local shop? The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York City has an exhibit running through the middle of August, which shows off the designs of six internationally renowned bicycle builders. The Handbuilt Bicycle showcases bikes that took weeks, and even months of skilled workmanship to build. Each bike of course bears the builder’s unique signature in design while showcasing their personalities through the choice of materials, forms and techniques.

The frames are metal, but these works of art show off the individual craft with graphics and other artifacts. Michael Manaram, owner of a textile company and an avid bike collector, along with Sacha White of Vanilla Bicycles of Portland, Oregon, organized the exhibit, which includes 21 bikes that were completely hand-built.

The bikes include fixed-gear, road racing, cyclocross, mountain and even commuter bikes, as well as a stripped-down randonneur, which was designed exclusively for long-distance racing. The exhibition includes bikes from Mike Flanigan of Alternative Needs Transportation (A.N.T.), Jeff Jones of Jeff Jones Custom Bicycles, Dario Pegoretti of Pegoretti Cicli, Richard Sachs of Richard Sachs Cycles, J. Peter Weigle of J. Peter Weigle Cycles and Sacha White of Vanilla Bicycles.

Museum of Arts and Design: The Handbuilt Bicycle

Road Bumps Get Inline

: Newron Axion inline skates absorb the bumps in the road.

Just when you thought inline skating was yesterday’s news, blades get an innovation. Newron Sport developed tandem technology, grouping the wheels in pairs with a shock absorption and pivot system, so skaters get an experience that’s more like ice skating. Inline skates typically present what’s termed “roller-stride,” which means bladers are unable to execute a toe kick with efficiency. That limitation hinders a part of the stride extension. Inline skaters also typically have slower acceleration, less extension and shorter recovery on strides. This is compared to ice skating, and ice hockey in particular.

Newron skates have two pairs of wheels on each foot that pivot as the surface changes to absorb shock and create a smooth ride. This could explain the resurgence of inline skaters we see in the park after a few summers of fewer skaters. Newron makes skates for recreational inline skaters and wheel sets and full skates for hockey players looking to train on the pavement to supplement ice time.

Newron Sport

Hula Shaker

Fitness goes retro-tech with updated hula hoops. An article on Tampa Bay, Fla news site 10Connects touts a fitness version of the yesteryear fad of hula hooping. Today’s hoops are weighted with about one or two pounds, and are said to keep you slim and trim. The activity engages both your core and leg muscles. If you get enough of a spin going you may boost your heart rate to an aerobic level as well.

One source, BodyHoops.com, sells SuperFly, a one pound hoop, for $15 plus $3 for each additional hoop. Many gyms, including Crunch Fitness, offer hula hoop-based workout classes. There’s examples of a few classes on YouTube.

Carry a Reservoir on Your Back

Dehydration on the trail is not an option. One, maybe two bottles tucked into cages on your bike only supply so much fluid. A backpack hydration system such as the Osprey Packs Hydraulics line Raptor Series gives you 2- and 3-liters of H20. The Raptor Series is focused on mountain biking and trail running, giving you a few pockets to stash gear in a streamlined design. Osprey puts a great deal of design into its pack.

Start with the water reservoir. Three of the four Raptor styles come with 3-liter reservoirs; the streamlined Raptor 6 has a 2-liter capacity. The reservoir is built with a plate that aligns with the contours of your back so the water doesn’t barrel. You won’t feel the shape of water as it all buckles at the bottom of the tank while you ride. The framework of the straps are constructed by perforated molded foam to create a lightweight and flexible support. The same foam is ridge molded to create a ventilated back panel. Lightweight webbing adds reinforcement surrounds both the straps and back panel. The A LidLock helmet clip straps through the vent holes on your helmet — when you’re off the bike — so the two stay together and ready to pick up and go. The bite valve rotates to an open and closed (no leak) position, and has a magnet so the sip portion stays in a handy location on your sternum strap instead of flying around with every bump on the trail.

Features are too many to go into. Research, trials, and serious evaluation went into the development of the Raptor Series hydration packs. Every pocket, strap, and tab is built for a specific need while the unnecessary bits of a backpack were left out to keep the pack lightweight and streamlined for a more enjoyable ride.

Osprey Raptor Series ($79 to $119)