Equipment | Evolving Consumer

Stand Up

There are times when you don’t need to hang the bike on the wall, but you don’t want to lean it there either. If you’re short on walls many bike stands just won’t work, but Scorpion Bike Stands offers a solution. This simple looking metal stand does look a bit like the stinging creature but its “tail” doesn’t so much sting as can hold a bike in place via the crank holes.

One stand fits all wheel sizes, and it comes with a 10mm stinger welded on as well as two adapters to accommodate larger crank holes. We think it rocks out like a scorpion.

Scorpion Bike Stand Official Website

Weekend Reading List (05.03.2014): Passing Lane, Feature Friendly, Sit Back

Passing Lane

From Runner’s World: When Passing Another Runner in a Race, Should You Offer Encouragement?
They might appreciate it. But, then again, they might not. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (05.03.2014): Passing Lane, Feature Friendly, Sit Back

Magic Pack

The Eddie Bauer First Ascent Sorcerer Pack isn’t exactly magical – so it won’t hold 10 times your weight or anything fantastical like that. But it is somewhat mystical in how it provides a unique blend of strength, weather resistance and light weight. It is made from CTF³ monofilament fiber using welded construction methods, so it can be seriously packed.

It is ideal for the next outdoor journey, but it isn’t rated for exploring dungeons or fighting orcs.

Eddie Bauer First Ascent Sorcerer Pack Official Website

Walk on Water?

Walking on water isn’t that hard – provided it is frozen. Walking on water when it is actually in liquid form requires some divine power or the right technology. Uriel Arad of Los Angeles has launched a Kickstarter campaign to find backers for his Aqua Elliptica, a device that makes walking on water not only possible but also makes it part of a workout routine. The primary construction of his design is a catamaran arrangement with two feet supporting a platform on the surface of the water.

If the campaign is successful Arad hopes to go into production this summer, with the final version utilizing carbon fiber and Kevlar. So it would be water ready and rugged. Video after the jump

Interbike Charges Up

Interbike is still several months away, but the trade show’s organizers are going back east – to New Jersey specifically. Later this month the Interbike and Outdoor Retailer have signed several key brands to participate in Charged Up, a new experiential media event that will bring electric bike and portable outdoor technology brands together with non-endemic consumer and technology print, broadcast and online media. BionX, Prodeco, Pete’s Electric Bike’s, Currie Technologies (izip, eflow, Haibike, Lapierre), Leatherman, Led Lensor, Ascent Solar Technologies/EnerPlex, GoalZero, D.Light Designs, Celliant and many more, have already signed on to participate.

Charged Up is supported by PeopleForBikes, the Outdoor Industry Association and Bicycle Retailer & Industry News. PeopleForBikes and the Outdoor Industry Association will present detailed content outlining trend data as it relates to the ebike and outdoor technology categories. It is a way for the media to test products without having to head out to Las Vegas in September, and it allows them a chance to get truly charged up!

Interbike Official Website

Cup Holder for the Handlebars

A waterbottle cage doesn’t work so well as a cup holder – and it certainly isn’t ideal for warm or hot beverages like coffee. If you’re taking a cup with you (or a large iced tea) the waterbottle cage won’t do. This is where the Bookman Cup Holder might work so much better.

The Bookman Cup Holder, which can be flipped and used with either the smaller ring or the larger ring depending on cup size, attaches to the handlebars with a spring steel construction. Open the spring by pressing the rings together, place it on the handlebar and let go. According to the company the Cup Holder will not lose its grip even during rides over bumps and potholes. Plus there is even a small “storage cube” that slots into place when not in use to keep everything flat and tidy. The Bookman Cup Holder is available in black, white, red and green.

Bookman Official Website

Blast from the First World War Past

The bicycle played an important part in the First World War – as many nations used bikes to transport soldiers to the front. Just as now one problem was flat tires. With the 100^th anniversary of the start of the Great War this summer the Imperial War Museum in London and retailer On Your Bike have introduced a bike repair kit that is truly a blast from the past.

The new On Your Bike Repair Kit comes in a vintage styled tin, yet provides all the essentials a cyclists could need today. It includes Tyre Levers, Multi-Function Bike Tool, Rubber Solution, Bone Wrench, Metal Rasp, Patches and Instructions.

IWM Shop: Bicycle tool and puncture kit

ROK Solid

Rokform has launched a Kickstarter campaign that has a goal of bringing out a universal mounting system for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 – which will provide hands free solutions for those with active lifestyles. This can include taking the mobile handset on a bike or on other adventures – and ensure it is “Rok steady” as well. Video after the jump

Made in America: The River Cuts Through It

White River Knives is a new company but it is now producing knives that suggest years of experience. It now offers ultra high quality all American products made with all American materials. White River’s production methods involve a blend of CNC machining and handcrafting processes utilizing a variety of woods, synthetics, cork, and stag for handles and a wide variety of standard and exotic steels.

Among the new offerings is its fillet knife, which the company claims is probably the best in the market for a couple of reasons: It is constructed of American made 440C high-carbon stainless steel, while these knives are designed to cut fish flesh as thin as a sheet of paper if desired. It also offers 54 Rockwell C scale steel blades that are very flexible and yet hold a razor edge that is still easy to sharpen. Continue reading Made in America: The River Cuts Through It

Yeti Tracks in the Snow

The Yeti – also known as the Abominable Snowman – is a mythical creature who lives in snow covered mountains. The Delazify Yeti is a wrist monitor that will make it easier to find your way on the slopes. It offers a GPS receiver, which tracks current/max/average speed, plus distance, number of runs you’ve made and even altitude.

The only complaint is that it is rather large – sort of like the Yeti of myth – but maybe that just makes it easier to see. And while there are plenty of apps for mobile phones that can do much of what the Yeti can do, this one is IP65 rated to be waterproof, freeze-proof and shock-resistant, so it can stand up to the mountains much more than say a typical smartphone.

Delazify Yeti Official Website

Evo in the AM

Our friends at BikeRadar have gotten up early to check out the new Evo AM helmet from SixSixOne, which they reported is light yet well-fitting. It provides more coverage at the rear of the helmet to provide the wearer in a crash, yet still has plenty of vents to keep the head cool.

The helmet is made of Contigo foam, which also has greater shock-absorbing properties than EPS foam. It will be available in two versions including on with MIPS, a system aimed to reduce the chance of rotational injury in certain types of impacts.

[Via BikeRadar: SixSixOne Evo AM helmet – first look]

Specialized Dishes Up CVNDSH

The world’s fastest cyclist has a new deal with Specialized and it is very clear that “green means go.” Specialized has released a new line of signature products with Mark Cavendish – aka the Manx Missile. The CVNDSH Collection includes bar tape, saddle, helmet and much more.

“The bottom line is that the pieces are just so, so good,” said Cavendish. “It isn’t just my name on a jersey because I’ll never do that. I believe in the equipment, I personally helped design them with the team and I believe in the ability they have to help a rider be the fastest they can be.” Continue reading Specialized Dishes Up CVNDSH

Strider Sizes Up

Strider is of course the balance bikes for the younger riders, but the company has expanded its line of 12-inch wheel balance bikes for those from 18 months to 5-years of age.

“The Strider 12 Classic model is a return to our roots … a super simple design featuring the core elements that make Strider the number one balance bike brand in the world, yet less expensive without some of our options of custom grips and saddles offered on our other models,” said Ryan McFarland, CEO of Strider Sports International. “The 12 Sport model offers every feature a child (or parent) could want with custom grips, padded saddle, handlebar pad, and quick release clamps (no-tool adjustment). It is the perfect balance of performance, options, and value. More than eight years of design evolution and manufacturing improvements all packaged into one model.

“The 12 Pro utilizes all the features of the Sport model, but in an all -aluminum design, making it the lightest Strider in the world,” McFarland added. “Fully featured and ultra light weight make this the top performing balance bike for the little superstar riders and racers.”

Strider Official Website