We first profiled the Silverback Starke 1 last November when the nickel alloy frame bicycles were announced. What stood out then still has us excited. This commuter bike, which is now available, offers a USB port that is powered dynamo hub. The German-made Starke 1 features Shimano Alivio 9 speed, dynamo lighting and as noted the charging system so riders can juice up their mobile devices while they ride.
And despite the company’s name, it is available in Lime Fresh, Exotic Spice, Aston Black and yes Liberty Silver!
There are all sorts of ways to measure distance, speed and even altitude on a mobile smartphone. Now Shaka has added a wind gage, which can be useful for shooting, sailing and other sports where windage needs to be addressed. This portable accessory plugs into the iPhone’s 3.55 headphone jack of all things to gather wind speed.
It seems there is no shortage of iPhone cases. This week we’ve even reported on a couple, but each does something a little different. The driSuit Endurance will protect the phone from water and from drops as it doubles as a shockproof case for short drops. As with other waterproof cases this one allows users to take advantage of the phone’s touchscreen controls, even underwater. The company also sells waterproof earphones, which can be used with this case. 
Knog have been going strong for several years making silicon bicycle lights, and the company has unveiled its new set of USB rechargeable lights, under its Blinder brand. There will be new models – the 1 and 4 – that will be encased in metal and silicon, meaning these will be both watertight and bright as the lights will feature either a single LED or four LEDs respectively. And because these are factory-sealed they will be totally waterproof and even submersible – not that we can figure out why anyone would put them underwater.
Can’t afford Shimano’s Di2 for your road bike? Well there are alternatives – but the truth is most probably cost about the same. Or you could take the DIYer route and do it yourself. Computer engineer Nabil Tewolde has created an aftermarket DIY electronic shifting system, made from parts found mostly at the local hardware store, electronics shop and hobby shop.
There are numerous cases that allow the iPhone to stay protected near or even in the water, but the iPhone Scuba Suit casing for the iPhone 4/4S will actually allow the phone to go down to 15meters under the water. The company claims the casing will protect the phone from basically anywhere there is water, as it creates a liquid airtight barrier.
With a smartphone you can easily search for a seafood restaurant, or you could use it to go directly to the source. While we’ve seen gizmos such as the 
This week DeLorme, the maker of personal satellite messaging, track and navigation technology, announced the release of a major upgrade for its inReach two-way communicators. The latest firmware version, which is available at no cost, offers extended battery life and recharging options, as well as a newly updated Earthmate app that enables world topographic map downloads.
For serious cyclists nothing sucks more than having a bike stolen. You keep track of the serial number, engrave your name in the frame, but this only helps if the police actually recover your bike.
There are many cameras that claim to be able to “go-anywhere” but Sony is looking to prove it. The company unveiled its HandyCam HDR-GW77V last week, a pocket video cam that features a compact vertical body design with a flip-out waterproof three-inch LCD touchscreen. It is waterproof and impact resistant.
While skateboards aren’t going anywhere, there are so many alternatives coming out these days it’s hard to keep up with them. We just saw a video from Sporthocker, a spool-like device that you can balance on and do tricks, and have a seat to sit on when you’re done with the action.