Low Tech | Evolving Consumer

Get a Chuk Grip!

Looking to get a grip? The ChukGrips might just be the answer. These are multi-positional, ergonomically correct pole handles that can be used for hiking, walking, cross-country skiing and even mountain climbing. These provide a good position of the hand and wrist in relation to the poling stroke, and is ideal as well for those with large or otherwise bulky gloves, making these good for use in snow sports and for trekking through deep snow.

The grips can be attached to existing poles without too much effort, or are available as a complete package. Either way these are good for those looking to get a different kind of grip for their poles.

ChukGrip Official Website
[Via Snow Shoe Magazine: ChukGrips Transform Everyday Trekking Poles into Essential Snowshoeing Equipment]

Hands On: StemCAPtain Bottle Opener

You and your riding buddies have just finished an all day mountain bike adventure and you are back at the car digging into the cooler to reward yourselves with a tasty beverage. Where’s the bottle opener?!?! There are none on your key chains and no one in the parking lot has one. Sure, you are mountain bikers and nothing is going to keep you from a cold bottle of suds, but slamming the bottle on the side of the guard rail can often lead to a sudsy mess and half of your hard earned beer on the ground. StemCAPtain has come to the rescue with their headset top cap that doubles as a bottle opener.

This past VeloSwap in Denver, we had a chance to chat with Mike Hogan, one of the StemCAPtain owners, who handed us a bottle opener to try. Bikes and beer goes hand and hand, so on the bike this opener went. The installation was just as easy as the StemCAPtain Clock and StepCAPtain Thermometer that we tested earlier this year and the entire install took less than two minutes to put on the bike. Continue reading Hands On: StemCAPtain Bottle Opener

Boat Worthy of Gilligan’s Island

Here is something even the Professor on Gilligan’s Island never crafted: a Hammock Boat. This concoction, which is making the rounds online, was reportedly seen near University of California at Davis (with reports varying as to how long ago that was), and we’re not sure if it came about after a weekend binge or a marathon of old TV shows. While it seems silly, it probably does provide a good upper body workout. But we can see this appealing very much to those who’d rather just float down the river instead.

[Via Bonjour Life: Hammock Boat Concept]

Made in America: Selle An-Atomica Bike Saddles

While bicycle design has changed over the years, suspending of a piece of leather on a metal frame is one of the oldest forms of a bicycle saddle and still one of the best. The tension of the leather can be made tighter or looser by the turn of a screw, and the use of thick leather creates a ‘saddle’ that can often outlive the rider. Selle An-Atomica of Elkhorn, WI has taken this idea and created a line of bicycle saddles that uses a thick, suspended piece of leather, but cut a slot in the middle to make a ‘anatomic’ version of this classic saddle design.

The Titanico saddles are Selle An-Atomica’s answer to manufacturing a classic saddle yet making sure it fits in with the desires of the modern cyclist by incorporating a cut-out or anatomic design. This cut-out design has caught on in recent years due to its increased comfort level it provides to the rider. As best stated on their website “When you ride, the right and left sides of your pelvis move independently. There’s no reason your saddle shouldn’t move with them. We make the world’s most comfortable bicycle saddle. Period. From the patented slot carved out of watershed leather to the suspended leather design, you’ll feel the difference from day one.” Along with the Titanico saddles allowing the left and right sides of your pelvis to move independently, the slot also provides ventilation for those long days in the saddle and helps reduce sweat build up.
Video after the jump

Detroit Bicycle Company Does Madison

Madison Avenue is a long ways from Detroit, and that might be the first thought that comes to mind as the Detroit Bicycle Company has released the very posh Madison Street Bike. Starting at $3,200 and up for a complete bike, this single-speed/fixie is something you’d pretty much expect to be found on Madison Avenue in NYC.

But the bike, which included frame and fork that are copper plated, and offers Campagnolo Record components including bottom bracket, head set and seat post, isn’t about Madison Avenue. Rather it seems inspired by the now-largely forgotten “Madison” style track bikes used in the endurance races at Madison Square Garden in the 1920s and 1930s. Today Madison races, which involve multiple riders on a team taking part in multi-hour races, are competed in with state-of-the-art carbon fiber track bikes, but this bike is more than an old style race machine. It is truly a work of art. And it proves they can still make them like they used to in the Motor City.

Detroit Bicycle Company
[Via BeSportier: Detroit Bicycle Company’s Madison Street Bike Is A Jewel]

Sunglasses From Skateboards

Last year we reported on MapleXo, an Oregon-based company that was turning broken skateboard decks into iPhone cases. Now we caught this cool video that shows how some crafty individuals are using old decks and recycling them into sunglasses.

This is possible because most skate decks are still good old fashioned wood. Makes us want to think twice about those carbon fiber bike frames, tennis rackets and even hockey sticks, as well as other items that still can’t be so easily recycled.

[Via BeSportier.com: Shades Made from a Broken Skateboard]

Excel Throw Teaches the Proper Way to Throw a Ball

The saying may go “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, but Nimura Sports of Granada Hills, CA is betting that they can teach or re-teach baseball and softball players how to throw a ball correctly. The Excel Throw is a simple, yet seemly effective training device that not only properly positions the fingers during the throwing of a ball, but also through its continued use, aids in instilling this proper position by way of ’muscle memory’.

The Excel Throw is a Z-shaped device with two finger holes that the index and middle finger are inserted through before the player even grabs a baseball or softball. Once the fingers are properly positioned, the Excel Throw will only allow the ball to be thrown straight to the intended target. Along with controlling the direction of the ball, this device only allows the player to throw with a certain amount of force – this is a training aid to teach players the proper way to throw, not a device to aid them in throwing the ball faster. When used properly, not only does the Excel Throw allow the ball to be thrown straight, but it also helps break the habit of the wrist twisting left or right upon release of the ball. To aid with this proper position that is being guided through finger placement while using the Excel Throw, there are arrows that are molded in both to give the player a visual cue that they are throwing the ball accurately. Continue reading Excel Throw Teaches the Proper Way to Throw a Ball

Nike Golf Offers Women Cart Bags

Women golfers have a new bag to consider, and it has been designed in unity with the colors and styles of Nike Golf women’s footwear and apparel for those looking to be coordinated from head to toe. Nike Golf has announced the release of two new golf bags to its successful Nike Brassie II Cart bag collection for women in 2012. Each Brassie II cart bag incorporates key features and benefits for the female golfer who often uses a trolley or power cart.

For maximum organization, the Nike Brassie II Cart bag features a 9-inch, 10-way oval top that is fur lined and includes “stadium seating” for clubs. Stadium seating is a simple configuration that provides easy visibility when making club selections for each shot. An integrated external putter well and glove patch guarantees quick and convenient access.

The bag features nine functional pockets, seven of which are zippered, and of the nine pockets there is a large insulated cooler pocket to keep drinks and food cool during a round. The Nike Brassie II also comes with two functionally designed matching accessory pouches. The pouches can either be clipped onto the outside of the bag or placed in one of the nine pockets of the golf bag.

For women who prefer bright colors, there’s the Nike Brassie II Cart bag (Swan) that carries a vivid argyle pattern in hues of pink and lavender with a classy touch of grey, and for those who prefer more of an understated look, there is a grey plaid (Sail) version as well. To complete the Brassie II Collection, Nike Golf also has designed an array of accessories for women that match up with each of the Brassie II Cart bags, including the Nike Day bag, Nike Bucket bag and the Nike Tote bag.

Nike Golf Official Website

Made in America: Strength Squared Power Sleds

Typically sleds are designed to make hauling a heavy load over a set distance a little bit easier. Whether that load is a deer dragged out of the woods by a hunter, a kid’s sled barreling down a hill or Santa’s sled landing on a roof, the goal of moving a body of mass over a surface with ease is the same. But there are a few sleds made with the opposite goal in mind – making the task of moving a body of mass harder. These ‘power sleds’ are used in fitness training to build strength and stamina. Strength Squared, with locations in both Las Vegas, NV and Denver, CO, has only been making power sleds since 2010, but they have made a big splash in the market with an appearance on the NBC show, “The Biggest Loser” earlier this year.

Video after the jump

Nike Goes Xtreme With New Golf Bag

Those looking to walk the course need not think of golf as an “extreme” workout, as the Nike Xtreme Sport IV Carry Bag will offer comfort and functionality from fairway to fairway. This latest bag, which arrived at retail this month, was inspired by Nike’s impressive knowledge of bags.

The Nike Xtreme Sport IV Carry Bag incorporates key features and benefits for those golfers who enjoys walking the course. It features ventilated air mesh back pad and updated Nike revolving double strap system, so every player can pick up and play with comfort and ease. It also includes new Nike Grind zipper pulls that are made using raw materials from the recycling of athletic shoes through Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program and from the recycling of scrap materials left over from the manufacture of Nike product. Additional features include new custom leg end caps to provide ultimate stability and GPS/rangefinder loops for functionality. Continue reading Nike Goes Xtreme With New Golf Bag

Dashing Through the Woods on a Bean Bag Sled

Sometimes the simple things are what make the holidays so special. And while there have been plenty in the way of innovative with carbon fiber sleds, and high tech options for snowboarding, how about going low tech this year.

This week Hammacher Schlemmer is rolling out a sled that is anything but high tech, yet looks like loads of fun. Introducing the Bean Bag Sled, which features an inflatable air bladder that is surrounded by the 2mm polystyrene spheres found in bean bags. Designed in Italy, the Bean Bag Sled is made from double-stitched PVC coated 100 percent polyester to ensure endless runs on the slopes! At $299.95 it is a lot more than a food tray but likely a lot more comfortable!

Bean Bag Sled at Hammacher Schlemmer

Made in America: Dirt King USA Tricycles

The day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. officially kicks off the Christmas shopping season. Some of you might have been proactive and have gotten all of your shopping out of the way, but if you are like many, you haven’t even started to even think about it. If you have not started your shopping yet and there is a toddler or even a big kid on your list, you might be interested in checking out the tricycles from Dirt King USA.

Dirt King USA of WaKeeney, KS is a subsidiary of MCM Manufacturing Inc. After being in the agricultural manufacturing business for 13 years and later expanding into the oil field industry, MCM created Dirt King in 1983 after both of those industries softened and the need to diversify was evident. The first Dirt King product was actually a scooter, but was soon followed by a three-wheeler or tricycle.

Video after the jump

Fitness Journal: Tips and Tricks for a Fit Thanksgiving (and Other Holidays)

Staying fit during Thanksgiving is a challenge for many of us, but attending these food-heavy family feasts doesn’t mean you have to gorge until you explode nor do you have to give up having fun in the name of fitness. Here are some simple things you can do to have a healthy Thanksgiving or any holiday celebration.

Prepare a Wholesome Dinner
If you are hosting a holiday dinner, you have the advantage of deciding what healthy foods to cook for you and your guests. Unless you have informed them of the menu ahead of time, keep in mind that your diners may be expecting traditional fixings, so you may not want to plan a meal completely around tofu or seitan.

You can serve a traditional meal but apply some adjustments. For example, you can cook lean turkey breasts instead of the whole bird, eliminating the dark meat. You can use a grain such as quinoa for the stuffing instead of bread, and amp up the sweet potato while cutting out white potato. The Mayo Clinic has a list of healthy recipes you can try, and you can find other recipes at sites such as Epicurious and the Food Network. Continue reading Fitness Journal: Tips and Tricks for a Fit Thanksgiving (and Other Holidays)