Category: Low Tech

Product Recall: Pull-up Bars Far From Perfect

About the only thing that might be perfect about some of the Perfect Pullup adjustable height pull-up bars, which were imported by Perfect Fitness of Mill Valley, California, is that these are perfect for causing an injury. The company has issued a recall of these products because the plastic handles can crack, posing an injury hazard for the user.

So far the company has received about 2,200 reports of handles cracking, with nearly 40 users complaining of injuries that included bruises, strains and sprains. The products were sold online at the company’s website, as well as from Amazon.com, and from sporting goods stores nationwide since January 2008. Continue reading Product Recall: Pull-up Bars Far From Perfect

Convert Your Old Road Frame Into a Single Speed With Wood (Phil Wood)

Do you have a spare bicycle frame that you would love to turn into a single speed or fixie, but the frame does not have horizontal dropouts? Do you want to avoid running a singulator chain tensioner especially in a fixed gear setup? The innovators from San Jose, California, Phil Wood & Co., have come to the rescue. Phil Wood recently announced the upcoming release of their Square Taper Phil Centric bottom bracket to solve this problem.

The Phil Cetric’s center point of the spindle on this bottom bracket pivots closer or further away for the rear dropout where the rear wheel mounts allowing the chain to be properly tensioned. There is currently not much information released about this bottom bracket yet, but from the photos it looks as if there is about 3/8″ – 5/8″ of adjustment in the chain tension. This should be enough adjustment to allow proper tensioning of a chain in almost every frame. Continue reading Convert Your Old Road Frame Into a Single Speed With Wood (Phil Wood)

Propane to Fire Paintballs!

Old school technology that may give way to the next big thing

The very idea sounds downright dangerous, but The Fort Wayne Gazette ran a news item that paintball guns could get a new propellant, possibly something such as propane or butane, mixed with air.

Tippmann Sports LLC, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is one of the leaders in the paintball industry – making some of the most popular “markers” (as the guns are often called). The guns are typically powered using carbon dioxide or compressed air – and it is almost strange that the eco-movement hasn’t targeted this game for the use of the former. But CO2 has another problem, namely that it runs out during play and as the liquid gets cold the guns don’t fire as well.

The solution, which is U.S. Patent No. 7.770,504 – invented by Dennis J. Tippmann Sr. and Dennis J. Tippmann Jr. – is to use a combustible propellant. The key here is that less propellant would be used. Of course this is potentially good for business too, since it means paintball guns that would include a new combustion chamber, new valve and igniter. The system would actually ignite the gas and propel the paintball. It also means that all those old “classic” paintball guns would be incompatible with the new ones.

[Via The Fort Wayne Gazette: Paintball guns may get new propellant]

Tippmann Official Website

Juggling Your Way to Fitness

In this day and age people juggle all the time. They juggle work with their social lives, juggle social time with fitness. So how about spending some time actually “juggling?” That’s the idea of JuggleFit, a new workout the uses juggling to burn calories, work core muscles and improve coordination.

“More than ever, fitness enthusiasts are looking for non-traditional and fun ways to exercise,” says Heather Wolf, Certified Fitness Trainer and Creator of JuggleFit. “Referred to as fusion fitness, performance-based fitness or hybrid fitness, it’s all about getting fit and having fun. Although doing any type of exercise is better than none, running on treadmills and riding on stationary bikes at gyms can get boring and expensive. People are looking for new ways to recharge their fitness routines with unconventional – yet effective – exercises.”

The JuggleFit routine includes instructional juggling DVDs, which according to Wolf provide an aerobic, no impact workout that engages the body’s core. Learn to Juggle with Juggle Your Way to Fitness DVDs JuggleFit DVDs are available in two levels: Beginner and Intermediate. Throughout the first DVD, Wolf uses slow-moving scarves to teach beginners the fundamentals of juggling (the scarves are included in the cost of the DVD). After the user graduates to the intermediate level, the scarves are replaced with three JuggleFit Professional Juggling Balls (sold separately from the DVD). Now you just need to juggle some things to make time to take up real juggling.

JuggleFit Official Website

SIA: Kick Out the Jams

While the show was about snow sports, there were plenty of products for use year round from the SIA (Snowsports Industries America) trade show, which was held last week in Denver. One product that caught our eye was the JammyPack, a small fanny pack bag that includes a small battery powered speaker system.

 The idea is to let wearer’s bring and share the music sans headphones – which can be a good idea in places where a headphone might not be recommended. From our own experience, we’re also sure this product will do a great job at annoying those around any wearer in the process. Congratulations to JammyPack, first for offering an alternative to headphones and second, for making it all the easier for inconsiderate people to “share” their music with the rest of us!

JammyPack Official Website

SIA: Like Sleeping on Air

One thing that isn’t so great about the great outdoors is sleeping on the ground, especially in the winter when said ground can be frozen. If you’re looking to be a little less extreme in your extreme travels, or just seek a little comfort while roughing it, Kymit has you covered. Or rather they have you undered, as in the company has a product that means no more sleeping on the ground.

At least weeks Snowsports Industries America trade Show Klymit showed off the Interia X-Frame, a sleeping pad for campers that can fold down to the size of a nine-ounce, soda can-sized pack – yet blows up in no time. It inflates via a simple push-pull valve that is entirely lung powered with 10 or so puffs. In other words a bit of huffing and puffing means no more sleeping on the dirt.

Klymit Official Website

Red Bull Brings Out Mini Velodrome in London

 

Energy drink maker Red Bull packs a big punch in a small can, and maybe size does matter. To that end the drink maker has created the world’s smallest velodrome in London’s East End. This purpose-built track was created by Velotrack, the team behind the velodromes for the Atlanta Olympics and Delhi Commonwealth Games.

It is so small it could almost fit in the average America back yard… but we think we’ll keep to the road for now.

Red Bull Mini Drome Offiial Site

SHOT Show: SOG Shows Its Edge In The Contractor Series

Doing the job right starts with using the right tool, and at last week’s SHOT Show in Las Vegas, SOG Knives introduced four tools for the Contractor series, and these are designed specifically for tradesman and those who know that knives are more for just cutting stuff. The company’s line also included the Nautical precision multi-tool, which is geared for underwater digging, prying and scraping, as well as the Force, a nearly foot-long knife for long-duration uses.

In the Contractor series the company builds on its nearly 25 years of experience as the supplier of knives and tools for industrial, contractor and DIY markets, and this year’s four knives are ideal for those who like a bit of adventure as well. These four knives feature multi-bladed lockback, holes/notches for stripping wire and G10 or aluminum grips as well as razor sharp blades. The line will be out in spring of this year. Here are the highlights:

The Contractor I (MSRP: $48.00) will feature notches for stripping wire, one handed opening and aluminum grips.
The Contractor II (MSRP: $48.00) offers a lockback design, sheepsfoot blade shape, G10 grips and one handed opening.
The Contractor III (MSRP: $55.00) is a multi-bladed lockback with G10 grips and one handed opening.
The Contractor IV (MSRP: $55.00) has a lockback design with hooked blade shape, G10 grips and one handed opening.

SOG Specialty Knives & Tools New Products For 2011 Official Site

National Bike Summit Brings Many Companies Together

We received a press release this week for the National Bike Summit 2011, and our first thought was, “wow, look at all the corporate and group logos.” There were quite a few and this included League of American Bicyclists, Bikes Belong Coalition, Planet Bike, National Bicycle Dealers Association, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Safe Routes: National Center for Safe Routes to School, Alliance for Biking & Walking, Saris Cycling Group, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Interbike, AAA, My Bike Law, Cycling Mobility, FTA, Bicycle Times, Toue de Cure, Dero Bike Racks, CycleSafe Secure Bicycle Parking, Adventure Cycling, Toole Design Group, Washington Area Bicyclist Association, Rails to Trails Conservancy, QBP, Cat Eye, RBA, The National Center for Bicycling and Walking, Alta Planning & Design and Polar.

What does this really mean? To us, it actually means that the future should be looking very good for those who like to ride bikes. There is always power in numbers, and the coming together of so many cycling groups, companies that make cycling products and even a few groups like AAA in the mix that the power for pedaling should be in full gear.

We’ll be sure to report on the latest news from the National Bike Summit when it takes place in March.

A Vest That is Sure to Impress

Playing army wasn’t this cool when I was kid, and while this reporter has had a range of paintball accessories, the new RAP4 Tactical MOLLE Vest almost makes me want to get back in the game. This one is designed for use in paintball, Airsoft and even tactical training. It can be customized and configured to meet a user’s requirements and hold paintball pods, CO2 cylinders and air tanks, while the interchangeable pouches can even hold standard AR or MP5 magazines.

It is designed with the MOLLE webbing system that utilizes multi-position hooks to enable you attach the pouches just where you want them, while pouches can be moved right to left or front to back. The interior of the vest also features dual map pockets, and since we know that many paintball and Airsoft players aren’t as lean as say the average Special Forces operative, this vest can be worn by users up to size 2XL.

Check out the video after the jump.

Continue reading A Vest That is Sure to Impress

Not a Slouch Through Powder

With the recent news of snow being present in 49 of the 50 states, you may have gotten the urge to get outside and float through the white stuff. If you enjoy spending your days on the slopes riding in fresh powder, then Ride Snowboards may have the board for you. 

The Slackcountry UL snowboard is specifically designed to float above deep snow using a high rocker or front tip called the HighRize rocker. This increased rocker height design helps keep the front of the board from diving into the snow and makes it much easy to float on top. The Slackcountry UL board has a ‘Twinish’ shape which means that it can also be ridden rear tip forward or switch foot. Ride also increased the rocker height of the rear tip, but the rear rocker rise is not as much as the front. 

Another unique feature of the Slackcountry UL is the traditional plastic top sheet has been replaced by hemp. The all new Hemp Brain Topless Technology uses the renewable resource, hemp, to create a top sheet which is reported to be lighter and stronger than a similar plastic top sheet. Not only is the rider suppose to have an improved product over plastic, they can feel warm and fuzzy on the inside knowing that they are ridding a product that is better for the environment. Continue reading Not a Slouch Through Powder

Is One-on-One Fitness the New Way to Work Out?

Ever wonder how serious athletes get so seriously in shape, or how celebrities can tone up for a movie role? Part of is that this is what their job is all about. They don’t spend the day working and then go hit the gym of course, but another part of it is that they get one-on-one training. This is what Jaime Brenkus has in mind with his “concierge” weight loss and training program.

Brenkus had previously pioneered the concept of the 8-Minutes Abs Program and is looking to take his Slim & FIT Centers to the next level with his new program. He looks to address the issue that many people just don’t like to work out.

“It wasn’t the usual litany of how they couldn’t afford it or didn’t have the time,” said Brenkus. “With most of them, it boiled down to the fact that they were so out of shape, they were embarrassed to go to a gym and work out in front of strangers.”

Now Brenkus has sold 21 franchises with locations in major cities in the country, and here visitors can go to a single destination to work out and get personalized counseling as well. The centers provide a private setting. Let’s hope it catches on.

Slim & Fit Centers Official Website

Double Triple Bypass… say what?

For the past 22 years Team Evergreen Bicycle Club has been putting on the Triple Bypass one Saturday every July. This one-day ride is 120 miles starting in Evergreen, Colorado and ending in Avon, Colorado, just west of Vail. The 120 miles may not sound tough, but the riders must cross three mountain passes before arriving in Avon – Juniper/Squaw, 11,140 feet; Loveland, 11,990 feet; and finally Vail, 10,560. The total climbing is 10,600 feet.

On the plus side, this ride is very well supported with five aid stations, signs along the way, detailed maps, Colorado Highway Patrol, SAG wagons and even a post-ride dinner. Continue reading Double Triple Bypass… say what?