The leaves are changing colors and cool weather isn’t so much coming as it has arrived. The Oliver Spencer Biking Gloves will keep the heads warm as the temperatures fall. These are knitted from soft lambswool that features just a bit of nylon to provide shape retention and added durability. The leather palms will help improve grip.
Category: Low Tech
Blade Assist
In times of an emergency the Spyderco Assist Knife may seem like a godsend. This four-inch blade is made from VG-10 steel, features a blunt tip but has both toothed and flat edges and can cut through just about anything that gets in your way. It is available with a non-reflective black carbon nitride finish is designed for those times when you wish you wouldn’t need it, but would be glad to have it.
Made in America: Back to Nature
Go old school with the Natural Log Skateboards, which are hand crafted in San Diego from either vertical grain bamboo or recycled oak with two internal layers of tri-axial fiberglass for added strength. An Entropy Resins Super Sap epoxy will provide protection for the deck and add some bounce.
While these look vintage these boards should endure the test of time.
Get Your Skate and Leather On
Leather isn’t something you typically need for surfing and not really for skating, but that hasn’t stopped Leatherman from announcing a new line of pocket tools designed specifically for both sets of action sports. This follows the company’s new line of snowboard tools that were rolled out earlier this year.
The Grind and Jam pocket tools are aimed at the skateboarders while the Thurster and Shooter are for those who like to catch some waves. The former are designed to be carried or clipped on a belt, and feature flat and Phillips head screwdrivers, file, bottle openers, multiple open ended wrenches, hex driver, truck key and carabiner – in other words all the things to do some work on the board while on the go.
The surf tools feature bottle openers, bit drivers, wax comb, spring hooks, a lanyard hole, easy outs and a rubber bit holder.
With these tools small repairs won’t let the good times end.
Leatherman Official Website
[Via Gizmag: Leatherman announces new pocket tools for skaters and surfers]
Interbike 2013: Chrome Still Shines
At last week’s Interbike trade show in Las Vegas Chrome put the spotlight on its line of rugged commuter bags and packs for 2014. This included a peak at its knurled welded technology, which utilizes high tech radio frequency welding with a mechanical interlock between thermoplastic fabrics to create bags that will protect virtually anything inside.
These include the Front Rack Duffel 40, which is designed to attach quickly to most front utility racks and can also be carried as a duffel off the bike and the Saddle Bag Rolltop 20, a 20 liter welded-waterproof pannier that can handle adventure cycling as well as the daily adventure to work. The Saddle Bag Rolltop 20 further includes integrated laptop sleeve, five-bar haul handles and a Hypalon MOLLE system. Continue reading Interbike 2013: Chrome Still Shines
Lil’ Archer Case
Just because a youth archer might have a smaller bow doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t get the same level of protection. Plano knows this and has introduced the Ultra-Lite Bow Case (Model 1108-00), which is constructed with the same expertise and features found in full-size models, but is designed with small bows in mind. It includes foam padding on the lid and base to secure the bow in place, while the PillarLock system provides another level of strength with two strategically located crush-resistant support pillars. At just about $20 it is a budget minded case that provides security for the bow.
Checking In
The “Boot” of Italy has a lot to offer in the way of sights, foods and so much more. While there are plenty of options to drive from point to point in Italy, why not take a bicycle – arguably the truest form of Italian transportation. Consider it a personal Giro d’Italia!
And while many hotels in America and elsewhere don’t always appreciate riders bringing a bicycle, this isn’t a problem in Italy, where almost 50 hotels make up a comprehensive consortium. From the Italian coastlines to the Italian Alps, and through the country side these hotels promise a unique experience for customers, along with many biking accommodations that include mechanical workshops and bike garages to Italian style dinners. There are even options for relaxing massage therapy and spa – not to mention free laundry for sweaty cycling apparel!
Against the Wall
There is nothing wrong with simple, especially in today’s world where often the complex is used when something basic would do. The El Gringo Wall Mounted Surfboard Rack is about as simple can get. It is made of steel or stainless steel with cork pads to protect the surfboard and it is being produced by Make by Consult, which previously made a similar bike rack.
At $125 it isn’t exactly cheap, but it probably beats trying to make your own.
Domino Flip
The Spyderco Domino is the latest in the company’s line of flipper knives. Designed by Eric Glesser, this performance-driven knife offers a minimalist profile with refined ergonomics. Its trademarked Round Hole is positioned to offer optimal leverage and is supported by special ball-bearing washers in the pivot that reduce friction. This provides a smooth, reliable opening; and in the open position the flipper practically disappears into the grip-friendly contours of the handle.
Made of precision machined CTS- XHP stainless steel the Domino’s blade features a full-flat grind for superior edge geometry and a distal taper with an acute point. It is mated to a handle that consists of a solid titanium scale on one side and a titanium liner and carbon fiber/G-10 laminate scale on the other, where the solid titanium scale forms the foundation of the Domino’s sturdy Reeve Integral Lock (R.I.L). This is knife that is worth flipping for.
Camp Dinner Serving
While camping out you could sit down and eat with that pocket knife that includes spoon and fork, but the GSI Halulite Camp Cutlery Set is so much more civilized. It is also a better option than disposable utensils. These are made from halulite alloy so they’re durable yet light, and each sets comes with a carabineer so these won’t get lost on the trail.
X Cube Marks the Spot
Improve your swing with the Golf-X-Cube, a patent-pending training aid that can make the game on the fairway a little more enjoyable. It consists of a UV-resistant polyamide reinforced cube with a hole on the bottom to insert a tee to keep it in place.
The Golf-X-Cube sits between you and the ball as you practice your swing, and this can help with proper golf stance, as it guides you to hit the ball more consistently and straighter. The designers claim that in as little as 15 minutes you will see an improvement in your swing. X marks the spot.
Shift for Good
One Street has announced that its Bike Shift Lever for Anybody, by Anybody is ready to launch via a Kickstarter campaign beginning next month. The bicycle advocacy group has been working on simple to make, simple to use bike components for a while now and the shifters are shifting into high gear.
These feature a symmetrical design that works on both the right and left side, using only six parts and can be easily repaired. The Bike Shift Levers can be produced via primitive casting using scrap aluminum and are designed for people who depend on their bike, and is simple for those with weak or injured hands.
We’ll be sure to follow the efforts as the Bike Shift Lever heads to Kickstarter.
Chop or Saw
Sink or swim – that’s an easy one. But what about whether you should saw some wood or chop it? A saw and an axe will each get the job done, but with different degrees of precession. Zippo Manufacturing Company offers both options in one tool – and actually it does a bit more as well.
The 4-in-1 Woodsman works as a hatchet with a five-inch blade, a bow saw that can cut oak up to four-inches in diameter, plus it works as a mallet and a stake puller. Why bring more tools than you need to the campsite when this is truly like four tools in one.