Bike London

While Amsterdam could arguably be the cycling capital of Europe the Mayor of London looks to develop a new €1 billion master bike plan aimed at revitalizing urban cycling. This plan backs Dutch style infrastructure with a strong commitment towards better cycling routes, traffic restrictions and even so-called “Little Holland” style developments. This is just some of what could occur via a 10-year plan that could see the majority of the new infrastructure built within the first four years.

“Both the Mayor and I pay tribute to the London Cyclists’ Campaign, journalists, bloggers and other campaigners for driving the issue so far up the political agenda,” says Andrew Gilligan, London’s newly appointed cycling commissioner. Continue reading Bike London

Hammock Time

There are times when a tent isn’t needed but sleeping under the stars isn’t quite possible either. Bugs and critters make sleeping on the ground a little less desirable, but the Blue Ridge Camping Hammock from Lawson will get you off the ground and have you covered as well. It features a nylon pack cloth bed, nylon rope, aluminum alloy poles and no-see-um netting. There is an O-ring in the ceiling for hanging light while a nylon rain tarp will have you covered in case the weather turns. It weighs just 4.25 pounds making for less to carry while on the go.

Blue Ridge Camping Hammock Official Website

Table Tennis

Have enough space for either a full sized dining table or a table tennis table but not both? Consider the Table & Tennis, which is designed to serve as dinner/meeting table while also being just the right size to be a regulation ping pong table. It features mirrored stainless steel base and a walnut veneer that evokes serious stile. There are even drawers to store paddles, balls and a quick-release net.

It might be enough to make you want to rush through dinner/meeting so you can get back to the game.

Table & Tennis Official Website

Cover Up

There are times when you can’t bring the bike inside. If you have to store the bike outside consider the BikeParka, which isn’t a cover for you but for your bike. This all-weather cover is designed to fit bicycles of all shapes and sizes, and is available in two versions.

The Stash is for those who have to keep the bike outside the home, either on a balcony or in a yard, while the Urban (above) is for commuters. The latter version features panels with the option to still lock up the bike. Both versions will still provide a snug fit within the Risptop polyester fabric, which can help protect a bike from the elements.

BikeParka Official Website

Weekend Reading List (03.02.2013): Kabul Skateboards, E-Bike Increase in Europe, Goal Tech

Kabul Skateboards

From Good Is: Students of DIY Workshop Make First Skateboards in Afghanistan
Skateistan began as a Kabul-based NGO, and now operates projects in Afghanistan, Cambodia, and Pakistan, with a second facility opening in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan, in 2013. Skateistan focuses on reaching out to girls and working children, using skateboarding as a tool for developing leadership opportunities, and building friendship, trust, and social capital among its students. While skateboarding is the initial way to get students involved, Skateistan is then able to provide access to education and platforms for self-expression that help break the cycles of poverty and exclusion. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (03.02.2013): Kabul Skateboards, E-Bike Increase in Europe, Goal Tech

Walking Tall With a Stick

While Teddy Roosevelt may have said walk softly but carry a big stick he probably didn’t mean to get in shape. However, the American Nordic Walking Association has noted that walking with poles burns more than 40 percent more calories per hour and works more muscles than normal walking. It also provides that big stick – just in case.

Swedish company BungyPump is even looking to improve on those numbers with its new springy poles. These don’t exactly put a spring in the step but these reportedly work even more muscles than static sticks. Unlike other sticks these are also gentle on the shoulders and elbows but also help relieve pressure on the knees and hips. We just wonder what Teddy R. would have thought! Continue reading Walking Tall With a Stick

Antler Handlebars

There are the ram’s horn handlebars and of course the bullhorn handlebars, but Brooklyn Designer Taylor Simpson has created the Moniker Cycle Horn, a handcrafted handlebar that features real deer antlers! We’re not sure who exactly would want to ride with these but we suggest you stay out of the woods during hunting season!

Taylor Simpson Design Official Website

Made in America: Detroit Cargo Hauler

When we think of Detroit we think of cars and maybe Motown music, or more over how the city could use a turnaround. Fortunately some smaller shops like Detroit Cargo are trying to get innovative and taking the good old Motor City innovation in a new direction with quality products.

This includes the new Jefferson Handlebar Bag that can hold tools, phones and even a change of clothes after riding to work. It offers a stylish retro looking design and is hand-crafted in Detroit from natural leather.

Detroit Cargo Official Website

Another “Low Tech” Bike Rack

While we like the innovative spirit behind most products, for the second time in recent memory we’ve seen a barebones bike rack offered as something special. The Make 001 Bike Rack does have more style than the Bike Hook – which is why that one was called out as a Kinetic(Mis)Shift and the Make 001 is not. But that said we still question whether $180 is money well spent on a few pieces of wood. Nice design but worth the cost; we don’t know.

Make 001 Bike Rack Official Website

Outdoor Retail Show 2013: Junior Blades

The Swiss Army Knife has been the gold standard for pocket knives for generations, and this year Wenger is introducing a Junior version for younger campers, backpackers and scouts. The Junior Swiss Army Knife features a locking safety blade with rounded tip to help reduce blade-related accidents, and also includes scissors, Philips head screwdriver, nail file, nail cleaner, toothpick, tweezers and key ring – because what would a Swiss Army Knife be without lots of nifty tools!

Wenger Official Website

SHOT Show: Survival Knife

At this week’s SHOT Show television survival expert Les Stroud was on hand at the Camillus booth, where the company introduced 20 brand new models of cutlery including the Les Stroud Elite series of fixed blades that offer a full tang 440 stainless steel with olive wood handles and hand crafted leather sheaths.

If these are good enough for a survivor man than we expect no complaints.

Camillus Knives Official Website

Axe and You Shall Receive

When we think of “Battle Axe” two things come to mind and yes, one is Fred Flintstone’s mother-in-law (or most mother-in-laws probably), and the other is something carried by dwarves in The Lord of the Rings. However, axes have real purposes today, and the Lansky Fireman’s Battle Axe is ideal for more than fighting fires. It features an impact tool, hose wrench and gas valve wrench. Probably not the first choice for camping, but if you’re going to own one axe for all your axeful uses this is probably the one to have.

 Lansky Official Website