We’ve seen a few wooden bikes over the years, but the Connor Wood Bikes are ones that could really turn heads. Produced in Denver, these American made bicycles feature frames made of steam bent, hand-sculpted, Kevlar reinforced ash and walnut. The bikes are coated with marine spar varnish to protect them from the elements. Two models are now available – including the Scorcher and Cruister – and both feature 29er wheels that let riders head through the woods on wooden bikes.
Category: Made in the USA
Made in America: All That Glitters
From a company like Shinola we’d expect a shinny bike and they didn’t let us down. The Detroit revival company that is known for its quality watches has also taken pride in making quality bicycles. To commemorate its new business the company has introduced a one-off, brass-plated work of art. The Runwell frame was built at the Waterford Precision Cycles in Wisconsin and then brass plated in Detroit. While it isn’t for sale it shows that the company truly knows style.
Made in America: Merlin to do Cycle Magic Again
Last month Competitive Cyclist, an online specialty bicycle retailer, announced that it is reviving the Merlin brand. The titanium bicycle maker, which had been one of the dominant brands making titanium bikes in the 1990s, was purchased by Competitive Cyclists in 2011.
Launched in 1986 as Merlin Metalworks, the company was one of the first to release a titanium mountain bike frame, and in 1988 debuted its first road bike. Competitive Cyclist was proud to announce that Merlin bikes have upheld the tradition and are still 100 percent made in the USA.
Made in America Mission to Ride
Mission Workshop’s is on a mission to provide quality bags for commuter cyclists and the latest result is the Advanced Projects edition, which is made in America and features a waterproof waxed canvas construction. The bag further features the company’s Arkiv closure system and VX liner to ensure that items inside stay dry and protect during the commute year round.
It also offers quick-access outboard pockets, internal zippered pockets, custom aluminum strap hardware and detachable cross-chest stabilizer. The weatherproof roll top main compartment can be used in either the “roll top” mode or in a traditional “flap down” configuration. Mission very possible.
Made in America: POV Backpack
We’ve seen a number of action camera accessories that are designed to change the perspective, including a few wearable systems that change the view from first-person to third-person – putting the rider/runner/athlete in the shot.
The latest gizmo to entry this market is the VuPackPole, a POV/action camera backpack mount, which is now being developed by creator/designer Rodger Dean through a Kickstarter project. This pack is being designed and assembled in Alaska, and the frame is made using a CNC process from HPDE plastic, while the subsystem all and joint is made in Washington.
While this will allow wearer’s to be in the shot, the designers also noted that one problem with typical head-mounted systems is that the video can be shaky and hard to watch. By moving the camera to a pack it is more stable as well. According to Dean the joints will still give under pressure so no worries about getting caught up on branches! Video after the jump
Made in America: Light Board
At the recent SIA Snow Show Light Bohrd showed off its lighted snowboard, but now comes word that the company is also introducing a lighted skateboard. This is a bright idea especially for skaters who look to hit the streets after the sun goes down. The Urban Commuter Longboard is made in Texas and will riders to make a statement while being seen.
Made in America: Reign It In
When out hiking or hunting it helps to have a GPS unit or compass close at hand and secure. The T-Reign ProCase retractable gear tether made in America, and is specifically designed for handheld gadgets and devices. The cases come in three sizes that can hold rangefinders, smartphones, GPS devices and even small cameras.
The ProCase, which made its debut at last month’s SHOT Show, features a 36-inch Kevlar cord with a retraction force of six ounces. The rigid thermoformed body provides a soft yet sturdy impact-resistant cushion while the nylon casing is weather- and water-resistant. It offers a versatile hook-and-loop that can securely fasten to belts and shoulder straps.
It is backed by a lifetime service policy, and is available in black, gray and camo. No one likes to be tethered to anything, but having your gear tethered to you is a never a bad idea. Video after the jump
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.
Best and Worst of 2012
Another year is (almost) behind us. Here are look at the best and worst of 2012 in fitness and well-being.
Best of 2012 Spirit of Competition – The London Olympics
Best of 2012 Tech Trend in Fitness – Rugged/Wearable cameras
Best of 2012 Minimalism – Barefoot running trend
Best of 2012 Software – Fitness apps
Best of 2012 Sustainability -Recycling and Upcycling
Best of 2012 Software – Fitness apps
Best of 2012 Sustainability -Recycling and Upcycling
Best of 2012 Equipment – Ultegra Di2 and Electronic Shifting
Best of 2012 Know When to Fold – Foldable skateboard
Best of 2012 Brain Buckets – Improved helmet technology
Worst of 2012 for Fair Play – Lance Armstrong Doping
Worst of 2012 in Sour Grapes – New York Times Magazine profile of Lolo Jones
Thank you for your support. KineticShift will see you in 2013!
Made in America – Detroit Made Bicycle
Detroit earned the moniker “The Motor City” because it was the car city in its heyday. Those times are in the past, but the days of “wheeled” innovation aren’t completely in the city’s rearview mirror. It might not be new car companies, but there is a serious bike movement in Detroit. New startup Shinola, a bicycle company based in the suburb of Waterford, is about to roll out a line of commuter bikes including the Runwell (above), a commuter bike that features disc brakes, Shimano Alfine 11 internally geared hub; and the Bixby, a three-speed that evokes the look of a classic European bike with just a hint of art deco influence.
Shinola’s founders said they’re proud to be in Detroit, and Detroit should be proud to have companies like coming back to town.
Holiday Gift Idea: Stormy Sidekick
Have a friend who could be more organized while hunting or camping? The Stormy Kromer Sidekick proves that a wearable waist pack doesn’t have to look like something out of The Jetsons. Produced by Ironwood, Michigan-based Stormy Kromer the Sidekick pack is made of a wool/nylon blend, but it is also made in America and if you happen to drop by the factory they’ll even give you a tour. Maybe you can see your own Sidekick being produced!
Holiday Gift Idea: Branching Off
Plenty of companies make canoe and kayak paddles, but this holiday season consider the paddles from Bending Branches of Osceola, Wis. Their products have been made in the USA since the company was founded nearly 30 years ago. Bending Branches worked to revolutionize the paddle industry by introducing composite tips to canoe paddles and the company has been designing and creating some of the most innovative paddles ever sense.
The Rockgard proprietary technology, which is derived from the same material as inline skate wheels, will ensure that the integrity of paddle is maintained even after extensive use. This helps seal the paddle against moisture and protects the most vulnerable areas including the tips and edges, and the company claims this will help the paddles last six times longer.
Don’t find yourself up the creek without a paddle, find yourself up the creek with a Bending Branches paddle!
Holiday Gift Idea: American Made “Liberty” Bottles
Show some patriotic spirit this holiday season with a bottle from Liberty Bottleworks of Washington State. The company was founded in 2010 and makes water bottles in its Union Gap factory from recycled aluminum. Currently the only American-made metal bottles, these are BPA free and made from 100 percent recycled materials. The company offers a number of collections, but we’re partial to the Freedom line above!