We’ve heard of clipless pedals, but the Ultralite pedal system from Ultralite Sports of Colorado almost seems like they forgot the pedals. At first glance this sort of looks like the deck of a flat pedal just broke off. But actually nothing has broken off. Instead the company has created what truly promises to be the lightest clipless pedals ever made. With pedals and cleats these weigh just 112 grams. As the photo above shows it is basically just a single barrel with absolutely no “platform.” Continue reading Interbike Made in America: Ultralite Pedals Almost Like Pedaless
Category: Made in the USA
Kinetic(Mis)Shift: Fit Wet Seems All Wet to Us
httpv://youtu.be/Ae9Lihg6XMA
Maybe we’re missing something here with the Fit Wet? A bike jacuzzi is what this essentially is, and the makers claim that it “combines the effects of biking, water resistance, & jets to improve results 10 times faster than an average bike.” It also costs $18,000, which seems just a little high to use for such exercise equipment. It also essentially means that the water is dumped out after each ride, which seems like a huge waste as well. At least it is made in Florida!
We’ll see if we can get some answers as the company will reportedly be doing demos at the Health + Fitness Business Expo taking place in conjunction with next week’s Interbike trade show. Until then this one seems all wet!
Kinetic(Mis)Shift are products that we think deserve to be called out for missing the mark in health related products.
Made in America: Mission Ready Field Pack
New for this fall is the R2 Arkiv Field Pack from Mission Workshop, which features the “Arkiv Modular System” that offers easy, on-the-fly customization of compartments. It features two Arkiv rails that allow for a multitude of carry options.
Backed by a lifetime warranty this bag is waterproof and is made in the USA. It features a minimalist design but can hold everything you might need on a globe trekking journey or just in a daily commute. Life often needs to be compartmentalized and now your bag can be too.
Made in America: Argonaut Cycles
American bicycle company Argonaut Cycles has made a bold promise in its attempt to “re-define custom,” but that is what the Portland, Oregon based company is looking to do with its new carbon fiber road frame business.
Company owner Ben Farver apparently has taken what he’s known about making steel tube-to-tube frames and is using that knowledge with carbon fiber. The frames are made using bladder molded frame sections produced in the United States and which are then assembled by Ben in his shop. The result is that both stock and custom bike are available, and while these aren’t cheap the quality is there. Video after the jump
Sunday Q&A: RAMP Sports Talks About Move Back to America
Last month we noted in our Friday Made in America profile that RAMP Sports was looking to ramp up production of its various skis and other products by moving back to America. Now Mike Kilchenstein, CEO and founder of RAMP Sports, a 32 year industry veteran tells us why they made that decision. Continue reading Sunday Q&A: RAMP Sports Talks About Move Back to America
Sunday Q&A: Mt. Borah Lets Athletes Get a Custom Kit
There are plenty of customization in the fitness world, and now thanks to Mt. Borah athletes can get suited up in custom apparel complete with logos and graphics. And unlike many companies that require a large run of 25 or more units, Mt. Borah offers its services for low as six jerseys.
We spoke to Ben Wizner, head of team sales and marketing, about how they make this possible. Continue reading Sunday Q&A: Mt. Borah Lets Athletes Get a Custom Kit
Made in America: Bijubee – Yoga, Pilates, and Exercise Wear
What does a “victorious crowned bee” have to do with yoga? Not much until taking a look at the line of yoga apparel from Bijubee. Based in South El Monte, California, Bijubee offers the active woman a very extensive line of yoga and exercise apparel, plus every piece is designed and manufactured “with love” in America. Video after the jump
Made in America: American Mug & Stein Mugs at Starbucks
Starbucks, Peet’s, The Brewing Market, or any number of mom and pop coffee shops around America, on any given weekend morning this is the select meeting spot for friends and family to start their day. Whether the activities involve a hike, skiing, a bike ride, or just relaxing, that shop not only acts as the meeting point, but also supplies a caffeinated beverage to kickstart the day. While waiting for that little pick-me-up to be prepared by the barista, have you ever browsed the mugs and other coffee related items sold by those shops? Flip any of those mugs or cups over and read the bottom – “Made in China” will probably be printed there. The argument could be made that it really doesn’t matter, but to a handful of people in East Liverpool, Ohio, it does. Continue reading Made in America: American Mug & Stein Mugs at Starbucks
Made in America: Thought Out Company – iPod and iPad Mounts
Do you own an iPad, iPod, or any other brand of smart phone or tablet? Have you tried to buy a mount for your device? Stroll into any Apple Store or Best Buy and prepare to be inundated with an overwhelming number of choices offering countless features to best hold your tablet or phone.
What you may also notice when reading the packages, often printed at the very bottom of the package on the back, is where the item is made. “Designed in the USA, Made in China” is a common phrase used by companies, possibly mimicking Apple’s labeling on most of their products. If you read the packaging on enough of these types of products, you might think that there is no alternatives to these types of items being produced overseas, but there are a few aftermarket accessory choices that are actually designed in America AND made in America. One such company is Thought Out of Shelton, Connecticut, which has been producing America made, innovative products since being founded in 2004. Video after the jump
Made in America: Murbles Outdoor Sports Game
Summer is the time of year to get outside to enjoy time with family and friends. The days are long and the nights are warm, plus there are hardly any new shows on the tube to veg-out in front of in the evenings. Backyard entertaining often involves some good games along with the grill and drinks, and quick trip to your local sporting goods will reveal many different gaming options for both small and large spaces. From tetherball to volleyball, there are plenty of choices to keep your guests on their feet, active, and entertained. As a bonus, many of these options can also be enjoyed by both young and old guests at the same time.
Unfortunately, a quick read of the labels will show that most of these games are made in China (yes, I checked just this past weekend while picking up some games for a BBQ). But this is not the case with everyone of them on the market, and there are a handful of games that are still made in America, including horseshoes and Whiffleball to name two. Another option that is nearly 25 years old, and one which you may not be familiar with is a game that is loosely based on marbles and Bocce. Murbles, short for Murray’s marbles, is the brainchild of Murray Kramer who created the game back in 1979 after he was unsuccessful at defeating his neighbor in horseshoes during his college years in Michigan. Continue reading Made in America: Murbles Outdoor Sports Game
Made in America: KettlePizza Kits
Memorial Day is just around the corner, which for most, signals the arrival of summer. For those of you who do not like to cook outside throughout the winter months, it is time to dust off those grills and get them fired up. It is so easy to throw a pack of hotdogs or burgers on the grill, but a quick read of the wrapper might make you rethink your meal of choice. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good burger and dog, just not for every cookout.
There are plenty of healthy grilling choices when you want to get outside to enjoy the weather and family while cooking. Chicken, skewers, veggies, and lean steak just to name a few; but have you ever thought of grilling a pizza? Here is a fairly new product that takes your existing Weber kettle grill and turns it quickly into a pizza oven!
The KettlePizza is the brainchild of inventor Al Contarino, who in 2010, teamed up with George Peters to bring Al’s design to market – all from Al‘s barn. In 2011, after receiving a great response for their product, the two had to move KettlePizza into a manufacturing and distribution center in Groveland, Massachusetts. That’s right, just like the Weber kettle grill that it is designed to work with, the KettlePizza is made in America! Continue reading Made in America: KettlePizza Kits
Veteran-Owned Wiley-X Supports the Vets
Once again our friends at Wiley X are stepping up in their call to all Americans to pause this May 28 to remember what Memorial Day is all about — honoring the memory of the countlesss brave men and women who have given their lives to preserve our freedoms and way of life. As a veteran-owned company that has built its legacy providing state-of-the-art protective eyewear to combat soldiers in action around the world, Wiley X is keenly aware of the sacrifices our fighting forces make every day. This includes the ultimate sacrifice that an estimated 1.2 million Americans have made dating back to the Revolutionary War that gave birth to our great nation.
“As we gather to celebrate with our friends and families, enjoying picnics, backyard barbecues or trips to the country, we should all remember where these freedoms and rights come from,” said Myles Freeman, Jr., Co-Owner of Wiley X. “Memorial Day is one of our most meaningful Holidays, yet the true meaning can sometimes get lost in the fun of a three-day weekend. Remember the reason for the celebration this year — and if you happen to see a soldier or a veteran, let tthem know you appreciate them,” added Freeman.
Made in America: Competition Headwear
The modern ball cap can trace its ties to baseball all the way back to 1860 when the Brooklyn Excelsiors wore a similar design to keep the sun out of their faces during game play. The ball cap has evolved throughout the years and is worn not only by baseball players, but almost every athlete wears one before, during, or after game play. Even our military wears them while on duty as part of the uniform (at least the Navy). Nearly everyone owns at least one ball cap, but do you know how many are made in the U.S.A.?
A look in my closet revealed this…
Even though its design was made popular by an American sport, of the 28 hats and visors in my closet, China topped the list with 21; followed by the Philippines with 2; and then Taiwan, Macau, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and U.S.A. each with 1. Even the NRA cap with an American flag stitched on the side was made in China. It is really difficult to walk into a store and find a cap that isn’t made overseas, but all hope is not lost. Competition Headwear, of Denver, Colorado, is one company that has bucked the trend of sending production overseas and only manufactures caps that are 100-percent made in America. Continue reading Made in America: Competition Headwear