Outdoors | Evolving Consumer

Pyle it On

Pyle Audio has shown that it knows a thing or two about rugged outdoor audio gear and now the company has introduced its eXpo Hi-Speed HD Action Camera, which it calls the perfect companion for action sports enthusiasts looking to re-live every hairpin turn or monster jump, while sharing their hi-resolution photos and videos with family and friends.

This 20megapixel camera/camcorder features CMOS image sensor technology, while it can record 1080p video, and can shoot at 60, 50, 30 or 25 frames-per-second. It also features a 4X zoom and invertible screen display, are controlled via a 2.0” LCD touch screen, and it can be controlled via Wi-Fi remotely from a smartphone. Continue reading Pyle it On

The Challenge is On

The National Bike Challenge kicks off today and it looks to build on last year’s challenge that saw more than 34,000 bicyclists ride some 19 million miles. For 2014 the League of American Cyclists is calling upon 50,000 bicyclists to reach a combined goal of 30 million miles.

The National Bike Challenge, now in its third year, is a fun, free, game-changing event that runs from May 1 to September 30.

National Bike Challenge Official Website

Mountains to Climb

We never really expected the mountain to come to Mohammed; hence Mohammed had to go to the mountain. After all mountains go to no man – or can they? A German company is looking to build artificial climbing structures that are much more than just a climbing wall.

Those walls in the gyms looking nothing like the terrain found in nature so Climb Up!-Kletterwelt is now creating a man-made mountain that eliminates the needs for colored holds. Instead it offers crevices, ledges and protrusions that climbers can expect to find in the real world. Unlike the real world however the Climb Up mountains will feature integrated safety cables bolted to the climbing surfaces that can be used with a ferrata clip harness so there is no need for a belayer.

CLIMB UP! – Kletterwelt is looking to build the mountains as part of a park near Berlin, and recently it launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds to raise the mountain. Continue reading Mountains to Climb

Product Placement

We see many innovative products at KineticShift.com, and while we truly respect the nature of making a profit we also were quite moved by the story behind Cotopaxi. Davis and Asialene Smith launched the outdoor brand not only as a business to make money, but also to improve the human condition and assist the more than one billion people who live in extreme poverty.

The Utah-based company is a new “one for one” startup where proceeds from purchases are used to help those in need. For example, the purchase of a water bottle from Cotopaxi will help provide a child in India with access to water for six months. The video above allows the Smiths to tell their story in their own words.

Cotopaxi Official Website

GPS Tracking Bike

Electric bikes offer some benefits beyond pedal assistance. The VANMOOF Electrified is an e-bike that also offers an integrated GPS anti-theft tracking system.

“”One of the features that had first turned me on to the VANMOOF Electrified was its GPS tracking ability,” said Adam Richmond, an Electrified early adopter, had three electric bicycles stolen from his home last month. “I used the app to track my bike, providing me with its exact location. Using this information, the West Palm Beach Police Department recovered my bike and returned it to me, unharmed, within hours of the theft.”

It is almost – just almost – enough to make you forgo the lock.

VANMOOF Official Website

TomTom RunRun

TomTom is giving Garmin and Nike a run for their money with its new Runner Cardio GPS Watch, which features a sensor that casts light through the skin to accurately measure blood flow without the need for a chest strap. The watch offers five intensity zones, and lets wearers track speed, endurance and even fat loss.

The TomTom Runner Cardio will be off and running later this month.

TomTom Runner Cardio Official Website

GI Go

When we think of a “G.I. Bike” we think of something American soldiers used in World War II, but the Gi Bike is something different. It is a full-sized, folding, electric bike designed for travel around town.

It folds up or down in just three seconds, and can run 40 miles on battery. It even offers smartphone integration with apps and maps, and designed to handle the mean streets with side lights that help riders be seen, while an anti-theft safety lock ensures the bike is there where you left it. This is Gi is ready to roll. Video after the jump

Weekend Reading List (04.26.2014): Going Downhill, Bionic Olympics, Entrepreneurial Approach

Going Downhill

From Runner’s World:Three Tips for Running Downhill
Train on descents – without getting hurt – to build strength, boost coordination, and even have some fun. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (04.26.2014): Going Downhill, Bionic Olympics, Entrepreneurial Approach

Smart Thinking

Researchers at the University of Oxford found that the human brain can notice symbols faster than it notices generic lights, and with this in mind a group from the school developed Brainy Bike Lights, which feature an LED “cyclists” symbol instead of just a row of bulbs.

In tests the team found that people were able to quickly identify that it was a bicycle and more importantly reacted more quickly to it. Those in the study reacted about 100 milliseconds faster, which for a car traveling at 30 mph could mean the distance of 1.34 meters. That could make a difference for those on the bike!

The lights are reportedly visible from a distance of 20 meters and provide a field of view of almost 180 degrees. The headlight version can run for about 50 hours while flashing, and the tail light can run for 200 hours. That should be plenty of time to get noticed.

Brainy Bike Lights Official Website

Cabela’s Packs It In With New XPG Line

Outdoor retailer Cabela’s new XPG line features a collection that includes backpacking tents, shells, active apparel, running shows and even packs to pack it all in. The line is the eXtreme Performance Gear, and is aimed to help the company branch out beyond hunters and fisherman – and includes hikers, backpackers, peak-baggers and trail runners.

The new XPG line is launching this spring.

Cabela’s XPG Official Website
[Via GearJunkie: Outdoors Retail Behemoth Cabela’s Goes ‘Fast & Light’ With New Product Line]

X4 Lights the Spot

There are plenty of ways to be seen while riding or running at night, but Edward Ward of London has created the Commuter X4, a wearable, fiber optic rear bike light that helps drivers judge distance, width and even speed of the cyclist. Ward’s design was even selected as one of the final 20 of the British Inventors’ Project at the Gadget Show Live 2014. His design features four fiber optic light guides and this system can be worn over the back and can also be attached to bags and backpacks. What makes this system also stand out said Ward is that the human eye typically judges distances by focusing on two more focal points and the Commuter X4 provides much more than a single light.

This system is also designed to sit at the optimum height for all road users – again ensuring it can’t be missed. Ward has now launched a Kickstarter campaign to help the X4 get noticed by investors. Video after the jump

Shine Like a Eagle

The Eagle 600 bike light from Magicshine doesn’t necessarily soar higher than most lights, but it does have a little magic of another sort. Unlike most cycling lights this light features an OLED display that shows remaining battery and runtime.

It can be fully charged in about four hours and can run on full power for about 1.5 hours. It also has low modes plus flashing mode to preserve the battery life. On full blast it offers 600 lumens, which is enough to light the road ahead. The best feature is still that lets you know the runtime that is left with the light so you’re not left out in the dark.

Magic Shine Eagle 600 Official Website

Harrison and Eleanor On the Bike

Linus Bike has introduced two new bike bags for spring – the Eleanor canvas bag (left) and the Harrison briefcase. Both are designed to easily attach to bike racks with covered hooks.

The Eleanor, which can be carried as an over-the-shoulder bag, is made of coated 16 ounce canvas, with a leather bottom and handle. It features a magnetic closure, an interior iPad pocket, brass key hook and a D-ring for locking. It even includes a padlock.

The Harrison is designed for use on a bike as well as being a functional briefcase for around town. It can hold a 15-inch laptop in a padded pocket, plus it is made of coated 16 ounce canvas with cotton webbing handles with reinforced leather. The Harrison has a large main compartment with two interior pockets, pen holders, a brass key hook and a detachable shoulder strap. A D-ring can add a lockable option and it includes a padlock.

Linus Bike Official Website