Category: Personal Electronics

Garmin Gets Going

GarminGarmin has revolutionized the world of cycling computers with its GPS-enabled devices, and now the company could be looking to take on GoPro with two new full HD action cameras.

The VIRB and Wi-Fi-enabled/GPS-enabled VIRB Elite both feature a 1.4-inch display for watching those “dailies” while each unit can capture three hours of HD (1080p) footage on a single charge, and each can be used to capture 16megapixel still images as well.

The VIRB Elite adds the Wi-Fi and GPS functionality, allowing users to embed info on altitude, speed and location into their footage or connect wirelessly to an Android or iOS device. Both cameras will be ready to roll this fall.

Garmin VIRB Official Website

Kinetic Keeps Rolling

KineticKinetic Trainers have helped us get through those long cold winters, and for 2014 the company has revamped the line – the first time since 2007. This included greater 29er compatibility, enhanced ergonomics and best of all lighter weight. The new line up even comes fully assembled so you can take these out of the box and get rolling.

The Kinetic Trainer also replaced the cantilever design of its flagship model, the Rock and Roll, with a design that centers the pivot point and rider weight over the elastomer stack, reducing rider-induced bounce and sag and allowing lower bolt tension to give a more active side-to-side motion. Continue reading Kinetic Keeps Rolling

Weekend Reading List (08.24.2013): Upcycled Roof, Kobe Goes Anti-G, Cycle Cross

Upcycled Roof

Metrodome

From Gear Junkie: Metrodome Stadium Roof Material Made Into Luggage at Duluth Pack
In 2010, after a major accumulation of heavy snow in a storm, the roof of the massive Metrodome stadium in Minneapolis collapsed. More than three acres of the roof material, a Teflon-coated fiberglass fabric, had to be replaced. The material was headed to the landfill. But two people associated with the team made a deal to purchase the material for future use. Unveiled this past week, Minnesota brand Duluth Pack will construct a limited run of bags from the old Metrodome roof. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (08.24.2013): Upcycled Roof, Kobe Goes Anti-G, Cycle Cross

Won’t Fade Away

FADER-BoardSome things just fade away, but that’s not what the designers of the FADER Boards hope will happen with their Kickstarter project, which is looking to help roll out a new line of skateboards. Part of the idea is to look cool with LED lights to allow skating at night.

However, this is only part of what Kramer Kitty is hoping to do with his FADER boards. He’s been creating a simple board that can be used to “cruise” as a means of transportation. In many cases he was recycling old decks to create new boards. He is now looking to provide free boards and even roller blades to struggling communities. All was going well, until he received a notice from the city calling for him to stop making boards in his garage.

Now he’s turning to crowd funding to help have the boards made in California and get his business rolling. Continue reading Won’t Fade Away

Shock it to Me

Casio-G-Shock-Twisted-MT-G-Casio knows a thing or two about durable watches, and has just introduced its newest G-Shock model. The Casio G-Shock Twisted MT-G Watch features the same resistance to shock, vibration, and gravity you expect from the G-Shock brand, yet with a bit more style. It ditches the plastic appearance that is often associated with their timepieces and opts instead for three chic models: polished stainless steel and resin, ion-plated stainless steel and resin, and a black ion-plated version with gold highlights and a red-paneled bracelet.

All three versions will be available in December.

Casio G-Shock Official Website

PROTKT and Serve

WahooTaking that iPhone on a ride is cool, especially as it can be used with a variety of apps, but you’ll want to make sure it survives the ride. This is where the Wahoo Fitness PROTKT comes in. This iPhone bike case is sleek and slim, yet weatherproof and shockproof – providing users a simple and secure solution to accessing their iPhone through rain, dirt, snow and of course – sweat.

It even comes bundled with the Wahoo Fitness App for cycling – transforming the handset into a powerful fitness tool – which you can combine with fitness sensors to wirelessly monitor all your crucial information. It can also be used with a neoprene hand band for use while walking, running or hiking.

Wahoo Fitness PROTKT Official Website

Pathfinding Shoe

VibramThe Vibram Smart Concept Sole could help you find your way after dark. Introduced at the recent Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City these shoes feature a remote controlled LED lighting system that allows the soles of the shoe to illuminate the ground.

The concept was inspired by the need of military, law enforcement and firefighting personnel but it could be ideal for those who look to run after the sun goes down – or before it comes up. The shoes’ LEDs offer three brightness settings, and even a flashing red LED tail light so runners can be seen as well as see where they are going.

Vibram Official Website
[Via GizMag: Vibram Smart Concept Sole gives footwear headlights]

A Higher Power

Serfas-TSL-1000The new TSL-T1000 headlight from Serfas is lightweight, made of CNC aluminum but with 1,000 lumens it is bright. Designed for off road riding the light features a Serfas Thunderbolt taillight that is integrated into its small battery pack, which can be strapped to a seatpost or top tube. The battery also features a USB outlet to charge accessories. The lightset comes with an included handlebar mount, helmet mount, wired remote switch, extension cable, wall charger and ballistic nylon storage case. It offers two hours of run time and can charge up in four hours. With this on a bike you might seem like a higher power.

Serfas TSL-T1000 Headlight Official Website

A Little Bit Gym

BitGymIt has been a while since we heard from BitGym, a technology that can transform a typical cardio machine into an interactive experience. Now the company is looking to Kickstarter to offer ways of making workouts a bit more interesting.

The device works by using any monitor device – including tablet or mobile smartphone – that offers a front-facing camera. The software utilizes the built-in accelerometer that can sync with movement, so you can watch the screen but feel you’re a million miles away. Video after the jump

Swing Right With the Swingbyte

SwingByteGolf has been around for a long time, and while the game has evolved over the years with new equipment the last decade has seen the game on the green really go high-tech. Among the newest advances are apps, and the Swingbyte is one that works with Android and iOS and features a simple device that attaches to any club including driver or putter. It is paired with a mobile device via Bluetooth and automatically records details on swings including club head speed, acceleration and club face angle.

With this users can analyze each swing and see what they were doing right and wrong.

Swingbyte Official Website

BULT in Camera

BULTThere is a serious debate whether a rugged camera should be mounted to a cycling and skating helmet. Some content that this could actually cause injury as the object could affect the way a wearer’s head hits the ground. C-Preme saw this concern and has addressed it with the fittingly named BULT, which offers a built-in 1,280×720 resolution video camera that can shoot at 30 frames per second with a 120-degree angle lens. It can even snap 5MP still photos.

The “Videohead Technology” is reportedly CPSC and ASTM certified and will be released later this year.

BULT Digital Helmets Official Website

Weekend Reading List (08.17.2013): Wall to Water, Electric Charged Up, miWay

Wall to Water

wall-to-water

From Gear Junkie: Climbing Comp: A 50-ft Wall, Only Water Below to Catch Your Fall…
Last weekend in Park City, Utah, some of the best climbers in the world competed in an event unlike anything else in the sport.

The Psicobloc Masters Series was the first major deep-water soloing competition held in the U.S. Climbers competed head-to-head on identical routes up a 50-foot wall, no ropes or harnesses, just a massive swimming pool below to catch their fall. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (08.17.2013): Wall to Water, Electric Charged Up, miWay