From BikeRadar: Bikes outselling cars in Italy for first time since WWII
Italians bought more new bikes than cars in 2011 for the first time since the Second World War, according to reports in the country. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (10.6.2012): Bikes Outsell Cars in Italy, NFL Commiss Talks Tech, Snowshoe Tips
Since the form factor on the iPhone has largely remained the same – until the larger screen and thinner body of the iPhone 5 – case manufacturers have had great success offering cases for the single-model. Android and other smartphones, however, have very different form factors, and therefore don’t have as many options. This is why it’s great to see the MarineCase II, a universal-sized waterproof hard case for large screen smartphones.
The MarineCase II is IP58 certified against sand and water intrusion. It protects against water, sand and dust. It is shock and impact resistant against scratches, dents and screen shatter. The case can go up to 20 feet – or six meters – under water and capture video while being submerged. Manufacturer Concord Keystone makes the MarineCase II with a high-impact polycarbonate, integrated with a silicone surface for even more protection. The case is shock and impact-proof for drops and bumps. Continue reading MarineCase II Waterproof Smartphone Case
While there is no shortage of wearable action cameras the folks at Zeal Optics have another idea – namely putting the action camera in the goggles rather than on the helmet. The company introduced goggle-cameras last season and for the 2012-13 ski season – which we hear could more than make up for the bust that was last year – wearers can record in full HD.
The new Zeal iON HD camera goggles ($399) will be able to record 1080p HD quality video, as well as snap 8megapixel photos. The goggles feature a 170-degree wide angle camera lens, and the camera can automatically adjust for light levels while offering an infinity focus. The glove ready controls can be easily accessed from the side of the goggle frame, and the rechargeable Li-ION battery has a three-hour run time.
These even offer an in-goggle viewfinder, but yet are still good goggles as well with a high-density, anti-fog infused Optimum lens and dual strap adjustments.
Whether you’re a reader/watcher of Game of Thrones, you know that as it is now October there is no denying that “winter is coming,” but for those who like to hit the slopes that could be music to the ears. And the Columbia Lhotse Mountain II Interchange Jacket ($240) is ready for the slopes during the day and nights on the town as well.
It features an Omni-Tech waterproof but breathable shell with an Omni-Heat thermal reflective liner inner insulting layer that can be worn separately. Together the pair of garments offer 20,000mm-rated waterproof fabric, detachable hood and adjustable powder skirt with drawcord hem. This is a jacket that can keep you warm and dry, but allow you to look stylish in the process. Continue reading Winter is Coming – the Lhotse is Ready
Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on earth and while it is typically associated with hot tropical regions this grass actually can be found in diverse climates including mountain regions. Still it probably isn’t typically found on the ski slopes but Soul Poles is looking to change that.
We’ve seen bamboo used for bikes and canes and now Soul Poles is looking to take the sustainable material, which is also fairly low tech, and use it for ski poles. Bamboo actually features a high strength-to-weight ratio and is fairly flexible so it should be ideal for a ski pole. Continue reading Pole Position
A company on a mission to keep sweat from rolling down your forehead and into your eyes while working out is Headsweats Perspiration Technology Headwear. The company that started out with performance hats and visors is now venturing into beanies, and even keeping you free from sweat – yet still warm – in the winter. The company just released a winter line that includes the Super Duty Headband, Toaster Beanie, Fleece Cycling Cap and Fleece Race Hat. Continue reading Headsweats Super Duty Collection Expands
What would an international snowman of mystery ride on the slopes? Why a Burton Mystery Snowboard! There is no mystery in that. This is the first flagship board to be produced at Burton’s Craig R&D facility, and it features the visual look of the brand’s classic boards but with the latest innovation that includes a carbon Ultrafly core and Frostbie technology to keep the edges sharp as long as there is snow on the ground. The result is the lightest Burton board to date and one meant to shred.
For those who love winter sports there is no mystery that this will be a board they’ll truly love as well.
Summer doesn’t last forever. For cyclists that means you either follow those surfers around and look for that mythical endless summer or you accept the fact that you’re going to have to hit the trainer indoors. Or… you can tackle winter head on!
There are plenty of options for gloves, jackets and even cycling pants that can handle a serious winter. And now the Wölvhammer will keep the feet comfortable. There have been attempts to make a wintertime cycling boot, but this new design from 45NORTH might just be ready for the North Pole. Continue reading Wölvhammer Boots Ready for Winter
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
Just because winter is a time to bundle up with extra layers, doesn’t mean all of us are hibernating. Many of us get out and burn calories on the slopes, ice and take part in other outdoor adventures. SIA, the SnowSports Industries America organization, released its 2012 SIA Snow Sports Participation Report. The top finding shows that 6.9 percent of Americans participate in snow sports, and burn 332 million calories while they do it. Continue reading Snowsports Participation Report Numbers
RAMP Sports is a boutique ski manufacturer that is based in Park City, Utah and it is looking to change the way the skis are made. The company recently opened its 10,000square foot facility and bringing their ski production back to the United States from Taiwan. To do so they have looked to utilize new technology that includes the vacuum form molding process that is commonly used in the aeronautics industry to develop composite helicopter rotor blades.
This will reportedly replace the need for expensive traditional presses that are currently the industry standard. This is a big shift in the industry, which hasn’t really seen much in the way of forward thinking innovation in nearly 40 years. More importantly it will allow the company to bring its operations close to where the skis can easily be used. Continue reading Made in America: RAMP Looks to Ramp Up USA Operations
A helmet can help protect the wearer’s head in case of a fall or accident, but it can’t call for help. What is an individual to do if he or she falls while out alone and far from home? ICEdot (In Case of Emergency) is working to provide a solution, and the company has partnered with SenseTech LLC of Denver to develop and launch a helmet-mounted impact sensor.
In the event of an accident the sensor determines the crucial forces, and can activate communications on the wearer’s smartphone to send a request for help. This could be used with cycling, skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing and even motocross helmets. Continue reading ICEdot to Provide Emergency Response System for Athletes
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OK, we missed this one when the guys at Every Third Thursday – who always create something truly unique – first offered up an Xylophone Snowboard (Video above), but we felt it interesting enough to post about it now. We’re not sure how it will ride on the snow, but it can certainly carry a tune!
