Category: Snow Sports

Board to Bike

BikeBoardsCyclists might be getting a little “bored” of riding on the trainer, but let’s face it winter isn’t going anywhere just yet. If you can’t beat it then board up. The BikeBoards, which were unveiled at the recent Outdoor Retailer Show Winter Market, basically transforms a mountain bike into more than a snow bike. It puts front ski on the tire and allows the bike to better navigate through the white stuff.

Designed to fit tires with widths between two and five inches it can be mounted in three positions based on the snow and conditions. It features a full steel edge with a sidecut and curved tips that provide float in deep snow, as well as grip and carving on harder snow and ice. All we can say is hop on board.

BikeBoards Official Website

Making Tracks

First-TracksIf hitting the slopes early means a lot to you then the First Tracks app for Android and iOS devices is something that should be on the phone. This isn’t just an alarm, it actually will wake you early if snow has fallen and there is fresh powder to enjoy. On the other hand if conditions remain unchanged then the alarm will go off at the normal time so you can get your beauty sleep.

First Tracks Official Website

SIA Snow Show: Worn Out

POCWhen it comes to our sporting goods these can become like old friends, and we use them until they are truly past their expected life. This is actually not a good idea. Shoes should be replaced regularly for example. In fact using old or damaged products can often result in injury. But how do we know when something is at its end of usable life? It isn’t like the product can tell us.

Actually, at the recent SIA Snow Show in Denver POC introduced a new helmet that features an internal sensor, which can report when it is past the point of no return. This multi-impact helmet is made of EPP (Expanded Polyproylene) and thus recovers it shape after a spill or two. While it can withstand numerous impacts it won’t last forever. To this end the company has integrated a Helmet Integrity Sensor that can report back when it’s had enough.

POC Official Website
[Via GearJunkie: Sensor-Equipped Snowsports Helmet Alerts User When It’s Worn Out]

Weekend Reading List (02.01.2014): Fat Summit, Super Apps, Cold Runnings

Fat Summit

Fat-Bike

From Bicycle Retailer: Fat Bike Summit: It’s time to develop rules for the sport
Mike Van Abel, IMBA’s executive director, told more than 110 participants at the annual Fat Bike Summit that it’s time to develop rules to guide the use of fat bikes on public land and private property. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (02.01.2014): Fat Summit, Super Apps, Cold Runnings

Light Headed

K2-RouteAt the recent Outdoor Retailer Show winter sports gear maker K2 showed it was headed in the right direction with the Route, which it claimed was “the lightest snow-certified helmet” ever made. It weighs just 320 grams and features 59 vent holes, ear warmers and boa closure to provide a tight fit. The company noted this is actually a multi-sport helmet that could be used for mountain biking as well as snowsports, but either way it provides plenty of airflow to help keep the head cool.

K2 Helmets Official Website

Mariachi Skier

Hubertus-von-HohenloheWhile the U.S. Olympic Opening Ceremony uniform may not be scoring points with everyone – despite the fact that it was actually made in America – the choice of attire for Mexican skier Hubertus von Hohenlohe is another story. He unveiled his “Mariachi” motif this week and it is as remarkable as his story.

As his name suggests he is actually a descendant of German royalty but was born in Mexico. “The Prince” – as he’s known – been a staple on the slopes since he raced World Cup at age 22 in 1981, and he made his Olympic debut at Sarajevo in 1984. He’ll turn 55 on Sunday but he’s heading to Sochi next month where he’ll once again represent Mexico.

We applaud that he’s back for more, but we seriously question whether he’ll actually don that uniform on the slopes.

[Via The New York Daily News: Mexican ski racer Hubertus von Hohenlohe ready to wow at Winter Olympics in Sochi]

Weekend Reading List (01.25.2014): History Lesson, Flying Surf Boards, Sports DNA, Old Time Skiing

History Lesson

mountainbike

From BikeRadar: The History of Mountain Biking released this week
The History of Mountain Biking is a special edition publication that charts mountain biking’s rise from the dying embers of the 1960s hippie movement in California to the tech-driven super sport it is today. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (01.25.2014): History Lesson, Flying Surf Boards, Sports DNA, Old Time Skiing

Outdoor Retailer Show: Running Through the Snow

VibramVibram has made a name for itself in the minimalist shoe market, and at this week’s Outdoor Retailer Show it proved that barefoot-style running can be a year around thing. The company introduced the toe-segmented Bikila EVO WP, which is made for running through snow and on icy surfaces. It features a special rubber compound on the soles to provide a “snow tire” type of grip. The shoes won’t be ready for this brutal winter however.

Vibram FiveFingers Official Website

BUG-like Grip

ANIMA2-BUGripOne good thing about winter is that runners don’t have to deal with a lot of bugs, and while insects generally can’t get a grip on ice the ANIMA2 BUGrip shoes offer sure footing in most winter conditions. Made by Icebug of Gothenburg, Sweden these feature 19 sharp studs that are embedded into the shoe’s rubber sole.

These 1mm long studes can dig in to provide traction when there is snow and ice on the ground and provide decent traction. These aren’t fully waterproof but they provide enough water resistance to keep the feet dry in icy and snowy conditions. While not ideal for concrete or indoor use these will help runners get through the long winter ahead.

Icebug ANIMA2 BUGrip Official Website

Outdoor Retailer Show: Stridin’ Through the Snow

StriderCan you ever be too young to want to ride in the snow? Given that winter seems in full gear and with two months (at least) to go the young ones can hit the snow with the Snow Ski kit for the Strider scoot bike. The company unveiled the new kit at this week’s Outdoor Retailer Show.

 Snow Strider Ski Accessory Set Official Website

Rock on With the Crampon

Hillsound-Trail-Campron-UltWhile we hope the worst of winter is behind us, we know there are still two full months to go, and if you’re tired of hitting the treadmill and want to get out for a run you’ll likely end up face down or worse on an icy road. However, Hillsound’s Trails Campron Ultra could just provide the grip runners might need this winter. This is like putting snow chains on tires but for the feet. It features 18 spikes under each foot, providing serious grip on ice and snow.

Hillsound Trail Campron Ultra Official Website

Crash on ICEdot

ICEdotThere’s talk about the need for a list of ICE contacts, or In Case of Emergency contacts on your phone so emergency crews know who to contact if something should happen. But what if you need to contact your ICE list to get emergency crews to come look for you? We hope that never happens, but if you’re like us and go for bike rides, hikes, climbs and other activities in the outdoors, you may want to set up a safety net. Continue reading Crash on ICEdot