Evolving Consumer: Happiness through shopping - electronics & fitness

Intense to the Extreme

Intense Cycles has looked to show that it has staying power with its new endure/trail bike. Two years after debuting its aluminum Tracer 27.5, the company has rolled out the Tracer T725 Carbon, which features 145/160 millimeters of adjustable VPP suspension, monocoque front triangle, ISCG 05 mounts, internal cable routing and 142×12 dropouts.

Bicycle Retailer reports that the Tracer T275 carbon frame retails for $3,199, and builds range from the $5,999 Expert level — with 34 Fox Float Evolution fork, XT drivetrain and brakes, Stan’s NoTubes ZTR Flow wheelset and Fox Evolution Float CTD rear shock — to a $9,999 Factory-level build with RockShox Pike RCT3 fork, SRAM XX1 11-speed drivetrain, XTR brakes and Enve/DT Swiss wheels. The builds come standard with a RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post.

Intense Cycles Official Website

In the Blood

Blood tests can reveal a lot of information and researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy in Sweden have now developed a blood test that reveals the severity of a concussion. This could also allow a player

know when it is safe to return to the game. This is done through measurement of the tau, a special nerve cell protein, and can be used to determine if at elevated levels whether there is a concussion.
By measuring th tau levels in a regular blood test, the researchers could say how severe the concussion was just one hour after the injury, and with a high level of certainty could predict which players would have long-term symptoms and thereby needed to rest longer.

“In ice hockey and other contact sports, repeated concussions are common, where the brain has not finished healing after the first blow. This kind of injury is particularly dangerous, but there have not been any methods for monitoring how a concussion in an athlete heals,” says Henrik Zetterberg.

[Via University of Gothenburg: Blood test identifies brain damage from concussion in ice hockey]

Rocky Mountain Low

While there is something to be said for the Rocky Mountain High, cycling accessory maker RockyMounts is now about the lows. The company has introduced a new low-profile crossbars and towers for bikes and ski racks.

The Ouray Crossbar and Flagstaff Towers will reportedly integrate with most vehicle’s factory roof rails. These are meant to be mount together, but are compatible with other RockyMounts base rack systems as well.
“This new system represents another step forward for us in terms of not only carrying your gear, but enhancing your vehicle in the process,” said Bruno Maier, president of RockyMounts, Inc. “Just because you like to play outside doesn’t mean you should have to compromise efficiency and aesthetics when it comes to your vehicle.”

RockyMounts Official Website

Half Way There

A Half-Track is a cross between a tank and a truck. These aren’t used so much today, but the notion of “half” still exists as the Halfbike suggests.

Its designers, which launched a Kickstarter campaign to help bring the device to market, see it as truly half way between a scooter and a bike. It is actually a tricycle of sorts with a big wheel in the front and two small tires in the back, but it is designed as an urban transport solution – making it easier to go from point A to point B than on a traditional scooter – but still smaller than a traditional bike.

The unique design could also give a serious workout to the glutes, quads and buttock muscles as there is no seat! But thanks to its small size it could be ideal for navigating crowded urban streets. Video after the jump

Cargo Hauler

The Dutch know a thing or two about hauling stuff on a bike, and Fietsklik has introduced a line of bicycle carrying solutions. This system utilizes a “Klik” adapter, which allows a standard pannier rack to accept a range of special accessories – that the company makes of course!

This includes sturdy box-racks, bags and even a child seat.

Fietsklik Official Website
[Via BikeRadar: Fietsklik lockable luggage solutions]

Not SOL with SOL Survival

The name might say it all: SOL Survival Kit, but the truth is that this SOL actually stands for Survive Outdoors Longer. The SOL Origin includes the most crucial lifesaving gear in one compact, waterproof kit.

Tools included are Tinder-Quik fire starters, 150-pound-test braided nylon cord, mil-spec stainless-steel wire, and an emergency sewing and fishing kit. There’s also survival instructions for more than 60 hazards, a liquid-damped compass, and, secured in a button-release slot, a folding lock-blade knife, which itself features a 100dB rescue whistle, an ultra-bright LED light in the handle, and an AUS-8 steel drop-point blade for precision cuts. The inside of the kit’s lid even doubles as a signal mirror. With this SOL kit you won’t be SOL when it hits the fan.

SOL Official Website

Weekend Reading List (03.29.2014): Stop Running, Take or Share, Crowd Funding

Stop Running

From Runner’s World: Should Runners Jog In Place At Stoplights?
You’ll look ridiculous if you do. Then again, the world’s best runner does it, so maybe you should too? Continue reading Weekend Reading List (03.29.2014): Stop Running, Take or Share, Crowd Funding

Get Into Spring With Antigua

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvCnN8RA3Bk&list=UUKtD3G1RptIVRH0NXSMVgdQ&feature=share

The clocks have sprung forward and as of last week it is officially. While we can hope Mother Nature will play along Antigua is ready with its updates to its Spring 2014 Men’s Performance 72 Golf Collection as seen in the video above.

The Collection for men includes 17 shirt models, 12 outerwear tops and seven hats – as well as our proprietary Desert Dry and Desert Dry Xtra-Lite moisture management technology that wicks away moisture.

“It’s bright and bold – really colorful,” says Ron McPherson, president and CEO of Antigua. “Golf has always been a colorful business and this year just a little bit more intense. The consumer is really wearing bright colors right now and having fun with it. This line has vivid color, sophisticated styling and luxurious fabrics…truly a winning combination.”

Antigua Official Website

The Hole Nine Yards and Much More!

We recently heard about a particularly extraordinary Boston Marathon Story, and it involves Larry Grogin, a 59-year athlete who took part in last year’s Boston Marathon. On April 13 he’ll set out to run 250 miles from his home town of Franklin Lakes, N.J. all the way to the Boston Marathon and average about 32 miles a day. A long-time volunteer for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, an organization founded by Paul Newman that helps children suffering with serious illness, Grogin was running for his favorite charity that day and was just turning the corner toward the finish when the first bomb exploded.

“I have run hundreds of marathons all over the world, but the Boston Marathon is like no other. Filled with patriotic messaging, people saluting, crowds cheering and chanting “U-S-A”…it is hard to describe the incredible vibe,” he said.

Like so many, he did not get to finish the marathon that day and has a very hard time forgetting the horrible unfolding of the day’s events. Having been told by the police to get away from the scene, Grogin was unable to help victims of the tragedy and suffers from tremendous “Survivor’s Guilt.” He is, however, inspired by the remarkable children at Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and has now made it his mission to help raise funds for a cause so dear to his heart. Continue reading The Hole Nine Yards and Much More!

Everything Third Thursday: Speed Sticks

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nOMcl_rbgk&list=PL34695342B698FC80&feature=share

Speed Stick Heated Snowboard—Go Faster!Dave Lee and the Signal Snowboards crew get back to the base-ics, experimenting with new technology to actually heat up the base of a snowboard and test out their theory that a hot base will go faster. Dave explains that the snow sliding action actually works from friction heating up the snow and forming a thin layer of water that the board slides on, but what if we speed up that process by incorporating a heat film into the base?

Oakley Goes for 30

This month marked the 25th anniversary of the World Wide Web, but the Oakley Heritage Collection has reached the big “30.” To celebrate this milestone Oakley has resurrected the molds to produce a new line of classic Razor Blades and Eyeshade sunglass models.

It might be time to ride like its 1984!

SPECIAL EDITION HERITAGE RAZOR BLADES
[Via BikeRadar: Oakley Heritage Collection celebrates 30 years]

Clif’s New Mojo

This month Clif Bar & Company has some new mojo – a new line of snack bars that include roasted nuts, chunks of organic dark chocolate and fruits including organic wild blueberries. The Clif Mojo Fruit & Nut and Clif Mojo Dark Chocolate bars are made with 70 percent organic ingredients and are gluten-free. More importantly all five flavors of the new bars are 200 calories or less, and offer low glycemic, while being a good source of fiber.

“At Clif Bar & Company, we aim to create quality organic food, that people love to eat, nourishes their active lives and is good for them and the planet,” said Kevin Cleary, chief executive officer of Clif Bar & Company. “Our athletes and foodies joined forces in the Clif Kitchen to build a better snack bar by carefully selecting and combining high-quality ingredients that taste great and are nutritious.”

The five flavors are Cranberry Almond, Wild Blueberry Almond, Coconut Almond Peanut, Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt and Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond.

Cliff Bar Official Website

Innovation Shaping Snowboard Industry for Next Year

This has been a brutal winter for some, but for the snowsports industry it was a mixed affair. The long winter was able to get more people on the slopes but yet demand for products was reportedly down. Earlier this month Transworld Business released the first of its Winter 2014/15 Snowboard Product Previews & Trend Reports. It noted that “innovative shapes” could drive the design movement. Among the points touched upon were that camber could be making a comeback, while splitboards could continue to see growth.

It could be a whole new game next season – but for now, we’re just happy winter is finally winding down.

Transworld Business: Innovative Shapes Drive Design Movement