Skate for the Gold

SkateboardingWe can only wonder what Pierre de Coubertin would think? He was the founder of the International Olympic Committee and it was his vision that resulted in the modern Olympics, but he was also very much a product of the late 19th century. So perhaps the news that skateboarding might be added to further Olympic Games might not have sat well with de Coubertin – yet he also knew that the games had to evolve with the times.

At any rate, Tony Hawk told Larry King – as reported by ESPN – that he’d like to see skateboarding in the games and that it was likely that the IOC would add the sport to the 2020 Games. Given that the Hawkman will be 52 if and when this happens we’re not sure he’ll get to go for the Gold, but it would be interesting to see how the Summer Olympics might evolve.

[Via ESPN: Tony Hawk Discusses Olympic Possibilities]

Fix It Again

Replaceable-WrenchLast year Fix It Sticks caught our eye when it successfully launched its first radically designed, all-new bicycle tool on Kickstarter. For 2014, Fix It Sticks is returning to the crowd funding site to help launch two new products, the “Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition” and the all-new “T-Way Wrench.”

“Each of these tools essentially combines a 3-way wrench, T-wrench, multi-tool and screwdriver all in one small, tough, portable package,” said Brian Davis, founder of Fix It Sticks. “Our new tools easily replace a few hundred dollars worth of shop tools and will free up shop storage space. Besides the bits we provide, the design accepts driver bits found at any hardware store. Virtually any bit can be used; sockets, Torx, hex, and Pozidriv.” Video after the jump

Adidas is on the Roll

AdidasWhen we think of Adidas shoes are the first thing to come to mind, followed by apparel – but the company looks to hit the road on wheels this year. For 2014 Adidas has collaborated with Bombtrack Bikes to create a limited edition track bike. It is a minimalist looking ride, but apparently you’ll have to head to Asia or Europe to get one. It will only be available in Adidas stores but sadly not in the United States.

[Via BikeRumor: LIMITED EDITION ADIDAS BOMBTRACK BICYCLE]

All Oar Board

Oar-BoardIf you have a stand up paddleboard and would prefer to do some sitting you are in luck. The Oar Board allows for quick conversion of a board into a single scull rowing boat. The Whitehall Rowing & Sail company of Victoria, BC have launched an Indiegogo project. It can be attached to a paddleboard in just five minutes and the polymer and marine-grade powder-coated aluminum should be ready for the water. Video after the jump

A Star is Born

StarlightStarlight Appeal has introduced a new line of cycling clothing designed for adventure racing. The custom clothes maker’s Starlight Adventure Line is available for custom orders but will also be offered as part of its retail line. These are designed to meet the needs of adventure racers and have no rear pockets – making it easier to wear a hydration pack or backpack, while the jerseys will feature a small gel pocket on the side panels to provide easy access.

The lineup is made of lightweight SPF 50 Coolmax with Lycra mesh side panels and full hidden zippers, and these feature relaxed sleeve openings. The jerseys are also available in a summer-weight long -sleeved version. The shorts are available in cycling and tri versions and have flat pockets on the side panels to store gels or a compass, and these feature a laser cut silicon-infused Lycra power band for extra comfort. The Adventure Line has no order minimums, and current production time is six weeks.

Starlight Apparel Official Website

InventHelp To Help Design Skateboard

InventHelpIt isn’t reinventing the wheel, but Davici’s Hillboard is reportedly working to develop a device to capture the thrill and excitement of skateboarding and snowboarding. We’re not sure what this simulation might be, but the original design was submitted to the Atlanta office of InventHelp.

“I invented this idea because I love board sports, and I am fascinated by the hover board from the movie Back to the Future II,” said the unnamed inventor. “I thought it would be awesome to design a board that works similarly to that.”

We’ll be looking forward to what this device could actually be!

InventHelp Official Website
[Press Release: InventHelp Client Develops Redesigned Skateboard (ALL-308)]

Fog Free

North45With the continued Arctic blast – aka the “Polar Vortex” – that doesn’t seem to want to leave it can be cold out there. A scarf over the face can help keep the chill at bay, but if you’re wearing goggles you might find yourself in a fog. The new North45 scarf – produced up north in Canada where they know a thing or two about the cold – is made of Merino wool.

Its two piece design along one part to wrap around the chin, protecting the neck and lower face, while the second half wraps the nose and this allows for hot air to be exhaled so the scarf won’t get wet and it won’t fog the goggles either.

North45 Scarf Official Website

Elite Guard

MusguardThere are a lot of simple mudguards on the market that can quickly attach/detach from a bike, but the Musguard is a true elite. Developed via a Kickstarter project the Musguard is truly minimalistic – and it can be rolled up when not needed and coiled on the top tube, but when the street is wet it can be attached to the seatube and protect your back from the spray. Video after the jump

Zippo Lighter

Zippo-LED-Rugged-LanternThere never can be too much light around the camp site, and while an old Zippo can start a fire the Zippo Outdoors LED Rugged Lantern can bring a whole lot of illumination where it is needed. It features a metal support cage and rubberized corners, which help cushion it from everyday use. This lantern can even survive drops up to five feet, plus it is water-resistant — and will float if knocked into the drink.

It offers three brightness settings as well as a flashing SOS feature for use in emergencies, and it runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery – with runtime as long as 40 hours on low.

Zippo Outdoor Official Website

Shirt to a T

Knitsbow-Ride-TeeSure you can hop on the bike with any old T-shirt, but the Kitsbow Ride Tee is one that is meant for a ride. It is made from New Zealand Merino wool, and each shirt has embroidered nylon shoulder panels for added abrasion wear resistance along with a stitched chest past pocket. It is available in three colors including Olive, Gray Heather, and Charcoal Heather.

Sizes range from XS to XL so it should also fit to a T.

Kitsbow Official Website

More Than Just Walking and Talking

Motorola-MU350RThe concept of Walkie Talkies is so old school, and the new Motorola Talkabout MU350R two-way radios blend powerful wireless communications with practical emergency preparedness features and robust weather-proof housing. These can be paired with a Bluetooth headset, which allows for easy outdoor hands free communication, with the option to monitor radio channels and built-in push-to-talk (PTT) functionality.

The MU350R features Talkabout Clear, which enhances sound quality for clearer transmissions at a higher volume by reducing distortion with a Class D amplifier.

Motorola Talkabout Official Website

Argonaut Gets Best in Show

ArgonautThe Argonauts sought the Golden Fleece, but Argonaut Bicycles received a different treasure of sorts – it was named Best in Show at the recent 10th edition of the North American Handmade Bicycle Show.

The 2014 NAHBS Award winners are:

  • Best City or Utility Bike: Cykel Mageren
  • Best Road Bike: Kent Eriksen Cycles
  • Best Mountain Bike: Breadwinner Cycles
  • Best Cyclocross Bike: Retrotec & Inglis Cycles
  • Best Track Bike: Six-Eleven Bicycle Co.
  • Best Tandem Bike: Co-Motion Cycles
  • Best Fillet Frame: Ellis Cycles
  • Best Tig Frame: Kent Eriksen Cycles
  • Best Layup: Argonaut Cycles
  • Best Finish: Independent Fabrication
  • Best Theme: SyCip Bicycles
  • Best New Builder: Harvey Cycles
  • President’s Choice: Peacock Groove
  • People’s Choice: Six-Eleven Bicycle Co.
  • Best in Show: Argonaut Cycles

Next year’s NAHBS will be held in Louisville, Kentucky.

North American Handmade Bicycle Show

Custom Fit

Bike-Bag-DudeThere are plenty of products for gearing your gear on a bike, but recently Tom Puzak, contributing editor at GearJunkie, noted that he went with tailor-made gear instead. The concept of “tailor-made” is that it is truly customized for your exact needs. In this case he called upon the talents of Kedan Griffin, also known as the Bike Bag Dude, who makes custom bags to fit specific bikes. Griffin uses old school tailoring techniques in his studio in Mount Hutton, Australia, and while not cheap these reportedly fit like a glove.

Bike Bag Dude Official Website
[Via GearJunkie: Tailor-Made Packs Fit Exact Dimensions Of Your Bike Frame]