The use of wood in the construction of bike components is as old as the ‘safety bicycle’ or what we know of as the modern frame layout. Throughout the years, wood has been pushed aside by chromoly, aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber and even bamboo as a preferred component material, but it is not completely gone. Wood is actually starting to reappear in the bicycle industry, though mostly by small component manufacturers looking for a unique niche in the sea of carbon fiber and modern materials. Paul Sykes of Portland, Oregon is one such individual who is bringing wood back to bicycles with his component company, Sykes Wood Fenders.
Detroit Bicycle Company Does Madison
Madison Avenue is a long ways from Detroit, and that might be the first thought that comes to mind as the Detroit Bicycle Company has released the very posh Madison Street Bike. Starting at $3,200 and up for a complete bike, this single-speed/fixie is something you’d pretty much expect to be found on Madison Avenue in NYC.
But the bike, which included frame and fork that are copper plated, and offers Campagnolo Record components including bottom bracket, head set and seat post, isn’t about Madison Avenue. Rather it seems inspired by the now-largely forgotten “Madison” style track bikes used in the endurance races at Madison Square Garden in the 1920s and 1930s. Today Madison races, which involve multiple riders on a team taking part in multi-hour races, are competed in with state-of-the-art carbon fiber track bikes, but this bike is more than an old style race machine. It is truly a work of art. And it proves they can still make them like they used to in the Motor City.
Detroit Bicycle Company
[Via BeSportier: Detroit Bicycle Company’s Madison Street Bike Is A Jewel]
Kettler Knows When to Fold ‘Em
One of our pet peeves about home fitness is that it shouldn’t overtake the home. But Kettler USA offers a solution with its new foldable treadmills that have arrived in time for the holiday. The Verso TX1 and TX3 treadmills both feature advanced electronics with heart-rate-control programming using a Polar heart rate (HR) chest strap to provide efficient, effective, and beneficial workouts.
These further offer options for goal-oriented routines of distance, time and calories burned, while a heart rate monitor can help users track their cardio rhythm, which takes the guesswork out of balancing fitness and healthy exercise. Once the initial programming controls are set, a one-touch button allows the user to start the next workout at the same preferences, saving time and creates a well-balanced workout regimen. Continue reading Kettler Knows When to Fold ‘Em
Sunglasses From Skateboards
Last year we reported on MapleXo, an Oregon-based company that was turning broken skateboard decks into iPhone cases. Now we caught this cool video that shows how some crafty individuals are using old decks and recycling them into sunglasses.
This is possible because most skate decks are still good old fashioned wood. Makes us want to think twice about those carbon fiber bike frames, tennis rackets and even hockey sticks, as well as other items that still can’t be so easily recycled.
GE Healthcare, Purdue and Notre Dame Develop Advanced CT Imaging, Promises Higher Clarity with Lower Radiation
Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame have partnered with GE Healthcare to develop a new computed tomography (CT) scanning reconstruction technology they are calling Veo. The proprietary technology, according to the consortium, “enables physicians to diagnose patients with high-clarity images at previously unattainable low radiation dose levels.”
Invented in the 1970s, CT is an advanced version of spiral X-ray technology. While the technology has enhanced the ability of physicians to diagnosis diseases, patients are exposed to radiation during scanning. The Veo technology will help physicians get clearer images while exposing patients to less radiation.
“Conventional CT scanning takes thousands of views from different angles to ‘see’ organs and then creates a 3-D image of the person,” said Charles Bouman, Purdue’s Michael J. and Katherine R. Birck Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and a professor of biomedical engineering. “Veo takes radiographic images digitally that use less X-ray. A reduction in X-rays means the radiation dosage is reduced. Then, our computer algorithm uses model-based reconstruction more effectively so we can form a high-quality image with less radiation.
“Basically, Veo cleans up the noise or graininess and creates a sharper image,” Bouman added.
EzyDog ‘Blazes’ a Trail
Winter might be upon us, but it is still hunting in many parts of the United States. You may live near or enjoy hiking on trails that are close to legal hunting grounds with your four-legged ‘best friend’, and EzyDog wants to help your canine stay safe in the woods. Especially if your dog likes to run off-leash.
Their solution? “Blaze Orange” for your pooch!
Continue reading EzyDog ‘Blazes’ a Trail
Surf or Sink
We like the idea of seeing fitness products reused as something cool when they reach their end of life. The truth is that not every product can be easily recycled so seeing something that can’t be used for exercise but can still make a statement, and not just end up in a land fill, is truly inspiring.
One example that heard about was The SinkingSurfboard Company, which turns surfboards into sinks and washbasins. The Los Angeles-based design company manufactures and installs made-to-order vanities and sinks, and actually calls for unique designs that evoke the Southern California surf spirit. And while the company does state that “clients are encouraged to either purchase a new surfboard or use one that may have sentimental value,” we hope more are opting to use old ones that might not be as fit for the waves. In this way the old boards can get new life and the surf will be up every time the sink is used.
High-Tech Fabrics to Get Softer, Lighter
Technology influences fashion with enhancements to microfiber. In the coming seasons, the fabric is said get softer and lighter. Israeli-based Nilit Fibers released its trend concepts for bodywear and active-sportswear for Fall/Winter 2013-2014. With a preview of garments ranging from bodywear to activewear, the company illustrated four trends in yarn innovations.
Nilit Super Microfiber provides “ultra-lightness” and a soft touch. Comfort is the emphasis. The company suggests fabrics shouldn’t hinder the wearer. This couldn’t be more important than in activewear, which needs to give the wearer full freedom of movement for a particular sport or activity. Nilit has developed a nylon Super Microfiber that is 6.6 filaments. The company reports this thin filament creates fabrics with maximum lightness and ultra-light, soft handle.
Nilit Britex and Nilit Brillion provide “glamorous” shine. The two fabrics are used to create garments with a “gleaming second-skin” appearance. While both fabrics lend themselves to lingerie, they can also have applications in the activewear category as baselayer garments and other performance gear.
Nilit Ecocare and Nilit Innergy give garments the ability to slim and shape. These fabrics provide body shaping to hide bulges. We hope they’ll also be used for compression garments that enhance our workouts. Nilit boasts that its EcoCare recycled yarns offer wellbeing as well as environmental responsibility.
Sport Protection is the aim with Nilit Aquarius and Nilit Innergy. The fabric combines elements of style, comfort and high performance. Garments made from these materials will have a multifunctional ability, though fitness and training are the main goals. These fibers offer breathability, compression and moisture management. The Aquarius yarns wick moisture and provide thermal protection. Innergy yarns used in compression-fit garments protect and warm muscles during physical activity.
[via Knitting Industry News: Nilit Bodyfashion & Activewear trends AW 2013-2014]
Stroller Fit For an Ironman
Taking part in an Ironman Triathlon requires an intense level of endurance, which comes from an intense amount of training, and that means not letting something like taking the baby out for a walk get in the way. With this in mind BOB brand of strollers has rolled out its Ironman branded stroller. It reportedly offers easy handling and a smooth ride (important for the little ones who get to ride while mom or dad trains), with three-inches of travel, while a fixed front wheel remains stable on uneven terrain.
The lightweight alloy material and pneumatic tires and tubes also make for easy pushing for those doing the training, while the Low Boy Cargo Basket offers undercarriage storage so there is plenty of room for snacks and toys for those long runs. BOB even offers a double stroller as well! Continue reading Stroller Fit For an Ironman
Video Explains Why “I Am a Cyclist”
This video pretty much sums up why cyclists are cyclists. And if you don’t understand, hopefully the video will explain (warning: some adult language).
Excel Throw Teaches the Proper Way to Throw a Ball
The saying may go “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, but Nimura Sports of Granada Hills, CA is betting that they can teach or re-teach baseball and softball players how to throw a ball correctly. The Excel Throw is a simple, yet seemly effective training device that not only properly positions the fingers during the throwing of a ball, but also through its continued use, aids in instilling this proper position by way of ’muscle memory’.
The Excel Throw is a Z-shaped device with two finger holes that the index and middle finger are inserted through before the player even grabs a baseball or softball. Once the fingers are properly positioned, the Excel Throw will only allow the ball to be thrown straight to the intended target. Along with controlling the direction of the ball, this device only allows the player to throw with a certain amount of force – this is a training aid to teach players the proper way to throw, not a device to aid them in throwing the ball faster. When used properly, not only does the Excel Throw allow the ball to be thrown straight, but it also helps break the habit of the wrist twisting left or right upon release of the ball. To aid with this proper position that is being guided through finger placement while using the Excel Throw, there are arrows that are molded in both to give the player a visual cue that they are throwing the ball accurately. Continue reading Excel Throw Teaches the Proper Way to Throw a Ball
Power Up While You Hike
Taking your gadgets on the go is easy enough, but keeping them juiced up when far from the grid can be another thing. Then this week we saw the Piggyback Solar Powered Gadgetbag, which as the name suggests can recharge your digital devices while you hike – provided you have sun shining down on you.
It offers two zippered pouches, including one large (8-inch x 12-inch), which is big enough for an iPad, and one small (8-inch x 5-inch) for compact devices including an Amazon Kindle. There are built-in channels for running USB cables between pouches, so devices can get the juice while safely tucked inside.
The solar panels are worn outside the backpack, which features an 800mAh Lithium ion battery pack to soak up excess power, while the device can output about 100mA along the way to devices inside the bag via USB. While the Piggyback Solar Powered Gadgetbag does add weight, and doesn’t exactly come cheap at almost $120, it is a good way to let the sun recharge your devices while you’re on the move.
[Via Ubergizmo: Piggyback Solar Powered Gadgetbag lets you charge your gadgets on the go]
Building a Better Bike Light
What’s the one thing that comes standard on a bike? Reflectors. Yet many of us remove reflectors to shave weight, reduce drag and remove encumbrance. You can add a light to your bike. But we’re waiting for a better solution that effectively lights the road, alerts traffic to our presence and has a decent battery life.
Revolights might be our solution. This Kickstarter project is a set of front and rear lights installed on the bike’s rims. When turned on, the LED lights glow white in the front and red in the back. The lights are coordinated to your speed, so while they flash, the lights are in sync with the ride and serve their purpose of making you visible, and lighting the road ahead.
Revolight Official Website
[via CNET: Revolights inventor lights the way for safer cycling]