Catch the Drift HD-170 Actioncam

In the past couple of years the helmet-mountable GoPro HERO HD camera has caught a lot of attention, but now Drift Innovation is looking to turn heads with a smaller version of its HD-170, making for the former model’s shortcomings.

The new Drift HD features a swiveling 170-degree lens, and is actually sleeker than the previous models, and it already seems less bulky than the GoPro. The Drift HD features a color LCD screen, wireless start/stop remote control, manual iris option and offers full HD 1080p resolution. In addition there is an external 2.5mm mic port.

The new Drift HD also goes a step further than the GoPro offering replaceable lenses, which could come in very handy for those who like to risk life and limb getting the perfect shot. This camera can also do double duty and take 9megapixel still images, supports microSD cards up to 32GB, and is compatible with PCs and Macs. The Drift HD will be available at the end of the month (MSRP $369). This is a drift that those looking to chronicle their activities will want to catch.

Drift HD Official Website
[Via Gizmag: Drift Innovation releasing smaller HD actioncam]

Lace-up Brace Does Prevent Injuries

As far back as the early 1900s, basketball specific footwear was being made by A.G. Spalding and Converse. These high-top shoes were fairly flimsy compared to the shoes of today like the newer company, Ekito; but did offer more support than other low cut athletic footwear. Basketball specific footwear continually evolves, and yet the ankle injuries still occur. Amateur players have been encouraged to wear ankles braces in recent years to reduce injuries and now there is a scientific study to prove the benefits.

McDavid USA, the Chicago based provider of sports medical products, protective performance apparel and recovery gear, is touting the study that was recently published by a pair of researchers at the University of Wisconsin Sports Medicine – Tim McGuine, PhD, ATC, and Dr. Alison Brooks. The controlled study involved 1460 male and female (ages 13-18) basketball players from 46 high school schools across the country.

“[The researchers] started by soliciting ankle braces from all manufacturers who were willing to participate,” Rey Corpuz, director of Marketing for McDavid said. “A sample group of players were given several brands of ankle braces to try on, and were then asked: ‘If you were to purchase one of these braces, which would you choose?’ According to McGuine, the choice was determined on fit, comfort, effectiveness and whether or not the athletes would actually buy the brace on their own. It came down to two brands, including ours, and in the end, the decision was made to proceed with McDavid exclusively.” The model the was chosen was the lace-up McDavid 195 Ultralight Ankle Brace. Continue reading Lace-up Brace Does Prevent Injuries

Olympic Medalist Signs With Skechers

Shoe maker SKECHERS, currently the number two athletic footwear brand in the United States, is looking to take it up a notch. The company announced this week that it has signed an agreement with distance runner Meb Keflezighi to endorse SKECHERS Fitness performance footwear and appearl.

The former New York City Marathon winner and Olympic medalist will be running in the World Marathon Majors (including the 2011 ING New York City Marathon), road races, and Olympic Trials through August 2012 exclusively in SKECHERS Fitness performance footwear featuring the Company’s innovative SmartShoe mid-foot strike technology for serious athletes and active enthusiasts. Keflezighi will also be consulting on the development of performance product and SKECHERS expects to coordinate the launches of exciting new competition-ready running lines with his professional racing appearances.

“SKECHERS’ new performance shoes change the way I run for the better,” said Keflezighi. “I’ve been a heel strike runner my entire life, but I am now wearing SKECHERS to maximize the efficiency of my foot strike. My shoes are my most essential piece of equipment and right now SKECHERS has the footwear I need to succeed. I’m excited to be partnering with this groundbreaking company.”

SKECHERS Fitness’ campaign with Meb Keflezighi is planned for a Holiday 2011 launch, and will include print, television, outdoor, in-store and online marketing as well as event appearances for SKECHERS fitness footwear and apparel.

SKECHERS Official Site

Plastic Fantastic Recycled Bike

There are materials that are just easy to recycle. And while plastic isn’t quite gold, as in it can be used over and over again and forged into new shapes, Israeli design student Dror Peleg has a golden idea with the Frii concept bicycle. While working for his degree at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem, Peleg came up with the idea for a bicycle made of recycled plastics using injection molding technology.

The Frii is a single speed city bike that looks unique and has some very unique characteristics. While recycled materials aren’t new, Peleg’s idea is that the bike could be manufactured locally for local use, thus further making a very green product in the process. Components could be injection molded into modular shapes that snap or otherwise connect together, resulting in a strong, yet lightweight and very colorful bike. Continue reading Plastic Fantastic Recycled Bike

Toning Shoes May Not Be All They’re Shaped Up to Be

Toning shoes from various companies including MBT, Sketchers, Reebok, Ryn and other manufacturers continue to grow in popularity. We know people who wear these types of shoes almost exclusively. These are the shoes with oddly-shaped soles that make walking on them just a little bit unstable so you have to work at balancing and moving. These shoes typically have a rocker sole or other topographic textures on the bottom of the foot to make your stride a little tougher. Continue reading Toning Shoes May Not Be All They’re Shaped Up to Be

New Smart Phone, Same Velotrac Pak!

Almost anyone who has purchased a new phone knows the frustration of having to also purchase all new accessories. The ‘smarter’ the smart phone, the more expensive the accessories seem to be. The Velotrac Pak from VeloTrac Ventures, LLC based in Mission Viejo, CA has come to the rescue for those who like to mount their iPhone, Blackberry or Droid on their bike.

The Velotrac Pak is a soft side Nylon pack that mounts to the top tube of a bike using a three point strap system keeping the phone in easy reach of the rider. The top of the pack has a separate zipper compartment with a clear vinyl window that the smart phone is enclosed while on the bike. This vinyl window not only protects the smart phone, but also allows the user to interact with the phone while riding. Under the smart phone compartment is a larger zipper compartment for easy storage of your keys, wallet, PowerBar or anything else that is small in size which you need for your ride. The Velotrac Pak is a weather resistant pack meaning that it should handle some rain, but probably will not keep water out if the pack is submerged in water.

(Video after the jump)

Continue reading New Smart Phone, Same Velotrac Pak!

KineticShift Takes on the Toughest Stage in the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

Sandwiched between the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, the second and third of the three Grand Tours, is a new multi-day professional cycling challenge. This one is not on European soil, but right here in the United States. Starting in Colorado Springs, CO on August 22nd, the new USA Pro Cycling Challenge is a seven-day, 518-mile long stage race all through the Colorado Rocky Mountains ending in the heart of Denver on August 28th. Touted as being the “highest altitude course ever created”, the new USA Pro Cycling Challenge will bring the racers over multiple mountain passes, with a number of them being almost 3,000 feet higher in elevation than the mountain climbs of the Tour de France.

Various cities and states around the U.S. have played host to some truly classic cycling events, but none have had the staying power of the European ‘classics‘. The new USA Pro Cycling Challenge looks to reignite the epic, professional stage races held in Colorado during the 1970s and 1980s. The Red Zinger Classic and Coors International Bicycle Classic drew some big names in the sport of professional cycling from around the world and even played host to the Soviet and East Germans teams who were racing in the U.S. for the first time. The staff of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge has been making flurry of announcements that this new event will too play host to some of the biggest names in the sport. Andy and Frank Schleck of Leopard Trek, Levi Leipheimer of Team RadioShack and the 2011 Tour de France maillot jaune winner Cadel Evans of BMC Racing have all confirmed that they will be racing in the inaugural 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

Continue reading KineticShift Takes on the Toughest Stage in the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

Made in America: Swami Sportswear

Finding athletic apparel that is made in the U.S.A. is actually not too terribly difficult if you read enough labels. Yoga pants, cycling clothing and even t-shirts are still made in America, but most of these items are well over $20. Sometimes a simple pair of sweatpants or shorts to bike around town is all that is needed and not breaking the bank is a bonus. Swami Sportswear of Temecula, CA is manufacturing a line of pants and shorts for men, women and children that are all 100 percent Made in America and all for under $20 – even for custom made sweatpants.

The line of clothing includes Capri pant for the ladies, sweatpants, sports shorts and non-padded cycling shorts. The material is a fleece cotton and polyester blend with a fabric weight of 400 grams. Most of the adult bottoms are available in nine different colors and seven different sizes, all using the same thickness of fleece. There is one pair of sweatpants specifically made for the girls out there, but you only have the choice of two different colors. There is no specific section for boys, but the men’s wear is offered in some fairly small sizes. Continue reading Made in America: Swami Sportswear

Interbike 2011: Mini-Velodrome To Be Installed at Sands Expo and Convention Center

Fixie riders will get to take to the track at the upcoming Interbike, as Portland Design Works will be rolling in the Circulus, a 132-foot circumference, 45-degree wooden mini-velodrome. This track will be installed in the Sands Expo and Convention Center, and is being sponsored by Paved magazine, Yakima, All-City Cycles and Portland Design Works. It will be the site for multiple events during the Interbike Expo in Las Vegas, from September 14-16.

Show attendees will get to take to the track to ride All-City Cycles and even compete in events for the first and second days of Interbike.

“Circulus will add something completely new and unique to this year’s show,” said Interbike Brand and Communications Director Rich Kelly. “We’re placing a big emphasis on urban cycling and the brands that support it and having Circulus there will be a big draw for that segment of the market. And, of course, I can’t wait to take a spin on it myself.”

(Video of Circulus after the Jump) Continue reading Interbike 2011: Mini-Velodrome To Be Installed at Sands Expo and Convention Center

The New and Improved Flavors of Clif Bar

For long summer workouts — and the rest of the year as well — keeping up energy is important. Energy bars from Clif Bar and other brands helps you maintain the energy to keep moving. New flavors are a welcome addition to the mix.

Clif Bar just released its Coconut Chocolate Chip variety. The bar is loaded with toasted coconut and chocolate chips. Two flavors that go well together – just pick up a Mounds bar and you’ll know what we’re talking about.

At the same time, Clif Bar made a few tweaks to two of its existing flavors – Apricot and Peanut Toffee Buzz. The Apricot flavor now has 50 percent more apricots, which adds to the zesty apricot flavor of the bar. The Peanut Toffee Buzz variety has more peanut butter and more real toffee pieces, which enriches the sweet taste of the bar.

Clif Bars are made with 70 percent organic ingredients, and offer a blend of carbohydrates, protein and fiber to sustain energy. Each bar sells for a suggested price of $1.39, though we’ve seen bars sell for $0.99 each at many locations.

Clif Bar Official Website

Podium Position: What Did They Wear in the Tour?

At the Tour de France 2011 the Schleck brothers, Andy and Frank, stood on the podium in second and third positions after an exciting three weeks of daily races. The brothers, and the entire team of Leopard Trek, wore kits from Craft Performance Apparel. Each rider wore an Elite Attack Jersey and Elite Body Control Bib Short. Both pieces have some interesting technology that keeps riders cool and comfortable.

The Elite Attack Jersey  is made from a lightweight mesh fabric with hexachannel fibers for moisture transportation and cooling effects. The jersey has a wing panel construction that enhances freedom of movement. The same wing panel construction provides an ergonomically shaped fit for the perfect riding position. Continue reading Podium Position: What Did They Wear in the Tour?

Kung Fu Comes to Kinect

Get ready to kick some butt this November. UTV Ignition Games and Black Bean Games just announced a partnership to bring Kung Fu High Impact to Kinect for Xbox 360. The game will be out in time for the holiday season, and for some of us to get started on New Year’s resolutions to get in shape.

The game combines old-style side-scrolling action with the new genre of exercise games. The Kinect controller uses the camera and body-tracking to put the player on the screen. The player will be able to see and complete real-life combat movements, interacting with enemies and objects on the screen.

Several game modes keep Kung Fu High Impact exciting. An engaging story keeps you involved and makes it more likely you’ll keep up your sessions to stay fit. Kung Fu High Impact has survival challenges, a multiplayer mode and other challenging gameplay styles to help you test your fighting skills, burn calories and stay fit.

UTV Ignition Games
Black Bean Games