Senza-ble Bike Lock

There is no denying that there are a lot of different concepts with bike locks. We’ve seen a lot of locks, and one issue remains that it means bringing something “extra” along for the ride or daily commute. But Jaryn Miller’s Senza has interesting twist, it is a bike lock that is also the bike’s handle bars.

Essentially, the bars come off the bike and are locked together to form a U-Lock. The idea is that it provides dual security, because if the lock is cut the bike is much harder to ride away with, as there is nothing to hold on to!

We like the idea and think the designers are on to something, but as others have mentioned there are some problems to be resolved. The most notable is that the handle bar has to be durable enough to be a lock and that could add weight for those times when you don’t need to lock the bike. It also means that riders have to like the style of the drop bar – and this could be a problem for the mountain biker who usually prefers a straight bar with bar ends. Continue reading Senza-ble Bike Lock

TV Show Inspires Game That Will be on TV Show

In a unique twist, THQ’s popular video game The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout video game will be actually make it’s the show that inspired it. The game will be featured on tonight’s episode of the hit NBC series, with an all-new, downloadable endurance challenge. Following the episode, owners of the game will be able to download the “TV Show Challenge” content for free for the Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect.

During the episode, five contestants will participate in four challenging rounds of exercise moves, lasting five minutes each, taken directly from the TV Show Challenge. Contestants’ scores will be based on how well they perform the exercises in the time allotted.

As an added bonus, for 24 hours following the May 10 episode, the “Pilates” pack will be available free (a $4.99 value) on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout.

The Biggest Loser Official Video Game Website
The Biggest Loser Official Website

Hands On: The Tool to Pump You Up… in a Pinch

For 2011, Blackburn Design haas introduced a new line of Toolmanator multi-tools for the occasional adjustment or emergency that all of us encounter at some point while cycling. There are three different models in the Toolmanator series, but the one that caught my eye was the Toolmanator 3. Having been actively cycling for over 20 years, I have accumulated quite an assortment of multi-tools and I really did not need another one. The feature that persuaded me to purchase the Toolmanator 3 was the built in Mini Shock Pump… essentially eliminatiing the need to carry a shock pump in my pack. Continue reading Hands On: The Tool to Pump You Up… in a Pinch

Lenovo Brings Motion Controlled Game System to China

A first look at the iSec from China

Strange as it may seem some video game technology is actually not available in China. This is because of a combination of technology that is banned for export to China, as well as a ban on the importation of the systems by the Chinese government. And let’s not forget that there are no doubt fears that it will result in mass pirating.

The latter is no doubt a concern, as has been seen in recent years just about any technology can be reversed in China, and we pretty much known that the Blackhawk helicopter that was destroyed in the raid to kill Osama Bin Laden will likely be studied very closely by the Chinese military. This could jump start China’s attempts to get stealth technology for rotor aircraft, and area where the country has so far lagged behind.

Another area where China is already looking to jump ahead is surprising enough in the aforementioned video game space, and now Lenovo, China’s largest PC maker, has introduced a console to rival the Nintendo Wii and Microsoft Xbox 360, complete with motion control.

Originally known as the eBox, the console has reportedly been renamed the iSec, which stands for “Sports Entertainment Center.” It will include motion sensing technology that works much like that in the Microsoft Kinect, suggesting that this could be used for a range of gaming styles – allowing players to take part in Chinese style martial arts action adventures and of course fitness games.

There is some irony in all this. The Chinese government had banned the Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 as there were concerns it could harm the country’s youth – and of course there had been bans to export some hardware to China. But now the Chinese are looking to get in on the game, and the computer gaming market is on the rise Chinese seems to think if you can’t keep it out, embrace it. The final question will be whether China attempts a US invasion with the iSec.

[Via PC World: Lenovo-backed Video Game System Unveiled in China]

Electric Bike Tour Hits Wales

This weekend saw an important cycling tour kick off. Not the Giro d’Italia, which is of course a big race in its own right, but this was the far less well known Tour de Presteigne 2011, which took place in Wales. What makes this one noteworthy is that it isn’t a Tour in the race sense, but rather a ride for the average cyclists and more importantly it is about the electric bike.

This event was hailed as the first event to see new bikes from Storck, the brainchild of German build Markus Storck, who is working to create some of the most efficient electric bikes the world has yet seen. The event also promised to introduce a prototype hydrogen fuel cell city car designed by River Simple Company, along with other innovative autos including the Nissian Leaf and the Tesla Roadster.

The event included a 50 mile ride around Wales on Saturday and a bike show on Sunday. We’re hoping to hear more of the events happenings, but we have already heard that the mood was electric thanks to the innovative bikes.

Tour of Presteigne Electric Bike Rally Official Website

Hands On: Hi-Tech Wool Socks

“Wool is warm and stays warm even when it is even wet.” At least this is the type of statement that we heard throughout high school while participating in a Lifetime Activities outdoor program. Instead of playing baseball and football as our sports; we would bike, hike, canoe, go spelunking and rock climb all around Western Pennsylvania, the East Coast and sometimes out even West.

It was often cold and sometimes damp during these activities which is why our instructors insisted on a wool wardrobe for each of us. We would use old wool button down shirts and wool Army surplus pants along with heavy calf-high wool hiking socks. These garments would certainly keep us warm, even when wet, but there was one major drawback – they were itchy! Continue reading Hands On: Hi-Tech Wool Socks

Wiley X Marks the Spot With Made in USA Tactical Eyewear

Wiley X marks the spot, as the eyewear maker announces that its Wiley X PT-1 tactical glasses are now being produced in the United States. The veteran-owned company says this is the first example of an ongoing initiative that will see more tactical eyewear products built in America.

“We have long endeavored to provide our brave soldiers in the field with the vision protection they need and deserve,” said Wiley X Eyewear Co-Owner Myles Freeman, Jr. “Meeting the highest possible standards of quality and performance has always been something we take quite seriously. Manufacturing key tactical products like the PT-1 here in America will help us raise the bar even further — and we plan to expand on this important initiative in the future.” Continue reading Wiley X Marks the Spot With Made in USA Tactical Eyewear

Under Armour Puts It Technology Where the Mouth Is

Fitness can get you in great shape, but some sports can also be downright bad for the mouth. Contact sports and other activities can result in teeth getting a different kind of extreme workout, one that is can be painful and costly. But Under Armour, the maker of protective attire, puts it technology where the mouth is with its Performance Mouthwear.

This includes the ArmourBite patented mouthwear technology that was developed by Bite Tech, Inc. And the Performance Mouthwear is essentially a new category of sport equipment that allows athletes in any sport to protect their teeth. There are also two models – the Performance Mouthpiece for non-contact sports such as mountain biking and even tennis, and the Performance Mouthguard for contact sports including football, lacrosse, martial arts and wrestling. Now you can get in shape, give it your best and protect those pearly whites!

Under Armour Official Website

Will Universal Sports Bring Giro d’Italia Into Spot Light

Everyone knows the Tour de France, it is of course the biggest event in cycling. But past that… other than cycling enthusiasts few actually know about other races. No doubt residents in places such as California can’t help but hear about local events such as the Tour of California, which will kick off next week, but what about the other events?

Beginning this weekend, and thus overlapping with the Tour of California, is the Giro d’Italia – also known to cycling fans as the Giro. This is actually one of the three grand tours with the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España(Tour of Spain) as being the other one. So why don’t more Americans know it? Part of it is that it just hasn’t gotten the same level of coverage. Continue reading Will Universal Sports Bring Giro d’Italia Into Spot Light

Alpha Bike, a Proof in Concept

Five Mechanical Engineering students from the University of Pennsylvania have developed quite a cutting edge bicycle for their senior project. The Alpha bike has been a year-long project to develop not only a bicycle that whose systems, mechanical and electrical, are completely integrated, but also create a bike that can be shifted from a freewheel to a fixed-gear setup on-the-fly. Geoff Johnson, Lucas Hartman, Katie Savarise, Evan Dvorak and Katie Rohacz worked with adviser Jonathan Fiene to bring the Alpha Bike from a concept to reality.

The most innovate feature of the Alpha Bike is the development of the Switchable Integrated Free-Fixed Transmission or “SWIFT Drive Technology”. The SWIFT Drive uses an electromechanical actuated clutch to allow the rider to switch between a free-wheeling and fixed mode with the flip of a lever. The key component in this system is the electromechanical clutch housed inside the bottom bracket area, which utilizes titanium, aluminum, stainless steel and bronze bushings to maximize strength and minimize weight. Along with the ability to switch between the free and fixed modes, the rider also has the use of 3-speeds incorporated inside the Sturmey-Archer rear hub which is controlled in a more traditional cable actuated fashion – of course integrated into the frame. The SWIFT Drive transmission is connected to the rear hub using a belt which is hidden inside the right-side chainstay. Continue reading Alpha Bike, a Proof in Concept

Hydromax – The End of the Water Boy?

We may soon mark the end of the end of the era in football. Over the years there have been many changes to the game, the introduction of helmets and pads, the change of the grid field and even rules in scoring. But soon, the once proud water boy maybe out of a job thanks to a new wearable water supply system.

In truth, this could actually solve an increasingly worrisome problem. Dehydration remains an issue for many players, especially in southern states and on those sunny and warm fall days. The Hydromax system could just be the key to keeping athletes hydrated for those times when water remains on the sidelines – so close and yet so very far away. Continue reading Hydromax – The End of the Water Boy?

Get a Grip – a Tater Grip

This season has seen the “power” of baseball bats greatly reduced, at least in college, high school and little league as new regulations on bat size have taken affect. But one area that is still seeing forward development is in the “grips” – or more accurately the Tater Grip, which are now available nationwide at retail.

Tater Grip’s new patented, proprietary technology, ultimately a slide and shrink-to-fit installation system, allows ball players to custom design a bat handle label which is then visible through the slide-on, clear rubber grip.

Tater Grip comes packaged air-tight in a proprietary solvent which expands up to three times its normal size when exposed.  When the grip is removed from the package simply slide the grip over the bat knob, and within a couple of hours, it forms and shrinks to the bat handle’s size.

(Video after the jump)

Continue reading Get a Grip – a Tater Grip

Bluetooth World Cup Kicks Off

Time for the world cup, but it isn’t football or rugby. It will however, likely change the playing field of technology, as it is the Innovation World Cup.

This week the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) announced that it is once again looking for ideas and prototypes in the areas of health care, sports and fitness, automotive, entertainment, and more, that use Bluetooth technology version 4.0, for this year’s edition of the Innovation World Cup (IWC). This competition is now in its third year, as the trade organization contest calls on developers, entrepreneurs and students to submit concepts for applications making use of the low energy feature of Bluetooth v4.0. Continue reading Bluetooth World Cup Kicks Off