LeMond Powers Up

LemondWith winter in full fear many cyclists are likely stuck on trainers. But LeMond is now offering an optional wireless power meter attachment for its LeMond Revolution stationary trainers. This add-on, which will retail for around $250, will help cyclists monitor their power a little more closely.

The WattBox, which can connect to a smartphone app and bike computer via ANT+, can calculate wattage based on the trainer’s wind resistance unit, and take into account air temperature, humidity and altitude. This can in turn provide an accurate reading based on the amount of air moved by the resistance unit’s fan.

“Now anyone with a LeMond Revolution trainer can effectively gauge their output,” said company founder Greg LeMond. “Research in cycling performance always brings us back to the most critical reading, which is wattage,” LeMond said. “Knowing this number and working with it opens the door to knowledge and improved riding. By creating the WattBox, we are putting the processor in the WattBox unit, which allows any software update in the future or a small hardware change.”

LeMond Official Website

Cycloc and Load

CyclocNeed a place to hang your hat? Well the Cycloc can’t help you there, but if you need a place to hang your bike you are in luck. This plastic looking bike rack is made from 100 percent recycled materials and can support traditional round tubes as well shaped tubes.

It mounts to the wall via three anchor points, and this rack is notable in that it includes a pass through on the top and bottom so it could be used with a lock. While the design might not fit ever décor it is available in a range of colors. Video after the jump

Made in America: Mountain Man Jersey

Mt.-Borah-JOMWith all the snow on the ground it might be a while before we make it to the mountains on a bike, but Mt. Borah has us itching to ride. The company’s February JOM (Jersey of the Month) pays homage to trail buildings around the globe. This micro polyester fabric jersey features a full-hidden zipper, club cut with three pocket back and tagless care content label.

It was made in Wisconsin, where we think they’re probably still digging out from the latest mountain of snow.

Mt. Borah: To the Trails JOM

Making Tracks

First-TracksIf hitting the slopes early means a lot to you then the First Tracks app for Android and iOS devices is something that should be on the phone. This isn’t just an alarm, it actually will wake you early if snow has fallen and there is fresh powder to enjoy. On the other hand if conditions remain unchanged then the alarm will go off at the normal time so you can get your beauty sleep.

First Tracks Official Website

Outdoor Retailer Winter Market: I.C.E. It

ICE-StoveIce is cold, but the I.C.E. Stove will help you get cooking. This 8-in-1 multi-tool offers the functionality of a wrench, saw, bottle opener, can opener, ruler, wing nut wrench, screw driver… and it can be put together to become a wood stove! Basically three of the tools panels are actually stove walls but the fourth is a seven-function multi-tool. The company recently unveiled this product at last month’s Outdoor Retailer Show Winter Market.

I.C.E. Stove Official Website

Made in America: Hang On

Velocity-USAWe like to see products recycled or better still “upcycled” where an old product finds new life. Velocity USA fitting has used bicycle rims that don’t meet quality control standards and repurposed them as clothes hangers. This is a true “upcycling” of bicycle gear. Each hanger is apparently made in Grand Rapids, Michigan out of Velocity Deep V rims that weren’t quite good enough for the road. However, these seem perfect for hanging that favorite jersey.

Velocity Clothes Hanger Official Website

SIA Snow Show: Worn Out

POCWhen it comes to our sporting goods these can become like old friends, and we use them until they are truly past their expected life. This is actually not a good idea. Shoes should be replaced regularly for example. In fact using old or damaged products can often result in injury. But how do we know when something is at its end of usable life? It isn’t like the product can tell us.

Actually, at the recent SIA Snow Show in Denver POC introduced a new helmet that features an internal sensor, which can report when it is past the point of no return. This multi-impact helmet is made of EPP (Expanded Polyproylene) and thus recovers it shape after a spill or two. While it can withstand numerous impacts it won’t last forever. To this end the company has integrated a Helmet Integrity Sensor that can report back when it’s had enough.

POC Official Website
[Via GearJunkie: Sensor-Equipped Snowsports Helmet Alerts User When It’s Worn Out]

Shimano Gets in on the Action

ShimanoThis month Shimano announced that it was entering the action camera market. The CM-1000 Sport Camera (MSRP: $299) will be available in May and is the first product from the company’s Lifestyle Gear Division, which targets both the fishing and cycling markets, and will be able to be integrated with existing Shimano electronics.

This HD camera can record video and stills, and features an F2.0 lens that will be good for low-light conditions, and offers dual, standard angle 135 degree and super wide 180 degree modes, while also providing a 90 degree increment auto-image rotation. That feature will allow users to flip the camera and still maintain a horizontal image plane.

The CM-1000 weighs in at 86 grams and will be waterproof to 10 meters without an external case. It offers ANT+ wireless connectivity as well as Wi-Fi and works with its own Android and iOS apps.

Shimano Official Website

Backpack Cooker

VertexMuch has been made in recent weeks about the “polar vortex,” which has left much of the country in a deep cold spell. Those looking for some heat would no doubt appreciate the Vertex Ultralight Backpacking Stove – not that anyone should be camping in this weather.

However, for those times when camping weather arrives this is the thing you’d like to have in your backpack. It weighs just 1.8 ounces and folds down flat, thus taking up little more room than a map. It is map of tempered stainless steel and provides a sturdy platform for cookware. It works with Trangia Spirit alcohol burner as well as solid fuel tablets, so fire shouldn’t be difficult to make. Vertex is now looking to a Kickstarter project to get the fire started for the Ultralight Backpacking Stove. Video after the jump

Shimano Cuts the Cord

Shimano-Di2Shimano announced this week that it has cut the cord on its electronic shifting system. The company has introduced a new wireless device that will connect its Di2 groups, and this will sync with the new Shimano PRO computer via ANT+.

The Di2 Wireless Unit (Shimano product SM-EWW01) will be compatible with Dura-Ace 9070, Ultegra 6870 Di2 and Ultegra 6770 E-tube road shifting systems. This Di2 Wireless Unit is powered by the same Di2 battery that powers the Di2 shifting system.

Shimano Official Website