Earlier this week we posted about the Smart ebike being shown at the 2010 Paris Auto Show. We found video posted which shows the design and construction of the bike. Enjoy.
via [Cycelicious Bicycle Blog]
Almost Like Running in Space
In space no one can hear you scream. That’s an old science fiction line of course, but it has truth to it because sound doesn’t travel in a vacuum. What can travel in a vacuum is you, as in you can still run in a vacuum. The question of course is why would you want to do so?
Well, the answer is that running results in pounding on the joints, and this repetitive pounding on knees, hips and ankles isn’t good. The irony is that running is great for the heart. So how do you keep the running and reduce the pounding? A trip to the International Space Station would work, but that would be pricey. The alternative is an anti-gravity treadmill.
That might sound like something out of Star Trek but the technology is around today. The Alter G Anti-Gravity Treadmill allows runners to essentially climb into a shoe shaped enclosure, which utilizes pressure regulation that can reduce body weight from 0 percent to 80 percent. Users still have to suit up with a special pair of shorts, and while not as cumbersome as a full space suit, these aren’t exactly your normal running attire either. Continue reading Almost Like Running in Space
SkateCycle – More Than a Hubless Skateboard
We’ve seen many attempts to converge technology together. Some, like the bicycle treadmill are just confusing, but the SkateCycle seems like real evolution and innovation. While it could be called a “hubless skateboard” that’s not quite the most accurate description for this deck – or rather deckles device. The FreeRider SkateCycle, which was conceived by Alon Karpman from Brooklyn Workshop with the help of Antonio Mezo, takes the basic skateboard concept, but ditches the hubs and trucks, and even the classic deck. Continue reading SkateCycle – More Than a Hubless Skateboard
A Mount that Fixes an iPhone to Bike
There’s a number of cycle computer-type apps for the iPhone. They track your speed, distance, map where you’ve been or plan to go, and so on. But that info is all useless if your phone is in your pocket.
A company called RAM Mount has a cradle that secures your iPhone 4 to the handlebar of any bike. The RAM EZ-On/Off handlebar mount is constructed of high-strength composite. It uses zip ties to attach, making it easy to adjust to a variety of handlebar thicknesses. Once mounted, you can adjust the angle to make the screen more visible when you’re riding.
Via [BoingBoing]
Get Into the Sling of it With aeroSling Elite
Suspension technology is catching on. It is an easy way to get a decent workout at home or on the road, and these are among the easiest pieces of equipment to take on the go. This month the latest innovation in suspension technology is arriving in the United States from Germany, and this one might be worth a bit of suspension of disbelief.
Smooth Fitness, the online retailer of home exercise equipment, is bringing the aeroSling Elite to the America. The modular, flexible band relies on a person’s bodyweight to provide the resistance while the suspension system can strengthen core muscles. This piece of equipment can be used on doors, hooks or even outdoors on trees, and it can be anchored at different heights and adjusted for varied degrees of fitness levels.
“The aeroSling represents the next generation of suspension training, with its innovative pulley system that allows for a multitude of new exercises to train every muscle group with a greater range of motion,” said William Olson, President and CEO of Smooth Fitness. “It truly is a trip to the gym in one small mesh bag, and can even be incorporated into yoga and pilates.”
The aeroSling Elite will be launched later this month by Smooth Fitness, and will be available exlusively through the website. We will try to get our hands on one and let you know if we got into the sling of things.
Smart Car’s Two-Wheel Companion
The makers of those little electric cars, Smart Cars, that fit in even the smallest parking space and go for miles on an electric charge are ready to introduce an even smaller mode of smart transportation. The Smart ebike has a four-level electric boost that charges as you brake. The ebike’s design is a solid frame with clean lines. The aluminum frame and all the bike’s components weigh in around 22 kilograms, making it a lightweight contender among electric bikes. Smart’s parent company Daimler went so far as to construct the frame so it suspends the rear wheel by large, sturdy aluminum profiles to eliminate struts that are typical for a similar bike. It also conceals the Bowden wires and cables so they don’t impede on the streamlined design.
Design elements lend way to technology on this ebike. The two-wheeler uses a belt drive instead of a chain, which minimizes maintenance and makes for a quieter ride. The belt drive demands a particular shape of the rear triangle. On this bike the geometry allows for a rear extension of one side of the triangle, which allows for the belt, a continuous loop, to be installed. Traditional frames require a cut somewhere in the rear triangle to outfit the bike.
Tee Off With Prostroke Golf for PlayStation Move
Bowling pretty much remains the de facto demo game for the Nintendo Wii. Even after several holiday seasons, bowling is the game that just remains the gold standard for the Wii. And soon golf could do the same for the PlayStation Move, but not just any golf. We’re talking about O-Games newly released John Daly’s ProStroke Golf, which will arrive next week in North America. Continue reading Tee Off With Prostroke Golf for PlayStation Move
Will 3D Change the Way the Game is Played
There has been a lot of talk this year about 3D, and what 3D means for sports. But most of the talk has been centered around how those sitting on the couch will experience the game, not in how it is played. So far the emphasis has been in watching sports in 3D on TV, but this weekend The New York Times reported that another facet of 3D is in the works, which could make the way the athletes prepare for the game – big and small. Continue reading Will 3D Change the Way the Game is Played
Oregon Scientific and Gaiam Bring Trio of Watches, Pedometers
Even women’s heart rate monitors can be bulky and masculine. That’s changing, and a trio new styles introduced through a partnership between Oregon Scientific and Gaiam are a mong those with a lighter, more feminine design. Two wristwatch trainers and one pedometer come in attractive colors and are packed with new features.
The Gaiam Zone Trainer ($109) is a heart rate monitor with a tap-on display that you can easily toggle through settings by just hitting the watch face. Settings include heart rate, calories and fat burned. The watchband and buttons are constructed from a silicone material designed for comfort and breathability. Continue reading Oregon Scientific and Gaiam Bring Trio of Watches, Pedometers
Interbike 2010 Wrap Up: Cycling with Cervelo
At Interbike we were able to get a peak at what is going on with “Project California,” and took a ride on some of the new Cervelo bikes, including ones using the upcoming BBright. This new technology is the only bottom bracket standard that uses an oversize axele and oversize frame tubes. The idea here is that it will be an optimal combination for overall system stiffness and weight for the frame, crank, and bottom bracket.
There are a few moments with any technology where you say, “this is going to change everything,” and that ride with Cervelo to Red Rock Canyon was certainly one of those. Continue reading Interbike 2010 Wrap Up: Cycling with Cervelo
Infinite Trainer Programs in the Works
An online subscription based software package will soon help people by offering different training and nutritional programs, specifically designed to reach each individual’s fitness goals. This subscription program, the Personal Trainer Software Package, from Texas-based Infinite Technology Corporation will be offered in yearly or monthly membership programs. It was also announced that the company has secured a non-exclusive distributor for its custom sports supplement line, which will be launched this month.
“We feel the Personal Trainer Software Package will add value to the supplement line and additional revenue to the Company, said CEO Amy Lawrence. “Everyone can’t afford to hire a personal trainer or a nutritionist, but this is a reasonably priced alternative that will help educate and motivate our clients.”
The Personal Trainer Software Package from Infinite Technology Corporation
Sheraton Brings Training on the Road with Core Performance
Workouts on the road can be a treat if the hotel has a nice gym stocked with new, top-of-the-line equipment. But then sometimes that equipment is old and tired, and ou wish you’d gotten a few more minutes of sleep before the meeting. Sheraton Hotels just put $120 million into a brand-wide fitness roll-out to equip its gyms and also revamp its meals and individual fitness strategy. Continue reading Sheraton Brings Training on the Road with Core Performance
Interbike 2010: Let the NiteRider Pro 1400 Light Your Way… on Your Terms
As you are browsing through the accessory section your favorite bike shop, you will probably notice that most of the large bike companies have their own headlights on the market. These headlights are perfectly fine for commuting and bike path rides, but rarely do they offer enough light for a fast descents or tight single track. If you find that you are riding slower during the night or you are planning on entering a 24-hour race, you need to invest in a good lighting system.
One system that may interest you is the Pro 1400 system offered by NiteRider based in San Diego, CA. As the name implies, this dual LED lamp system produces 1400 lumens when set to the ‘high’ mode. The 1400 lumens is achieved during the ‘high’ mode by both the spot and flood light being fully illuminated to 700 lumens each. Though this will offer plenty of light for the trail you are blazing, your run time will only be 2:30 hours. For a longer night ride with these light right out of the box, all you have to do is switch to either the flood or spot lamp when the full 1400 is not needed. Continue reading Interbike 2010: Let the NiteRider Pro 1400 Light Your Way… on Your Terms