Made in America: Chain Stay Away

StaySharp-Commuter-CuffThose who commute by cycle face a number of perils on the way to and from the office including cars, people not paying attention and other hazards of the road. While there are plenty of cycle friendly clothing options the bike doesn’t always play nice with nice clothing.

Grease from the chain can ruin and outfit and day, but the StaySharp Commuter Cuff from Exposed Seam will help cover up the spot where a grease spot might otherwise ruin the clothing.With these on the leg there is no reason to roll up the pant legs, and it can protect from spotting and keep the clothing out of the chain.

These are made in America of Cordura fabric and available in a range of colors. The cuff closes ithging around the ankle with Velcro and there is even a reflective panel to help with other perils of the ride home.

Exposed Seam Official Website

Weekend Reading List (12:28:2013): Party Down, Safe Stuff

Party Down

Specialized

From Bicycle Retailer: Specialized workers scale down party, donate to charity instead
Specialized Bicycle employees decided to scale down their holiday party this year, and doante the excess party budget to two non-profit organizations. The employees decided in a company-wide vote about two months ago to opt for a modest office party instead of an off-site event.

In a second vote, the employees chose to donate the extra budget amount to the United Way San Jose and World Bicycle Relief. Last Thursday representatives from each organization came to Specialized headquarters to accept the donations of $15,000 each. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (12:28:2013): Party Down, Safe Stuff

CES Preview: It’s On

AlwaysOnInvenSense will showcase its new “AlwaysOn” solutions at the upcoming 2014 CES, where sensors can track motion, audio, visual and even environmental conditions including pressure, temperature and humidity. This could enable a “human like” context of awareness, intuition and natural interaction. Wearable sensors could track touch, while audio devices could “hear.”

The company will showcase its new MPU-6515 product, the world’s first MotionTracking SoC optimized for Google’s Android KitKat 4.4. Android 4.4 defines several new sensor functions including Significant Motion Interrupt, Pedometer, Step Event and Event Batching.

We’ll be sure to check out the AlwaysOn technology in Las Vegas at CES.

InvenSense Official Website

Play Time

Goji-PlayThere have been a lot of efforts to make a game out of working out. The problem is that unless the game is engaging most people will still focus on the work part of working out, but Goji Play looks to change this and it claims it can make 30 minutes of working out feel like five minutes.

It utilizes a special controller, an iPad app and wireless sensors that can help truly make a workout seem a whole lot more fun. The system, which is portable enough to bring to the gym, includes a diverse and growing library of games as well. While working out may still require some dedication and even determination, Goji Play could help make it a little more fun.

Goji Play Official Website

Roll Like the Danish

Copenhagen-WheelE-bikes are often good in concept but sometimes provide assistance when you don’t need it. The other problem is that e-bikes cost a lot, and weigh a lot. Designers at MIT might have a better solution. They’ve created the Copenhagen Wheel, which gives a power assist based on the effort. This in turn allows riders to go faster and further.

The wheel can monitor effort, so when a rider struggles or pushes harder the wheel in turn provides more power. Users can also adjust the level of assistance via a mobile smartphone app. The Copenhagen Wheel even utilizes regenerative braking to get juiced up as well.

The best part however is that no special bike is needed and the Copenhagen Wheel can be used with most bikes. Video after the jump

CES Preview: The Echo Gets Awarded Again

EchoThe Magellan Echo made its debut this year at the Outdoor Retailer 2013 show and received two Best-in-Shows wards. Now it has been named a 2014 CES Innovations Award Honoree. This is the first smartwatch dedicated to running by connecting smartphone fitness apps to the wrist.

It utilizes Bluetooth Smart to wirelessly connect with a handset and provides control of apps, with support from Strava, MapMyFitness, iSmoothRun and Wahoo Fitness. The rugged watch is water-resistant and can go the distance. We look forward to taking a closer look at the Echo at next month’s 2014 International CES. Video after the jump

Blast in the New Year

Rudy-Project---AirblastRudy Project has released the Airblast, the first sunglasses aimed at precision sports. These performance sunglasses incorporate a number of new and classic technologies from the Italian crafters of high-quality eyewear. These advances allow the Airblast to provide the upmost in ergonomics, protection and high-definition optics.

The Airblast offers fully adjustable temple tips, which ensure a custom, precise fit for any face and won’t budge during recoil. The newly designed ErgoVI nosepiece further eliminates visual interference by maintaining a low profile and optimal position, while the Vented Brow Bar helps avoid heat buildup and fogging. The rimless mask design also allows the optics to provide for total peripheral vision and a completely unobstructed view of any target.

Most importantly these feature ImpactX technology, which is essential for sporting sports. These technology is used in Apache helicopter windshields and is guaranteed unbreakable for life.

Ruby Project Airblast Official Website

Power it Up

PowerPak-UltraNew Trent has introduced its PowerPak Ultra, which allows users to keep their USB-based devices juiced up even in the most extreme environments. It features a rugged exterior, and has an IP-67 rating, which means it can survive most drops and can even be temporarily submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. It packs 14,000 mAh of power or enough to store 700 percent of the average smartphone’s battery. With two USB ports it can simultaneously juice up almost any combination of smartphones, tablets and other USB-based devices.

New Trent PowerPak Ultra Official Website

XS Marks the Spot on the Trail

XS-Trail-RS-HelmetThe new XS Trail RS helmet is now ready to hit the trail in America. This helmet, which was three years in development from freeride pioneer Richie Schley, is aimed at endure, trail and cross country (XC) riders. It features full inmold coverage, 22 vents plus internal air channels, a ratchet safety closure, crash-release visor and Y-clip adjustable strap system, and is offered in black, gray, blue or green in sizes S/M and M/L.

North American distribution is being handled by Gravity Cartel, and we expect to see this helmet on trails in the New Year.

Gravity Cartel Official Website

CES Preview: Striker Strikes Again

Capsule-Task-LightWhether lightning strikes twice in the same spot is still open to debate, but Striker will strike again at next month’s  CES in Las Vegas. The company looks to introduce for 2014 the Capsule Task Light, a four-in-one light that can work as a headlamp, flashlight and more. It promises to offer all illumination you could use while out on the go! We’ll be sure to check out all of Striker’s offerings at CES.

Striker Official Website

Fast Lane Indeed

At-SpeedMark Cavendish is fast. Known as the world’s fastest sprinter he’s penned his second book, At Speed: My Life in the Fast Lane, which chronicles his days as a “fat” kid to his winningest Tour de France sprinter. It also offers up a personal look that at his screaming fights with teammates, his rancorous contract negotiations, crushing disappointments and his often testy relationship with the media. But it also shows that for Cavendish… winning is always the cure.

Velo Press: At Speed – My Life in the Fast Lane