3D Printing Takes a Seat

3D-SaddlesThe technology behind 3D printing continues to change the world of fitness equipment, and while we have seen development in the printing of various parts in the design stage, now Giant Bicycles is using 3D printing technology for the bike saddles.

However, at this point the selective laser sintering (SLS) is mostly being used to create full size prototypes rather than finished goods. But it does suggest that in the future you could always pick a saddle at a shop and have it printed while you wait.

[Via PDDNET: New Saddle for Giant Bicycles Uses 3D Printing Technology]

Thanksgiving and Cycling

Thanksgiving-BikesThis Thursday is Thanksgiving and while that means a lot of food, it shouldn’t mean stressing out and it shouldn’t be about packing on the pounds. We’ve been compiling a list of cycling related events, activities and tips for cyclists:

Sacramento Appetite Enhancement Thanksgiving Day Bike Ride

The 5 Best Thanksgiving Bike Rides and Tours

Survive Thanksgiving from Bicycling Magazine

Cranksgiving Ride

Slite of Handset

SliteWhether out for a hike or just a trip to the wrong side of the tracks, the CM4 Slite Card Case for the iPhone 5C will come in handy. It features a built-in wallet that allows you to store your most frequently used cards and some cash. It can hold up to three cards – or ID – while the Screen Guard provides the device as well.

This could be the ultimate “Slite” of hand!

CM4 Slite Official Website

Have Jetpack Will Ride

Biknd-JetpackWhen traveling to a far off land with a bicycle it usually means taking a plane, but what about a Jetpack? Not the super high tech personal flying gizmo that will probably never really be practical, but rather a special bike case that will ensure the bike arrives safely.

The Jetpack from Biknd is designed for road and mountain bikes, and it includes an inflatable wall system that acts like an airbag, absorbing any impacts the bag receives during transit. The system includes an adjustable rear axle, which allows users to fix their bike in place. It also includes a safe-locking mechanism, while an inflatable airbags lightens the overall load and provides additional protection by absorbing shocks from all angles.

Inside, the bag includes stem and crank covers, while roller wheels and an easy gripping handle allow it to be easily transported through the airport and beyond. According to Biknd the bag’s weight and build complies with luggage weight restrictions for many airlines, and when not in use the Jetpack folds down into its 12-inch by 14-inch by 50-inch nylon cover.

It is the Jetpack for the cycling jet setter.

Biknd Official Website

Every Third Thursday Hits the Sand

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhzVI-hw3S0&feature=share&list=PL34695342B698FC80

Normally we’d expect to see snowboarders hitting the white stuff on the ski slopes not heading to the California desert. But it isn’t every day that is Every Third Thursday, and the guys at Signal Snowboards looked to do something different this month.

Signal Snowboards: ETT Official Website

The Last Straw?

LifeStrawClean water can be the final straw between surviving or not in the wilds. While not having enough water during a hike can be a problem, for those who don’t have a reliable source of drinkable water it can mean life or death. The LifeStraw Go by Vestergaard is there to help ensure that most water can be made drinkable.

It features a BPA-free water bottle, which can remove protozoan parasites and turbidity from contaminated water, and leave no aftertaste. It can filter up to 264 gallons of water, and removes 99.9999 percent of waterborne bacteria, as well as 99.9 percent of waterborne protozoan parasites. Continue reading The Last Straw?

Nike’s Black Gold

Nike-GoldFitness trackers aren’t the sort of thing that look all that good except when you’re wearing workout gear. Nike is looking to change that up a bit with a special version of it Nike+ Fuelband, which came out earlier this month.

For those who want style as well as functionality take a gander at the Rose Gold Nike+ FuelBand SE. As Nike puts it:

“Available in limited quantities worldwide, the striking Rose Gold colorway takes cues from high end timeware, with a clasp, bezel and screws manufactured from 316 series stainless steel. These beautifully crafted metal components are then hand polished to a mirror finish and given a beautiful and extremely durable PVD coating.”

Limited Edition Rose Gold Nike+ FuelBand SE Official Website

Shine It Up

BixbyWho says they don’t make things like they used to in Detroit. The limited edition Bixby is the product of a collaboration between Shinola and Filson, and it is one that truly shines. It features a double-butted TrueTemper steel frame, painted Filson Green, along with a Shimano Nexus 3-speed hub and mech discs. While bamboo doesn’t grow in the Motor City it still makes for a nice material for the fenders, and goes nicely with the Portland Design Works rear rack.

This is one bike that proves there are still those that can make quality products in Detroit.

Shinola Official Website
Filson Official Website

Take a New Seat

MORGAWWinning an International Bicycle Design Competition Award is no small honor, so how are the designers of the MORGAW following up? By launching an Indiegogo project to bring the saddle to market. It promises real active comfort, as the materials allow light movement, making it more responsive to the rider’s body movement. Video after the jump

Made in America: Veteran Bicycle

Veteran-BicycleDavid Lewis has launched an Indiegogo project with the goal to get an American made bicycle company off the ground. This disabled U.S. Army veteran served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He noted that hassle with building bikes in China and is looking to make Made in America mean something again.

To that end he’s looking to raise money, not just to start the project but to use the funding to buy other American made equipment. Those investing $10 will get his thanks, and those investing $2,500 or more will get a handmade, veteran made complete bicycle!

We wish Lewis the best of luck with this project.

Veteran Bicycle Company Indiegogo Site

Risks of Surfing

SurfboardWhile shark attacks are rare, and drowning is actually the greater risk for surfers, there is another dark side to surfing. What exactly are the health risks for the shapers – those who create the boards? Surfer Today poised that question earlier this month, and noted that many of today’s higher tech materials – notably polymers – could put the surfboard shapers at health risks.

That’s certainly not to increase the good vibrations anytime soon, but as with our modern materials it is crucial that safety protocols are followed.

[From Surfer Today: The health risks of surfboard shaping materials]

This Cricket Won’t Chirp

CricketThe sound of a cricket at night can be either soothing – if the insect happens to be outside and you’re in the country – but can be annoying when it might be in your house or apartment. The latter is likely what the developers of the Cricket bike alarm had in mind. However, instead of it making a chirp the alarm will alert bike owners.

As the developers noted, “as someone as much as touches your bikes, you’ll get an instant (as in one tenth of a second instant) notification in your smart phone.” That is one smart Cricket. It is now in development via an Indiegogo project. Video after the jump