Power meters are the new thing in cycling – well, maybe not the new thing but certainly the hot thing in tracking effort and energy spent. Now One Giant Leap is looking to do for kayakers what various companies have done for cyclists.
The company is introducing the world’s first Kayak Power Meter. This carbon fiber, adjustable, split-shaft can track power output, power balance (including left stroke vs. right stroke) and even stroke-rate. This unique paddle can sync – but hopefully not sink – via ANT+ and can used to record power, power balance, stroke-rate and even boat speed and heart rate. The Kayak Power Meter can be used with various software including Garmin Connect and TrainingPeaks.
For those with rivers of gold the McLellan Jacobs – the America’s Cup boat builders – carbon fiber-hulled Kayak 1 might just be the best way to row downstream. It features teak and ash timber detailing that gives this kayak a true sense of style. Of course the owners won’t be able to take a guest for a spin in it, as it is a single person boat. But for those few who could likely afford it why would they really want to share the thrill.
There have been many attempts to create a lightweight commuter bike, but few have come close to Germany’s PG-Bikes BlackBraid Fixed. At just 11 pounds it is about as light as they come. This bike features a carbon fiber frame, belt drive and includes just a front brake.
We hear a lot about the “carbon footprint” but Raleigh Bicycles may have cyclists thinking instead about the carbon rebate. The company is issuing $100 prepaid rebate cards to everyone who purchases any Raleigh carbon bike through the end of March. 
We’ve noted the trend in materials being used in the construction of hockey sticks. Composites are being used more and more and the advantage for players is clear, but so is the cost. Likewise, composite materials have a problem in that these are not easily recycled.
A good hockey stick – especially one made of composite materials – isn’t cheap, and unfortunately it isn’t the sort of the thing that is treated with the utmost care and respect. It is in fact a tool that can be beat around pretty hard, and this in turn can get expensive when it breaks. One-piece composite sticks, made of layers of carbon fiber, can cost $300 or more, so not exactly cheap to replace.
Canadian custom bike maker Guru Bikes, which is known for its innovative DFU (Dynamic Fit Unit) for creating the perfect fit for riders looking to purchase a custom titanium or carbon fiber bike, could soon be part of the Cannondale family.
For those who go to the extreme on the off-road trails, Leatt will have you covered. The company is set to introduce a new line of protective clothing for 2013, which it will be showing at Eurobike later this month.