KickStarter | Evolving Consumer

Carbon Disc Print

For those who like to play Frisbee or Disc Golf there is now a very serious disc – one made of carbon fiber. While it isn’t available in stores just yet, Tyler Seamons is looking to Kickstarter to help his concept take flight. He’s designed a 10 inch 175 gram disc made of carbon fiber that features a heavy duty polyurethane plastic protective edge.

The concept actually includes two styles, a Disc Golf style driver and a Frisbee shaped version. The former is meant to fly greater distances while the latter is shaped for shorter distances and for catching. Video after the jump

Board Pack

A backpack can help you carry your stuff while you ride the skateboard, but the Concrete Native: The Action Sports Backpack can also be used to carry the board when you get to your destination.

This bag can carry longboards and even snowboards. It is made of an abrasive resistant material to prevent griptape wear and sliding, while the ergonomic backstraps make this comfortable to wear. There is a water bottle pocket, padded laptop sleeve and even “suicide door” side pockets to allow for quick access to those things you need to get at quickly. Video after the jump

Board Rack

Leaving a skateboard on the floor anywhere in the house is a recipe for disaster. Jeff Stout, who apparently enjoys skateboards and snowboards, had a bright idea and recently took his Wall Mounted Board Rack concept to Kickstarter.

Why not store snowboards and skateboards – possibly even surfboards – in a special rack that could be mounted in a garage, basement or even living room. That latter could turn down various boards and decks into a type of art display. Simple idea, but a cool one at that. Video after the jump

Printed Bicycle

There are new advances to print a bicycle, including those utilizing titanium. However, the Beautiful Bicycle is another kind of print entirely. It is on paper and you can’t actually ride these bikes, but this could make excellent art for your wall.

Designer Andy Scullion is looking to Kickstarter to provide these customizable prints of bicycles through the ages. The print is split into 32 sections, and could include stock photos or even the contributor’s own bike. Good idea, and a beauty at that. Video after the jump

Can’t Tip This Canoe – Make that Kayak

Some watercraft are far more stable than others, but no one would suggest ever standing on a kayak even in stable waters. The folks at California-based TrueRec have come up with such a boat that can remain stable for those who wish to stand to fish or just stretch their legs.

The DFP (Dive-Fish-Paddle), which is being developed by TrueRec through a Kickstarter project, is a sit-on-top kayak, but it is notable that it features spring-loaded pontoons that fold out to the sides and provide added stability when stopped. It offers a multi-function cavity that can be used as storage, making this a boat that can haul you and your gear where you need to go. Video after the jump

Ride in the Peloton From Home

Being able to go the distance in the peloton is what sets apart a rider, but now the Peloton Bike will allow riders of all levels to put in the miles and do so from the living room. This indoor cycling trainer delivers both live and on-demand indoor cycling classes, along with competition and even video chats.

The training bike is now being developed through a Kickstarter project, and the best part of about putting in the miles on this bike is that it means you’ll never be dropped by the group and have to ride home alone. Video after the jump

Weekend Reading List (07.13.2013): Tour Tech, Run the Tour, Kinetic Chain, TT at the Tour

Tour Tech

From Gizmodo: 100 Years of Tour de France Bikes Map the Evolution of Cycling
There are few professional sports as closely bound to technology as cycling. A bike isn’t just equipment, as skiis or a tennis racket might be—it’s a partner in a symbiotic relationship between the machine and athlete. And it’s remarkable to see how drastically certain parts of that machine have changed in the last century, while others have stayed largely the same. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (07.13.2013): Tour Tech, Run the Tour, Kinetic Chain, TT at the Tour

Sea Drone Camera

We’ve seen a number of attempts to put GoPro and other action cameras in the air to capture a bird’s eye view, but the creators of the Ziphius had another idea. They are looking to Kickstarter to see if their “Aquatic Drone” would hold water – or more accurately not sink.

The Ziphius can take pictures and videos of a user’s aquatic experiences, and as it can be controlled via an app on a mobile device is also part remote controlled watercraft as well. As a camera platform it features a 160-degree titling angle HD camera that can capture images above and below the water level, while an LED flash light can enhance the image.

Pictures and videos can uploaded directly to social media sites including YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. So for those who want to chronicle their underwater adventures – and have some fun with a controllable water craft – this might just be the thing. Video after the jump

Foldable Brain Bucket

We’ve seen a few concepts in foldable bike helmets, but the CLOSCA, which is now wrapping up a Kickstarter project, offers a little style along with functionality. While it likely won’t provide the same level of protection as a typical road or mountain bike helmet, for commuters who might otherwise not don a helmet this could go a long way at helping ensure that the rider’s head is indeed covered! Video after the jump

(Key)Chain Ring

There are a lot of multi-tool concepts out there but that didn’t stop Jonathan Sabutis of New York City from launching a Kickstarter project to bring out his Ringtool concept. This tool is a simple round ring (as the name implies) that features a variety of hex bits. It can be used as a keychain and even a bottle opener for that post ride refreshing beverage.

It is even TSA approved. Video and features after the jump

A Really Cool Shirt

Cycling jerseys are made to help keep riders cool, but the Vortex Cooling Cycling Shirt takes this to a whole new level. It is an air cooled cycling shirt that according to its designers utilizes the power of nature to keep you cool. The shirt, which is now being developed via a Kickstarter project, uses the natural airflow generated by a cyclist.

Small concealed compartments on each shoulder and at the lower back area hold purpose made shields lift the fabric off the rider’s back to create an air channel to provide cooling air flow while also shielding the body from the sun. These shields are even removable for washing. We’re not sure if this will create drag, which in turn could make a rider have to work harder but it is still an interesting concept. Video after the jump

Capture Goes Pro

We’ve followed Peak Designs’ Capture Camera Clip since it launched on Kickstarter back in 2011. Now the company is at it again with a new version – the Camera Clip v2 – which includes a basic version and a “pro” version. The new v2 offers an redesigned double-spring action quick release button that prevents binding, while a safety lock prevents accidental release. There is new clamping system that can be used to stabilize the camera and enables use with a tripod head and even GoPro mount.

The CapturePro also features an all-aluminum body that is better suited to those daring adventures, while it can convert to a quick-release tripod clamp. Video after the jump

The Flying Bike – ET Not Required

The first – and perhaps most important – question that comes to mind when considering the Paravelo, the world’s first flying bicycle, is why would anyone need to design a flying bike? However, apparently some 60 backers are pledging money on Kickstarter to see this thing… well, take flight. It apparently works with a parachute so it actually glides as much as flies, but it does use a large fan to power its forward motion.

It travels at 15mph on land, so not exactly a speed demon, but reportedly 25mph in the air. It reminds us a bit like the flying contraption that Barney invented on TV’s The Flintstones. Compare the Paravelo to Barney’s creation after the jump