Tag: Lou Tortola

Speak Up

AudioPLUX“What did you say? I couldn’t hear you! That’s because I’m wearing headphones that block the outside world.”

We’ve all been there in one way or another, but Lou Tortola of Windsor, Canada is looking to change this with the AudioPLUX speaker system for cyclist. Tortola is now looking to Kickstarter to develop these speakers, which are meant to be “away from the ear” while still providing solid audio quality.

The idea is that these won’t suppress ambient sounds, but will still let you enjoy the tunes. Video after the jump

Bicycle Museum of America Welcomes RoundTail to Exhibits

RoundTail is about to join the ranks of historical bicycles at the Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen, Ohio. This Thursday, June 21, at 11:30 am, one of RoundTail’s first production prototypes will enter the museum to be placed on display. Continue reading Bicycle Museum of America Welcomes RoundTail to Exhibits

Cycle Goes Round

Bicycles have lots of round parts. There are obviously the wheels, but there are the chain rings, cassette, hubs and in many cases, even the tubes are round. But Lou Tortola, an avid cyclist who put in more than 3000 miles on his road bike last year, has another idea. The inventor and entrepreneur from Windsor, Canada has created a revolutionary bicycle frame design that he says will increase comfort, while retaining lateral stiffness and pedaling efficiency of the standard diamond frame bicycles.

The result is the Roundtail, which he says should provide more shock absorbing than traditional straight seat stays.

Tortola uses his computer to draft up a prototype of the twin ring design, and with his years of experience in metals and fabrication produced tooling to test his concept. Custom bike builder Paul Taylor helped bring the Roundtail to life.

The bike made its debut at the San Diego Custom Bicycle Show this past weekend. Titanium and carbon fiber versions, with mountain bike and hybrid models will be available later this year at Interbike.

Roundtail Official Website