The Caffeinated Cyclist

Skills On Fire !

2011-05-13T19:34:00.001-04:00

Skills On Fire !

Don't think about it...

Party on Wheels: Beer Bike Totes Two Kegs and Pizza!!

2009-09-27T20:36:00.000-04:00

This is quite possibly the greatest idea ever. Well maybe not, but it's still pretty cool! It's a mobile brewery. You know, on second thought, that seems like a lot of work...

The Beer Bike was designed and created by Hopworks Urban Brewing of Portland, Oregon, has been built on the frame of a cargo bike that carries two kegs and taps, plus a hot pizza storage unit. Impressive, but I can't even imagine pedaling two full kegs of beer around. I mean, those things are heavy.

The bike will be shown off at the upcoming Oregon Manifest handmade bike show."

Tandem Robo-Biker That Pedals For You?

2009-09-18T21:28:00.001-04:00

Never would have thought of it myself, but this guy has got some mad design skills..

The skinny little rider you see perched atop the back seat of this tandem is Joules, robot cyclist extraordinaire. He's the creation of a guy called Chris who, challenged by his son to create an electric tandem that worked via pedal power, more than satisfied the brief.

The nuts-and-bolts robot is powered by a PMG-132 electric motor and, unlike most lazy-assed back-end tandem riders, does all the work himself. Not sure whether I could live with that — I'd probably get so fat from lack of exercise that the tandem would crumple when I got on, and Joules would never forgive me.

Endless-Sphere.com Via Gizmodo.com

2009-09-14T00:15:00.002-04:00

Brunton Flip-N-Drip Coffee Maker

Make yourself a fresh cup of joe on the run with the Brunton Flip-N-Drip Coffee Maker ($45). Simply boil water in the base, attach the brew chamber filled with your favorite coffee, and flip the unit over to begin percolating a great cup of coffee. Great for hiking, camping, or covert caffeine consumption.

Trek Lance Armstrong Bikes of Stages

2009-07-26T16:00:00.001-04:00

Trek Bike - Stages - ttp://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/stages/

Help out a great cause and get yourself a one-of-a-kind ride by picking up one of the Trek Lance Armstrong Bikes of Stages ($TBA). These unique bikes were created by artists like Shepard Fairey, Marc Newson, and Damien Hirst, and will be auctioned off on October 2nd in NYC, with proceeds from the sales going directly to The Lance Armstrong Foundation to help fund cancer outreach, awareness, research, and advocacy.

Product Review Teaser!

2009-04-15T22:36:00.002-04:00

Soon, I will be receiving a set of virtual cycling training DVDs for indoor cycling. Global Ride Productions has graciously offered to send me their entire Hawaii series DVD boxed set to review!

From what I have found out so far, these DVDs are quite different from most 'trainer' rides. They travel to exotic locations, have multiple coaching tracks on every DVD, licensed music, and bonus yoga, pilates or strength training sessions designed for cyclists.

Keep Watching! I will update you as to when the product arrives, how the review is going, and of course I will post a complete product review as soon as possible

**** UPDATE ****
I have recieved the DVDs and I am staerting the review process. There are 3, 1+ hour DVDs, so I am going to do a 3 Part Review. So keep watching for Part 1 coming soon!

There Is A Great, New Local Food Experience in Scottsville, Virginia

2009-04-15T21:56:00.029-04:00

Cyclists can not survive on riding and caffeine alone... We also require food, and I have found a great, new place that you should try if you find yourself near the historic town of Scottsville, in Central Virginia.

Country Blessings Local Food's has just opened on Main Street (actually addess is 20 Valley Street). It is easy to find though, look for the first building on your left after the James River Bridge if your heading North, or the last on your right if heading South on Highway 20.

Country Blessing's offers a wide variety of Virginia products with the majority coming from within a 50 mile radius. Products from well-known, local sources and local organic produce, a great varity of Wines From Virginia Vineyards: and Great Mirco-Brews FromVeritas Virginia Breweries.

The Deli/Grocery Carries Regional and International Food and Cheeses

They also serve Breakfast, Lunch, Weekend Brunch (which I really like) and are open until 8PM every night,

Their menu includes Pizzas (Be sure to try the Deep Dish!), Strombolis, Calzones, Sandwiches (Deli &; Grilled), Paninis, Burgers (hormone-free beef), Gyros (Whowould have ever thgouth you Salads, Home-Made Sides.

Even better you can download a copy of their menu for yourself.

Happy Tax Day!?

2009-04-15T21:11:00.000-04:00

Leo Tolstoy:

“I sit on a man's back, choking him and making him carry me, and yet assure myself and others that I am very sorry for him and wish to ease his lot by all possible means -- except by getting off his back.”

Hmmmm…. Happy April 15.

Please help me fight multiple sclerosis!

2009-04-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

Every hour of every day, someone is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I have a very personal reason for wanting a cure for MS found. Multiple Sclerosis has had a direct impact on my life, and I don't want other families to go through what mine has. My mother passed away in 20002 from Progressive-Relapsing MS.

That's why have I registered for the 2009 Bike MS ride, the Tour de Vine, and that's why I'm asking you to support my fund raising efforts with a tax-deductible donation of any amount, great or small, which helps to make a difference in the lives of people with MS.

Please pledge your support to me today!

Click here to visit my personal page.
I appreciate your support and look forward to letting you know how I do.

From Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14, 2009, I will be joining 800+ cyclists who will (hopefully) enjoy various length routes passing through Virginia’s famous wine country and the beautiful landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains and supported throughout by hundreds of volunteers, in this year's 'Start to Finish MS Bike Ride', better know as The Tour de Vine. Lengths include a 25, 50,75, and 100 mile option for both Saturday and Sunday.

My Goal is to ride the 50 mile route each day.

People living with MS overcome challenges everyday: to walk, to have energy to go to the store, to have the will power not to give up. That is why it is so important to me that I support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and I need your help to turn my goal into a reality.I have accepted the challenge to raise funds in the fight against MS and you can help me get there.

Please pledge your support to me today!

Click here to visit my personal page.

If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/VABBikeEvents?px=6297198&pg=personal&fr_id=10668&s_tafId=104521

If you would like more information about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, how proceeds from Bike MS are used, or the other ways you can get involved in the fight against MS, please visit nationalmssociety.org

2009-04-04T23:30:00.003-04:00

Gary Koenig, the Denver Cycling Examiner, has a great list for cyclists you should check out!

As part of the wide-ranging stimulus effort to get our great country back on the right economic track, it's your duty as a cyclist to go out and buy some stuff.

If you’re trying to figure out which pieces of cycling equipment you should be lusting after, if you endeavor to understand where you stack up in the rider hierarchy or if you’re just trying to pigeon-hole the rider you just blew by (or vice versa), here is a checklist of equipment choices that should help you get the US economy perking again.

Start paying attention to what other riders are riding, carrying and wearing to get a better sense for what you need to buy to more closely approximate the rider you think you are. Bicycling can be an incredibly simple and relatively inexpensive sport, but gear choices are almost unending, so get your favorite cycling catalog out and start planning your acquisitions. Right now you'll get some great deals and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you helped right a sinking economic ship.

2009-04-04T23:18:00.002-04:00

Drinking caffeine before strenuous bike rides reduces muscle pain, a new study suggests.

Reporting in the April edition of the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, Illinois professor Robert Motl describes how java comes to the rescue. He says caffeine works on a system in the brain and spinal cord called adenosine neuromodulatory that is involved in pain processing.

“Caffeine blocks adenosine from binding so you stop part of the pain receiving process,” he says. “We do not have the data to show how caffeine takes effect, but we do know the physiology of caffeine.” He said one of the next steps for his research team would be to conduct studies with rodents in order to better understand caffeine’s role in reducing pain.

His study involved 25 fit, college-aged males. One group had low to non-existent caffeine intake. The second group routinely drank three to four cups of coffee a day. Everyone was instructed not to drink coffee 24 hours prior to the session. For one session, they were given a caffeine pill, the equivalent of two to three cups of coffee. For the next session, they were given a placebo.
During both exercise sessions, riders were asked to record perceptions of quadricep pain. Motl says the results surprised him. Both habitual and “naive users,” or people who didn’t drink coffee, experienced less pain after taking the pill.

A former competitive cyclist, Motl says he would always meet other cyclists at coffee shops before they would ride so “we could get all loaded up. And wherever you go in Europe, you’ll see cyclists sipping on a shot of espresso or drinking their latte before riding.”

Motl thinks people intuitively know to drink coffee before riding because it makes the exercise less painful and they can push harder.

Photo of Motl with his bike and a cup of coffee by University of Illinois.

--By Janice Lloyd, USA TODAY

Update: WebMD has pretty much the same story

Austin unveils bicycle sharing for city workers

2009-04-04T23:09:00.003-04:00

AUSTIN, Texas — A new going green project in Austin, TX involves people power and balance.

The city on Thursday unveiled a bicycle-sharing program for municipal workers who need to travel short distances for meetings or other business.

Austin bought 15 bicycles, at a cost of $256 each, as part of the Climate Protection Program funded by Austin Energy.

City spokeswoman Charlotte Blum says Austin is providing helmets and locks.
Workers can reserve the bicycles via the city's Intranet Web site, then they receive an access code.

The bicycles must be returned to the same location, with six sites available, as part of the city's pilot program to also ease traffic congestion.

Portland, Portland Style: Touring by Bicycle

2009-04-04T23:02:00.004-04:00

Matt Furber over at the New York Times has written a pretty good article of cycling in Portland, Ore. Good enough to make me want to take a trip out there just to see if he is correct.

"Careering through streets on a bicycle in Portland, Ore., this time of year can be an easy weekend adventure that mixes showers, sunbursts, cafes and a robust bicycle culture. And equipped with a sturdy rain jacket, booties, fenders and a bike map (a waterproof version that folds to the size of a credit card is handy), visitors can enjoy the city the way locals do."

Check out the rest of the article here

2009 San Diego Custom Bicycle Show, April 3-5

2009-04-03T19:33:00.004-04:00

If You're in San Diego this Weekend...You love bikes? You really love bikes and you're near San Diego? Well then, you've got to check out the 2009 San Diego Custom Bicycle Show! It takes place this weekend on April 3rd, 4th and 5th. Of course, best not to drive to the show. Here's the San Diego regional bike map, and if the weather's not nice, there's always mass transit.

Here's the exhibitor list:
The show takes place at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center in the "Golden Pacific Ballroom", 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, California 92108. This is where Highway 163 crosses Interstate Highway 8.

For more information, visit the official San Diego Custom Bicycle Show website. You can order your tickets here.

Via San Diego Custom Bicycle Show, Cyclelicious

Need a 'cyclists' job? UPS Back to Delivering by Bike

2009-04-01T00:15:00.003-04:00

UPS is looking for cyclists in Portland, Corvallis and other cities to drag around 200 pound trailers to do deliveries.

UPS's Jeff Grant spoke with Jonathan Maus of Bike Portland:

“For every three bikes we use for deliveries, we save an average of 17 gallons of fuel per day (compared to one truck). That’s about $50 in savings.” Across the entire district, Grant says for every three bikes used during the holiday season, UPS will save $38,000 in vehicle operation and upkeep costs.

Grant told Jonathan that " he’ll ask delivery staff to deliver about 25-50 packages per day, compared to 150 stops a day for a normal “package car”.

I am surprised that they can only deliver such a small proportion compared to the normal car, what with the problems of parking. I am also curious about security of the packages left on the cart when they run in to make a delivery. But I certainly can see big savings for UPS; no truck, no fuel, and a great workout to boot. What more do you need?

Nude Aussie bicycle riders take to streets of Melbourne for World's Naked Bike Ride

2009-04-01T00:06:00.006-04:00

A newly married couple got a wedding picture with a difference when naked cyclists converged on their photo session at State ParliamentHouse on March 15th.

World Naked Bike Ride organiser Heidi Hill said the newlyweds grabbed the chance to get a photo when the cyclists reached the mid-way point of their annual ride yesterday.

“They were having photos taken on the steps of Parliament House and all of a sudden we showed up and they had to have a photos with us,” Ms Hill said.

>>Gallery: the naked ride through Melbourne
>>Gallery: last year’s ride
Warning: both galleries contain nudity

Ms Hill said the naked bike ride through Melbourne’s streets went off without a hitch.
Police accompanied cyclists from Fitzroy to State Parliament and back yesterday, but no arrests were made.

Event participants last week vowed they were prepared to be arrested if police tried to stop them riding nude along Brunsick and Lygon streets.

Police last year told male cyclists to cover up “because men have exposed genitalia”.
Ms Hill said about 50 cyclists who braved the cold yesterday “had a ball” on the hour-long ride.
“We had a couple of people fall off in the wet on the tram tracks, but no one was injured,” Ms Hill said.

“Police were helpful but unobtrusive. They let everyone ride naked.”

Read the rest of the article at the Melbourne-Leader

History Lesson: Some Cyclists and Pedestrians Were Jerks In 1908 Too

2009-04-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

An absolutely fascinating seven minute film of the streets of Barcelona in 1908, taken with a camera mounted on the front of a streetcar. The streets are dominated by bicyclists and pedestrians, many of whom appear to be in a non-stop game of chicken with the trolley. It is lovely to see a world without cars where streets are for people; not so lovely to see that some people's riding habits haven't generally improved.

More Schools Join the Pay-You-to-Bike Bandwagon

2009-03-31T23:55:00.003-04:00

Clark U, Rice University, U Minnesota are all launching bike-sharing programs, along with the City of Minneapolis. Towson University has launched several green transportation programs - sadly no bike sharing, yet. Many of the schools include financial incentives to get out there and try biking for a change.

Article continues at TreeHugger.com: More Schools Join the Pay-You-to-Bike Bandwagon

GreenWheel: Swap the rear to make any bike electric

2009-03-31T22:45:00.003-04:00

The "GreenWheel" lets you turn a bike into an electric simply by swapping the rear wheel. The batteries and motor sit inside the plate at the axle, while the throttle control operates wirelessly through Bluetooth. At full charge, the GreenWheel has a range of around 25 miles, extended by the pedaling of the rider.

Discovery News:

A GreenWheel equipped bike is a smooth ride, as Discovery News found out during a recent afternoon test ride around MIT's campus. Turning the handle mounted throttle, like any motorcycle, just a few small degrees produces a noticeable increase in power and a light electric hum.

The inventors estimate a life of nearly 40,000 miles, which is pretty incredible. They're trying out different sizes and power ratios and hope to have a product on the market very soon.

KGS Bikes custom bicycles know nothing about the credit crunch

2009-03-22T23:13:00.004-04:00

Tier 3

Luxury is something that could come your way in any form, and if it’s simply a two-wheeler, then it definitely needs your attention. Custom bicycles from the house of KGS Bikes seem to be a recession defying notion at the time when companies from all around the world have succumbed to the global financial meltdown. Maybe it’s a bad time to introduce luxury bicycles, but it doesn’t stop Kevin Saunders from rolling out the high-end custom bicycle “Tier 3” priced at a cool $30,000. The one-of-the-kind custom bicycle that costs almost equivalent to a car comes etched with fine woodwork and comfort riding that adds an immeasurable value to the buyer’s life. Apart from the highest priced bicycle, the manufacturer brings two relatively low-end versions - Tier 1 and Tier 2 – priced at $10,000 and $20,000, respectively. Saunders says his high-end KGS bicycles are as exclusive as a Lamborghini, Rolls Royce or Bugatti.

Tier 2

Tier 1

Via: PRWeb/KGSBikes

Six Great Long-Distance Bike Trails Without Cars

2009-03-22T23:05:00.002-04:00

Wouldn't it be great if there were long-distance trails specifically for bicycles? Basically -- roads without cars?

Well, there are! A quickly emerging network of abandoned railway lines are being converted by regional governments into superb bike paths. In addition to offering very gentle grades that are ideal for bikes, many of these new trails are satisfying long. The longest rail trail is over 300 miles long, and the longest off-pavement bike trail in the country stretches 2,500 miles. On these bike roads you can cruise along for weeks without ever encountering a car, or worrying about being bumped off the white line by an oblivious motorist. These are not paved roads, but packed gravel or dirt. Many sport spectacular tunnels and bridges courtesy of the former railways. At the same time these trails pass through small towns affording local eateries and rural lodging, as well as the usual camping spots along the way. I tell you, there's nothing like arriving at the soft pillows of a B&B after a long day of pedaling.

Many of these trails did not exist as bike paths even a few years ago. More are being opened every day. There's great effort to sew short sections together into long haul bike-primary paths. Eventually you will be able to cross the country via a series of interconnected car-free roads. In the meantime, the clearinghouse for the latest additions to the bike-road network is the Rail to Trails Conservancy.

But you don't have to wait to enjoy some fantastic overnight tours on roads without cars. Here are six of the longest continuous bike trails in operation right now, in ascending order of length on Kevin Kelly's Website KK.org/cooltools.

Arm powered quadcycle is like a rowing machine with a view

2009-03-22T23:02:00.002-04:00

Most of us start out on an exercise plan with good intentions, but let's face it, sitting in a room doing the same repeated motion gets boring pretty fast. I have a rowing machine propped up against my wall, but lately, it gets used mostly as an expensive coat rack.

Cycling is a great alternative that gets you plenty of fresh air and outdoor views, but the exercise is confined mostly to the lower torso and legs. What if we could combine the outdoor fun of cycling with the all over workout of rowing? Well, short of finding the nearest river and launching a kayak, this arm powered quadcycle called The Champiot looks like a great solution.

Instead of pedaling, you create power by thrusting the handlebars back and forth like a rowing machine, and unlike most human powered alternatives to a regular bike, the Champiot is designed for one rider. Manufacturer Ferez Industries makes several versions including some with supplemental electric drive for when you lack the strength to row home. The Champiot Ultra shown here sells for $999.

Ferez Industries, via Treehugger.com

'Sound From Wind' Turns Bikes into Musical Instruments

2009-03-21T23:05:00.003-04:00

Remember the mods you used to inflict on your bike when you were a kid? Flags and streamers were fine, but best was the conversion of pushbike into motorcycle by the simple addition of a playing card and a clothes-peg. To a child's ears the rat-a-tat of laminated linen against spokes was engine noise.

Sound from the Wind is another way to convert motion into music. The concept, from Korean designer Joseph Kim, consists two ceramic replacements for the handlebar grips which channel air through their internal tubes. The setup apparently sounds like a flute or ocarina, and you can alter the pitch with some switches on the handlebars. Volume is increased by riding faster.

What I really like, though, is not all about the sound but the look of these things. They remind me of airplane jet-engines, which are obviously an essential addition to any kid's bike. In fact, the only problem is that they are ceramic, clearly too brittle to survive for long.

Sound from wind: musical bicycle

Double Bike Takes You on a Supremely Ridiculous Ride

2009-03-21T22:58:00.003-04:00

By the looks of things, this double-wheeled bike concept can easily stand alongside gems like the 12-foot tall bicycle, face to face tandem bicycle and the running bicycle in terms of sheer stupidity and pointless danger.

Since there is no chain attached to the lower wheels, I can only assume that the upper wheel is generating all the momentum—transferring the energy like a set of gears (although, I can't imagine that would be very efficient—and you would have to pedal backwards).

At any rate, you would have time to think about how stupid this all is as you hit a pebble in the road and fall to your untimely death.

[My Confined Space via Coolbuzz]

Bodum Chambord 8-Cup Press & Thermal Glasses

2009-03-16T00:25:00.003-04:00

Bodum Chambord 8-Cup Press & Thermal Glasses

While high-end coffee makers promise ultimate convenience, there's still nothing quite like a french press.

The Bodum Chambord 8-Cup Press & Thermal Glasses ($40) brews up to 8 cups of coffee the old-fashioned way, and features a built-in, three-piece stainless steel filter, a polished stainless lid and holder, a wide black handle and knob, and a glass carafe.

As a bonus, the set includes two 12-oz. Pavina double wall glasses, giving you everything you need for a great coffee experience.

A2B Trike offers disabled children a special needs vehicle with style...

2009-03-16T00:21:00.002-04:00

Inspired by disabled children in Jerusalem, designer Shabatai Hirshberg concocted an ultra-cool tricycle for special needs children that never-the-less inspires a bit of geek envy.

The A2B Trike is designed to allow a child to walk right into a mounted position for cycling, while the chest support plate stabilizes the child's body during transit. Although still in the developmental stage, Hirshberg hopes to bring the prototype design to market for around $6,000 in the near future.

Via Metropolis & Yanko Design

Factor001, world's most advanced superbike, rolls out for an amazing $27K+

2009-03-16T00:10:00.004-04:00

When the world runs out of gas, we'll all be riding carbon fiber bicycles, weighing 15.4 pounds and hooking our bodies up to telemetry systems that rival the space program. With The Factor001, you don't have to wait for such inevitabilities — if you happen to have a spare $27,724 lying around, that is.

Designed by Formula One race car engineers at BERU F1 Systems, it's the most advanced bicycle in the world. You'd think it was a Ferrari, with its carbon ceramic brakes controlled by a hydraulic system, and then there's that flashy metallic finish. It's also packing a built-in GPS transmitter, and like a good Garmin Forerunner, gathers up "laboratory quality" biometric and performance data for you to peruse on your PC when you get home.

Besides all that, it looks so cool I thought it was some design-concept-y prototype bike. But no, it rolled out at London's Science Museum on March 11th, and is ready for prospective buyers to be measured up for this custom-fitted machine of the future. Now if they can just bring that price down to under $1000, I'm in (that is if some wealthy reader can loan me the cash).

Factor001 Press Release, via Inhabitat, Via Dvice.com

Tensegrity bike is totally wired...

2009-03-08T22:25:00.002-04:00

Tensegrity is a word coined by Buckminster Fuller to describe structures where strength and integrity are achieved by balancing members under compression, with other that are in tension. In creating a bike frame where most of the members are under tension, Romanian designer Ionut Predescu's Wire Bike replaces most of the tubing with high strength carbon fiber and Kevlar cables, saving lots of weight in the process.

WhileI don't doubt the Wire Bike's basic strength, I wonder whether it will have sufficient lateral strength to avoid flexing when a rider really stands on the pedals. Especially when a 'BOB' (Big Ole Boy) like me hits it....

Yanko Design, via Treehugger.com

Sportsta Mask - Darth Vader's Missing Link?

2009-02-24T19:51:00.004-05:00

Whether you're biking, riding, skiing, or climbing, protect your face — and your health — with the Sportsta Mask (£27.99; roughly $40).

Features HEPA-style filtration. Filters Out Exhaust Emissions and sub-micron pollutants all within a lightweight Neotex aerated mask, the Sportsta provides maximum ventilation paired with maximum protection.

I would hope that this would only be required by some commuters and bike messengers, but the way our air is getting, you never know...

Lance Armstrong's Bike Stolen, Then Found...

2009-02-18T23:07:00.001-05:00

Lance Armstrong's one-of-a-kind TREK time-trial bike was stolen from the Team Astana bus in Sacramento overnight. Armstrong and the rest of Team Astana are in Sacramento for the Amgen Tour of California.

The bike and three other Astana team road bikes were discovered missing sometime this morning. According to Armstrong, " ... it's the only one like it in the world." Armstrong has a backup TT bike he can use in the Solvang time trial if the stolen bike isn't recovered.

A reward is being offered.

Going to the Amgen Tour of California - Stage1? If so you must check stop by the California Bicycle Museum at UC Davis

2009-02-08T22:53:00.004-05:00

Emily Blake, left, a UC Davis alumna who lives in Davis, and Drew Tombleson of Woodland check out the Draisienne bike at the California Bicycle Museum during the Celebrate UC Davis! street fair Oct. 12. (Karin Higgins/UC Davis)

Learn a little bicycle history at the California Bike Museum in the basement of the Third and B Street building downtown.

The temporary exhibit includes the Pierce Miller bicycle collection, which features bicycles from as far back as the 1800s, and will be open through the Amgen Tour. The museum, in which the city and UC Davis are partners, opened its inaugural exhibition in October 2008. The show had been scheduled to close in December, but organizers decided to keep it open through the Amgen Tour weekend.

Swiftwalkers to Streamliners, Bicycles 1823–2008, showcases the museum’s Pierce Miller collection, which includes some of the earliest bicycles ever built. One organizer estimated that as many as 4,000 people have visited the museum since its opening around the time of UC Davis’ Centennial Fall Festival last October.

The exhibition in the Third and B Street Building’s basement is open from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Feb. 14, 4-7 p.m. Feb. 11 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 15. Admission is free, with donations accepted.

To inquire about museum tours at other times, contact David Takemoto-Weerts, bicycle program coordinator at UC Davis, (530) 752-2453 or dltakemotoweerts.edu.

More information: http://californiabicyclemuseum.org

Media contact: David Takemoto-Weerts, TAPS bicycle program, (530) 752-2453, dltakemotoweerts@ucdavis.edu.

Caltrain bolstering on-board bike space

2009-02-08T22:34:00.002-05:00

For those of you that live in California and use Caltrain, here is some great news!!

Caltrain crews soon will begin ripping out seats from their train cars to make room for more bicycle racks, the first in a series of moves intended to bolster capacity for frustrated bikers.

At a meeting Thursday the Caltrain Board of Directors authorized the "interim" solution to the problem of hundreds of bicyclists who get "bumped" (left at the station) whenever a train's bike racks are full.

The board decided that the number of bike racks in gallery cars should increase 25 percent from 32 to 40, while the number of racks in bombardier cars should soar 50 percent from 16 to 24. To free up space for the racks, the number of seats on the bottom floor of gallery cars should drop from 16 to eight and in bombardier cars from 19 to 11.

In all, the total available bike slots for the entire day should swell 28 percent from 4,000 to 5,152. During peak commute times there should be 27 percent more slots, for a total of 2,930.

A total of 272 seats will have been removed. Read the rest of the article at the Mercury News

The Blue Glow - Sweet Wheels!

2009-02-03T23:42:00.004-05:00

The Blue Glow - Long Glow: uv protected automotive clearcoat

This is a 30sec exposure in the dark bathroom, you get the idea.

Mobius Cycle (206.290.20961016 1st ave, fourth floor Monday to Friday) off of 1st Ave in downtown Seattle has partnered with SIK Werks to create a custom rim that glows in the dark for 14 hours on a full charge. The rim pictured here is a white DT Swiss 1.2 that glows with a blue phosphorescent in the dark. The photo below is the wheel in daylight.

Bicycle Design Winner

2009-02-03T23:15:00.002-05:00

Bicycle Design blog held a contest and a bent won.

Bike Hugger.com has a great discussion about the design and the practicality of the design. Check it out here.

Bikes Move Tomorrow

2009-02-03T23:06:00.001-05:00

In this ad, CSX is telling the story of how you need big trains to move lots of cargo. Well, I was wondering who made all those cargo bikes!

Gladiator helmet makes you the scariest cyclist around

2009-01-27T15:02:00.004-05:00

Regular bike helmets protect your head when you fall, but do they intimidate and terrify everyone around you? No, they don't. That's not so with the Gladiator Helmet, which looks like it does a questionable job of protecting your melon but does a bang-up job of making you the most intimidating cyclist on the street.

While the helmet/goggles combo doesn't look too comfortable, and while it looks like it would julienne your head rather than protect it in a fall, it has a certain look to it. You know, a look that says "I'm not above murdering you if you get in my way." And there's certainly something to be said for that.

Via Yanko

Bring the bike lane with you with LightLane...

2009-01-16T00:28:00.001-05:00

This is a concept right now, but I really like idea...

Having a bike lane on the street that you're pedaling down is a great thing. It makes drivers aware of you and it gives you your own space to travel in. Unfortunately, that is rarely an option. What to do? Just take a bike lane with you!

The LightLane is a concept design that uses lasers to project an illuminated bike lane all around you wherever you go. It keeps you visible to cars and it keeps you safe. Until all cities put in bike lanes for cyclist safety, we might have to rely on clever devices like this to stay safe.

Good, via The Daily What

Strida folding bike: "Look, Mom, no (greasy) hands!"

2009-01-13T22:13:00.002-05:00

The main innovation of Strida's sweet line of folding bikes isn't in the elegant design that let's you fold the bike in a convenient package that's easier to wheel into an office, subway car or elevator.

Its biggest selling point is a freakin' rubber belt that replaces the greasy chain. For you hardcore eco-commuters who sweat what a folding bike can do to your suit's pantlegs, it's a godsend.

Oh, and the folding-up thing is great, too. Many folding bikes require you to carry them — transferring the aforementioned grease to your jacket — like a heavy, awkward briefcase. The Strida handlebars fold in, and the triangle design collapses together to bring both wheels side by side, like a collapsed baby stroller's.

It retails for $800, but you can get them online with some shopping around for $600. Accessories include mudflaps, a saddle bag and — of course — an iPod backpack.

HMX fuel cell bicycle looks like a rocket bike, but for the lazy rich

2009-01-13T22:10:00.004-05:00

In an effort to bring their hydrogen fuel cell expertise to small electric vehicles, Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies' HMX — that stands for Hydrogen Mobility X-Tender — has finally made the moped cool.

At a top speed of 15 mph, the bike gets 180 miles on a single hydrogen charge. The bike's 36V engine does allow it to operate "pedal-assisted," although with a $3000 price tag, it's unclear why an owner would want to do any work at all.
Recharging the solid-state hydrogen fuel cell takes 30 minutes, but the six-gear motor does take 10-15 seconds to warm up. Because you wouldn't want a bike this unique-looking to be a bank robbery getaway vehicle anyway.

The HMX comes to the US later this year.

Like, Who Needs Lights on a Fixie?

2009-01-09T19:08:00.003-05:00

K, so why is that top bar sticking out either end? Turns out that there is an LED integrated into each end, evidently solar powered too, though I can't see any solar cells. Or perhaps you can open it up and fill the thing with a dozen D batteries.

I am probably opening myself up to significant abuse to note that fixie riders usually don't encumber their bikes with lights any more than they do with other marginally useful inventions like brakes.

It is being sold by Areaware for $500, which seems pretty cheap considering that a leather seat alone is worth about a hundred bucks. Via Dvice

Retroreflective vinyl turns your black bike white in the light

2008-12-24T01:10:00.001-05:00

If you go biking at night, it's a smart idea to have reflectors on your bike so cars don't accidentally run you over. But what if, rather than slapping reflectors on your bike, you made your entire bike a reflector? Oh, and you did so invisibly?

This is entirely possible thanks to retroreflective vinyl. It's a material that looks black in normal light, but turns completely white and reflective when a bright light, such as headlights, is shone on it. It's totally awesome, giving your bike a cool black exterior that also keeps you totally safe by acting as beacon when light hits it. You can get the material and do it to your own bike if you want.

BrightBike, Via Core77

Brunton BrewFire Dual-Fuel Coffee Maker

2008-12-09T02:52:00.002-05:00

If you really, really need your morning cup o' joe no matter where you are, check out the Brunton BrewFire Dual-Fuel Coffee Maker ($TBA; February 2009).

This unique coffee maker is fueled by either propane or butane fuel, letting you brew up to eight cups of java pretty much anywhere you want.

Great for one of those 'plush' camping trips, but it might be a great use for all of those partial propane leftovers from the latern

Update: It has finally released and it goes for a whopping $160+, amazingly the thing is already temporaryly out of stock, but you can still get on the waiting list

Optibike is the perfect bike for people who hate to bike?!

2008-12-07T20:25:00.003-05:00

Biking is a great way to get around, but what if you're lazy? If that's the case, biking isn't that great, what with it demanding physical exertion to work. And who likes exerting themselves physically? (I do, Ido) But if you don't then that's why you might like the Optibike OB1. Powered by a lithium-ion battery, it allows you to sit back and pedal as little as you want, even enjoying a delicious Subway sandwich while riding if you so choose. It also has built-in GPS to ensure that you know where you're going, and a PDA to keep track of your rides. It's the perfect bike for those individuals who would rather be sitting on the couch, doing anything they can to avoid exercise.

Engadget, via Ubergizmo

Grasshopper bike generates energy, is super portable

2008-12-07T20:22:00.003-05:00

Biking is a great way to get around, what with it providing exercise and being totally eco-friendly. But what if it could be even more eco-friendly?

Well, not only does the Grasshopper not use any energy, like all bikes, but it actually generates surplus energy that can be used for other things.
In addition, it folds up into a compact, carryable size, making it perfect for city dwellers who don't have much room to store their bikes and have to lug them up flights of stairs every day.

Oh, and did I mention it can also be converted into a stationary exercise bike? Yeah, it's that awesome. I want one right now.

Via Yanko Design

Ride Anywhere: Pugsley, the Bicycle SUV

2008-12-06T13:55:00.003-05:00

A few days officially into Winter for the Northern Hemisphere, and many cyclists are probably thinking about hanging up their cycling helmet for the season. The bicycle is however a very adaptable beastie, than can be ridden in a myriad of conditions, including snow.

One such never-say-die trusty stead is the Pugsley. No doubt named after the chubby child from the Addams Family TV series, this bicycle version is also easily recognised by its sizeable girth, particularly those ginormous 4” tires. These give the bike incredible float over what would otherwise be very awkward terrain.

Article continues: Ride Anywhere: Pugsley, the Bicycle SUV

A Resolution for 2009: Around the World in an Electric Bike

2008-12-06T13:39:00.003-05:00

Guim Valls Teruel is almost ready to go. His goal: Travel all 5 continents on an electric bike. The project is called the Electric Bicycle World Tour.

Guim decided to choose this alternative form of personal transportation to promote the use of cleaner energy and the non-reliance on fossil fuel. According to him, one person has never done this before. However, many people can participate in this “one kilometre – one hope” sponsorship program set up by an NGO, by showing solidarity and hence become part of the tour. So why go electric?

Article continues on Treehugger.com: A Resolution for 2009: Around the World in an Electric Bike

How Fast Can a Bicycle Go? 8 Videos Brings Us Up to Speed...

2008-12-06T13:23:00.001-05:00

I really like the shape his shadow casts. Image source

I do prattle on about how the bicycle is the world's most energy efficient vehicle, but just how fast can a human go on a bicycle?

It depends on how you are measuring that speed. Are they rushing downhill added by the press of gravity? Are they riding an upright style bike in the position familiar to most of us, or are they reclined in the recumbent pose most suited to streamlined rocket profiled two wheeled vehicles? Are they drafting or slipstreaming along in the partial vacuum created by a non-human powered craft? So many ways to feel the need for speed on a bicycle, and to measure that rush. Below we take a peek at just a few.

Article continues on Treehugger.com: How Fast Can a Bicycle Go? 8 Videos Brings Us Up to Speed

Olympic Success Converts Millions of British to Cycling

2008-11-23T20:43:00.002-05:00

Via TreeHugger.com

It's amazing what an Olympic victory can do for a country's cycling fervor. Yes, as noted by The Times' transport correspondent, Ben Webster, the British are in the midst of a cycling revival of sorts -- fueled as much by the recent hikes in energy prices as by their target='new'team's epic haul at the Beijing Olympics. The squad, which boasted two Olympic track cycling champions and a BMX world champion, took home an impressive 12 medals -- 7 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze -- to top the medal table in that category. That cycling prowess seems to have rubbed off on a large section of the population in the last few months, resulting in record numbers in London and other major cities.

Article continues: Olympic Success Converts Millions of British to Cycling

Popovych rejoins Discovery Team... Err I Meant Astana

2008-11-13T23:20:00.004-05:00

Ukrainian Yaroslav Popovych completes the 2009 Team Astana roster. Popovych will support leaders Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer and Alberto Contador in Grand Tours.

Yaroslav Popovych - Team Astana.

Yaroslav Popovych, a top ten Tour de France and Giro d’Italia finisher, has signed a two year agreement with the Astana cycling team. Starting in January 2009, the Ukrainian cyclist will join Johan Bruyneel’s team, which already includes top Grand Tour leaders Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer, Alberto Contador and Andreas Klöden.

Cycling Quote of the Week...

2008-11-13T23:16:00.002-05:00

It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle. ~Ernest Hemingway

A Dog In A Hat...

2008-11-13T22:55:00.003-05:00

Dog in a Hat, a book about an American racing in Belgium, reads like the racer — Joe Parkin — was just telling you these epic stories on a ride, up a climb, or at a coffee shop. I guess that Joe’s friends convinced him to write this book after years of hearing his stories, laughing, embellishing them, and imagining themselves what it’s like to race the Hell of the North. Joe did that and more. I expect when you get dropped by Joe, the grumbles are, “yeah drop me on this local hammerhead ride, but he got dropped all over Liege-Bastogne-Liege, whatever … .”

And that’s the beauty of this book and story. It’s not a hero’s journey, but instead a racer’s tale, including drugs, betrayal, crazy stuff. A story about getting flat-ass dropped and waking up in a whorehouse to race again.

Think about the determination it takes us to finish our local Tuesday night world championship and here’s Joe: a stranger in a strangeland, racing with some crazy-ass mofos.

Ah Yes - The Beer Refreshing

2008-11-13T22:42:00.003-05:00

Ah yes, second only to coffee as the refreshment of choice for cyclists, this photo from the BBC reminded me to post about seasonal beers.

Via Bikehugger.com

Spare Tire Belt

2008-11-13T22:27:00.003-05:00

Green meets style in the Spare Tire Belt ($45). This smooth black belt is hand-made from reclaimed bicycle inner tube with canvas labels, pop rivets and nickel plated belt fasteners. Pair with jeans for a unique casual look.

RFID programs aim to make bike theft a thing of the past

2008-11-10T20:06:00.003-05:00

Biking is becoming more and more popular in cities due to people looking for alternate modes of transportation that are eco-friendly. And with cities looking to reduce congestion, they're making it easier for people to get around by bike. But a raise in bike use brings with it a raise in bike theft. And that requires some high tech preventative measures.

There are three new and clever systems being put in place that use wireless RFID tags to protect people's bikes. One in the University of Porsmouth in the UK attaches a tag to your bike that's connected to your phone. If your bike is moved without you unlocking it via your phone, a camera catches the culprit in the act. The similar program at Oregon State University attaches bugs to students bikes so they can be identified and recovered if stolen. And there's a very similar program going on in Copenhagen. In the future, hopefully bike theft will be much less of an issue thanks to these groundbreaking programs.

Via Treehugger

Custom-made Gold Shoes for the Olympic champion

2008-11-09T22:31:00.003-05:00

What could be a better way of honoring the Olympic champion points race, Marianne Vos (DSB cycling team), other than giving her a pair of gold shoes that match her medal perfectly? She has been given gold SH-R300 Custom Fit road shoes, which fuse together the three most significant properties of a racing shoe - the stability, rigidity and light weight. Forget the golden work, the SH-R300 shoes are one of a kind. Shimano’s Custom Fit technology is touted to be presumably the most advanced power transfer available today. The SH-R300 shoes are technologically advanced to meet the demands of the most discerning professional cyclists. On receiving the pair of gold shoes, Marianne Vos said...

"These gold road shoes are a reminder of a great race in Beijing. I hope to get some extra morale!"

Pricing for the golden pair hasn’t been disclosed and they won’t be dirt cheap by any means. Anyhow, she now has the perfect thing to match her gold medal from Beijing.

Via: Bike.Shimano

Jeweled Carbon Bikes for Rich Kids , Are You Kidding?

2008-11-09T22:09:00.002-05:00

This Christmas, gift your little one a Swarovski bike, and you will never have to explain to them the benefits of outdoor sports. Pinco Pallino, the company which specializes in clothing for high-end babies, has signed a global distribution agreement with De Rosa, marking production of exclusive pieces for the world of cycling, best known by the more experienced connoisseurs. The two models include a “silver” one featured above with Swarovski crystals designed for girls and the “black” one featured below with a “1950” mark on it is meant for boys.

No further information can be had including the price tag and availability. The designer bikes were on display at the cycle and motorcycle exhibition at Milan.

Via: Fashiontimes

New US Patent says "Cyclist Are Human Too" via a Traffic Loop Sensor Trigger For Bikes That Gets You More Green Lights

2008-11-09T19:52:00.005-05:00

A common problem for bicyclists, and in particular for bicycle commuters, is the traffic loop sensor. These are the devices which detect the presence of vehicles to control the sequencing of traffic lights at many intersections. Often, they are installed in figure-eight slits cut into the pavement near a traffic light.

Those traffic loop sensors embedded at stop lights to detect the presence of a car have always provided fodder for vehicular snake oil vendors: I've seen products promising to eliminate red lights ONCE AND FOR ALL by ingeniously fooling a mysterious (but gullible, apparently) system hidden below the pavement. While false promises abound, this patent for bicycles seems to be more on the legit side, and could result in more carefree whizzing through intersections than previously allowed.

The systems work by detecting the shift in inductance caused by a huge metal object being in the vicinity of a charged loop of wire embedded in the road, thus knowing when someone is waiting for a light chane. Bikes, naturally, have a hard time tripping these sensors, which are calibrated to avoid false positives by smaller objects. This sensor, then, emits a signal which fools the sensors at the press of a button. Carry on, cyclists, carry on.

A bit too bulky, and it sure eliminates any idea of clearance, but maybe it can get smaller & lighter in the future.

Via Plan Bravo via BBG

Bicycle Film Festival 2008. It’s Not Too Late

2008-11-08T00:49:00.004-05:00

I’ve given kudos to the Bicycle Film Festival for years, for spreading the word about this most miraculous of vehicles, so why should I stop now. Although, admittedly, I have arrived less than early to the party. But the annual festival still has four gigs before it slams on the brakes for yet another year.

Having just finished in Paris, the show now moves Down Under. It will be playing in Sydney, Australia on 13-15 November, before heading further south to Melbourne (19-23 Nov). Then it flies off for a penultimate performance Milano, Italy (26-30 Nov). The movies, events, swap meets, art displays, performances and general good times wind up its eighth successful year in Portland, Oregon on 11-13 December.

Whilst some of the program remains the same in all cities, plenty of local content is also assured so click those links above for more details.

::Bicycle Film Festival 2008

Bodum Chambord 8-Cup Press & Thermal Glasses

2008-11-08T00:39:00.005-05:00

While high-end coffee makers promise ultimate convenience, I (and many others) say there's still nothing quite like a french press.

The Bodum Chambord 8-Cup Press & Thermal Glasses ($40) brews up to 8 cups of coffee the old-fashioned way, and features a built-in, three-piece stainless steel filter, a polished stainless lid and holder, a wide black handle and knob, and a glass carafe.

As a bonus, the set includes two 12-oz. Pavina double wall glasses, giving you everything you need for a great coffee experience.

Exploding bike lock shows bike thieves who's boss

2008-11-07T21:18:00.003-05:00

Bike theft in major cities is a big problem, leaving most folks afraid to leave their rides locked up anywhere out of eye sight for fear of some 'creep' (read as a much stronger term editted for public) coming along with some bolt cutters and snagging your beloved bike. With biking a great, environmentally-friendly alternative to driving and great exercise to boot, we all should want more people to feel up to using their bikes more often.

Enter the exploding bike lock.

The exploding bike lock is pretty self explanatory: it's a bike lock that blows up if you try to cut it instead of opening it properly. It works like anti-theft tags on clothes by spraying a permanent dye everywhere when it's cut, so the potential thief is covered and easily identified. Is it a perfect solution? No, but it's a clever step forward for bike security...

Claw Bike Storage From ABC's "American Inventor" Available For Pre-Order

2008-11-06T22:07:00.004-05:00

If you caught ABC's "American Inventor" last season you may remember "The Gladiator Claw" bicycle storage device as one of the finalists. Well, the folks behind the Claw have used the startup money earned from the show to turn their idea of a push-button catch and release storage hook into reality.

Basically, it is a modest but clever upgrade to basic hook systems, but if you have a really nice bike it may be worth dropping an extra $60 on. Plus, I don't see why it could not be used for other items as well.

The Claw is now available to pre-order from Amazon.com for a November 15th release.

Amazon and The Claw via Crunchgear

Bike mounted generator harnesses energy from your bouncing butt to light up the road

2008-11-06T21:52:00.003-05:00

Ask any serious bike racer, and they'll tell you that a bike needs to be as stiff as possible to avoid wasting energy. That fine for hard core racers, but most of us want our rides to be comfortable too, so we buy bikes with a nice cushy seat, and a springy suspension system to help smooth out the bumps.

Designer Deco Goodman decided that there must be a way to harness that wasted movement, so he developed the Commuter Cyclist's Sustainable Energy Source. Attached to the seat post, this device harnesses movements in the seat post spring, along with energy produced by the brakes and a wheel mounted generator system, to deliver an electrical charge that powers a headlight and built in tail light. It also charges a battery which can then be used to juice up your cellphone, or top off your iPod so you have some tunes for the ride home.

This looks a whole lot more practical that some bike mounted wind generators I've seen.

Deco Goodman, via Dvice.com

An exercise bike that chills beers makes exercise more appealing...

2008-11-02T19:44:00.003-05:00

If you're trying to get yourself to exercise more, you need the proper motivation. Sure, losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle are OK motivations I guess, but I prefer a more tangible incentive: beer. Frosty, cold beer.

That's why this exercise bike would be perfect for me. It's got a heat pump attached to it, so if you drop a beer in and pedal enough, it'll cool it off for you. So you can time your workouts instead of by calories burned or minutes biked but by beers cooled. Once you chill up a six pack, it's time to stop. What a healthy system!

PEGE, via Treehugger

Coker Cycles Unicycle

2008-10-30T00:32:00.003-04:00

I'm going to post this for an old friend who I think of often, but never get a chance to really catch up with... Yes that's you Ted...

If you are a bike fan, or you want to try the new experience for the Unicycle? Give the Coker Cycles's V2 Unicycle a try; it features a patented design described as a 'QuadCrown' construction. Coker Cycles uses 48 spokes, the fully dressed V2 weighs less than 20 pounds. Coker has also added enhancements for the unicycles including a touring handlebar. Unicyclists can ride in a variety of ways including freestyle and off-road, with some riders reportedly capable of going approximately 22 miles per hour.

Price: $570 BUY

Geek Caffeine Themed Design - Something to add to your wish list...

2008-10-30T00:14:00.003-04:00

Created by Taiwan’s MOD Design, Reset Cups are larger-than-life versions of the “Ctrl-Alt-Del” keys, typically used to reboot or login to your Windows PC. Each set of three key cups ship with a matching circuit-board embossed tray (which sort of reminds me of TRON for some reason). MOD will be making them in both a white-on-black and black-on-white version, so you can match them with the color of your keyboard.

Other than the fact that MOD showed off the Reset Cups at the recent Maison + Objet design show in Paris, there’s no further information on when or where you’ll be able to buy these yet. I guess for now, you’ll have to settle for pressing the Ctrl-Alt-Del keys on your PC over and over again.

[via Electric Pig via The Daily Dairy]

DIY SpokePOV System Lights Up Your Bike in Support for Obama

2008-10-27T17:04:00.004-04:00

Past generations decked out their bike spokes with playing cards, this generation is doing it with LEDs. One of the best examples so far comes from a Flickr user that utilized six SpokePOV kits to turn his bicycle wheel into a stunning, illuminated Obama logo.

If you would like to do a little campaigning of your own, all of the .dat files necessary to reproduce the effect are available on Aneel's Flickr site.

Naturally, you can customize it to endorse whichever candidate you choose. Either way, it definitely makes a statement.

[Aneel's Flickr Page via Make via Likecool]

President-o-lanterns? Are you kidding?

2008-10-26T22:31:00.003-04:00

Campaign-o-lanterns: Presidential election pumpkin patterns

Now you can print these presidential candidates .PDF patterns(includes their parties and spouses), and cut the President lanterns to show your political choices...

Somehow the kids just didn't understand these choices, come to think of it, I'm not sure if I understand them...

Download them here

7-Eleven Election 2008

2008-10-26T22:28:00.002-04:00

7-Election Coffee drinkers weigh in on the '08 US Presidential race with every coffee purchase by choosing between a Obama cup of coffee and a McCain cup of coffee at U.S. 7 Eleven stores. Which coffee you will buy? Current Tally: Obrama Vs McCain is 59.68% : 40.32%.

Are you to busy/lazy to leave your desk for another cup of coffee?

2008-10-26T22:20:00.002-04:00

If so then this is a new product just for you...

If you want to have the coffee and without leaving your chair?

This Desktop Coffee Maker(GBP 20; about $35) is a smart little device will make two cups of coffee in one time and without leaving your desk. It aslo comes with two small mugs.

It is fabulously compact, fuss-free Desktop Coffee Maker, it is designed to let you enjoy your own coffee, without having to brew up for the whole office.

Taga - Urban Family Biking

2008-10-26T22:14:00.000-04:00

I just saw the Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle, now you can consider this Urban Family Biking. The Taga($TBA) is a new style of bike, combines the the benefits of a premium stroller and a carrier bicycle to create a new transportation modality. It just scored a Eurobike 2008 Award and the Kind and Jugend Innovation Award.

Help find a missing bicycle...

2008-10-26T21:56:00.002-04:00

I haven’t seen it. Have you?

Down Low Glow Turns Bikes into Low Riders

2008-10-26T21:50:00.003-04:00

The Down Low Glow is a bright tube light for your bike. You strap it on to the bottom of the frame and it puts your ride right in the center of a pool of neon light. Apart from making your bike look like a lowrider, the $110 kit actually makes you safer.

Regular bike lights, whether they blink or burn bright, only shine forwards and back. The Down Low Glow adds a third dimension, making you visible from the side. The light (available in five colors, including hot, hot pink) also marks your territory -- the glow on the ground marks out your space on the road and car drivers keep out, meaning you won't get clocked with the wing-mirror when they pass.

According to the FAQ, the lights are neither waterproof (although they try) or burglar-proof. The batteries are rechargeable lithium ion, so at least they're not affected by the cold, although the lamps may take a little longer to warm up. But if you live in a cold, dry town with low crime rates and a lot of drunken driving, these might be just the thing.

Product page [Rock the Bike via Cool Tools]

vel'oh! Luxembourg City Gets a Bike Sharing System

2008-10-26T21:42:00.002-04:00

A new bike sharing system, vel'oh!, has been put into action, this time in Luxembourg city, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Europe.

For a city that is quite hilly and has just under 85.000 inhabitants, over 600 long-term subscriptions and 300 short-term ones are not bad going considering it only launched in march this year. If we compare vel’oh! to Barcelona’s Bicing service, we find that in Luxembourg non-residents can also rent the bikes, and which, unlike in other places, are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

So how does vel’oh! work?

You can simply take a bike from one of the 25 stations (not very many but hopefully they expand soon) located in the center of the city. The stations are approximately never more than 400 meters away from each other and easily accessible. You can subscribe online for a yearly membership (15€) or only for 7 days (1€), using your credit card at the stations. After that, the first 30 minutes are free and every extra hour after that is 1€.

Luxembourg has chosen blue for the bicycles that have been designed for users over the age of 14. It comes with a wide mudguard to protect your trousers and a big shopping basket at the front. Bicycles are of course unisex, come with 3 gears and an adjustable saddle and permanently lit front and back lights. It would be quite interesting to see what the bike sharing systems in each city say about its inhabitants…

We like the way vel’oh! advertises cycling as being kind to your body and the planet. So if you’re every in Luxembourg city, use vel’oh! to get around. More information ::vel’oh!

Cycling-Induced Helmet Hair May Contribute to Climate Change?

2008-10-26T20:54:00.002-04:00

photo by Andy Gates

Via Treehugger.com

Bicycling is a great way to get to work without using gasoline or other non-renewable resources. It strengthens the body, bolsters the immune system and adds to the overall well-being of the cyclist, but a new poll shows that some may not be utilizing pedal power for the wrong reasons.

Two Thirds of Women Never CycleAccording to a poll from the United Kingdom, the majority of women, aged 18-34, do not bike at all, and most of the women polled would not bike to work. 58 percent of those women cited the fear of sweaty dishevelment as the major deterrence. 27 percent were worried about helmet hair. Other concerns included lack of shower facilities at the workplace, safety issues, unwilling to carry a change of clothing and inadequate cycling skills. Only two percent of the women polled biked every day.

Hindsight Cyclist Glasses Are Eyes in The Back of Your Head, Kinda...

2008-10-23T21:54:00.005-04:00

The Nike Hindsight cyclist's glasses from designer Billy May (I liked his Torn lights before) are designed to do one simple thing: stop cyclists from getting hurt on the roads.

At the extended side of each lens is a carefully arranged high-power Fresnel lens that captures the view to the sides of the wearer's head, and sends it into the peripheral vision.

That's the bit of your eyesight that doesn't capture too much detail but does excellently at detecting motion...so the extra data hopefully wouldn't be too distracting.

Essentially its a clever way of augmenting your normal checking of the road, and avoiding being side-swiped by a fast-moving vehicle that was sitting outside your normal vision zones.
Simple and blindingly obvious, when you think about it... and could have potential uses in all sorts of places.

10-year-old completes 100-mile bicycle ride

2008-10-19T21:47:00.002-04:00

Via HometownAnnapolis.com

On Oct. 4, Teddy Collinson completed the Seagull Century 100-mile bicycle ride from Salisbury to Assateague Island and back. Teddy recently turned 10. He lives in Edgewater and is a fourth-grader at the Key School. He is the son of Sharyn and Tom Collinson.

Teddy's account of his ride:

My dad told me about the Seagull Century when I was 6. He had done the ride several times with his friends and thought I could do it some day.

When I was 7, I rode 60 miles of the Seagull Century on a tag-along pulled behind my dad's bike. The very next year, I did 60 miles of the Seagull on my own bike. It took me about 9 hours in the wind and rain.

Bailout Bill includes funding for Bicycle Commuters

2008-10-15T00:33:00.002-04:00

I’m definitely not a supporter of this bailout, but I’ve got to hand it to Blumenauer, he sure fights for cyclists.

From Bicycle Retailer and Industry News:
Employers of people who bike to work stand to gain a $20 per month tax credit per cycling employee, according to the final version of the Wall Street bailout bill, H.R. 1424, passed this afternoon.

The House passed the bill today with a final vote of 263-171, a comfortable margin that was 58 more votes than the measure garnered in Monday’s stunning defeat. The Senate passed the bill Wednesday by a vote of 74 for and 25 against the bill.
The bicycle tax provision was part of an additional $110 billion in line items added to the already $700 billion bailout package.
What does bicycle commuting have to do with credit issues or covering the debt racked up on Wall Street? Bicycle commuting advocate Earl Blumenauer, a Democratic Representative from Oregon, was one of the 228 Representatives who voted against the House version of the bailout package on Monday. House members looking to pass a bailout bill needed to convince as least 12 of the dissenters to switch their position and vote for a bailout bill.

According to a Blumenauer spokeswoman, the bicycle commuting tax credit had the Representative’s attention, according to a report by www.govexec.com. However, Blumenauer said he was opposed to the bill because it failed to include bankruptcy equity for homeowners, not because employers of bicycle commuters suffered unfair tax burdens. He is also against incentives for coal-based liquids, tar sands and oil shale also included in the Senate’s bill. Blumenauer voted against the bailout bill in today’s vote but his pet bicycling project passed with it.

Congressman Blumenauer spearheaded a seven-year campaign to extend commuter tax benefits to those who bike to work.
Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists, said the Bicycle Commuter Act has been held up getting through with previous bills.
“It’s been attached to a variety of different bills or devices—climate change, energy, transportation,” Clarke said. “It’s ironic that it would wind up in a financial rescue package, but we’ll take it. I’m not going to quibble with the method; I’m glad to see it done.”
The employer tax break is laid out in Sec. 211, “Transportation fringe benefit to bicycle commuters,” which is under the Transportation and Domestic Fuel Security Provision section in H.R. 1424. The $20 a month tax relief per bicycle commuting employee is to cover the cost of any employer reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred by the employee “for the purchase of a bicycle and bicycle improvements, repair, and storage, if such bicycle is regularly used for travel between the employee’s residence and place of employment.”
“It’s definitely a day to celebrate just this one little thing that has been achieved after seven years,” Clarke said. “It may not be a total game changer—it’s still a relatively small break—but it gets us closer to the kind of treatment that cyclists in the U.K. and other parts of the world have had for years.”

Coffee Cup Powers Your Morning...and Your Gadgets

2008-10-15T00:14:00.005-04:00

Without that cup of coffee in the morning most of us would be completely useless. Now our gadgets can get the same jump start thanks to this 'coffee cup' charger from PowerLine.

It features 2 AC outlets and one USB charging port with 200 watts of continuous power (400 watt peak). That's enough to power up some TVs and laptops. Because of its coffee cup shape, the charger fits snugly into most cup holders so it would be ideal for long trips.

Just make sure that you don't reach for the PowerLine when you are looking for a sip of Starbucks. Sticking your tongue in this thing would be seriously unpleasant. Also if your car is like the one in the photo, or like my own, this might take up 'necessary space' for the real thing thus making this device, useless... No way will I give up my coffee spot, unless I can figure out a way to power a whole coffee pot hmmmm I wonder... I let you know...

Available for $27. [Gizmodo via Coolbuzz]

Read More: Porta-Jump Will Jump Start Your Car From the Comfort of the Driver's Seat">Porta Jump Will Jump Start Your Car From the Comfort of the Driver's Seat

Austrian cyclist Kohl tested positive for CERA

2008-10-13T15:59:00.003-04:00

So the 'mighty' keep falling... My guess that this year's Tour de France was not the 'clean' Tour that everone was hoping for...

PARIS (AP)—Third-place Tour de France finisher Bernhard Kohl tested positive for a banned blood booster when his race samples were checked for the new drug.

French anti-doping agency director Pierre Bordry told The Associated Press on Monday that he told Austrian anti-doping authorities, who confirmed the doping case.

The Austrian cyclist is the fourth rider to be caught using CERA, an advanced version of EPO.

The new blood tests for CERA also exposed Kohl’s teammate at Gerolsteiner, Stefan Schumacher, and Italian cyclists Riccardo Ricco and Leonardo Piepoli.

Kohl, the Tour’s best rider in the mountains, finished third behind Carlos Sastre and Cadel Evans in the second-tightest podium finish in the 105-year-old race.

Kohl risks a two-year suspension and could lose his podium spot to fourth-place Denis Menchov of Russia.

Tour de France rocked by new high profile positive tests

2008-10-08T21:23:00.003-04:00

This coming after rumors involving sixth-place overall finisher Frank Schleck, has put even more doubt about this year's Tour.

Two Tour de France stage winners have tested positive for an advanced blood doping product.

Italy's Leonardo Piepoli and Germany's Stefan Schumacher (25th overall, winner of 2 stages, and wore the yellow jesrsey for a few days) tested positive for Continuous Erythropoiesis Receptor Activator (Cera).

Italy's Riccardo Ricco has already admitted to using Cera, a version of the blood booster erythropoietin (EPO).
Between them the three riders won five stages during the July race - or about a quarter of the 21 stages.

The French Anti-Doping Agency has been retesting blood samples from the race in a bid to catch more cyclists they suspect may have used Cera.

The German cycling federation (BDR) is set to take disciplinary action against Schumacher following his positive test and he could face a two-year ban. Schumacher has been suspended by his team Gerolsteiner.

Cyclist Vinokourov plans comeback to clear name?!?

2008-10-08T15:07:00.003-04:00

Here is another one from the Canadian Press, this one I can't say I thought would ever happen

1 day ago

PARIS — Kazakh cyclist Alexandre Vinokourov is making a comeback because he wants to clear his name following a doping ban.

In an interview in Tuesday's editions of French sports daily L'Equipe, Vinokourov said he has lived with a sense of "enormous injustice" since he was kicked out of the 2007 Tour de France after testing positive for a banned blood transfusion.

"With time, I understood that I would not live with that forever and I felt the need to ride again to show who I really am," Vinokourov was quoted as saying.

He added his return from retirement, announced last week, aims "to show that I am a clean rider." After serving a one-year doping ban, the 35-year-old Vinokourov said he plans to ride competitively for two years.

He said he plans to join Team Astana, which is based in his native Kazakhstan. Seven-time Tour champion Lance Armstrong, who announced last month his return from retirement, is also expected to ride with Astana.

Vinokourov said he would have "no problem" riding alongside Armstrong - whose advocacy on behalf of cancer patients Vinokourov called "remarkable." "My opinion of Armstrong has changed a lot since his retirement," the Kazakh cyclist was quoted as saying.

Still, Vinokourov said that unlike the 35-year-old Armstrong - who has said he aims to win an eighth title at the world's premier cycling event - he has not set the bar too high.
"I am not shouting from the rooftops that I am going to win the Tour de France," Vinokourov was quoted as saying. "At my age, that seems risky."

Doping probe into Tour de France cyclist Frank Schleck being extended

2008-10-08T14:57:00.002-04:00

Via The Canadian Press

LUXEMBOURG — Luxembourg's anti-doping agency has expanded its investigation of cyclist Frank Schleck, who was provisionally suspended by his team last week.

Schleck, who finished sixth overall in the Tour de France and led the July race for three days, told the agency last week that he transferred money to a Swiss bank account held by a Spanish doctor at the heart of a major doping scandal.

The agency ruled on Tuesday that his statements denying that he doped or had direct contact with Eufemiano Fuentes were insufficient to clear him.

"It has been decided to carry out an additional investigation at different levels," the agency said in a statement, without elaborating how long the process will take.

His CSC Saxo Bank team acknowledged that Schleck told them he transferred almost $9,500 to an account held by Fuentes in March 2006 "to receive training advice by experts who presumably worked with some of the biggest names in the sport."

Fuentes was at the heart of Operation Puerto, cycling's biggest-ever doping investigation, which was set off by police raids at clinics in Madrid and Zaragoza in May 2006 that turned up steroids, hormones and the endurance-boosting substance EPO, nearly 100 bags of frozen blood, and equipment for treating blood.

Over 50 cyclists, including 2007 Tour de France champion Alberto Contador, 2006 Giro d'Italia champion Ivan Basso and 1997 Tour champion Jan Ullrich, were reportedly linked to the scandal.

Schleck admitted making "a serious blunder" and deeply regretted the contact with "these people," the team said.

Riding on feathers with the most expensive bicycle wheel

2008-10-05T22:23:00.004-04:00

Via LewRacing.com

Riding your bicycle with a wheel trimmed to suite your build is something any professional cyclist would cherish, for he would know what advantage it brings to him while riding. This however, does not mean that the Lew Racing Pro VT-1 tubular road wheel is meant only for pros, but yes, a price tag of upwards of $15,000 for a set can categorize you as one when you have it fixed.

The amazing thing is the weight of these wheels, which can get as light as low as 850g for a pair, based on how you furnish the details, which shouldn’t cite a wheel required for the higher terrains. The usage of boron in the rim surfaces gives the engineers over Lew Racing the ability to curb that weight to unbelievable limits, and it is the same fiber that places the wheel at a sky-high price, the highest in the world.

Weight Tubular Standard Set PRO VT-1 Both Front and Rear = 880 grams* (APPROVED RIDER WEIGHT < = 185lbs)

Weight Tubular Clydesdale PRO VT-1C Both Front and Rear = 1080 grams* (APPROVED RIDER WEIGHT < = 250lbs)

Video: New York CityRacks Design Competition Finalists

2008-10-03T02:33:00.003-04:00

Beautiful Bike Racks for NYC

Our friends at StreetFilms went to have a look at the finalists of the CityRacks Design Competition (which we wrote about in the past few months: See Call for Entries: Redesign the Bike Rack and Turning Bike Racks into Works of Art). Some really great bike racks have been designed. Little the little girl, I like the one that looks like a giant paperclip.

You can see the video and photos below.

Read more: Video: New York CityRacks Design Competition Finalists

Shade-Grown Coffee Ensures A Future Cup-a-Joe

2008-10-03T02:30:00.002-04:00

Photo Via Melinda Shelton

Coffee is grown in two main ways: in the sun or in the shade. But three University of Michigan researchers show that if we want to look forward to a nice hot cup of coffee a few years from now, shade-grown coffee is where its at.

Read more: Shade-Grown Coffee Ensures A Future Cup-a-Joe

Treehugger post: Op-Ed Piece Argues That Cyclists Should Get Off the Road

2008-10-03T01:38:00.003-04:00

Visit Yehuda Moon

'Get Bikes off the Road.' The article began as follows: "It is often suggested that automobile drivers should learn to share the road with bicyclists. In my opinion, it is foolhardy and dangerous for bicyclists to be on the highways with motorists, period. Bicycles no more belong on roadways than autos belong on bike paths." In all likelihood the driver that almost hit me, as well as many drivers, would agree with that statement.

Guide To Winter Cycling

2008-10-03T01:29:00.003-04:00

I went on a chilly night ride last night, so I feel that this post was quite timely...

With the rain setting in and the temperature dropping, cycling at this time of year can seem like a chore. Soggy shoes, messed up hair and numb fingers are just the tip of the iceberg – but if you make sure you’re prepared for the worst of it, cycling in the winter doesn’t need to be so punishing

New Consumer.com has put together a guide to help you get ready for the onslaught of bad weather, which will help to make your journey far more pleasant

Spinning Wheel Lights Make A Rolling Video Screen

2008-09-29T00:28:00.003-04:00

In the darkest corner of the giant Interbike show here at the Sands Convention Center, a small company is showing off the most eye-catching bike lighting system I’ve ever seen -- a bike wheel light that plays full-motion video inside a spinning bicycle wheel.

Monkeylectric, a Bay Area startup, claims to be the first company to use a bank of flashing LEDs to create video using the spin of a bike wheel. Even though I posted about Hokey Spokes about 6 months ago, I've had seen Hokeyspokes for a few years now

Using a bank of battery-powered LEDs mounted to the wheel’s spokes, the system is able to show off cartoonish moving video that’s as bright and colorful as a storefront neon display.
As the wheel spins, the battery-powered LEDs flash on and off, creating the illusion of a man running and jumping; Homer Simpson belching; or a scrolling ticker-tape of words moving across the face of the spinning wheel.

The company currently sells a cool $65 bike-wheel light called the Monkey Light that generates bright neon patterns – but not full-motion video.

On a side note, HokeySpokes cost about half that ($29.95) and have a cleaner design.

The new Monkey Light can be programmed wirelessly and changed on the fly. The video is created on a computer and uploaded to the wheel-mounted Monkey Light. Goldwater says it uses Zigbee, a low-power, low-speed alternative to Bluetooth.

Unfortunately, the system isn’t yet for sale to the public. Xander Hudson, the other co-inventor, says they hope to have a retail version in a few months. For now, the system will be leased for retail and promotional purposes, like conventions and store displays.

Floating Rollers Take Fear Out of Rolling, Something sweet to add to your 'Santa' list

2008-09-29T00:22:00.001-04:00

One of the most time-honored challenges for any cyclist is riding a set of rollers through the dead of winter until spring thaw rolls around.

But if Inside Ride has its' way, the days of riding your bike off the rollers and smack into the wall are over.

For about a $1,000, Inside Ride will sell you its E-motion roller system, a cleverly designed set of “floating” rollers that move fore and aft in their frame, allowing the bike and rider a more stable ride than traditional designs. Bikers can throw the bike around as though on the road – sprinting, hammering, no hands even.

“Everyone else restricts you into one spot,” said Troy Tucker, a technical advisor to the company, who rode the rollers while juggling three balls, demonstrating its stability.

“It gives you space to ride,” he added. “It’s a small space, but it let’s you ride your bike.”

Wireless Bike Speaker Beams Tunes From iPod To Handlebars

2008-09-29T00:17:00.003-04:00

LAS VEGAS -- If you're into music while riding your bike -- but you're concerned about the safety risk of plugging headphones into your ears -- the iPod-compatible Cy.Fy wireless speaker system might be for you.

Mounted on the handlebars, the $180 Cy.Fy speaker can play tunes from the iPod in your pocket via an included Bluetooth transmitter as you ride your bike.

"Forty miles an hour riding downhill you can hear it," says Mike Michels, vice president of operations at Cy.Fy, which is based in Los Angeles. "If you're riding with a partner, you have to turn it down to talk."

The Cy.Fy is no Bose Surround Sound system though: It was drowned out by the cacophony of the Sands Convention Center. It may, however, perform better in quieter surroundings.
Looking like a streamlined Star Trek prop, the Cy.Fy speaker has rechargeable battery and is water resistant, the company says.

The basic model is compatible with Bluetooth-equipped cell phones and PDAs. A $200 iPod model includes a Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into the iPod's dock connector.

Interbike's Baddest Bikes: Time's New Road Rocket; The Talk of the Show

2008-09-29T00:09:00.006-04:00

LAS VEGAS – French bike giant Time's brand new carbon road rocket, the RXR UL Team, is the talk of the Interbike show.

Cathing the 'Gotta Have One' bug will likely cost you upwards of $15,000, but what do expect for a bike handmade in France?

This state-of-the-art, top-of-the-line RXR UL is equipped with Campagnolo's Super Record 11 groupset.

Interbike's Baddest Bikes: Independent Fabrication's Cherry Road Bike

2008-09-28T23:34:00.006-04:00

LAS VEGAS -- Independent Fabrication's high-end XS road bike is a wonder of titanium, carbon fiber and of all things -- cherry wood.

The XS features titanium lugs, carbon fiber tubes with a cherry wood finish.

Everything IF does is custom, so plan on laying down around $10,000 to $12,000

Interbike's Baddest Bikes: The Bike Batman Would Ride, Ceepo's Viper

2008-09-28T23:30:00.003-04:00

LAS VEGAS – The Japanese aerodynamic specialist Ceepo said to hell with UCI rules when it designed and built this new Viper triathlon speed machine.

"If Batman rode a bike, this is the bike he would ride," said the gentleman manning Ceepo's booth.

Ceepo claims the carbon frame is the one of the thinnest in production, at only 26mm in the thickest spot of the down tube -- in reckless violation of UCI regulations.

Slice through the wind on the way home from the bike shop for a mere $8,000.

Interbike's Baddest Bikes: Delta 7's Ascend Latticework Carbon Roadie

2008-09-28T23:12:00.006-04:00

Delta 7 Sports' Ascend road bike has definitely caught the bicycles fans' eyes at this year's Interbike 2008 because its distinctive wicker-basket carbon frame.

The bike's frame weighs just 1.8lbs! Thinner than the soup at the Riviera and more see-through than Casino odds, the Ascend's frame is a lattice of carbon fiber that Delta claims is ten times stronger than steel (by weight).

About the price, it will costs you about $12,000.

Polygon Bike Has Integrated iPod Charger

2008-09-28T23:06:00.003-04:00

I don't know what to say about the Polygon Bike, a concept that has an iPod-compatible charger powered by yourself. On one side, the bike-dock combo is just way too much. On the other, it may be actually useful for those days that you forget to charge it at home. The bike also has other useful features.

• I like the fact that you can see the screen of the player at a glance.
• The controls are located on the handle, so you don't have to fiddle with any remote or touch the device.
• The earphones plug is also conveniently located in a position that won't interfere with your handling and cycling.
• And finally, the integrated locking mechanism is a good addition.

What do you think? Would you buy a bike with an integrated dock? [Tuvie]

Tell Me What Your Coffee Is…

2008-09-26T01:02:00.003-04:00

…and I’ll tell you who you will vote for President.

Amazing how we can use various things to predict future events, isn’t it?

BIGresearch conducted a survey recently. The idea was to see if you can tell which presidential candidate a person prefers based on which coffee they like better.

And the choices are:

President:
a. Barack Obama
b. John McCain

Coffee:
a. McDonald’s
b. Starbucks

So what were their findings? People who drink Starbucks more prefer Barack Obama while people who drink McDonald’s more prefer John McCain.

Read more about this survey and it's results at one of the better 'Java Blogs' - Brewed-Coffee.com

NY State Senator to Cyclist He Almost Hit: "You F*ing Ahole"

2008-09-26T00:29:00.002-04:00

Colin Beavan, better known as No Impact Man, was almost crushed by a Mercedes while biking in New York City. At the last minute he knocked on the window of the car (maybe a bit too rash IMHO) to alert the driver of his presence.

The driver wasn't very happy and some swearing ensued (more details about the verbal exchange after the jump), but the twist of the story is that behind the wheel was NY state senator Jeff Klein. Now Colin has written an open letter to the senator asking him to meet with him and the New York City Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives, the person that advocates for bikers and pedestrians.

"Since the Senator has now had first hand experience, we'd like to talk to him about policies that would help keep bikes and cars from tangling with each other."

You should read what the 'unhonorable' Senator had to say...

Via Treehugger.com

18 Coffee Trees per person? I could not live with that few...

2008-09-26T00:18:00.004-04:00

20 Million -- That's how many families (about 60 to 80 million people) depend on coffee for their income. After oil, coffee is the second largest traded commodity in the world.

100 -- That's how many coffee beans it takes to make one cup of coffee on average.

4,000 -- One coffee tree yields about 4,000 beans per year on average.

18 -- If you drink 2 cups of coffee a day, you will need 18 coffee trees devoted just to you. And it takes 5 years before a tree is fully mature and productive.

Not around these parts, it going to take more like 90 tree for the Caffeinated Cyclist's daily habit

Read more at Treehugger.com. But ignore the heresy about giving up the coffee habit to live a 'greener' life

Cordarounds Bike-to-Work pants with reflective Teflon cuff

2008-09-25T23:47:00.002-04:00

Here is another design idea that I bet will not go anywhere, unless you have more money than sense... Wait a minute there are plenty of those around, Buy Stock Now! Personally I can make you the same thing for $20, and still make a profit. Start ordering for Christmas now...

Cordarounds newest khakis, called the "Bike to Work" pants, have a clever secret: the rolled up cuff exposes a reflective strip for added safety and Teflon for resistance to scuffs and chain grabs.
They're $95 a pair because that's how Cordarounds makes their money: prices.

Bike to Work pants product page [Cordarounds.com]

Via Boing Boing Gadgets

Engineered Wood : The Renovo Bicycle

2008-09-23T01:12:00.002-04:00

One of the best cases I've seen for the use of wood in structural applications is put forth by Renovo Hardwood Bicycles of Portland, Oregon.

Wanting to separate away the wrong, yet common perception that perhaps cheap quality consumer woods might be used on their frames, they say :

"Consumer wood products are not engineered for light weight and high performance, nor are they joined, fastened or finished to endure challenging outdoor conditions and high loads, so knowledge of wood based on commonplace wood products is no more relevant to a Renovo frame than it is to other high-tech, all-wood structures like: a 350' laminated wood bridge in Norway, the magnificent 154' wood yacht Scheherazade, and the Falco all-wood 200 mph airplanes. These modern engineered applications of wood are designed to last a lifetime in highly stressed, adverse conditions."

Yes that's right. Some of the most marvelous designs out there incorporate the tried and true strength and toughness of engineered wood such as the following :

Building an eye-catching yet strong bicycle frame out of Douglas Fir might be now easy task for the family run company, but all that colorful background experience from engineering lighting fixtures to building composite kit airplanes and other wood products might help. Besides, Mr. Wheeler was always a bike nut since college days.

The bike has a relatively non-aggressive and comfortable frame weighing anywhere from 3.5 to 4 pounds. All the wood is bought kiln dried through vendors with the appropriate moisture content and then cut/machined with their aresenal of high tech saws and CNC machines.

For additional FAQ's about hardwood usage in bicycles, you can visit Renovo's website here "Wood, Seriously"