Thursday, December 29, 2005

Black Diamond Snow Shovel


A must have for any one that does back country snowboarding, skiing, snow shoeing and of course the extreme slider. This shovel like many from Black Diamond are light, durable, easy to use and made of aluminum. Many people find themselves in trouble in the back country from lack of equipment, along with a GPS or emergency beacon this shovel is one of the best pieces that you could own. Straight from Black Diamonds website. "Black Diamond embraces the concept of being prepared. We recommend that you assemble your own comprehensive backcountry and avalanche safety kit, filled with your own knowledge—whether gained by observation and personal experience, or learned from others. Complement this kit with our avalanche gear and the confidence of knowing it has been designed for use in the real world against real snow dragons."
Check it out. Tele Lynx Shovel

Monday, December 26, 2005

Recharge your devices as you run: Scott eVest


Have you ever been riding or running and the battery dies on your iPod, fustrating to say the least it breaks your rythm and makes you crazy. Well the makers of Scott eVest have come up with this solar panel that attaches to most Version 4.0 jackets and Version 3.0 Finetex jackets. Material is waterproof FineTex. Use ths device with the Tactical 4.0, versatile Microfleece Pullover is a wardrobe necessity--at least according to everyone at SeV headquarters, where this has become a voluntary uniform! The lightweight, breathable and wicking fabric is great for hiking, biking, travel..everything! The pullover has 5 pockets, including a specially designed chest pocket with a ZIP-PIP for sunglasses and "back-up," patent-pending magnetic closures. The Weight Management System (WMS) for this pocket was an R & D coup...you can't imagine how much testing went into this design.
Check it out. Scott eVest

Thursday, December 22, 2005

CycleOps - Power Tap Pro - Perfect Training


Well the change is coming, heart rate is out and PowerOps is in. The Power Tap Pro come with a computer, hub, heart rate chest strap, receiver with cadence sensor, mounting hardware, software and training guide. The price also reflects the technology of something this advanced $899 MSRP, ouch. With being able to tell how much power you are putting down and when, this can really help one improve on their biking softspots. Monitoring heart, cadence and power being recorded for up to 7 hours at 1 second intervals, you can train like Lance Armstrong going for his 8th Tour de France.
Check it out. CycleOps

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Speed Laces: Freedom Exercise


I have tried many different laces to make the transition from biking to running easier, and these are one of the best. Place the screws through the eyelet holes, attach the eyelet fittings, and then run the new laces or bungy laces through the new eyelets, adjust and off you go. It really is that easy, they come in a variety of colors from the laces to the eyelet screws to the lace-pull. The only thing that I am having trouble with is my Polar running foot pod, it moves around to much when attached to these laces. Check it out. SpeedLaces

Friday, December 16, 2005

Pharmanex: Safely Measures Carotenoid Levels


We need to protect our body against antioxidants, well this product from Nu Skin Enterprises, Pharmanex BioPhotonic Scanner is the answer and winner of Most Innovative Company category from the American Business Awards. What the product does is measures the concentration of carotenoid antioxidants in the skin, a score provides a measurement of how a person's diet and supplementation is protecting the body's cells and health. Then a user after gathering enough data they can start to construct a diet that can boost antioxidants level and maintain proper health. Check it out. Pharmanex BioPhotonic Scanner

Thursday, December 15, 2005

NuMetrex Heart Sensing Sports Bra


Polar has one similar that you can thread their heart rate monitor into, NuMetrex has it built in, all you have to do is snap the Polar WearLink in and off you go. Seamless bra has sensors in the fabric, the heart beat is picked up and relayed to the WearLink. Then it works the same as if you were wearing the old strap around your ribcage. The old strap on women seem to sometimes loose data from not being able to sit right on the chest. The NuMetrex fits just like a sports bra so the connection with the skin is nice and tight. Check it out. NuMetrex

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

R.E.D. Tantrum Audex Helmet and Jacket


Burton the leader in snowboards and now seem to be the leader in technology that is useful on the slopes. Bluetooth wireless technology for communication with your friends while playing your favorite tunes. Having a Bluetooth enabled phone and using Burton R.E.D. audio systems takes communication one step further than all other systems. You can mute your tunes coming from the stereo speakers and then pick up your phone. Removable headphones, that can be worn alone or in the padded helmet. The Jacket works the same way but the speakers are built into the collar. Done right Burton taking boarding and to some skiing to the next level. Did I mention that they developed this with Motorola Check it out. Burton

Sunday, December 11, 2005

Float on Snow: Tubbs Snowshoes


I have the heaver and older model, the Altitude, I use them for running in 6+ inches of snow and they work great. I feel the extra weight helps my running. Getting my feet into the new binding system of the Catalyst would be heaven, light and easy to put on would be great. The only draw back that I can see is that they say "Just strap on a pair and find a packed trail!" If you are like me a want to find my own trail and then the Altitude the ones that you might want, either one is great and you will like all the Tubbs products. Check it out. Tubbs Snowshoes

Friday, December 09, 2005

See the Light: Stridelite, // Strobe-lite Safety gear for Runners + Cyclist


Found this company the other day and this is exactly what I need now that the time has changed and it gets dark at 4:30 pm. It has a reflective surface for the times that you don't need the strobe but the strobe is what makes this product great. They have two products called CycLite and StrideLite, Electroluminescent Lamps run on 2 AAA batteries and last 300+ hours, visible from a 1/4 mile, 3M Scotchlite durable and weatherproof. I can't believe that I have not seen this sooner. Bright Night has a runners belt, umbrella, running jacket and cycling jacket, all have the same technology in them and all are really cool. Check it out. Bright Night

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Bike Trainer: Exercise all Winter Long


Well winter is on, they are calling for snow and lots of it this winter. Might as well get ready to train indoors for awhile and Blackburn has another great product, now I know that there are a lot of different trainers out but the cost this one is good. The new traction Ultra features our CENTRIFORCE resistance unit with a centrifugal clutch for amazingly smooth, silent and progressive resistance that feels just like a hard ride on the open road. And unlike magnetic and fluid trainers which lose speed quickly, CENTRIFORCE has a smooth rollout when coasting, so your pedal stroke feels more natural in the dead spots or when you ease up on the pedals.
The Ultra also features adjustable height, which allows the rear wheel to be as close as ¼Â” to the ground. No more phone book under the front wheel."
Check it out. Blackburn

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Helmet Cam: Video Recorder for the Outdoors


Priced right and no wires recorder or extra moving parts, this baby clips to your helmet, bike, skis, poles, wherever you like. Shock and splash resistant the ATC-1000 is ready for action, has a SD card expansion -comes with a 32MB card, but you can up that and capture over an hour with a 1gig cards. For $120 dollars you can't go wrong. I mean this is a great little device to track your training rides with, a little GPS some clever programming and you can map you course to the video, not bad, just thinking off the top of my head at 4:30am.
Check it out: ATC-1000

Monday, December 05, 2005

Neuro 3.0-5.0: Cyclometer


There are a lot of cool cycling computer but this one really is the "state of the art" when it comes to "cyclometers", as Blackburn puts it, a mainframe on wheels. 2.4 GHz digital transmission for wireless speed, heart rate, Cadence, wireless USB PC interface, menu driven programming, 720 hours of memory storage, weekly and monthly ride time and distance memory and much more. I can't wait till I get my hands on one this holiday season, the 20 week countdown to New York City Triathlon starts right around the corner. Check it out Blackburn

Friday, December 02, 2005

Great Workout @ Home


Now I got one about 8 years ago, and I still use it today, Bowflex also said that they would give me $1000 towards a new machine on a trade-in, not bad. Let me start by saying this is one of the best machines going, some might remember that Schwinn made one, I am not sure if Nautilus bought them but there are similarities, and the Ultimate XTL (top of the line at the time) is great. Bowflex has since come out with a new model called the Ultimate 2 and let me tell you this thing kick ass. I do not know why some healthclubs do not have these but they should. The one feature that I think is the best is the Cable Change Pulley System – go from one exercise to another without changing cables making your workout faster, you can even use it as a stationary rowing machine. Over 95 exercises upgradeable 410 pounds of Power Rods. Chek it out.
Bowflex

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Bone Exercise Monitor: Osteoporosis


We all know people that are getting old and Osteoporosis effects over 75 million people in Europe, USA and Japan alone. This amazing little beauty help keep track of your bone exercise. You ask what is bone exercise, it is any form of daily physical activity were your body is moving and working, jump, jog, run or walk, these are all good for your bones. The device is a small unit that you wear from one activity to the next. Recording the data that is useful for physicians, physical therapists and fitness instructors as it offers a new method to follow up, instruct and motivate women to engage in bone exercise. Check it out. NewTest

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

SlopeTracker GPS Ski Tracking


Heading to Park City, Copper, Keystone or Telluride to carve some powder if so then make sure you pick up SlopeTracker so that you can tell how many runs that you have made and where you have been on the slopes. GPS technology has become small enough and developers are coming out of the woodwork. You pick up the armband and start tracking detailed statistics of your time on the mountain or lodge. At the end of the day return the 3-oz armband and receive a poster quality frame ready printout of your days statistics. Here is what is tracked, number of runs, vertical footage, distance, top speed, steeps, hours resting, calories burned, difficulty rating (based on the trails skied), run details and database comparison. See examples, check it out SlopeTracker

Monday, November 28, 2005

Outdoor Sports Computer


Well another great device for monitoring outdoor activity, FRWD started by a couple of Fins, the inventor was left behind by his Mt. Bike buddies, thinking he was in great shape he started to think about how he could improve, what went wrong, how he could compare results from one workout to the next. FRWD is an Outdoor Sports Computer, it show and records all information geared towards exercise.
"This is how it’s done:
1) Record the information with the FRWD Recorder Unit.
2) Wear the Heart Rate Transmitter Belt to collect heart rate data.
3) Look at performance graphs and numbers real-time on your mobile phone with the FRWD Mobile Player software.
4) Relive, replay, analyze and compare sport performances afterwards on your computer with the FRWD Replayer PC Software."
It even has a mobile player through Nokia, who in my opinion is pushing the ground in mobile technology and sports, any way check it out.
FRWD

Friday, November 25, 2005

Nalgene Coffee Press


I am really surprised with all the coffee drinkers that exercise and really enjoy their morning jolt that this was not thought of sooner. Working in the dot com age I had a French press and was turned on to good coffee, I wish that I had one of these. I have 4 Nalgene bottles, this is one gift that I am going to give and if not get, buy. Press-Bot is the first and only coffee press for the Nalgene water bottle. No need for a separate coffee press, just carry this little add on and boil hot put the coffee into the Nalgene bottle, insert the Press-Bot press and then we all know what to do after that, enjoy good coffee while on the trail. Check it out. PRESS-BOT

Monday, November 21, 2005

NEMO AirSupported Tents


I know that most of you are thinking that this might be full of hot air, well from what I have read and the awards that Nemo has won that well they might have something here. Nemo is also Times best invention 2005 award winner. So how does it work and does it, well there are no rods to assemble the tent with, throw it on the group us the pump provided to save time or do it yourself in a little more time and you are done. "The heart of NEMO AirSupported Technology is the use of patent pending twin-shell redundant airbeams to create remarkable strength and reliability at very low pressures. Every airbeam has a rugged outer fabric which gives it its shape and strength and a stretchy inner bladder which holds the air. Redundant means that the airbeam is actually a pair of inflatable beams, allowing you to disconnect a damaged beam and still enjoy a good night's sleep." Check it out
Nemo

Sunday, November 20, 2005

SKI SPEEDOMETER


Again another must have for any serious athlete that is pushing themselves to the next level of fitness. The Ski Speedometer is the only product to measure ground and speed distance for snow sports. It has a multi-purpose radar sensor for sledding, skiing or cross country skiing. Here is a list of some of the features, Speed, distance, heart rate, wireless coded RF transmission, 3 speeds mode, calorie counter and a huge list of other feature. Check it out Silva USA

Friday, November 18, 2005

Weather Station: Outside or Gym


Talk about helping an athlete out, it's dark, cold, snowing, raining or just miserable out, here on the east coast. If you are like other fitness buffs, you get up early to exercise whether it at the gym or running outside. Well Oregon Scientific has made it a bit easier to get out of bed in the morning. They have come out with the Complete, Real-Time Regional Weather Data Without Sensors. This thing is great, as we know or don't Fossil and MSN Direct came out with a watch that updates itself using radio waves. A nice idea but not for a watch, MSN has now teamed up with Oregon Scientific giving athletes a chance against the weather. You can now wake up and get a good picture of what is happening in your area, so that you can plan your fitness/training goal for the day. "This weather console uses the MSN Direct service to receive regional weather information without the use of any outdoor sensors. For the first time, weather enthusiasts can get real-time, 3-day weather forecast information, including the chance of precipitation. By just plugging in the weather station within specified MSN Direct coverage areas, users can receive regional wind, rain, temperature, humidity, and even NWS warning information from MSN Direct’s FM signals." To see if you have coverage in your area, then check out the weather station and a boat load of other cool devices offered from Oregon Scientific

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

X-UnderGear


reddot design award winner 2005 and I can see why, how many of you have had cold privates in the winter, run with socks in your pant, extra padding, well this should help. X-UnderGear have thought of everything from the "ribs" that protect knees from the cold even when they are bent. In contrast to conventional underwear, X-UnderGear can effectively prevent loss of heat from the elbows and knees. "X-UnderGear is the first underwear worldwide to incorporate 37°CCR-Technology. This technology is based on the observation that the body consists of different climate zones that react differently to physical exertion. Whereas some areas are highly prone to hypothermia (e.g. thighs, knees, calves), others quickly produce excess heat. Accordingly, this means the body has to regulate its heat balance differently in these different zones in order to
maintain an optimal core temperature of 37°C. For example, some areas typically perspire heavily and others quickly feel cold, while others do not." Check it out
X-UnderGear

Monday, November 14, 2005

Endless Pool, Swim in Place


This takes a turn on the regular "technology" post dealing with fitness currently viewed but I thought this was worth mentioning. I have seen this in the magazines and even read about it in the New York Times, you can swim endlessly in place without turns, counting laps and dealing with the crowds. You can adjust the in speed from a gentle flow to a racer's pace by simply turning a knob, as you advance turn it up. The Standard System includes an 8'x15' free standing Pool (7' x 14' x 39" swim area), 5 HP stainless-steel Water Propulsion System, Water Quality System (cartridge filter, circulating pump, timer, 5.5 kw electric heater, pool water purifier), Floating Thermal Cover, Dark Blue Liner, Pool Vacuum, and Aqua Aerobics Exercise Bar. They even have testimonials from triathletes, Tim DeBoom, Barb Lindquist, Heather Fuhr, Ken Glah: and Nicole DeBoom to name a few. Check it out.
Endless Pool

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Hit the Wall: Adjustable Boxing Glove


These designer out of the UK are doing some pretty cool work, here is one by designer Robert Jones, he has come up with a device that can be used anywhere against any service. As most men out there can relate, hitting a wall is so satisfying, imagine being able to do so without breaking your hand, well this device called Junzuki Boxing System allows you to do that. It gives you the feeling of striking a heavy bag, the glove has sensors in it, the device can also be calibrated to suite multiple users. Check it out
designer Robert Jones

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Snowboard system (Nokia): Map it


Another device that I want for the holiday, being able to find my way around the ski slope without having to be at a map point somewhere on the mountain. "A snowboarding system designed for Nokia, which enables riders to download maps to a flexible screen where the location of other riders can be viewed via GPS. All images taken or received can be viewed either on the screen or on the goggle lens itself. All commands and calls are carried out verbally through the zip and received through wireless digital headphones."
My thoughts are that if you use social GPS your friends can then all show up on the screen. Cool stuff way to go.
designer: Ben Cornelius

Monday, November 07, 2005

Windsurfing Speedometer


Well this is great I am not sure why no one has thought of this sooner, hey never to late. It is a device that attaches to the back of you windsurfer and a digital readout on your arm (like a watch). "The sensor unit mounts to the rear of the board, with a small paddle wheel trailing in the water. The speed of the board is then updated on the large display strapped to the upper arm." Not to bad! I guess if I buy the Garmin ForeRunner 301 it might do the same thing. I like this device, called the "Saber" because it's simple, attaches right to the board so the only thing you need to remember is the digital readout that you wear on your arm. Pretty cool, this goes in my basket of cool toys to have.
designer Michael Rees

Thursday, November 03, 2005

Cateye Commuter


I came across some cool technology that in the next couple of post that I will share but the Cateye Commuter is great for those who bike to work or bike everywhere and since here in the northeast the time change has made commuting a bike light and flasher a must on your bike, here is how it works, a wireless RF cycle indicator & backlight system. Commuter allows the rider to communicate turn signals clearly as well as increasing the cyclist's visibility. Now this iscompletelyy a design comp but I am hoping that a company picks it up soon, based on the response that I got before I did the post "I want one" was the first thing out ofeveryone's mouth. Designer Jane Cheung way to go.

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

The 70's with a iPod shuffle twist


Not a bad idea if the iPod shuffle came out in the 70's. I think the concept is a good and can be applied to other devices like helmets and hats, but not headbands. This would be great to see someone in the gym wearing the uSport. Ok this is simple a headband like they wore when playing racketball with the iPod shuffle attached to the back in neoprene, with headphones built in. As the site claims, it is the "first iPod Shuffle headband accessory on the market" and I am sure there are reasons why! Maybe I am wrong, and this is the next thing big thing. uSport

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Let me Enter Train you: The Entertrainer


Not sure how to start this post, I could go into how fat america is, how we are consumed by TV, fast food, movies and video games but that would be stating the obvious. I could talk about the healthcare business and obesity being in the hundreds of millions of dollars each year, so I won't, what I will do is tell you about this little device that does not take you away from the things that you love to do but makes you want to do them more because you have too, if you want to continue. What is this you ask well it is called the Entertrainer, great name and idea, it is a heart rate monitor and device that hooks up to your TV. Simple idea if your heart rate drops below the programed beats per minute then the TV shuts off.
"Here’s how it works…
Set TheEnterTrainer® to the exercise program you want (Fat Burn, Cardio, Aerobic or any doctor approved workout regimen).  Strap on The EnterTrainer® heartrate monitor (an $89 value – included!).  Then start exercising.  This ingenious fitness device samples your heartrate and controls your TV in direct relation to your workout goals.  Not working hard enough – the volume goes down…and if you don’t get back on target the TV turns off!"
Entertrainer

Monday, October 31, 2005

RONIN ESPIONAGE JACKET


Burton, leading the way to how to use the latest technology (what's hot) and built it into their products. From helmets, jackets that control the ipod and Bluetooth built in, their newest release is the RONIN ESPIONAGE JACKET, bullet proof and made for the cold war counter-intelligence, it has a low profile digital camera to give some more of the 007 feel. A interrogated vest that's removable, an oversized game pocket on the upper back and a Welded Sound/Communication Pocket. Another well thought out great product from a company on the cutting edge. Burton

Friday, October 28, 2005

Nike and Adidas going mainstream


Well millions of dollars, more importantly millions of people wanting your product for things other than playing sports. They want to look as though they are playing sports. Nike and Adidas have a real foot hold in the sporting market so why not try to capture the whole market. I prefer Adidas so I will talk about their fashion plate symbol, Stella McCartney, who was awarded in june of 2004 the best Designer of the year in London, is now designing a line for Adidas. September 2004 Stella McCartney and Adidas announce a long term collaboration, a sports performance collection for women. The styles are fitting, technically advance from the fabric to physical performance. One part in particular is the Torsion system, which provided lightweight arch support while allowing the forefoot and rearfoot to move freely, much like Nike free. This activity-specific systems support the midfoot and serve as a platform for extended control. Adidas-Stella McCartney

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

CrankBrothers: Speed Levers


Brilliant, absolutely Brilliant, this lever works just like PEP boys taking the tire off of your car rim. You put in under your tire just like the old way, the brilliant part from there it bends back pops the tire off the rim and then stays under as you attach the other end to your hub. Spin in around and off comes the tire, no more pinch flats. To put the tire back on well do the opposite. CrankBrothers inspiration comes from some of the cutting edge companies, Apple, bang & olufsen, smart car and marc newson. Well done I must say, pick one up you will be surprisingly satisfied.

Sunday, October 23, 2005

WaterWear Shuffle: Swim Tunes


Little things make me happy, one of the hardest thing to do is train for a triathlon in a pool. Endless laps, flip turns and trying to keep count of your laps. I started to no care about the laps but time, and if I could listen to music while I swim, this would be great. TuneWear makes a portable case for Apple's Ipod Shuffle. Water proof and controls built into the case so that you can navigate not moving parts the case also adds a headphone isolator plug so that you get to use your own headphones. Made of hardened plastic, it is tough enough to be stepped on by an adult or even thrown against a wall. Check it out TuneWear

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Better than Insurance: STUFFBAK


Well with all the high tech goodies that are being bought, you think that someone would have thought of this sooner! Gold's gym and I am sure many other used to have this key faub, if you lost you keys then people could just mail them back to the gym and with the serial number on the faub, they were able to match who ever lost their keys. Well now you have this for all your devices, they advertise an-
ON THE GO PACK: A great introduction to StuffBak's service. Covers 5 essential items, from MP3 players to digital cameras to laptops. NEW! Free returns for 2 years! $9.95.
Once you get the StuffBak labels enter them at the site and you are done. Now they can't guarantee that people return your laptop but they will give you $20 if you do. I know it's hard to return a $3,500 Mac 17 inch laptop but hey some protection is better then none.
Check it out. StuffBak

Friday, October 14, 2005

A new dimension in cycling!


Well interbike has come and gone, and some new technology for biking has unfolded. Not only are the bikes better technology smarter but the prices have dropped, giving the consumer some great bang for their buck. By measuring power output in the bottom bracket, the Ergomo Sport allows you to ride and race with any wheels you want, no longer will you have to sacrifice performance in order to get your valuable racing data. It's not the cheapest solution Mavic has a pretty nice one also, but if you consider hiring a coach then this seems like a no brainier.
Ergomo Sport

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Breathing Resistance Exerciser


Training in high altitude increases your lung strength and capacity but not all of us live in the rockies. Well this little device helps with lung strength and capacity, just put it in your mouth like a snorkel and breath. To exercise, simply set the breathing resistance level with the adjustable valve, and then inhale, hold and exhale through the comfortable silicone mouthpiece. easy simple and cheap, yes cheap, $24.95 and a 30 day money back guarantee. Don't be fooled by the site, the product is what you are really after.
Expand-a-Lung

Saturday, October 08, 2005

Tracking Your Training Partner or Kids


Sometimes products cross over and find uses in different areas, being active with your kids will help decrease obesity in our country, obesity in kids and adults is reaching into the billions of dollars for our health insurance. If you are scared to have your children wondering outside then this device from Ion-kids could be the solution.
"Base Unit:
This small, easy to use device is used by the parent or guardian to monitor the location of the Wristag wearer. The Base Unit, a handheld device, allows parents to monitor up to four Wristags simultaneously.

Wristag:
This specially designed, tamper- and water-resistant bracelet is worn by the child. The Wristag is designed to be fun to wear and requires no interaction on the part of the child. ionKids Wristags adjust to fit snugly against your child's skin, and contain a strong locking mechanism that cannot be easily opened without a key, which comes with the Base Unit.

How They Work Together:
Wristags transmit a signal to the Base Unit from up to 350 feet when outdoors and up to 200 feet indoors. Because it uses a point-to-point wireless communication system, the ionKids Wristag does not rely on cell towers or satellites to locate your child-so cloud cover or a building's roof will not prevent you from finding your loved ones.

Additionally, every few seconds, ionTechnology simultaneously changes the transmission frequency, Wristag ID and corresponding information in the Base Unit, significantly reducing the chances that a third party can scan or monitor a child's Wristag. In addition, each communication between an individual Wristag and its Base Unit will be transmitted on a different frequency, making it possible for multiple Wristags to be used in the same close environment without transmission interference. "

Goto Ion-kids to see the falsh interactive demos and learn more about how to track your kids.
Ion-Kids

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Bike camping: THE BIKAMPER


Topeak has done it again, another wonderful and useful product the ultimate in biking/camping, the Bikamper. Pitching a tent was never so easy, hook up the rain fly to your seat the main tent hooks to the handle bars and everything extends from there. The materials are of the tent are constructed of light, durable and waterproofed 45D rip-stop nylon. The separate fly is made of a fully waterproofed 70D nylon construction, offering an additional layer of protection from the elements along with two ventilation windows that double as a skylight for a little star gazing. TOPEAK

Monday, October 03, 2005

Ironman OVA (OPTIMAL VIEWING ANGLE)


Great concept from Times Ironman watches, puts the watch face in your natural line of site, just brilliant. Why did they not put a heart rate with it. I am not sure about you but I wear the heart rate monitor when I train and race, Timex has one of the best watches and interfaces with a GPS, why would they not try to make it work. The watch is designed to be worn on small, narrow part of wrist for optimal viewing at all times without turning your wrist, it has all the other Timex goodies, INDIGLO night-light with NIGHT-MODE feature, Water-resistant 100m and a slew of other features. This could be a great road racing watch for training I would rather use the Polar or Times Bodylink systems. Check it out. Ironman OVA

Monday, September 26, 2005

Anti Order Fabric


Do you smell when you work out, does the garlic from the night before ooze out when you sweat, then apparel manufacture ARC has introduced a new line of anti-order fabrics. Other companies relied on chemicals to reduce the odor, after washes and use, the chemical reduce and yes you guessed it, you smell. ARC says they have figured it out and will introduce the new line of fabric and yarns at TITAS 2005 Fair in Taipei, Taiwan on Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2005.

Saturday, September 24, 2005

Shark Shocker


The new suit takes advantage of the fact that sharks have sensitive receptors in their snouts which detect electrical fields in the water. This helps them track prey, but if the field is too powerful the shark backs off.

Made of metal and neoprene in the usual way, the wetsuit has thin piezoelectric ceramic fibres woven into its fabric. The fibers extend along the body and limbs, connecting to metal electrodes which harvest any charge generated when the piezo material is deformed by the wearer's movement.

The voltage delivered by thefiberss depends on their length and how many there are. During normal swimming, the suit continually generates several volts which flow through the water between the electrodes to create a deterrent field. If the diver sees anundeterminedd shark and swims fast to get away,– a natural reaction - one suspects - the suit generates much higher voltages and stronger fields.

If the shark still fails to get the message and bites the suit, it gets a shock in the mouth and hopefully gives up for the day.
Read the shark shock patent here.

Monday, September 19, 2005

Heat Stoke Glasses and Watch Monitor


All I got was from Giizmodo "the glasses monitor your brain's temperature and beam the information to a watch on your wrist. If it feels you'’re too hot for hell and you're going to get heatstroke, it'll beep and let you know".
GMI Medical Instruments thanks Gizmodo

Thursday, September 15, 2005

Polar Launches New and Updates Watches


Polar has launched some updates to their s625x and RS200sd, the foot pod works with both computers and can track everything from distance to pace and laps. The major updates come to the RS200sd watches, they seem to be more for the competitive, goal oriented runners who want to enhance their running experience. The price is not to bad for the functionality that you get, the WearLink fabric transmitter included, with a boat load of other features and software that can help any type of athlete achieve and surpass their goals.
Polar USA

Monday, September 12, 2005

Folding Bike: Brompton bikes


A low tech entry but with gas prices at an all time high thought that this might be a good one. I saw a bunch of these while on vacation on Block Island this summer, many people traveling on their sailboats had them stored below and pulled them out to get around the Island. Well they not only seem to be the rave amongst sailor and boaters but bike commuters as well. My investigation brought me to Brompton bikes, the range comprises five models: the relatively inexpensive C-type, with three speeds and the more sophisticated L- and T-types, where you have a choice of three or six gears. The engineering of the frame is broadly similar for all models. For the avid cyclist this might not be what you are looking for, but for the commuter looking to shed some pounds, save some money and outright enjoy him/herself this is a great alternative.
Brompton Bikes