Bikes Going Chainless

So Trek is making the leap, putting a stake in the ground, chainless for urban bikes might be a great idea. Ridding around the block getting groceries, a couple miles here and there so why the chain. There is a minimal amount of stress on the cranks so a belt is perfect and now with technology going shiftless (Shimano Nexus 8 rear hub), hey this is a great time. Also at $990.00 MSP, you can't lose.

Timbuk2 is having a sale

Timbuk2 is having a sale. Now the leader and pioneer in messenger bags has got to unload all that unwanted inventory somehow. Well instead of paying the normally high prices they have have savings from 35%, 50% and 65%. So if you have been waiting and since the USAT stopped giving away Timbuk2 with membership this is a great way to get another or even your first messenger bag. Carry your tools, swim gear, sailing, running and even diapers, who cares as long as you have one.

iPhone App; RunKeeper

When the iPhone has so much traction and a hug following apps like the RunKeeper are a sure win. Sure there are some drawbacks but being a pioneer like RunKeeper you have to accept those drawbacks, wooded areas, tunnels, tall buildings, etc. So the app is simple enough, have a 3G iPhone and for $9.99 you can have a full tracking GPS enabled fitness device. If you are saying well the iPhone cost $299 so the the real price is somewhere in the range of $310, still cheaper than the Polar s625x and the Garmin. Now the Polar is one of the best devices out their so yes their is know comparison, for the weekend warrior that is getting into the sport this is a great way to start. Also with Health Currency getting ready to launch the tie in with RunKeeper is great.

RunKeeper FAQ

What is RunKeeper?
RunKeeper is an application built for the new 3G iPhones that uses the built-in GPS to enable fitness tracking (duration, time, pace, speed, route on a map)

Can RunKeeper be used for any other activities besides running?
While it was built primarily with running in mind, some of our testing has involved additional activities such as walking, cycling, and even driving. It appears to work fine for these other activities as well, although the majority of our testing has been running-specific.

How much will RunKeeper cost?
The RunKeeper iPhone application will be a one-time download of $9.99 USD and will be available exclusively through Apple’s online App Store.

Will RunKeeper work with an original first generation iPhone?
No. RunKeeper needs a GPS signal to determine accurate speed, pace and distance. The RunKeeper application will not work properly on a first generation iPhone.

Can I see my route on a map?
Yes, you can see all of the routes you run on a map that will be displayed on your personal web dashboard at www.runkeeper.com. You cannot see your route displayed on the RunKeeper iPhone app initially, but we are evaluating including this functionality in future releases. You will be able to see the route through the device’s web browser at www.runkeeper.com.

IDEA Winner, Wed'ze RNS7 Helmet

Silver Medal winner, COOL, just plain cool. Safety enhanced "Recco" system that makes it easier to find you in case of an avalanche. Its exclusive goggle-fixing system is placed on the side for maximum efficiency; when not worn over the eyes, the mask is locked in place on top of the helmet. A fabric panel covers the ears and neck to keep the wearer warm and comfy, but is easily removed to be cleaned or if warmer conditions dictate.

Swollow a RFID Tagged Pill to prevent Over Heating

Would you take a pill that would monitor your vitals during a race, or even training? Could tell you when your body is starting to overheat, muscles are breaking down, etc.. For race organizers this could be the next thing, making sure you are staying hydrated and not collapsing. Here is how us at TubaDuba see this working.
You take the pill before the start of the race, step on a pad to make sure that it works. As you compete in a Marathon or Triathlon you would cross over pad/readers along the way, on a monitor your stats could show up, if the system saw that you needed to be hydrated a water station would follow the readings. In case a runner showed a potentially dangerous reading, nearby medical teams were given access to the data so they could reach the runner, stop him, and treat him immediately. Simple safe and completely harmless.
Cheers

Easy, Simple, Lawson Hammock Camping Tent

image via Uncrate
Easy, Simple, Light and affordable the Lawson Camping Hammock is a great solution to sleeping on the ground. It even let's you simulate hanging off the side of a cliff. The best thing it is for is the backyard, keeps the bugs away so you can enjoy the outdoors. Plus at $150 what more could you ask for!

Locate Your Bike, RFID Device

Ok since gas is getting so expensive, more and more are taking to the road via peddle power. Hey this is great for the bike industry, terrible for ole Detroit. Oh well they reap the benefits by over charging and shady salesman. I guess what come around goes around.
Well now we all have to protect our bike, cars have alarms so why should a bike not. Immobilise has come up with a RFID that helps locate your bike, the ImmobiTAG is installed the only way to remove is to cut the bike frame. The TAG has a unique ID number you registered on Immobilies website. If you bike is stolen and recovered, the police can scan the TAG and contact the rightful owner. Great!
The one thing that I would include is a high decibel pitch on the TAG that ties into your lock once the lock is cut the siren goes off. Might help deter some.

Mavic Clothing Line

Mavic has some light great products that most have used or been past by. Their venture into the clothing arena should be exciting. Their triathlon shoe, not cheap $250+ is a good example of making something strong and light. Halters Cycle had the salesman in and he was showing us some new 2009 products as well as this shoe. First Glance LIGHT and STIFF, easy entry and well thought out with mesh keeping the foot cool.

They even have a new logo. September 1st is the release but take some time and view the flash demo.

iPhone Apps, Fitness

The iPhone as we all know is making a big splash with their newly released 2.0 upgrade. Whether you have the 3G version or not. Apps as Apple is calling them has a whole section geared towards health and fitness. From a pedometer to gym locations, tracking food and weight, BMI and a Clever one called Gyminee, Gyminee is the premier fitness social network for detailed tracking, online accountability, and motivation. Whether you are trying to lose weight or get fit, it's time to start taking your fitness seriously.
Hey if anything check out the apps you might find something you like.

Invent a Sport, Horney Toad at it again!

Horny Toad has been done a lot of thinking and produce great clothing, so when they sponsor a contest like Invent a Sport people come out of the woodwork.
There are things like Special Sumo Wrestling, Crazy Biking and WiFi Hunting, all these are doable some just a little more crazy then the next. Hey who would have thunk the XGames would have come as far as they have even getting sports like BMX into the Olympics.

Official Rules:
There are hundreds of sports out there with well-defined rules to follow (boring), but we here at Horny Toad, along with the good folks at Instructables, think rules are made to be broken. Horny Toad's mantra, "Everyday is an Adventure" has inspired countless crazy antics like lake biking, chair skiing and trampoline dodgeball - all in the name of fun and why the heck not?

So we're throwing down the challenge to invent your own sport! Make a good one and we'll hook you up with hundreds of dollars worth of clothes!

We want to see some creative new sports from you. The games can be variations on existing sports, but they need to be original. To enter the contest you need to explain how to play the sport to and how to make any custom equipment, if needed. A video showing the game in action is a major bonus, but not required.

NiteRider, see at night!

Gas prices have gone way up, Mini's are sold out for 2009, so bike commuting is getting more popular and summer is coming to an end. Which means it gets darker sooner. Clipping a NiteRider TriNewt to your bars means only one thing, daylight at night, plain and simple. The battery is big and can hold a charge for over 3.5 hours in full mode. Even the old systems from the 1990 are still going strong. If anything breaks just order up a new part.
Description:
The TriNewt was designed with cycling specifically in mind. As a result, no ‘off the shelf’ optics are used in the TriNewt.Instead the 3 high-powered LED’s are housed in a custom made reflector to deliver a beam pattern ideal for night riding. The TriNewt incorporates a cluster of 3 high-powered LED’s to achieve a retina searing real world output of 500 lumens! The TriNewt uses a Borofloat lens to greatly minimize light loss, when compared to a traditional glass lens or total internal reflector. A wireless remote version of the TriNewt is available, allowing light control without your hands ever having to leave your handlebars, regardless of where you are mounting your light. This added layer of safety is not found anywhere else. All of these features, combined with regulated run times ranging from 3:30 – 7:00 HRS and a lightweight Li-Ion battery, make the TriNewt the light by which all others are judged.

Now you have no excuses, light is 24/7.

iPlay Jacket

Hey soccer is fun and warming up to your own iTunes library is everyone's dream no matter what sport you do. Well rain or cold weather come hand and hand in England so this type of Jacket was just a matter of time. Soccer, fashion and your music, it doesn't get any better than that. The iPlay jacket is made for iPod and with the finger tip controls you can combine all your moves on the field with the music that you love. This is one of those gotta have products that has you standing out in a crowd.

Features:

• Sleeve forearm joystick controller
• Ear phone access from control pocket
• Ear phone loop to keep in place
• Compatible with: iPod 30/60 & 80GB. U2 iPod. iPod Nano 2/4/ & 8 GB. iPod Nano Red
• Outer chest and sleeve zippered pocket
• Bungy sleeves and hem for wind protection
• Ribbed inner cuff hand warmer with thumb slot for those cold days
• Built-in thumb holes on cuff
• Mesh lined
• Two zippered side seam pocket

Cool Down and Fire Up, Artic Heat

Arctic Heat Cooling Vests work by the special crystals absorbing and retaining the temperature of the water that it has been placed in.

By retaining the temperature longer than other products, the Arctic Heat Cooling Vest can provide a significant advantage to the athlete or worker subjected to potential heat stress.

Cooling of the body can be achieved pre, during and post exercise. The chief benefits of using cooling vests include:

• Drop in skin temperature

• Drop in core body temperature
  

• Improvement in perceived comfort level

Designed to be eye-catching and effective, Arctic Heat Cooling Vests can provide the athlete with a significant competitive advantage and the outside worker with an effective aid against heat stress.

Wizard Evacuation Rescue Product

High-rises are tough to get out of in an emergency, this is only a design but what a relief it would be if you live in New York to have The Wizard stashed in your closet. “The Wizard” was dreamed up to make the high-rise lifestyle a little less scary by providing a quick exit in an emergency situation. The Wizard “caters for this necessity by providing automated public safety solutions with up to 250m of reciprocating lifeline technology.
Even if you don't have one the New York Fire Departments should.

Water Buoy For Keys

High tech solutions for keeping your keys. Employs the same technology that is used in PFD, once the sensor get wet and the balloon inflates. It can hold up 2.3 pound, hey that's a small dog or cat.