by editors on March 6, 2014
WTB released a new performance saddle shape called the High Tail (along with carbon-railed versions of their Volt and Rocket V saddles) at the Taipei International Cycle Show today (March 6, 2014).
The High Tail saddle features a unique and distinctive cut-out to the back of the saddle, allowing for additional rear tire clearance as full suspension 27.5” bikes cycle through their travel. Chris Cocalis, Pivot Cycles’ Founder and President, commented on the thought process behind the design, “It quickly became apparent that we weren’t going to be able to use the geometry we wanted to use with a conventional saddle on our upcoming 27.5” carbon downhill bike. We wanted to maintain the same travel, chain stay length and rider positioning as on our current 26” Phoenix DH bike and this presented an overall clearance challenge with current seat and rail profiles. Something had to give, so we contacted WTB with the idea of a saddle to accommodate the rising popularity of the 27.5” full suspension market.”
For the official word from WTB, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by editors on March 3, 2014
Here it is. Relieve the excitement of XC Mountain biking on a course with a couple cameras. . . Yeah!
by editors on February 24, 2014
After a rising tide of complaints from users that Fitbit’s extremely popular Force fitness tracking device was causing a rash on users’ wrists, company CEO and co-Founder James Pack has officially stopped sales of the device and launched a voluntary recall of the product.
In a letter from the CEO on Fitbit’s corporate blog dated February 20, 2014, CEO Park explains:
“Late last year, we began selling Fitbit Force, our most advanced activity tracker,” Park says. “Recently, some Force users have reported skin irritation. While only 1.7% of Force users have reported any type of skin irritation, we care about every one of our customers. On behalf of the entire Fitbit team, I want to apologize to anyone affected.”
Park says the company has run the Force through independent testing by “medical experts” and found “no issues with the battery or electrical systems,” but says that some users may be reacting to nickel in the stainless steel, the strap, or adhesives used in manufacturing the device. Through this testing Fitbit has “learned enough to take further action” and is conducting a voluntary recall of the $130 device.
The company has set up a dedicated recall page which directs users to fill out an online form. Fit bit will then send users an instruction kit on how to Return the Force for a refund. Fitbit says that once the Force is returned, a refund check will be sent directly to the user “within 2-6 weeks.” Fitbit Force users with other questions can call 888-656-6381.
by editors on February 21, 2014
Seriously? In addition to a mountain, road, and cross bike we also apparently need a “gravel” bike? We’re not doing it. But if you are, then WTB has what looks to be a great tire in their new Nano 40c.
“The inspiration for this tire actually came directly from this show one year ago,” stated WTB’s Product Manager, Chris Feucht in reference to Frostbike 2013. “We were blown away by the number of requests we received for a gravel tire last year so we took a long, hard look at our tire line and decided to use the Nano tread pattern as a starting point. We wanted something that would appease racers due to its speed and light weight, yet also appeal to those wanting comfort over the long haul. By simplifying the pattern slightly, we’ve actually created a more durable tire while maintaining speed and the unique Nano handling characteristics, making for a winner.”
Personally, we’d just throw it on the cross bike (if we had one) and call it a day, but, hey, have as many bikes as you like. Follow the jump for the official word from WTB [click to continue…]
by editors on February 20, 2014
Before you buy your next bike computer you might want to check out the new Garmin fenix 2 watch (on sale in March 2014 for $3.99.95). Why? Because it does everything the Edge 500 does and nearly everything the Edge 810 does, yet it fits on your wrist (or can be strapped to your bars). Those who run and/or swim (not sure why anyone would want to do either of those things) will discover that the fenix 2 also does everything the Forerunner 620 does and everything the Garmin Swim does including (but not limited to) counting and naming your strokes, and recording the number of pool laps.
What’s more, by pairing an iPhone 4s or newer to the fenix 2 via Bluetooth Smart the watch will reflects iOS notifications straight to your wrist so you’ll know when you get a text, email, phone call, or have a calendar event coming up without pulling your phone out of your back pocket. This thing maybe the smartest smart watch ever. Seriously. Why buy anything else?
Follow the jump for the official word from Garmin. [click to continue…]
by editors on February 19, 2014
Registration is now open for the third annual “extremely challenging Spring Classic event” more commonly referred to as The SPY Belgian Waffle Ride scheduled for April 26-27, 2014 in beautiful Carlsbad, California.
“The SPY Belgian Waffle Ride began as an homage to the storied history of bike racing in Belgium—a place long considered to be the epicenter of international professional cycling,” says Michael Marckx, SPY president, CEO, and creator of the event. “A tribute to the beautiful—and equally taxing—rides staged in early spring, this year’s route is different than the previous years with a great deal more gravel, dirt, pavé and climbing than even rural Belgium could offer, promising more fun, more pain and more fatigue than ever before.”
The ride begins at 8 AM on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Spy’s world headquarters and rolls neutral for 20 miles before things heat up at the 116-miles-to-go mark. The course features what organizers call “a relentless barrage of dirt, mud, single-track and water crossings” with a knee grinding 11,000 feet of climbing. But don’t let that deter you from what has become one of the best days you’ll ever spend on a bike. If you are man (or woman) enough, the click here to register ($125) or follow the jump for the official word from SPY or click here for our coverage from last year’s event (including a full results list). [click to continue…]
by editors on February 12, 2014
Our friends often don’t believe us (because they think we ride all day long) but we do occasionally work. And when we do there is nothing like a good pair of sneakers posing as boots to get us through. And Chrome Industries (makers of bulletproof messenger bag etc. . . ) have the perfect boot in the 415. Now they have a limited edition version.
We made our limited edition Red Leather 415 Work Boot to provide the stability and protection of a work boot with the mobility and feel of a sneaker. We noticed that work has changed but everyone is still wearing boots made for standing on the factory floor. We wanted a boot that didn’t require a long break-in period. One you could bike, skate, walk, and ride a motorcycle in. Red Leather 415s are made using weatherproof, oiled, full grain leather. Durable, and built for urban trades.
The Red 415s are available online for $130.00. Click the link and check them out.
by editors on January 31, 2014
Mother Jones writer Dana Liebelson has done some investigative journalism and discovered that fitness trackers from companies like Fitbit, Garmin, and Nike actually track your fitness and hold that data in their vast databases where it can be shared on the web, on a smartphone, and with others. Yes, really.
“Let’s start with the popular Fitbit. When you buy one of these bracelets or clip-on devices, you have the option of automatically sending fitness data to the Fitbit website. And the site encourages you to also submit other medical information, such as blood pressure and glucose levels. According to Fitbit’s privacy policy, “At times Fitbit may make certain personal information available to strategic partners that work with Fitbit to provide services to you.” Stephna May, a Fitbit spokesperson, says that the company “does not sell information collected from the device that can identify individual users, period.” However, she says that the company would consider marketing “aggregate information” that cannot be linked back to an individual user—which is outlined in the privacy policy as aggregated gender, age, height, weight, and usage data.”
Yes, and Strava knows where we ride, who we ride with, and what we say to them after we drop them. Seems like it’s time for all of us to just throw in the towel and know that unless you’re some kind of charismatic, political genius with plans to buck the new world order, no one really cares about any of your particulars. Seriously. And if they do, then there’s nothing you can do about it. We already live in a police state. Get used to it.
[Link: Mother Jones]
by editors on January 31, 2014
Each year Mt. Bachelor Resort in Bend, Oregon holds a banked slalom snowboard race hosted by local professional snowboarder Josh Dirksen. It’s called the Dirksen Derby. This year, thanks to the snow season getting a late start, the course was particularly hard, icy, and fast. In other words, it was a perfect course for some snow mountain biking. These guys make it look like a ice version of Phil’s Trails’ legendary Whoops Trail. Kirt Voreis and Carson Storch get all over it in this edit from Pete Alport.
by editors on January 23, 2014
We couldn’t live without the RockyMounts DriveShaft thru-axel adapter than turns our Thule Peloton into a perfect MTB transporter. But now RockyMounts is stepping it up with their new low-profile upright bike rack that means we wouldn’t need to take our front wheel off at all. It’s stand up roof tray is called Brass Knuckles.
BrassKnuckles gets its name from the ergonomically shaped handle which makes the arm and wheel hook easier to pull down for efficient bike mounting. The handle includes a non-pinching trigger and RockyMounts’ “Positive Ratcheting Engagement,” which allows the wheel-hook to move in finer increments resulting in a more securely attached bike. The handle also includes the RockyMounts’ “Secure Locking System,” allowing safe transportation of your most prized possession. . . “We’re extremely excited about BrassKnuckles,” said Bruno Maier, President of RockyMounts, Inc. “Our product team has done a fantastic job of designing and engineering an innovative bike rack that is the best upright mount available. BrassKnuckles reinforces our position as an innovative and colorful company.”
The BrassKnuckle can be adjusted to work on either side of the car and will fit any kind of roof rack crossbar. And, it’s only $199.95. For the official word from RockyMounts, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
WTB released a new performance saddle shape called the High Tail (along with carbon-railed versions of their Volt and Rocket V saddles) at the Taipei International Cycle Show today (March 6, 2014).
