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…]
by editors on January 22, 2014
The Spy Giant Ride Elite Cycling Team today announced its roster of riders along with presenting and supporting sponsors. In 2014, the team will be known as SPY GIANT RIDE presented by MRI Endurance, and will exclusively use the MRI line of endurance and athlete products for all its training and competitive needs.
“The mission for our team is to bring together the most positive racers in Southern California who have the potential to leave a lasting, happy impression and provide them access to the best products on earth,” says Michael Marckx, SPY president and CEO. “Our partnership with MRI Endurance is the greatest step we’ve taken to fulfill that mission, and the wide array of MRI products will keep our team performing at an optimum level, driving the front and creating a wake of happiness wherever we ride. When you consider we’ve got the greatest bikes, eyewear, helmets, shoes, wheels, components, apparel, and now nutrition and sports supplements, it’s no wonder a spot on our team is such a sought after position.”
For the official word from Spy, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by editors on January 17, 2014
We’ve often thought about the job of a saddle. In fact, we’ve often wondered just what it . . . better clip it right there and roll the edit!
by editors on January 17, 2014
Proving that nearly anyone can break their collarbone on a mountain bike actor Matt “garbage person” Damon explains what happened to Jay Leno as seen on PinkBike.com.
[Link: Pinkbike]
by editors on January 10, 2014
Sexy 80s & 90s eyewear is making a strong comeback. Don’t think it’s not. We know. We walked the Agenda Show aisles. Smith Optics did it better than anyone back in the day, and now they’re bringing it back exactly as it was done before with their new Smith Archive Collection.
[Link: Smith Optics]
by editors on January 9, 2014
With only 12 days to go, Los Angeles’ Derringer Cycles is no where near reaching their Kickstarter goal of $75,000 for their new Derringer Electric. In fact, with 30 backers they’ve only raised $1,644. Which is strange, because these electric board track inspired powered bicycles look amazing.
At the heart of every Derringer Electric is a powerful lithium-ion (Li-NMC) battery. This safe, reliable chemistry allows for high current draw, has great energy density, and still provides a long lifetime of 1000 recharge cycles. Bikes are available with 37, 52, and 63-volt batteries, each with a 12.5 Ah capacity. Heritage and Signature Series bikes include a 4 Amp charger that can recharge a fully drained battery in three hours. Bespoke buyers get an upgraded 6 Amp charger that drops charging time to two hours.
Guess no one wants a really cool looking electric bike. Click the link for more info.
[Link: Derringer Cycles]
by editors on January 6, 2014
We don’t have to worry about snow when we ride, but we do have the occasional interaction with drivers who believe they own the road. It is great to see the level of interaction in the East. An showdown like this in Southern California would likely result in two people being shot and or killed. But out East, it’s just a conversation on the road.
by editors on January 6, 2014
In yet another sign of consolidation in the bike business, Trek (one half of American bicycling’s two-headed monster) has reportedly purchased Southern California beach cruiser maker Electra Bicycles, according to a story on Bicycle Retailer.
“I have always admired the Electra brand,” said Trek president John Burke, in the press release. “Skip [Hess] (Electra president) and his team have done some amazing things with limited resources. Trek will be able to provide financial, supply chain, distribution, and sales support that will help Electra take its business to the next level and will stay out of their way when it comes to product and marketing.”
So far the Electra teams says they will stay in their Vista, California headquarters. We’ll see how long that lasts.
[Link: Bicycle Retailer and BikeHugger]
