Technabob » bicycle

SleekSpeak Wireless Speakers Will Help You Bike to the Beat

Lambert Varias — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:00:55 +0000

Whether you’re a prize-winning cyclist, a hipster or just a human being who loves to ride bikes and does not fit a niche or stereotype, it’s not a good idea to wear earphones while cycling. They impair hearing and can get tangled, causing you to be distracted and perhaps die a horrible death, albeit one with a soundtrack. Better go with something like the SleekSpeak.

Despite its unusual appearance, the SleekSpeak is simply a Bluetooth speaker, optimized for bicycles. It has a shock- and water-resistant rubber case, a silicone rubber strap, and an internal battery that lasts for 12 hours and is charged via USB.

Inventors David Meisenholder and MK Li claim that the SleekSpeak can output audio at over 80dB. It probably won’t have decent bass, but 80dB is pretty loud. Meisenholder told backers that he’ll be uploading a demo video of the speaker soon, but for now have a look at their pitch video:

Bike on over to Kickstarter before May 9th, and pledge at least $69 (USD) to have a chance to own one of the first SleekSpeaks. If it becomes popular, you can say that you had one before it was cool. Not that anyone will care.

[via Freshness]

Bicycle Upgraded with Train Horns Sure to Clear the Way

Technabob — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:54:07 +0000

Ever find yourself on your bike, only to be cut off by some jerk who doesn’t think bikes belong on the road? Or maybe you’re slowed down by some peds hogging the bike path. While you could try and ring your little bicycle bell or squeeze your meek little horn, you’re much more likely to get their attention with the horns they use on a train or an 18-wheeler. That’s exactly what DIYer Chad Thoren (aka “The Chadster“) did with his bike.

The Chadster outfitted his bike with a large dual-trumpet horn from a train, connected up to a tank filled with compressed air. He says this produces much louder results than you get by just hooking up the horns to an air compressor, so I can only imagine how loud it really is. The video clip below gives you a sense of it, but I’m guessing that in person, it’s much more startling.

The rather simple build requires a cruiser in order to provide a large rack for holding the compressed air cylinder, along with some hose, bungee cords and duct tape. Chad provides instructions on how to build your own over on Instructables, but recommends that you only use it to give pedestrians a scare (and maybe a heart attack,) and not riding in vehicular traffic. Personally, the bigger problem I see is that the rider of the bike probably needs to wear earplugs when riding if they don’t want to go deaf.

Peugeot DL 122: The Bike for the Computing Commuter

Range — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 23:00:51 +0000

Commuting on bikes is becoming more and more popular, with the rising costs in for fuel and public transportation and the reward that you can actually get fit while getting to work on time. Here’s an interesting concept for an urban commuter bike designed by Lauren Picard for Peugeot, the French car maker.

The DL 122 urban bike includes a built-in carrier for laptops, briefcases and documents. The items will fit securely between the two walls of the main frame and lock into place. The items will also maintain the center of gravity of the bike, allowing it to provide a better balance, contrary to backpacks and saddle bags.

The bike is made out of wood and aluminum, with a leather saddle and grips. It has compact 20-inch wheels and a hub that offers 8 speeds.

At this point, it’s only a one-off prototype, but I could definitely see this bike being a winner if they decided to put it into production.

[via designboom]

Bike Planters: A Little Green Goes a Long Way

Hazel Chua — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:00:01 +0000

I read a lot about the “Green Revolution” over the last weekend, since it was one of the topics covered in my school Finals. You’d think that something with that name would have something to do with saving the environment, right? Wrong. It’s actually a movement that pushed for advancements in the field of agriculture, such as the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other advanced farming methods that increased crop yields but caused the deterioration of the soil and of the environment, in general.

But what do you think about starting your very own Green Revolution – and I mean, the truly green kind? The Earth is at the stage where we people need to start giving back instead of consistently just taking. One way to do this is by carrying a little bit of green everywhere we go with this portable Bike Planter.

These tiny 2.3″ tall, 3D printed planters from Wearable Planter (yes they sell ones you can wear on your person too) let you carry your favorite plant with you wherever, whenever. Because of its small footprint, the Bike Planter is happiest carrying around clippings from succulents or air plants. Most bike riders I know are already eco-conscious, and this just lets them prove their point further.

The Bike Planter is available for $45(USD) over on Etsy.

[via Inspire Me Now via Likecool]

PleaseCycle Gives You Perks For Racking Up BikeMiles

Hazel Chua — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:00:22 +0000

When you train your dog, you employ a rewards system to reinforce good behavior, while trying to get rid of the bad ones. Parents raise their children in a similar manner, and many businesses employ the same approach in trying to keep their customers coming back.

So really, there’s no reason why companies shouldn’t use the rewards system of doing things when it comes to trying to get their employees to go greener. That’s 23-year old entrepreneur Ry Morgan’s idea when he came up with PleaseCycle.

Basically, Morgna has created a series of tools and services that will help business organizations start up their own bicycling programs. The latest is the BikeMile, which is like those airline rewards programs that give you some perks and privileges depending on the number of miles you’ve flown. Only in this case, it’s going to be for the number of miles you’ve cycled.

Morgan explains: “PleaseCycle creates digital Cycle Hubs for organizations which allow employees to log miles via Twitter and a mobile app… They can then redeem these BikeMiles for discount vouchers at a variety of retailers and compete against colleagues for additional rewards.”

Morgan adds: “Clients are already using the Hub to incentivise employees with everything from extra holiday time to discounted cycle equipment through our retail partners. We are essentially creating an Air Miles for bikes.”

The system launched in beta last November. Three hubs (which includes a hotel and a university) are already live, while many more are planned and on the way.

[via Pop Up City]

Overade Folding Bicycle Helmet: No Excuses Anymore

Range — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:00:06 +0000

I’ve been in a couple of biking accidents over the years, and lucky for me, I always wear a helmet, no matter what the temperature. However, I can see that having a bulky helmet around can get annoying, especially if you use your bike to go everywhere. The Overade folding bicycle helmet is designed take up a lot less space, so you won’t have any excuse to leave your helmet behind.

This folding helmet was created by Patrick Jouffret of the French design studio Agency 360. The helmet is supposed to offer the same amount of protection as a normal helmet, but it can fold up so it’s easily transportable when it’s not on your head. The folded size is small enough to fit in a backpack, purse or bag, which is cool.

Overade was first prototyped in 2010, but it’s supposed to finally go into production in 2012.

[via designboom]

Ridekick Trailer Turns Any Bike Into an Electric Bike

Range — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:00:14 +0000

Have you ever wished that you had an electric bike, especially while hauling groceries home from the store? Well the Ridekick trailer promises to do everything an electric bike does, plus offer you some extra storage space as well. It also allows you to unhitch the trailer and go without using electric power.

The Ridekick trailer has got a 1HP/500W electric motor. The twelve amp-hour rechargeable battery is enough for a maximum range of 12 miles and a top speed of 20 mph. The throttle control can be affixed to your handlebars, and can be used to give you that little extra boost while hauling cargo or heading up a steep hill.

Ridekick costs $699 (USD), so it’s cheaper than the vast majority of electric bikes out there. It will certainly enable people who wouldn’t normally consider using bikes everyday to do so, thanks to the extra power.

[via Inhabitat via DVice]

Primer-V2 Robot Rides a Bike, No Training Wheels Needed

Conner Flynn — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:00:24 +0000

We’ve seen robots that are capable of riding bikes (and unicycles) before, but usually they are slower than this guy. PRIMER-V2 also seems to have a ton of confidence. It’s crazy how good this little ‘bot is at riding his bike. I now foresee a future where bots will roam the streets doing sweet tricks on their BMXs and Huffys. Do they still have those?

This bot can reach speeds of 6 mph and uses centrifugal force from its front wheel and a gyro that helps with steering when going in a straight line. He really looks like a kid that just learned to ride and is doing great. And just like a kid, PRIMER-V2′s braking method is to use its metal feet to slow the forward motion of the bike.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

At times, our robot future is looking less scary at times, and more comical. I can’t wait to see all of the bike-riding and skateboarding bots at various parks and playgrounds. First they took our jobs, then they took our kids’ pastimes.

[via Geek]

Write a Bike Concept Makes Sure Your Bike Never Gets Stolen Again

Hazel Chua — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:00:11 +0000

Okay, so it’s going to take more than having your name fashioned literally from the bike itself with the Write a Bike Concept, but it sure it a good start. (But for ways to really secure your bike from thieves, then you could try checking out the Bike Lock handlebars concept or check your bike into the Bike Vault. Your choice.)

The Write a Bike concept by Juri Zaech is definitely a fun one, but there are obvious flaws. First, bikes with parts that just float because of what name is fashioned on it just won’t work. Unless you just plan to push your bike around and walk beside it, that is.

But if the designer somehow manages to turn his Write a Bike concept into a (safe and sound) reality, then it might deter would-be thieves because it would be so much easier to spot them trying to sell a personalized bike or even ride in one. (A rugged man on a bike with the name Mathilde on it? No, I don’t think so.)

[via Design Milk via Gadgets Matrix]

Bike Cufflinks for the Well-Dressed Bicyclist

Shane McGlaun — Sun, 08 May 2011 12:30:43 +0000

We have seen our share of geeky cufflinks around here, like the USB cufflinks a while back. I personally have no need for cufflinks. The last time I held a set of cufflinks was in the late 80′s when my cousin got married, and I didn’t know what they were. If you have the need for cufflinks and you like bikes, we found your set.

These cufflinks are simply called the Bicycle Cufflinks, and they have a sprocket on one side and a crank with a pedal on the other. They remind me of a game piece from Monopoly. The things will link your cuffs nicely with a bit of geek flare.

They are made by GothamSmith using a 3D printing process using powdered steel and bronze. Three different finishes are offered, and they will ship in June. Other than the antique looking steel here, you can get a pair that has a silver finish and a pair in gold color. The price for the cufflinks is $59 (USD), but the first batch is already sold out.

[via Wired]

ALPHA: The World’s Most Innovative Bike?

Range — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 22:52:33 +0000

While to many people, bike tech doesn’t seem to evolve much, there are refinements every year making bikes somewhat more efficient than just a decade ago. But that doesn’t stop some people from wanting a quantum leap in tech advances. A team of University of Pennsylvania mechanical engineering students have been working on a prototype bike that boasts a bunch of innovations. It’s called ALPHA.

For starters, ALPHA’s drive-train is completely enclosed inside the frame. The rear wheel hub contains a three-speed gearbox, and there’s an electronic clutch allowing you to switch between fixed-gear mode and freewheel mode. The bike has an LCD screen mounted on the handlebars to display stats that can be downloaded via a removable SD card. There’s even integrated LED lighting. Plus, all of the electronics are powered by the dynamo that’s in the front wheel hub.

Just like you’d expect from something this cutting-edge, the frame is mostly made out of carbon fiber, with some aluminum bits.

The ALPHA bike isn’t for sale, but it’s possible that some of these technological advances could trickle down into production frames over the coming years.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

[via Core77]

Lunartic Belt-Driven Hubless Bicycle: This is the Future of Cycling?

Range — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 13:30:38 +0000

Hubless wheels aren’t new, but combining those with a belt drive definitely make for a distinctive bike. The hubless bike is supposed to be as compact as possible, without having to fold it or being awkward to ride.

This Lunartic bike was developed by Loughborough Design School student Luke Douglas and it’s belt-driven. On top of that, the rear wheel hasn’t got a hub, so there are no spokes. The goal of his project was to create a compact bike with the performance and comfort benefits of a large wheel.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

It would be cool if that drive mechanism could be used as a dynamo to charge up gadgets. It’s definitely an interesting bike design, but to be honest, we’ll see if it’s ever made.

[via nerdstink via Make:]

If Skynet Made Bikes, the M55 Hybrid Would be It

Shane McGlaun — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:54:58 +0000

Despite most popular opinions, I really liked the Terminator Salvation flick. My favorite machines in the movie were those cool motorcycles that Skynet built. I think if Skynet built bikes, the M55 Hybrid Bike would be what they looked like.

The M55 Hybrid Bike is a sweet bicycle that is made from a cast structure and is completely water resistant and serviceable. It has an electric motor that can push the bike along so the rider doesn’t have to pedal. The rider can pedal and get assistance from the electric motor for hills and such.

Power comes from 22 Tenergy battery cells that can be charged to 80% of full capacity in only 15 minutes. The battery is good for 1000 charge/discharge cycles.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

This has to be one of the coolest bikes ever made. If you want to be one of the first to own an M55, fill out the pre-order request form here.

Anipov LED Spokes Hack Your Bike Into a Sort of TRON Light Cycle

Range — Wed, 26 May 2010 17:52:17 +0000

It’s true that if you have though about putting LEDs on your bike, it’s nothing new. However, this new tech from Japan will really light your bike up like none other in the neighborhood.

It’s called the Anipov LED system and it’s made by Japan’s Suns & Moon Laboratory. The system can access bitmap files as well as other image formats. Then, it displays them on a set of rapidly spinning LED-covered spokes. For now, this kind of system isn’t waterproof and relies solely on batteries. However, it won’t take long until someone hacks it to work off a dynamo of some kind.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

The Anipov LED system costs about 15,000 yen ($165 USD) and was shown off last weekend at the Tokyo Make Meeting. Anipov kit parts can be ordered here, but you’ll have to understand Japanese to figure out what you need to do in order to get this going on your bike.

[via Gizmag]

10 to 15 Bike Concept Ensures You Will have Grandkids Someday

Shane McGlaun — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:08:04 +0000

Every male on the planet has at least one memory of crushing his gonads on the cross tube of their bike as a kid. We all go through that stage where we aren’t quite tall enough for the big bike, but the small bike is just too short. Enviably one parent or the other just buys the tall bike because they don’t want to have to replace your bike in a few months. The result is you end up getting racked.

A new bike concept has turned up on Yanko Design that may well be the best thing to happen to gonad protection since the protective cup was invented. The concept has a frame that can be stretched to a length that is perfect for the rider.

The best part of the design is that the entire tube and seat moves up and down. That means your kid won’t crush the family jewels. The concept is called the Bike 10 to 15 and even has disc brakes. Where was this when I was a kid?

[Via Yanko Design]

Wii Bicycle Pedal Accessory on the Way? Bike Your Way to Fitness

Technabob — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:27:16 +0000

Is the Nintendo Wii going to get a recumbent bike peripheral sometime soon? From the looks of this leaked marketing slide spotted over on NeoGAF (along with another for a rumored Wii Fit Plus) it sure looks like a possibility.

While it’s not clear if the image is from Nintendo or from a 3rd-party accessory maker, it definitely looks like something I could see hooking up to my Wii. The $89.99 controller appears to be a foot-pedal device that’s used to interact with a variety of bike-riding and fitness activities.

My best guess is that the slide was leaked from some sort of Nintendo product focus group, and might not represent a final product. Still, I really love the idea that someday I may be able to participate in the Tour de France in my living room.

It’s actually my life’s ambition to complete a triathlon without ever leaving my couch.

[via Go Nintendo]

Lavod Bike Speaker Plays Mp3s From Your Handlebars

Technabob — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:45:40 +0000

This handy gadget adds a complete digital sound system on the handlebars of your bicycle.

The Lavod Bikeman LFB-615 clips onto a sturdy mount on your bike, and lets you play your favorite digital tunes through its built in amp and directional speaker. Designed specifically for bike riders, the tubular sound system directs music right at your ears, and does away with the dangers of wearing headphones when biking.

The media player can play MP3 and WMA format files, and has 2GB of on-board storage for your tracks. The speaker is rated at 2.3 watts, and runs on a high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack that lets you listen to up to 10 hours of music on a single charge. And when you need to juice back up, just connect it to your computer’s USB port or the included charger.

In addition to playing music, the durable water-resistant aluminum music player doubles as a flashlight – just in case you need to see where you’re going in the dark. A bright 1-watt white LED should provide plenty of illumination.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

You can find the Bikeman MP3 Bike Speaker over at Lavod for $139 (USD).

Monkeylectric Monkey Lights Make Bike Wheels Fly Through the Night in a Splash of Color

Technabob — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:00:23 +0000

Here’s a great way to pimp out your bicycle without having to give it a metallic banana seat or stuffing those sparkly pom-pom things into your handlebars.

MonkeyLectric’s Monkey Lights snap onto the spokes of your bicycle and provide an amazing, colorful light show as you pedal through the streets at night.

You’ll have no problem being seen in the dark with a couple of these strapped to your wheels. Although you might end up causing an accident as drivers are mesmerized by the trippy kaleidoscopic patterns.

Each MonkeyLight is a self-contained circuit with 32 super-bright full color LEDs, and comes pre-programmed with thousands of dazzling lighting effects and patterns. Plus, MonkeyLectric offers a full schematic and instructions for installing your own applications, in case you want to hack in your own designs.

Just tie-wrap a Monkey Light board to each of your bike’s wheels, pop in 3 AA batteries, choose your lighting patterns, and watch it go as your wheels turn. The faster your tires spin, the cooler the effect.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

You can grab the Monkey Lights for $64.99 (USD) per wheel over at the MonkeyLectric store.

Bergmonch Folding Bike Gets Flat on Your Back

Technabob — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 03:16:20 +0000

The Bergmönch folding bicycle is small enough to actually fold up into a backpack, and weighs in at just 9.5kg (appx. 21 pounds).

[via The Awesomer]

Bike Wheels Reveal Hidden Messages

Technabob — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:55:00 +0000

Here’s a cool gadget that lets you send messages using the wheels of your bicycle. By using an optical illusion called persistence of vision, your words are revealed as you pedal your bike.

The Lampex Lex module screws onto the spokes of your bicycle, and produces rapidly flashing sequences of LEDs to display your messages. The device connects to your computer’s USB port, and can be programmed in English, Japanese or Chinese characters using the included message creation software. It’s even waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about wet roads damaging it. You can see a video clip of the Lex in action here (and no, I have no idea what the deal is with the guy in the horse head at the end of the video).

The Lex module is available for pre-order from Japan’s Digital Cowboy for ¥3980 (appx. $35 USD).