End of the Road

KineticWhen we launched KineticShift at the 2010 International CES we hoped to bring attention to the fact that many tech and gadget blogs called out products that entertained but few addressed that technology could also help make users healthier in the process. Since our launch CES has added a program that specifically addresses fitness technology, the trade magazine TWICE (This Week In Consumer Electronics) covers fitness technology and big box retailers such as Best Buy carry fitness devices including motion trackers and heart rate monitors.

There is now a whole category of wearable devices and major players from Google to Apple to Microsoft are now in this space. Fitness technology has come into its own.

On the one hand we could say “mission accomplished,” but of course this trend would have happened without KineticShift. While we managed to get on the radar of many companies and helped promote many products we have also realized that we were never able to break out.

We say kudos to those sites such as Gear Patrol, Gear Junkie and Uncrate that have managed to make a splash. We’ve covered an alphabet of trade shows: CES, SIA, E3, CTIA, SHOT, etc. (not to mention Interbike and many other shows), and we thank all our readers who came and read what we had to say.

We thank the sponsors that we’ve been able to attract as well.

Thank you for four and a half great years. All of us at KineticShift will likely continue to cover and report on fitness technology, but the time has come to for us to move on. While we could continue to do our daily updates the truth is that we were unable to grow and that has limited what we can do. With that in mind, we’ve hit the end of the line.

The KineticShift Staff

Lock and Loaded

SkylockIf you have to leave your bike even for a second you need a quality lock. That means bringing keys or remembering a combination. The Skylock is a keyless lock system that works with your mobile phone. It can keep your bike secure – and even alert you if the bike is moved – plus it can act as an alert should it detect a crash.

But the best part is that it syncs with your mobile device so there is no need to bring a key! Video after the jump

Norco Crosses the Threshold

NorcoThe 2015Threshold is ready to go. This new cyclocross bike from Norco is heavily influenced by the B.C. brand’s mountain bike heritage, and features a frame with size-scaled tubing that ensures that that a heavier rider on a larger frame will experience the same ride characteristics as a lighter rider on a smaller frame, while proprietary Gizmo cable routing features plugs that create tight seals at entry and exit points, blocking water and debris from entering the frame and preventing cable rattle.

It features through-axles, disc brakes and offers quick handling on the course.

Norco Official Website

Ready, Aim… Watch Your Fire

FireWhile the warm weather is a good time to hone the shooting skills this year’s dry conditions need to be addressed. The National Shooting Sports Foundation is encouraging target shooters and hunters to do their part to help prevent wildfires, and offers a poster and audio public service announcement containing prevention guidelines for use throughout this fire season.

The poster encourages firearms owners to know the rules, regulations and fire-danger levels before going shooting in fire-prone areas; to minimize the risk of fire by not using ammunition that is steel-jacketed or contains steel-core components, by not using tracer rounds or exploding targets; to remember that a vehicle or ATV’s hot exhaust pipes could ignite a fire; and to properly extinguish campfires, among other fire-prevention measures.

NSSF: Shooters & Hunters: Help Prevent Wildfires Official Website

Tour de France Rides to the PS4

TourdeFranceThis year you don’t have to just watch the Tour de France – you can ride it in video game fashion. In fac this year there are two games including Tour de France 2014 and Pro Cycling Manager.

Tour de France 2014 invites you to wear the jersey of the greatest champion cyclists and take part in a 2014 Tour in a game packed with new features. The game lets you enter one of the most prestigious cycling competitions in the world that now takes you through the English countryside, London roads, cobbled sections in northern France, legendary mountain stages and the fabulous finish on the Champs Elysées. The 2014 version of the game will arrive on the Xbox 360 as well as PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in time for the race.

Pro Cycling Manager 2014 on PC is designed to thrill fans of sports management and catapult you to the head of one of the 75 pro teams in a riveting cycling season where you take part in over 200 competitions and 550 stages! This extensive 2014 edition offers meticulously rendered graphics, new off-race management options (R&D, financial management and improved sponsor relations, etc.), a more dynamic transfer market, a more realistic injury system, a brand new and highly intuitive interface and a race gameplay that is full of great features, including consecutive orders and race tactics!

Pro Cycling Manager Official Website

Electrified

E-BikeKitWant to get some electrical assistance on the ride to work? The new E-BikeKit and E-TrikeKit from Electric Bike Technologies USA will electrify your ride.

“This is a significant endorsement for electric bike conversion in the U.S. market and a momentous opportunity for our company,” said Electric Bike Technologies CEO Jason Kraft. “We’ve been hard at work since 2008 developing what we know to be the best value in electric bike conversion kits and to have that recognized by J&B is a real honor.”

The systems are available now from J&B in all wheel sizes, front and rear, with several motor and battery options. Future plans include the introduction of a high-end 500-1000w geared motor and lithium battery options.

E-BikeKit Official Website

Magellan is Ready to Ride

Cyclo-505Magellan once again shows its customers the way, and this includes those on bikes. The company has launched its new Cyclo 315 and 505 GPS cycling computers in North America, following the debut of these last year in Australia and Europe The Magellan Cyclo units are designed to help guide the way for all bike riders from the hardcore triathlete to the body armored mountain biker, or even the weekend touring enthusiast.

At 3-inch in size, both the Cyclo 315 and 505 have the largest touch screens in the GPS cycling computer category. The units feature a highly detailed road network with cycling POI’s, enabling turn-by-turn navigation, as well as the very popular Open Street Map bike network, for either the U.S. or Canada. The Cyclo 505 is also the first GPS cycling computer to include Shimano Di2 gear data display and recording, Bluetooth Smart HRM/SAC sensor support, Android and iOS smartphone support for call and SMS notifications, Indoor ANT+ trainer support and enhanced ANT+ power meter support. Continue reading Magellan is Ready to Ride

Folded Blades

SpydercoThis month Spyderco noted that sometimes “progress” is actually a step backward. The knife maker called out new knife laws in other countries – noting that Denmark has prohibited any one-hand-opening knife. Rather than just fold up and go home the knife maker has addressed the issue with modified versions of its U.K. Penknife!

The result is the Spyderco Spy-DK Orange Plain Edge Knife, which features a reduced blade, and removed the one-handed opening, but is otherwise still a solid pocketknife that will come in handy when needed.

Spyderco Spy-DK Orange Plain Edge Knife Official Website

Go With the GoRemote

GoRemoteAs we’ve said many times a smartphone is a great thing on a ride but not everyone wants to put it in harm’s way. The GoRemote is Bluetooth 4.0 waterproof remote for the iOS devices that allows the handset to be safely tucked away – while this wristband and bracket gives users the freedom to take control.

The GoRemote is now looking to get going via a Kickstarter campaign. Continue reading Go With the GoRemote

Bike Friendly

BikeFriendlyThe League of American Bicyclists has announced its latest round of Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC).

“This round of applications overwhelmingly confirms what we heard from local elected officials at the National Bike Summit this year — riding a bike embodies the quality-of-life aspirations of communities across the country,” said League President, Andy Clarke. “Making this healthy and active transportation mode safe and easy is of growing importance to the 8 million residents of New York City and the 6,000 people in Franklin, Pa. alike. We’re excited that these communities have made the smart and vital investments to become a designated Bicycle Friendly Community.” Continue reading Bike Friendly

From Fat to Fit

ProCylcingPhil Gaimon isn’t as famous as Lance Armstrong or Bradley Wiggins, but he could be a true success story for anyone feeling who has hopes of getting in better shape. He just released his book, Pro Cycling on $10 a Day: From Fat Kid to Euro Pro. Gaimon began cycling at age 16 to shed some pounds before he headed off to school, and ended up falling in love with racing. He now rides for Team Garmin-Sharp.

VeloPress, his publisher noted: “His book chronicles a racer’s daily lot of blood-soaked bandages, sleazy motels, cheap food, and overflowing toilets. But Gaimon also celebrates the true beauty of the sport and the worth of the journey, proving in the end that even among the narrow ranks of world-class professional cycling, there will always be room for a hardworking outsider.”

VeloPress Official Website

Giving Its All

RetroshiftIf you’re looking to go old school cyclocross brand Gevenalle will help you get in gear with its new line of components that include hydraulic shift levers and cassette adapters designed for use in mud and dirt. Formerly known as Retroshift, the company’s new name is derived from a pair of Dutch words and translates to “Give All,” and this line certainly does that and more.

“Gevenalle products are the result of a love for cyclocross and desire to offer innovative and problem-solving solutions for the sport that road components don’t quite meet,” said company founder Adam Clement, who launched Retroshift in 2011. “Our products are geared toward the ’cross racer looking to improve his/her performance with race parts built to better meet their requirements. We are offering affordable aftermarket components that better meet the requirements of the muddy carnage we call cyclocross.”

Gevenalle Official Website