Category: Low Tech

Virtuous Rides

Virtue-BusPatience is a virtue it is often said, and for those who can sit back and enjoy a ride to work Virtue Bikes might be the way to go. The company offers a number of bicycles that evoke the pleasures of riding and a return to simpler times.

The company offers a cargo bike, the Virtue Truck, which can be carry a total of 110 pounds, but what really turned our heads was the Virtue School Bus (above), a bike that can carry about 300 pounds (meaning a kid or two) in the front cargo container. Continue reading Virtuous Rides

Velo Press Rides In With Children’s Book

BigDayLondon-based writer and illustrator Rod Waters holds the Guinness World Record for cycling between Paris and London in just over 14 hours, and now he has released a cycle-themed children’s book. Aimed at children aged 4 to 8, Eric’s Big Day: A Bicycle Race Unlike Any Other, tells the story of a boy who helps wayward bike racers as he heads out on a ride.

The book is available now from VeloPress.

Eric’s Big Day: A Bicycle Race Unlike Any Other Official Website

Myth Maker

Gerber-Myth-KitGerber has been a company that could rightfully be described at times as being somewhat “legendary” but now it is looking to get downright mythical. It has introduced the Gerber Myth Kit, which includes a dozen on-the-go tools for camping, hunting and just getting away from it all. This case includes numerous knives and blades, as well as a Gerber Field Dress Kit, Gerber Pocket Folder, Gerber Folding Saw, Gerber Cap Light, Gerber Shotgun Multi-Tool, Gerber Canvas Bag, Gerber Spotlight and a whole lot more. This is the one kit that truly has it all.

Gerber Myth Kit Official Website

The Baladeo Goes Retro

Baladeo-Le-Retro-KnifeThe Swiss Army Knife isn’t the only name in blades. The Baladeo Le Retro Knife evokes the knives that the company made in France in the early 1950s, and as the name suggests it has a true retro look but is far from light on features. It includes two blades, a saw, a can opener, a punch, a corkscrew, a piercing tool, and, of course, a bottle opener, along with a stainless steel body and true blonde horn handle. Thus it truly mixes form and function like a good knife should.

Baladeo Le Retro Knife Official Website

Nax to Grind

NaxThe Nax 2.0 doesn’t look like an axe, but that’s kind of the point. While axes served a purpose for centuries the Nax 2.0 is a 21st century take on the chopping tool. It was designed in collaboration with special forces soldiers, survival gear aficionados and preppers. The result is a multi-tool for the wilds that combines the features of kukri knife – the blade used by Nepalese Gurkhas for centuries – mixed with that of a machete and hatchet.

This easy-to-carry tool offers 4130 chromoly steel blade with a professional, zero ground edge. The blade was heat-treated to +48 HRC hardness so it can stand up to the end of the world and then some. It also includes a pommel with a pry and bottle opener, built-in gas shut-off wrench and a handle that is wrapped with 550 paracord. We’ve seen a lot of tools for the end of the world and this is one to add to that list.

Nax 2.0 Via Gear Up

Primal Gives Back

PrimalThis week cycling apparel maker Primal announced that it had donated more than a million dollars to the cycling community last year. The Denver, Colorado-based company said this is part of its ongoing commitment to the progression cycling and cause-related organizations. Through its dedication to sponsoring events and organizations that benefit people’s lives, Primal contributed more than $300,000 in cash and over $800,000 in product last year alone.

Primal has been a long standing supporter of organizations that include the League of American Bicyclists, Bike MS, NICA, IMBA, Tour de Cure, Bicycle Colorado, People for Bikes, US Military Endurance Sports, Rails to Trails, the Alliance for Biking and Walking and Trips for Kids, among many more.

“Giving back is a part of our culture here at Primal,” said Dave Edwards, founder and president of Primal, “and as we’ve grown we have been able to drastically increase our commitments and support of organizations that make a difference in the cycling community and around the world.”

A major part of Primal’s contributions come through the Primal Gives Back Program, which is open to all teams who participate in a charitable cycling event. For 2014 Primal has already announced several new and continuing sponsorships that will include partnerships with NICA, Bike MS, Tour de Cure, the National Bike Summit, Colorado Bicycle Summit, Sea Otter Classic and the Bicycle Leadership Conference.

Primal Community Official Website

Made in America: Tie One On

KhordzIf you’re going to tie one on better to tie it on with the Khordz Hand Tied Mug, a multi-purpose line of drinkware. These customizable mugs are designed to replace single-use cups and are insulated with 25 feet of hand tied paracord, which is used as the sleeve and handle. It is suitable for a multitude of tasks; from use as a snare trap to hanging a hammock.

The 16 ounce food-grade, heat-resistant glass jar is designed to be easy to clean. The mugs are made in America, and the entire package is assembled here as well. The designers are looking to Indiegogo to snare some interest and mass produce the Khordz Hand Tied Mugs.

Khordz- Hand Tied Mugs Indiegogo Site

The You Pad

Iceman-Crash-PadThe Iceman cometh with the Evolv Iceman Crash Pad, a specially designed padding for those partaking in the sport of bouldering – which is one that involves short climbs without ropes or other protection. Since these can involve falls onto the hard ground the crash pad is a must.

The Iceman Crash Pad features 1000D and 500D cordura nylon fabric that can stand up to quite a bit of abuse, while the closed-cell dense foam will be able to absorb climbers in many, many landings. What goes up must come down and for those who lose a grip it is better to come down on this crash pad.

Evolv Iceman Crash Pad

Made in America: Something to Fyxate On

FyxationHave a bottle of wine or a Frisbee to carry on your bike? Fyxation has introduced its American-made leather bicycle accessory. The collection consists of the leather Six Pack Caddy, Wine Caddy, Frisbee Disc Caddy and Bicycle Carrying Handle.

Each of these are made from grained leather that Fyxation sources in Milwaukee; assembly is done in the company’s Milwaukee headquarters. These are now ready to roll.

Fyxation Official Website

The Sage Series Speaks

Sage-SeriesSpyderco’s Sage Series is not just another line of folding knives. These feature an innovative lock mechanism that has helped define modern folding knife technology, and each member of the Sage family shares the same basic design profile and unifying features like a flat-ground, leaf-shaped CPM S30V blade, an ergonomic handle with textured forefinger choil and thumb ramp, and a reversible tip-up wire clip.

The Sage3 recognizes one of his most significant inventions: the Bolt Action Lock, which was designed by Blackie Collins, a legend in the knife industry. This locking mechanism consists of a spring-loaded steel bolt that wedges between a ramp on the back of the blade tang and the inside of the handle back strap when the blade is opened. Retracting a sliding button attached to the bolt releases the lock, allowing the blade to close safely without the user’s fingers crossing the path of the blade edge.

This line also supports a worthy cause, and proceeds from the sale of every Sage Series folder are donated to the Alzheimer’s Association, Colorado Chapter.

Spyderco Official Website

Ready to Erupt

VolcanoBoardingWhile you can rock it like a hurricane, if you’re heading to Nicaragua you can get a sense of what lava might feel like. The Bigfoot Hostel near colonial León offers plenty of historic attractions but for thrill seekers there is the ability to ride down the slopes of the 2,388-food Cerro Negro on a specially made toboggan. Speeds reach up to 55 mph, which is faster than lava and a whole lot of fun.

Volcano Boarding at Bigfoot Hostel

Kul Rex and Roll Bag

NisnasNisnas Industries doesn’t make high tech bags for cyclists. They make stylish bags for those who might commute via a bicycle. This includes the new Kul Rex, Racing Stripe Edition bag, which looks quite chic yet speedy. This leather bag features a wood spin that makes it comfortable on the shoulder yet anything but awkward on the bike.

If the Kul Rex isn’t your thing you can hit the streets with the Kul Porter, a slimmed down bag that is ready when anything goes.

Nisnas Kul Bags Official Website