Pedals on the Launch Pad

LaunchpadLaunch Components launched it Magnesium Launchpad flat bicycle pedals last year and for those looking to reduce the weight the new Aluminum Launchpad is ready to roll. These are designed for downhill racing, but are light enough for the cross country riding as well.

These feature an ultra low profile body that is just 120mm x 100mm, and yet offer a low surface area that retains grip even when wet. The Aluminum Launchpad pedals weight just 367grams per pair while the CNC machined pedals are hard anodized and ready for off-road adventures.

Launch Components Aluminum Launchpad Official Website

Hydration Packs For All Occasions

No matter what the adventure one thing you probably can’t bring enough of is water. Platypus, which has created a niche with its collapsible water pouches, has looked to create a hydration pack for virtually any cycling occasion and more, and its new line-up includes three primary lines: Cross Country (XC), All Mountain (AM) and the Multi-Sport (XT). The above XC line is for those who want to go out on a causal road or mountain bike ride, with just enough liquid refreshment. These feature build in pump sleeves and tool storage pocket.

Continue reading Hydration Packs For All Occasions

Marquette Skis Tackle Mild Winter

Normally winter in the backcountry means deep snow – but this year it can mean patches of dirt, grass and rocks. That not only can ruin a day on the skis, but in many cases it can also ruin the skis. Fortunately Marquette Backcountry Skis, which is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, has created a hybrid pair of skis that are a little bit cross-country, a little bit downhill and even a bit of snowshoe.

The Backcountry Skis are not meant to replace either cross-country or downhill skis, but as a hybrid they offer benefits from each. Video after the jump

Pole Boarding

We’ve heard of pole dancing, but pole boarding is absolutely nothing like that – for one thing you’d probably want to bundle up (instead of strip down) to go pole boarding. Basically it takes traditional snowboarding but turns it from a downhill event into one for cross country travel, and thus requires the aid of a pole for propulsion.

And perhaps as ironic as our comparison to pole dancing is that the device used to propel boarders is the Kahuna Snow Stick – as the whole Kahuna thing makes us thing surfboards not snowboards. But as we get past these facts, we note that the snow stick is actually modeled after stand-up surf paddles, but with a balde made of polycarbonate for pushing and steering in the snow. Continue reading Pole Boarding