The Cardboard Bike, which we first reported on last year, came about as inventor Izhar Gafni looked to transform the way bikes are produced and used. Now the Israeli-inventor looks to get the project rolling via Indiegogo. He’s has lofty goals and is looking to raise some $2 million to bring out this affordable bike that is truly made of cardboard, yet is durable and even waterproof.
We wish him luck. Continue reading Cardboard Bike Goes Indie
When out riding on a hot day sometimes a little spray from a lawn sprinkler is like a gift from the cycling gods. Now you don’t need to seek out such things, and even if you’re riding in the desert you can get some spray in the face.
This is the idea behind Q-FOG, a bike-mountable personal mister that is designed to keep riders cool. It developers – who are based in Israel and now something about hot weather – are currently looking for funding on Indiegogo. For those who ride in hot dry climates this can offer a refreshing blast right when you need it. Continue reading Mist You
A smartphone on a bike ride can do many smartphones but only if it is accessible. Reaching to the back pocket while riding down the road isn’t exactly a good idea, but the Dew Motion iStick Playtime can provide access and control of many app features for an iPhone – with an Android version in the works.
The iStick, which is currently looking to crowd funding site Indiegogo to roll this one out, is designed as a wrist wearable controller that pairs with the handset via Bluetooth 4.0. This allows wearers to answer phone calls and control various apps. Video after the jump
Swimmers don’t get a lot of sensory data while in the pool. There have been efforts to provide ways to train with music and many heart rate monitors are now swimming compatible. But unlike with running and cycling, it isn’t so easy to see the watch while engaged even in long distance activities.
This is where the Instabeat could come in. The device is now being developed via an Indiegogo campaign.
The device provides a heart rate reading from the temporal artery so no heart rate strap is required across the chest, while a head strap to the goggles provides the read out via a colored LED that is projected directly to the eyes. This helps swimmers track their heart rate while actually swimming to determine if they are at their own specific fat burning, fitness or maximum performance heart rate. The device even tracks calories burned, while a motion sensor tracks laps, flip turns and breathing patterns for a post-workout analysis. Video after the jump
Helmets are often called brain buckets, but the SMART is actually a cycling helmet that is pretty darn smart. While still under development via an Indiegogo project, its developers hope to create a cycling helmet with an integrated heart rate sensor.
Instead of wearing a heart rate monitor strap this system would provide real time, accurate monitoring via a sensor located in the helmet. This same type of sensors are currently used by fighter pilots and astronauts, and the developers have placed these in a Lazer Genesis helmet. The information gathered by the SMART sensor can be sent in real time to a mobile phone, sports watch or cycling computer via ANT+ and Bluetooth. Video after the jump
There have been numerous methods for carrying just enough water for a run, usually in small packs on the belt. That often means reaching for the water, but the Hydrosleeve is designed to allow runners to get a drink without breaking a stride.
As the name might imply it is a water bottle that is located on the runner’s arm. It holds up to seven fluid ounces, and is designed to compress as the runner drinks the water to ensure that what remains in the reservoir doesn’t need to sloush around. The Hydrosleeve is currently being developed through an Indiegogo campaign. We’ll drink to that. Video after the jump
CrankBrothers Egg Beaters are great off-road pedals, offering a minimal base and low weight. But without cycling shoes these are a nightmare to use. Not exactly friendly for shoes without the proper cleats. But now Pub Pedals is developing cleat covers that can transform the Egg Beaters into flat pedals – ideal for commuting or just heading to the store.
Pub Pedals are looking to the public – via Indiegogo – to raise funds to bring the platforms to market. Video after the jump
It’s easy to set up a cycle computer on your bike so you can determine how many miles you go each ride, and even to get a total for the bike. Running shoes, it’s not always so easy. Even worse, it’s difficult to tell when your shoes need to be replaced. A new device, the MilestonePod, aims to solve those problems, and more. Continue reading MilestonePod Tells When Your Shoes are Toast
StickNFind has introduced its new BluTracker, a Bluetooth 4.0 GPS locator that offers a range of 2500 feet. This portable tracking device runs on a rechargeable battery and it is compatible with iOS and Android apps. The device features an integrated and customized RF design and antenna, can broadcast its last known position, and can even alert users when something is moved. In this case it could be good for ensuring that a user’s items aren’t snatched – good to make sure that a bear doesn’t run off with your picnic basket for example. But it could also be used to keep a virtual tether on the young ones while out in the wild while camping. Video after the jump
We know the saying, “give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day, but give a man a fishing pole and he’ll never go hungry again.” To that we’ll add, “give the man the POLETAP SMARTROD and won’t need to waste time sitting with a fishing pole.” The concept here is actually for the angler who wants to use several lines and doesn’t want to worry about an unmanned rod hooking the big one.
The rod, which is being developed by Kansas-based inventor Ed Hope through an Indiegogo fund-raising project, utilizes an accelerometer with a three sensitivity sensors that can determine if it has a bite. The rod features an alarm – including an LED one to avoid annoying those in proximity or scarring away the fish – to alert users that it has hooked a fish. There are low tech ways, such as bell, that do the same thing but this system could be ideal for those looking to land a few fish on multiple lines. Almost doesn’t seem sporting.
Apple’s commercials once noted “there is an app for that” but let’s be honest there never was an app that could cut wood, open a bottle or loosen/tighten a screw. But now there is an iPhone case in the works that features an aircraft grade alloy multi-tool fitted inside a polycarbonate shell.
While not ready for retail yet, the Task One’s makers are looking to raise funding via Indiegogo. This casing essentially transforms the iPhone into a Swiss Army Knife with a plethora of gadgets including useful bicycle tools, including a 2.5-inch knife, 1.8-inch sawblade, small and large flathead screwdrivers, medium Phillips screwdriver, pliers with integrated 3-8mm wrench, wirecutters, six metric Allen wrenches, a spoke wrench, wire stripper, ruler and a bottle opener. Video after the jump
Earbuds were never a comfortable option for me, and they never stayed in. So I’ve always stuck with other options. A start-up raising funds on IndieGoGo aims to make earbuds more comfortable and stay in place. Earhoox is a pair of silicone rings that cover the outside of the earbud, with a fin that gives the earbud a little more of an anchor in your ear. Continue reading Earhoox Plans to Make Earbuds More Comfortable
We like to call out products that offer no real fitness value as Kinetic(Mis)Shifts but the Misfit isn’t one of those, despite the rather misleading name. The Misfit is actually a wireless activity tracker that goes beyond what similar devices do. First off we were caught by how small this one is, but then were really impressed that the all-metal device appears like it could stand up to real activity, which could include cycling and swimming. To sync with an app all that is required is laying it on the phone. The company is currently engaged in an Indiegogo fund raising project and we think this is going to be one to watch. Video after the jump
