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The frame of the already-popular Uzzi bike from Intense Cycles will undergo a full redesign for 2013 that will add six to seven inches of adjustable travel in the rear for both all-mountain free riding. A new hydro-formed tubing will make the frame lighter, stronger, and more rigid, and a new, asymmetrical swing arm configuration will also allow higher front derailleur and tire clearance. The pink color? We doubt it’ll be the only option…
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Kali‘s new Maraka XC Helmet employs three technologies into one cross-country mountain bike lid, including a bumper fit for a snug, custom fit that also absorbs shock on impact (pictured right). We’re most excited about the composite fusion, which employs the use of softer foam for the touch points where you head meets the helmet. But our heads will likely appreciate the new venting technology, which reinforces the helmet’s venting architecture to make it much stronger against impact.
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The refreshingly fun graphics of Hunting Beach Bicycle Company, who make some sweet cruiser bikes (and pretty cool t-shirts).
Interbike 2012—the largest gathering of the bike industry in North America—kicked off yesterday in Las Vegas. More than 750 companies representing more than 1,200 brands have taken over the Sand Expo Center from Sept 19 to Friday, Sept 21 to look at all sorts of the latest and greatest in cycling world. And naturally, we’re there as well. We’ll be bringing you a few show highlights over the coming days, including these snapshots from the floor.
Strider Bikes–easily the lightest bikes on the floor at 4.9 pounds. Designed for kids who have learned to walk and can thus “pedal” by sitting and walking. It’s a great way for toddlers to get used to the balance and steering of a bike.
The new flavor from 5-Hour Energy is pink lemonade (left)–they’ve partnered with Avon and five cents of each bottle goes to breast cancer research. On the right, the brilliantly pink van of Cruiser Candy, who makes all sorts of pimpin’ bike accessories. We particularly appreciate the purple fringe on the handlebars of the bike on the roof.
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www.mychacos.com
If you enjoy the outdoors you have probably heard of Chaco sandals and even if you don’t necessarily call yourself a “Chaconian” MyChacos is still for you. Chaco has launched a one-of-a-kind “Made In America” custom sandal program and it is amazing. Visit into www.mychacos.com and you will find four styles to choose from, and then it is a blank canvas where you can select everything from the sole pattern to the webbing designs, and even stitching color. Your selections immediately change on the sandal on your screen. Warning, you will lose hours playing with this. I created probably at least ten different designs and finally narrowed it down to three that I liked best, and still could not decide (the winner is pictured above, the runners-up down below). So I solicited the opinions of family and finally ended up selecting the more conservative design because I thought I would probably wear it with more things (yes I like to match)… I started out with the double strap with toe loop sandal then I went through every webbing option (the two straps can be different!). After that I selected the color of the heel leash, riser, buckle, buckle strap, footbed…they warn you there is more than tens of millions possibilities. There are two Vibram designs for the sole, one for wet terrain, and the other for loose terrain. Since I usually wear my Chacos at the beach and in water, I went with the wet option. MyChacos are made in Rockford, Michigan, by the ReChaco team and waiting on my creation to arrive in the mail was exciting too. When they arrived they looked just like I had seen online, and it is thrilling to know that no one else will have these! Chacos are great for anything from walking to the store to climbing on rocks through the rushing water of Dunn River Falls in Jamaica and their design and durable materials mean they’ll last a long time, too–but then if you can’t decide, you can always get more than one pair.
-Jennifer Seabolt
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www.mountainsmith.com, one pound
Face it—organization does make life easier. Whether it’s your gear closet, your car, the campground, ski lodge, or vacation home, things need to be stored, carried, and accessed. Backpacks and plastic tubs have their place, but for convenience, accessibility, and the ability to keep cold items cold (or warm items hot), this insulated rectangular tote is hard to beat. Compact, with 26 liters of storage capacity (enough to carry beverages and picnic lunch for a family of five), the Cube conveniently packs into the back of the car. Mountainsmith sells cubes without the insulation, but we like the fact that the Cooler Cube is a viable alternative to heavy, clumsy, hard-shelled coolers. For frozen stuff, we recommend bringing along freezer packs, but to keep drinks frosty on a hot day, the insulated walls do a great job on their own. Our testers toted the Cube on a 9,000-mile road trip, and relied on it during 102 degree days from Texas to Tennessee. More day-to-day uses include carrying frozen foods home from the grocery store on hot days—ice cream, milk, and even popsicles stayed frozen for an hour in August in Marfa, Texas. The zippered lid has an inside mesh pocket for loose items; outside is a tough ripstop fabric, a clear sleeve for a label (if you have multiple Cubes), and a handy bottle opener.
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