bicycle
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Work out your PSP on a Trixter X-bike
Cycling with your PSP is becoming quite popular, even more so with a new modification to the Trixter line of X-bikes. Apparently, a PSP can be attached to the bike itself, enabling catered exercise programs to reach your eyes as well as your ears, for your grueling workout. We suppose it's mildly interesting, though the initiative of infusing exercise with gaming is starting to get a little ridiculous. Honestly, we're still holding out for a model of the X-bike series that allows us to play games while the bike works its wonderful magic on our motionless bodies. Playing games while burning fat ... a lovely combination. Come on, make it happen Trixter.[Via Tech Digest]
MasterFlex's CargoBike hauls wares via hydrogen fuel cells
Nah, MasterFlex's fresh new wheels aren't exactly made for easy lugging, but if your legs are all given out, this hydrogen fuel cell-powered bicycle won't rely on fossil fuels to get you around. Designed for easily hauling goods (or rambunctious youngsters) around town, the bike also sports a 250-watt fuel cell system that not only gives your body a rest whilst handling "inner-city logistics," but you can reportedly stroll along for 150 miles at a mind-numbingly slow 3.7-miles per hour if you're in need of fresh air. Interestingly, it seems that the power system can also be channeled to peripheral lighting sources or to "cool transported goods," which should definitely interest those looking to open a mobile drink shop in downtown Phoenix. The bikes are already being utilized in various third world nations, but the pieces are seemingly in place to get these motorized machines to areas of Europe in the very near future.[Via Wired]
The Suitcase Bike finally unfolds, should hit production soon
We understand, it's practically impossible to either bike everywhere you need to go or have your General Motors' Flex-Fit rack ready to rock when you're far from home, but the suitcase bike can seemingly tackle both of those issues with ease. Amazingly, the oft talked about, but hardly taken seriously Suitcase Bike has apparently been green-lit for production, and could be available to suckers interested consumers "later this year." While it shouldn't be too hard to guess, we'll do the honors anyway: the presumably hefty suitcase can morph into an unsightly form of transportation with just a few clips, folds, and snaps, and while public humiliation isn't necessarily included in the price, we can't help but imagine that it'll be bundled in whether you like it or not. Still, having a pair of wheels on your person at all times could certainly come in handy, so be sure you click through and catch the unfolding video to see if it's really worth the reported $399 asking price.[Via TreeHugger]
Pro Cycling Manager gives gamers "something different"
Focus Home Interactive and Cyanide revealed a new game today, offering "something different" for PSP gamers. Pro Cycling/Tour de France 2007 is heading to both PC and PSP, and will offer players all the fun of ... bicycling. Yes. From the press release:"The PSP™ version is being specifically designed to take advantage of the features of Sony's® PlayStation Portable handheld system. The real-time simulation aspect of the game is enhanced and the game sets a faster pace than its PC brother. With careers lasting up to five seasons, unique gameplay modes which include time trials, sprints and optimized race lengths, Pro Cycling/Tour de France 2007 on PSP is a lean, mean portable dream. Players and cycling fans will love the 20 official teams and their star cyclists, and will experience the most thrilling Tour de France ever, available for the first time on PSP!"While I can't personally say I'm excited, it certainly does provide something different for PSP players.
SoundofMotion keeps cyclists safe, morphs phone into motorcycle
It may not be legal in most civilized nations to ride a Segway on the sidewalk, but for those still risking their lives on a two-wheeled machine, things are about to get a lot safer. SoundofMotion has developed a clever new warning system that turns your phone into what sounds like a roaring motorcycle, and not content with just playing a pre-recorded loop over and over, it's actually designed to rev up and down based on the speed and acceleration of your bicycle. The application will run on "any Bluetooth- and Java-capable phone," and it interacts with a "wireless BT sensor" that gets mounted on one of your wheels. Unsurprisingly, the device responds to the motion sensor and lets the carefree motorists around know you mean business when crossing an intersection. The app is currently sitting in beta, but the creators hope to have a final rendition ready to go before you make too many summer treks, but you better be willing to face total embarrassment (and have one loud speakerphone) to save your skin before picking this up. Click on through for a demonstration.[Via Slashphone]
USB mouse pedals away, gauges speed as you type
C'mon, even you know it's time to give the ole hamster a break from his wheel-spinning duties, and the latest typing-powered time waster to come our way is a very suitable replacement. The USB Speed Typing Mouse plugs directly into your USB port to get warmed up, and as you bang out dissertations, IMs, e-mail, and erroneous office rumors, the oh-so-toned mouse gets his stationary bike a-movin'. Interestingly, the front-mounted LCD is also good for keeping track of just how many keystrokes you can crank out, and of course, the faster you type, the faster the poor critter's legs will go. This must-have office mainstay checks in at a somewhat steep £19.99 ($39.40), but unfortunately for those anxious to get one shipped over, you'll have to wait about a fortnight while the little buggers complete basic training and return to stock.[Via EverythingUSB]
Talking on the phone + riding your bicycle in NJ = $250 ticket
Here at Engdaget we completely support laws that make the roads a safer place for everyone, but this is a little ridiculous. Legislators in New Jersey are trying to pass a law where it would be illegal to talk on your cellphone and ride your bike. No, not a motorcycle, a bicycle. (Yeah, we know what you're thinking.) The rider would get a ticket for doing such and the fine would range from $100 to $250. We guess it could be worse -- we could live somewhere like Lawrence, Kansas or Honolulu, Hawaii where your cell phone can get you a all all types of trouble with the law. [Via Textually]
Motorola to roll out cellphone-charging bicycle in "emerging markets"
Here's one we weren't exactly counting on seeing. Motorola's cheif executive Ed Zander rolled into a packed room here at CES on a bright yellow bicycle, topped off by having Queen's "Bicycle Race" cranked in the background. Yes, oddly enough, Motorola is coming out with a self-branded bike for "emerging markets," which translates into countries where energy sources are scarce. While the company has seen declines here in America due to a very saturated handset market, nearly 5 million folks per month are going mobile in China, thus the need to penetrate those potentially lucrative third world areas. The vehicle will sport a cellphone charging system to provide a way to energize those handsets so intently desired all around the globe. As expected, a cradle on the handlebars would house the mobile, while the motion of the pedals would generate electricity to recharge its battery pack. While this might not sound convenient or even worthwhile in a place like America, "more than 500 million Chinese people rely on bicycles as their primary mode of transportation," which could also mean that half a billion folks in China will soon be cruising the streets while doubling as an AC adapter.[Via Textually]
GPS biking in Japan
PSP GadgetZ is up to it again: they took a "Ram Mount," attached it to a GPS-enabled PSP, and then grafted it to a bike, and rode away in style. If that isn't pure dedication to the system, nothing is. Hopefully, this intrepid blogger won't watch movies while riding... I'm sure that's a lethal combination.See a video of the "Ram Mount" in action, after the cut.
Canadian billboard gets pedal-powered, shows off LED efficiency
Considering our everyone's infatuation with everything LED is fairly evident, we couldn't help but stop and stare at a Canadian billboard sporting no fewer than 1,500 LED lights, all brightly shining to spread some holiday cheer. But the method to the madness is what's important here, as this particular poster had no direct contact with an AC outlet, and reverted to getting its juice from some 120 pedal-pushing volunteers instead. The DDB/Vancouver project was lit for five consecutive days on behalf of BC Hydro, and was setup to display just how efficient LED lighting really is. According to BC Hydro, the same amount of wheel-turning energy would've only lit up 120 incandescent bulbs, which would've left Rudolph a bit dimmer than expected. The only thing missing, however, was a government-employed robot to crank out a few more miles once the humans went home for the holidays.[Via OhGizmo]
iHome2Go announcing iH85 bike sound system
Looks like SDI Technologies is about to extend its iHome line of iPod accessories into heretofore unexplored territory, with the company set to announce this bicycle sound system at CES in January. There's not a whole lot of details to report at the moment, but the device (assigned the iH85 designation in SDI's naming scheme) is apparently water-resistant and, from the pics, appears to provide some protection for your precious iPod, as well what may or may not be a wireless remote so you won't have to pull over and disassemble the whole unit every time you want to skip a track or crank the volume. Needless to say, there's also no word on pricing or availability, though that and some more specs should be revealed at the big show in Vegas.
Beat-Bike brings "disco-bleeps" to cycling
Just in case you thought getting out from behind that computer screen to hop on your bike was too boring and low-tech for you, then you may want to talk to Michael Una. This Chicagoan has just built what he calls the Beat-Bike v.1, a "bicycle-controlled drum machine." He's loaded up this bike with sensors on the frame, which are activated by turning the front wheel, or, y'know, riding the thing. As Michael writes: "Once activated, they trigger a momentary sounding of a single drum sound- kick drum, snare, tom-tom, and "disco-bleep" from a kids' toy drum machine. As the wheel spins, the sensors are triggered in a sequence which becomes an audible, repeating drum beat." Nope, we can't think of a better way to get our "funky outer-space disco beat" on, either. Now while you're contemplating your weekend plans, go check out the video of the Beat-Bike in action on Michael's site.[Via MAKE: Blog]
General Motor's integrated, retractable Flex-Fit bike rack
If you've been yearning for a long weekend on the campgrounds, and you've already made arrangements for a svelte hotel / tent hybrid to reside in, the only thing missing (besides the obligatory USB-powered lantern) is your bicycle. General Motors has developed a sleeker, more elegant method to hauling around your bike of choice than those awkward third-party apparatuses; its Flex-Fit system consists of an integrated bike rack that covertly hides within the rear bumper of your automobile, and at the presumed press of a button, the system pulls a stunt akin to those found in highly touted spy films. By sliding out from beneath the vehicle in order to holster the bike and expose a secondary license plate (in case the boys in blue need to check up on you), it removes the hassle of affixing a rack onto your ride, only to worry over its stability the entire trip. Once the bicycle has been removed, the mechanism slides conveniently back into the vehicle, leaving no trace of the SUV's carrying abilities. The system is only available on the (European) Opel Antara at the moment, and while we aren't sure if the Flex-Fit will ever find its way on to vehicles destined for America, having a bike onboard could be an excellent backup should you run out of fuel (or money to afford it).
Control your Murata Boy bicycling robot via Bluetooth
Taken your new Segway over any sweet jumps (in reverse) lately? While it's highly improbable that you have (at least intentionally), you can satisfy your cravings for ascending inclines in a safer, less direct fashion with Murata's not-so-sheepishly named Murata Boy. The robotic bicycler has made quite a few strides in performance since last year, and thanks to improved balance, gyro, and shock sensors, can now handle slopes and even thinner balancing beams with ease. Plus, it received a whopping 9% speed increase, bringing the top-end up to a mind-numbing 1.34 miles per hour -- though apparently it feels a helmet is still a necessity at that pace (gotta be a role model for the kiddies, you know). The real thrill comes from controlling the Tour de France-trainee via your cellphone; sporting a built-in Bluetooth module in its backpack, the Murata Boy wheels wherever you direct it, so long as it can handle the terrain. Sure to be just as popular in Japan as the Tickle Me Elmo eXtreme should be in America this holiday season, the Murata Boy will be released to the masses on October 3rd for an undisclosed price.[Via Impress]
Dekra D-Drive bike trades the chain for direct-drive
Anyone who's ever gotten clothing caught in their bicycle gears and been sent tumbling to the ground with a shredded pant leg will surely appreciate a new bike that ditches the derailleur in favor of a safer, cleaner, lower-maintenance direct-drive system. Just introduced Stateside by importer Dynacraft, the Dekra D-Drive bike uses a drive shaft to transfer power from your pedal-pumping legs to the back wheel, and includes a fully enclosed bevel gear system from Shimano to ease your load on those uphill climbs. Of course, with only three gears (changeable through a twist of the handlebar), this model will never be seen cruising victoriously down the cobbled surface of the Champs-Elysées at the end of a Tour de France, but at $300 it seems like a reasonably-priced way to roll around town hassle-free.[Via Gizmag]
The Wheel turns your bike into a moped
Bicycles have always been a great way to get around, but the whole pedaling thing really takes away a lot of the appeal for some people -- we're sure countless dusty bikes with flat tires are hanging in garages nationwide. Well a company called RevoPower wants to put that huge fleet of two-wheeled vehicles back on the road with an innovative new product that easily converts most mountain or hybrid bikes into 20MPH mopeds. The Wheel, as it's known, manages to pack a gasoline- and oil-powered 23cc, two-stroke internal combustion engine into the space between a standard wheel's spokes, giving it a clear advantage over other modification kits which require tinkering with the existing drivetrain. Once the old wheel has been swapped out for the new Wheel, all you need to do is attach the throttle control to your handlebars and slide the fuel container into your water bottle cage (hope you don't get thirsty on your ride), and you're ready to hit the streets at an environmentally-friendly 200+ MPG. A video of The Wheel (and some overly-eager focus group members), which is due out next year for $400, is available by clicking here.[Via Popular Science and high t3ch]
GyroBike flywheel helps bicycles self-steady
Besides learning to use the toilet properly, the ability to ride a bicycle is one of the most important early-childhood accomplishments, but unfortunately, the current use of training wheels for practice does little to prepare kids for life on two wheels. Well a start-up using technology developed at Dartmouth College is aiming to eliminate the rolling crutches that are training wheels, and replace them with a gyroscopic flywheel that attaches to the front wheel and helps a bike steady itself whenever the rider loses his/her balance. Expected to retail for around $40 when it hits the market, the GyroBike by the company of the same name works by spinning in conjunction with the wheel it's attached to, using natural physical properties to turn the handlebars towards the direction of an impending fall. GyroBike also claims to be in talks with the top six manufacturers of kids' bikes, so you may soon be able to buy a model with this technology built-in instead of retrofitting one you already own.[Via Cnet]
Animated LED Pac-Man bicycle wheels
Using LEDs and a "persistence of vision" technique, ladyada has created an animated Pac-Man scene on the spokes of her bicycle. Want your own? She directs us to her tutorial for SpokePOV, an "easy-to-make electronic kit toy that turns your bicycle wheel into a customized display." Using a free schematic, some open source software, and a kit that goes for about $37.50, you can make your own custom bicycle light show. Pac-Man's taken, so how about Mario and a goomba? The Prince and a katamari? I'm seriously inclined to do this even though, in Philly, my bike would get stolen faster than you can say wakka wakka wakka.[Via MAKE: Blog][UPDATE: Corrected the gender of ladyada to reflect that that means Lady Ada. Thanks, breath.]
