Gizmodo: Bikes

Cat Motorcycle is, Well, an Interesting Idea, I Guess

Adam Frucci — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EDT

Most of the time, riding a motorcycle makes you look awesome. The exception to this rule? Riding around on the CAT 1 Über-bike, a motorcycle designed by Lee J. Rowland that has you riding around on the back of a gigantic fiberglass jaguar. I'm sure it's an amazing bike, what with its 1200cc Buell 97 S3 Thunderbolt engine and custom air intakes and exhaust system, but come on: you'd look like a total jackass on this thing. And for $567,000 (!!), I'd better look like James f'ing Dean when I hit the road. [Lee J. Rowland via Book of Joe]

Making Cotton Candy Using a Bike

Adam Frucci — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:20:00 EDT

Who says you need to have a fancy carnival-worthy setup to make cotton candy? In China, they make cotton candy using a simple bike. There's propane underneath the apparatus, heating up the sugar, but then it's all spun around and stretched out by simple pedal power. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like they figured out a way to make fried dough or sausage with onions and peppers using only a bike, so you might still need to go to a fair to get those. [Make]

Bike Speaker Shows the World that This Biker Really Loves Chingy

Adam Frucci — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:20:00 EDT

Speakers on bikes always seemed like kind of a bad idea to me. I mean, it's the equivalent of being one of those guys who drives around with a huge sound system. The music isn't for you, it's for everyone you drive past. You want them to know how cool you are for the music you listen to, and you end up looking like a jackass. Do you want to be like that guy, but on a bike with much crappier speakers? If so, read on!

The CyFi is a wireless speaker that mounts on your handlebars. It's got a wireless protocol that runs on the 2.4 GHz frequency, requiring a dongle for your audio player of choice. There's also a Bluetooth version for your cellphone, if you swing that way. The dongle version will set you back $200, with the A2DP Bluetooth model running $180, each of which will be available on September 22nd. [Product Page via Gadget Lab]

Tokyo's Robotic Bike Parking Garage is Awesome

Adam Frucci — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:20:00 EDT

In Tokyo, a lot of people ride bikes. And when I say a lot, I mean a lot, as in more people commute by bike in Tokyo than do in all of the United States. All those bikes need somewhere to go while people are at work, if they use them to commute. The solution? A gigantic, robotic, underground bike parking garage that utilizes RFID.

How's it work? Well, people drop off their bikes at the garage, where a robotic arm reads their RFID card to identify it. It then brings the bike to its designated parking spot among thousands of other bikes. At the end of the day, a swipe of the card brings your bike back to the surface in about 10 seconds. All this for about $19 a month, and you don't need to buy a lock. Totally amazing. [Treehugger]

Say Goodbye to Bike Chains; Say Hello to Belt Drives

Adam Frucci — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:50:15 EDT

Bikes with chains may be becoming an endangered species. Belt-driven bikes, which were introduced by boutique bike makers a couple of years ago, are just starting to hit the mainstream. Trek has introduced two new urban bikes for 2009 with belt drives rather than chains, and they look pretty sweet.

The benefit to a belt drive system over a chain and shifters system is that it won't stretch and break over time like a chain, weighs significantly less, stays clean (and keeps your cuffs clean) and is quiet. The downside? It's more expensive. The two bikes Trek has unveiled, the District and the Soho, will run you $930 and $990, respectively. But as with all new tech, the prices are always highest right when it starts hitting the mainstream. Look for bikes with belt drives to start coming from many more big bike companies for much less in the coming years. [Trek]

1940s Video Shows Off Crazy Bike Innovations

Elaine Chow — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:30:00 EDT

I'm not completely sure what's going on in this clip or where it's even from but it contains a) weird and crazy bicycles, b) jazzy music, and c) old timeyness—thus, it rules. I'm pretty sure the language is Czech, so if any of you know Czech, please tell me what they're saying! My favorite strange bikes: the really, really huge one at 3:15 and the sewing machine one at roughly 4:40. [MAKE]

Shimano's All-Electric Gear System is Like F1 Paddle Shifters For Your Bike

John Mahoney — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:49:42 EDT

Gear and derailleur mechanisms in high-end bikes are among the more impressive feats of engineering around, which makes bike madman Eric Hagerman's report in Wired on Shimano's new ultra high-end all-electric gear shifters pretty interesting. While other companies have dabbled in replacing rickety lever and cable shifters with all-electric mechanisms, Shimano has taken the tech much further than most. And while it may seem like bike-dude geekery at best, hearing the pros talk about the difference makes it sound like an amazing rig to try.

Switching to servos and batteries is like moving from an automatic transmission to F1 paddle shifters, says one engineer Wired talked to. "Mindblowing—you just touch the button and it shifts," says Tour de France vet Frankie Andreau. And all in all the set is actually lighter than Shimano's current top-of-the-line components, which is a must before pros are even going to go near it. No price yet, but it's pro gear. Big bucks—well over the $2,600 you'd drop on next year's conventional Dura-Ace group. It was on a few riders' bikes at this year's Tour, and it will become available to the public in January of '09 More at: [Wired] Thanks, Joe!

Tricycles Are Just Bicycles from the Future

Mark Wilson — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:15:00 EDT

While the tricycle/Big Wheel are both throwbacks to our past, one designer believes that three wheels are the future. Felipe Tolomei designed this three-wheeled Rabbit bike with a clever idea—put two small electric motors on each back tire. Now if we would only widen each of those motorized wheels to dragster dimensions and stick in a carbon-spewing dual exhaust, I think we'd have ourselves a serious concept. [coroflot via gearfuse]

Panasonic Makes Electric Bike With Regenerative Braking

Jason Chen — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EDT

What better alternative to driving to work than riding an electric bicycle? Panasonic's Vivi RX 10-S, which is due in Japan on August 20, works the same way many hybrid vehicle systems do: taking the energy from braking and harness it into recharging the battery. The total assisted travel range combining pedal power, electric power and electric regeneration is around 55 to 77 miles, which should be enough to get you to and from work without having to go super sweaty style. If you switch on its automatic mode, you'll be able ride upwards of 113 miles on a single full charge. No word on US release yet. [Crunchgear]

C'mon Ride the (Bike) Train, Hey Ride It

Mark Wilson — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:50:00 EDT

"Right about now it's about that time for me to holler
Girl, I wanna waller in the back of my Impala
Woo, don't need no tickets for this thing
Just jump on in, let me hit them switches on the train"

Wait, this song is about WHAT?? As for the Electric Bike Train, it's a modular biking system allowing you to ride alone or hook up with friends. By designer Jianq Qian, it's just a concept, but it's also a whole lot more inviting than that Impala. Trust me. [Coroflot via Core77]

Bi-Cycle Tandem Bike is Perfect for the Couple That's Going Nowhere

Jack Loftus — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EDT

The Bi-Cycle tandem bike picks up where the Face-to-Face one left off, and by that I mean it manages to take an incredibly unsound, dangerous idea and up the ante considerably (video below). It's basically two unicycles bolted together, and the two steering column design means that, as a passenger, the well-being of both riders is literally in your hands. Then again, which seat is the front? Who gets to decide? Why can't I shake an image of violent cell mitosis from my head? At least the thing breaks down for easy storage—which is where, I imagine, this type of bike will spend the majority of its time.

[My Atomic Mass]

Bloom Bicycle Attachment Seeds the World With Pedal Power, Bubbles

Jack Loftus — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EDT

No, this is not an exhaust pipe for your bike (that'd be silly). It's Bloom, the pedal-powered, environmentally friendly attachment that produces seed-filled bubbles meant to transform concrete jungles into lush forests. Using nothing but the wind, a seed pellet, and a little vegetable based soapy water, the Bloom disperses bubbles into the cracks and crevices of our congested cityscape. Then nature takes over and the seedlings mature into vegetation, which is promptly exterminated by the department of public works. Just kidding. This is actually a pretty ingenious idea when you see how it works, and is one of many from Design 21's "Power to the Pedal" design competition.

[Design 21]

Cannondale Bicycles May Get iPod Dock Upgrade + Stat Tracking

Jason Chen — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT

Cannondale bikes hired a design firm to render up some possible future features on their rides, one of which is a very interesting one called MetroPolite that has an iPod connector. An iPod seems like the last thing you want to be shoving into your ears when you're riding in a Metro area, seeing as bikes lose to cars when the latter accidentally hit the former, but the connector isn't just for that.

Based on the renderings, you can display a rear view camera on the screen (technically impossible) or use the iPod like a Nike+ device to track your bike workout (might also be impossible). Still, very cool if you're using this on rides that aren't through traffic. [Cannondale Community via Cannondale via Trend Hunter]

Preventing Bike Theft by Parking Bikes Up in the Air

Adam Frucci — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:10:00 EDT

Bike theft is a pretty sizable problem in cities, with only the most industrial-strength locks keeping nimble-fingered thieves from taking off with your two-wheeler. This Bike Tree concept helps alleviate this problem by raising bikes up and out of reach of bike thieves. It also helps save space, allowing more bikes to be parked in a smaller area. I like it; let's see some of these installed in NYC, eh? [Coroflot via Treehugger]

Ben Wilson's Monocycle Calls for Pert Buttocks

AddyDugdale — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 05:40:00 EDT

Designed for the XXIst Century Man exhibition in Tokyo, this monocycle by Ben Wilson is pretty damn cool. While not as ornate as last year's steampunk monocycle, Wilson's one-wheel wonder is stunning in its simplicity, like many of the other product designs on his website. The Brit, who has several other bike designs under his belt, claims to be a fan of propulsion "ever since cycling for the first time without stabilizers." The XXIst Century Man exhibition, curated by Issey Miyake, is in Tokyo at 21_21 Design Sight until July 6. [Dezeen and Ben Wilson Design]

The Running-Powered Bike is Pure Ludicrousness

Adam Frucci — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:30:00 EDT

Oh… oh my. This is a running-powered bicycle (although technically, it's a tricycle, which gives it even less dignity). There are no pedals; instead, you run with the seat jammed up in your crotch and hop on the foot holds when you get enough speed going to coast. It is amazingly ridiculous, and it only gets funnier when you see the video of some dude running on it with, as I said, the seat jammed up in his crotch.

[DesignBoom]

Joyrider, Possibly the Most Expensive LED Spoke Lights in the World

AddyDugdale — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 04:32:25 EST

Moritz Waldemeyer, London-based shiny, spangly design person, has designed what must be the most expensive pair of spoke lights evah. Auctioned off at the ICA Gala Fundraiser in London last week, the Joyrider LEDs, which put a smile on the wheels of your bike, went for almost $4,000. Perhaps that's because they came attached to a couple of vintage-style bikes that Waldemeyer has designed.

The design evokes new rave couture, with its iconic smiley face and the strobe effect, bringing kitsch glamour to the cycling experience. The minimalist components are attached to the spokes of the wheel, emitting a fixed image of a smiley face using LED lights. This effect is achieved through inbuilt microchips that are able to calculate the speed of the wheel in such a way that the smiley face remains stationary while the wheel spins.

New rave couture? Oh, man, that's just spokally old skool. [Dezeen]

Bike Cuffs Bring Security, Kinkiness, to Your Cycle

AddyDugdale — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 07:13:27 EST

Made of hardened, laminated steel, and based on the design for police-issue manacles, the bike cuff is all kinds of wonderful. You can lock up to three bikes at the same time, and the ring is big enough to secure to signposts to deter would-be tea-leaves. The heat-treated lock is pick-proof and there's a hardened pivot link, which means no busting your bike using leverage. There is, however, one downside to the cuffs: price. Expect to pay $158.50 for them. [Firebox]

Bicycle With Unlimited Gears Inspired By Leonardo

Jason Chen — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:30:19 EST

This DaVinci inspired gadget won't help you find a secret religious conspiracy and seduce a French lady, but it will help you get up and down mountains slightly easier. It's called "The Ride," and it's a bike that has a "NuVinci" transmission with ball bearings and metal disc systems to allow you to set the gear ratio at exactly the rate you want—essentially giving you an unlimited number of gears.

The gears themselves are made up of two rotating metal discs with tilting balls. The balls can roll to almost any angle, but the bikes cost $2995 for the standard version and $3995 for the Signature Series. Seeing as regular fancy bikes can cost a couple grand already even without infinite gears, this doesn't seem all that bad. [EllsworthRide via PopSci via Oh Gizmo]

The Nine Lives of Evel Knievel, the Superstar Who Wanted to Jump the Grand Canyon

AddyDugdale — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 08:00:57 EST

Elvis on a motorbike, Evel Knievel was one of the icons of the '70s. With his star-spangled red, white and blue leathers—apparently inspired by Liberace rather than the King—and mussed-up blonde mop, cape flying behind him as he catapulted his Harley XR750 over buses, cars and canyons, Evel was excess personified. Spent, schtupped, drank, popped, jumped and snapped (35 bones broken, 36 months spent in hospital) until it was all gone. "I always wanted to live to about 70," he claimed, in an interview still to be published in Vanity Fair. "I thought that'd be a good age. There's just no stopping me."

He was wrong. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis claimed him, a year short of his prediction, at the age of 69. Throughout the decades that mattered, however, he did seem immortal. The frailty of his equipment was the thing that failed him, time and time again. Attempting to pop a wheelie on an earth mover while working at the Anaconda Mine Company he hit a power line, depriving Butte of its power for eight hours, and him of his job.

It was the same at Caesar's Palace in 1967, when he attempted to jump the fountains (useless-fact fans will appreciate that Linda "Krystle Carrington" Evans worked the camera during the stunt) in front of the casino. As Knievel hit the ramp, he felt his bike, a Triumph 650 Bonneville, decelerate suddenly. The subsequent crash crushed Knievel's pelvis and femur, caused fractures to his hip, wrist and both ankles, and left him in a coma for 29 days.

Knievel shopped around for bikes, using Nortons, Triumphs and Harleys for his jumps, which earned him an estimated $30 million during his heyday (although he claims he spent more than he made on usual suspects such as yachts and Ferraris and, more improbably, snakeskin boots and fur coats). But perhaps his most famous ride was the X-2 Skycycle, on which he attempted to jump Snake River Canyon. (His earlier dream, of leaping the Grand Canyon astride a Norton Atlas Scrambler, fell through after he realized that the US would never allow a leather-clad superstar to commit suicide, however spectacular the stunt might be, in front of a large audience.)

The X-2 Skycycle was a steam rocket designed by former NASA engineer Robert Truax (whom Knievel later described as "an egotistical little bastard who burned up Gus Grissom on the launch pad.") Just three of the Truax-designed steam rockets were made, at a cost of $250,000 each. After two of them were totalled during testing, Evel, ever the risk-taker, decided that it was now or never and, selling the visual rights for an estimated $4 million, scheduled the jump for September 8, 1974.

Again, the equipment let him down. Three of the bolts that secured the cover of the Skycycle's parachute sheared off with the force of the blast, activating the 'chute. Although the rocket had made it across the canyon, the drag caused it to turn on its side and float down to the river beneath. Knievel, who walked away with minor injuries—for a change—cheated death when he avoided drowning by just a few feet.

"God never made a tougher son of a bitch than me,"he boasted last year, already laid low by lung disease. But he was right— jail, the IRS, bankruptcy, booze, not to mention his death-defying leaps— couldn't kill Evel Knievel off. His funeral takes place tomorrow in his hometown of Butte, Montana; I, for one, will be donning a cape and revving my Evel Knievel Stunt Bike in his memory.

Killacycle Electric Bike Breaks World Record For Quarter Mile in 8 Seconds, 168MPH

Brian Lam — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:23:01 EST

That dude who drove his electric motorcycle into a minivan while showing off for reporters at Wired Nextfest got out of the hospital and put some 300 extra Li Ion cells on his bike. Then he broke the electric vehicle world record in the quarter-mile running it at less than 8 seconds @ 168MPH. [TG Daily]

Arantix Carbon Mesh Bike From Delta 7: Light, Sturdy, Shrapnel-Resistant? (Video)

Wilson Rothman — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:31:41 EST

Delta 7's Arantix bike frame is see-through and weighs just 2.75lbs but is so strong there's no rider weight limit. It's made of Isotruss, a material consisting of carbon fiber strands bent into a wide mesh to emulate the sturdy geometry of steel truss structures. That tech ain't cheap: Expect to pay $7,000 when it ships next spring (frame only—the other parts will run you $4K more). We are a little creeped out, though. If it's all about sports, why this talk about how well it withstands shrapnel hits? When we asked about military applications, one of the Delta 7 dudes said, simply, "Rapid deployment." Kinda alters the significance of "light artillery."–Video by Richard Blakeley [Delta 7 Sports]

Rocket Bike Will Scorch the Earth, Possibly Your Most Sensitive Areas

Adam Frucci — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:25:01 EDT

Because traveling is just more fun when open flames are involved, the BVSA Rocket Bike exists. Created by Jason Broemmel so that he could jump across Islais Creek in San Francisco for a bike rodeo (yes, a bike rodeo. What a country.), this bad boy is powered by highway flares, illegal fireworks, propane, and danger. And just in case you felt like trying to jump Islais Creek yourself, be warned: he didn't make the jump. [Ubergizmo]

Yamaha Tesseract Hybrid, Motorcycle for Superheroes/Badasses/Us?/No

Mark Wilson — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 16:00:04 EDT

The Yamaha Tesseract concept for Tokyo Motor Show is not a motorcycle. Because it's way more awesome than a motorcycle.

Featuring 4 wheels for enhanced stability, the frame is apparently still not much bigger than a normal bike. And somewhere in there fits two different engines, one gasoline of undisclosed size and another electrical (to dual impress biker chicks and eco babes, though probably offering some impressive performance payoffs as well). The important note to remember is that the Tesseract is not a motorcycle. Please spread the word and make sure every wife knows it while we pray Yamaha actually puts the...vehicle...into production.

We're also hoping to see the Tesseract transform into a Gundam robot and fulfill its true destiny. [autoblog]

5-Wheeled Bike Let You Do Stunts, Look Like a Tool

Jason Chen — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 16:30:10 EDT

If our mothers taught us anything, it was that more is always better—especially when it comes to number of wheels in our transportation devices. This Street Surfer, which neither surfs nor belongs on the actual streets, is a bike in the back but a party up front. What do the four wheels allow you to do that one big wheel won't? Turn really sharply for one, and look like a total tool for two. Win, win. [Street Surfer via Oh Gizmo via Sci Fi]

How to Make a Shopping Cart Bike

Jason Chen — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:50:45 EDT

Whether this bike is used for really fast travel inside a Safeway or really slow travel from Safeway back home is irrelevant. It's a bike attached to a shopping cart, something poor people and the homeless (and enviro-nerds) have been dreaming of for years. This instructables guide shows you how to create one with all the dignity and pizazz that a shopping cart bike deserves. [Instructables via Zieak via Eco Geek via Oh Gizmo]

Excercise Across the Web with the Ergo Bike Premium 8i

blongo3 — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:40:18 EDT

Daum Electronics has released the Ergo Bike Premium 8i, an exercise bike that attempts to replicate the feel of a real bike. However, the real magic happens once you take it online. Not only can you compete on virtual versions of famous courses, such as the biking portion of Hawaii's Ironman Triathlon, but you get to compete against others as well. You'll receive detailed information on everyone's heart and breath rates, and this will allow you to get a real feel for your competition.

However, I will warn you to be careful with bikes like these. Back at CES '07, I tried out a similar bike (not the 8i). And while it was 99.5% realistic, that fraction of a percent caused me to peddle much harder than necessary, and left me just short of an asthma attack. Long story short; unless you're a pro just go get a real bike, a real friend and go outside. [CNET]

Bamboo Helmet from Roof is for Eco Petrol-Heads

AddyDugdale — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 07:10:48 EDT

We've already covered denim crash helmets and now here's a bamboo version from Roof. The shell is constructed entirely from bamboo fibers, and has passed the E22-05 safety requirements needed in Europe.

The cost of this limited-edition helmet is $378 ( 189) and it's available in the UK. There, I managed to use the words wood, helmet and head without even the tiniest bit of innuendo. Are you proud of me, or just very disappointed? [Treehugger]

Intel and Orange County Choppers Create Satan's Motorcycle

Jason Chen — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 14:20:23 EDT

Intel and Orange County Choppers combined their mutual know-how and created this monstrosity of a motorcycle—also known as Satan's ride. This isn't the Satan you know, this is the bad-ass futuristic Satan from 2046. The bike has four dual V-twin motors and multiple Intel quad-core processors. What are they for? To power two rearview camera displays, the speedometer, various virtual gauges, a web browser and StreetDeck Infotainment. Jesus is jealous.

That's not all. To start up the bike, all you have to do is put your finger on the fingerprint reader, then punch the virtual ignition button. Oh, and there's an on-screen kickstand control too. If you thought Ghost Rider's hog was nice, well, you're right. But this is even better, despite its lack of flaming tires. [Intel via Mystic Gadgets]

Make Your Own Office Chair Bike

Jason Chen — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 13:35:23 EDT

Can't get enough time sitting in that office chair of yours? Make it into a bike! Instructables has a "simple" nine-step solution for turning your favorite office chair into something you can actually ride to work. This ensures that once you actually do get there, you don't suffer from biker's ass or commuter's sweat, two things that make you absolutely irresistible to Carol in accounting. [Instructables via Geekologie]

On Yer Bike with the iH85B, iHome's iPod Speaker

AddyDugdale — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:30:15 EDT

Cyclists may be so excited by the iH85B, iHome's waterproof and impact-resistant speaker unit with its ingenious design that hides iPods deep within its shiny black polycarbonate carapace. And the 99-buck unit is remote controlled, too, so you won't find yourself wobbling across five lanes of traffic and into the path of an oncoming bus just because you decided that it wasn't the time for Avril Lavigne*.

Attach the separate RC unit to your handlebars and the speaker to the bit below your crossbar and off you go. The speaker uses Reson8 technology and it even comes with an AC lead so that you can charge your iPod up through it.

*Does anyone have time for the shouty little brat?

Product Page [iHome via Mobile Whack]

Everglide - For Holding Stuff, Not Sex

Mark Wilson — Sat, 19 May 2007 14:45:59 EDT

No, the Everglide is not a new product from your friends at KY. It's a bag that is mobile for all circumstances. In one setup, it's a wheeled bag. In another, it's a backpack. And in the third, ultimate setup, the Everglide becomes a bag with a bike attached (or vice versa).

Put a little more clearly:

Everglide identifies a missing link in people's movement habits, and is consequently designed for the 'last-mile' - the short distance; between home public transport and the end destination - integrating transport and carrying-ability.

A finalist in the Dyson Design Awards, we really enjoy the idea of a James Bondesque rideable bag. I mean, we'd honestly never hop on a bike that looked so stupid, but two thumbs up for the plans. More pictures after the jump.

– Mark Wilson

Everglide [dyson]

The Suitcase Bike: Oh God, They Actually Made It

blongo3 — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:45:58 EDT

Some of you might remember the Suitcase Bike concept that we showed you last year. Where the bike folds up into itself to resemble a suitcase with wheels. While this may look similar, it has one major difference. It's in production.

That's right, in just a few short months for $400 you'll be able to ride around on one of the oddest designed bikes in years. What's too bad is that it actually is quite impressive, as far as the mechanics and everything. But the design, it just screams "Give me an atomic wedgie."

You should definitely check out the video of the bike magically assembling itself and riding off after the jump.

– Ben Longo

The Suitcase Bike: It's Real! [Treehugger via Ride This Bike]

Conference Bike: Steering by Porsche, Idea by Crackpot Dutchman

www.gizmodo.com — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 07:03:45 EDT

I'm off. Leaving. So, tatty-bye. Working for Gizmodo has been fun, but I have a higher calling, thanks to the discovery of this Conference Bike, invented by Eric Staller in 1991. The 15 mph behemoth only cost me $10,000 and I am going to travel to Guyana on a mission to save the indigenous orange-breasted marmoset from the nation's cooking pots. I have enlisted the help of Charlie, Jason, Brian, Travis, Jesus and Adam to help me pedal the Save The Orange-Breasted Marmoset Campaign to certain success.

UPDATE: They now say they're not coming with me. And seeing as I can't pedal this ridiculous piece of weirdosity by myself (Apparently I need a driver's license to operate it, and the cops took that away from me last year after I tried to run down my fifth husband with the lawn mower) I'll think I'll stay here, if that's all right with you. – Ad Dugdale

Product Page [Conference Bike via Daily Mail]

Drybike Weathershield: Cyclists will Glove These

www.gizmodo.com — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 06:28:45 EDT

With a name that sounds like one of Frank Zappa's offspring, the Drybike Weathershield will keep cyclists' hands warm in the driving rain, hail, sleet and snow.

Lined in fleece, these 600-denier nylon protective hand guards keep the windchill at bay, and have a reflective strip so that you don't get Brokebike Scatteredteeth by a passing truck. They cost $29.95 and one size fits all (unless you have freakishly large hands or are a Disney character). – Ad Dugdale

Product Page [DryBike via Red Ferret]

Trek Lime Bicycle Now Shipping, Has Electronic Automatic Transmission

Charlie White — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EDT

Here's an unusual bike, the $580 Trek Lime that's just now becoming available, and it has a few distinguishing characteristics, such as its electronically controlled automatic transmission on its rear hub that's powered by a generator in the front hub. It also has a covered chain that's quite attractive, and that cover is available in six different colors, too.

And take a look at that seat—it's like a trunk. So, an automatic transmission ... trunk? What characteristic of an automobile will bicycles take on next? Cup holders? – Charlie White

Product Preview - Trek unveils new family of comfort bikes [Bike Gallery, via Treehugger]

Hyperbike: NASA Likes, But We're Not Riding the Hideous Bastard

Mark Wilson — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:20:33 EST

The Hyperbike is a total body bike, exploiting strength from both the lower and upper body. Yes, this contraption/deathmobile looks absolutely hideous. But NASA's Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program is officially funding a new prototype because of its innovative design.

But the bigger draw is that your balance is no longer precariously hanging over the wheels. Instead, inspired by racing wheelchairs, two massive, 8-foot wheels lean inward adding speed and stability. The inventor claims the hyperbike is "crawling at 50 mph", and we hope that's true. Otherwise the public will make out our shamed visage as we chug by next Saturday. No pricing yet. –Mark Wilson

Introducing the Hyperbike [via treehugger]

Cannondale Jacknife: Hydraulic Fold-Up Bike

Mark Wilson — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 13:08:24 EST

We have seen the fold-up bikes before, and lusted after their ease of portability while traveling (in a method other than biking). But then we remember, eventually the bike will be unpacked and we will have to ride it...in public.

The Cannondale Jacknife is a concept meant to appeal to urban-dwellers from ages 20-35. Apparently the center bar can twist 180-degree, which has us both confused and intrigued. Most of all we appreciate the hydraulic pedaling system, preventing our clothes getting covered in chain oil when we try to shove this into our carryon. Now all we need is for everyone to comment that this is the best bike ever so Cannondale will actually put it into production. – Mark Wilson

Another Take on Folding Bikes [treehugger]

Bicycle MP3 Player With Speaker - $130 Can Do Better

Mark Wilson — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 15:49:39 EST

Because riding while wearing headphones can be dangerous, Hammacher Schlemmer is offering an MP3 boombox for your bike. It snaps on to any 1" frame and plays back 1GB worth of music (an SD slot allows for expansion). The casing is weather resistance and charging is handled through USB...since you can always charge USB on the trail.

Technically, the MP3 player can be completely removed from its docking station to be used without the bike, but that sort of ruins the point of not just purchasing a better MP3 player for less money. I think this thing is hideous - eerily reminding me of those huge radio headphones that for some reason only come in fluorescent yellow. It can sync with PCs and Macs, but only if you want to put your computer through the humiliation. – Mark Wilson

Product Page (please don't use it) [therawfeed]

Treeline Bike Lamps: Xtreme

Mark Wilson — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 10:55:40 EST

The Treeline calls their bike lamps "functional art". Built from chunks of the bike like the front suspension fork, these lamps will add a soft glow to your room while screaming guests, "I could kick your ass, and I'm just a lamp" - the tacit screams are the "functional" part.

Good for those who lust to be a crazy X-gamers, flipping through the air on a BMX while folding origami swans or whatever. Prices start at $140. – Mark Wilson

Product Page [via treehugger]