Interbike 2013 Cool Bike Gear-Part 1

After five days in Las Vegas for Interbike, I have seen anything and everything bike related.  There was so much to see that it took all three days at the show and both days at the Outdoor Demo to take it all in.  I felt like a kid in a candy store and there were many things that caught my eye.  This is the first installment of four posts highlighting some of the cool new products at Interbike 2013 that are now available, available soon or are coming to a bike shop near you.

 BikeSpike

BikeSpike is a new anti-theft device featuring patent-pending technologies that will change how you think about security for your bike.  It was crowd source funded through their Kickstarter campaign earlier this year.  Its unique features include GPS location for stolen bike recovery, tamper alerts when your bike is parked, constant transmission of cell signal without use of a smartphone, ride stats tracking with their app and a crash detection system that can alert loved ones.  The unit's stealthy location is integrated into their custom water bottle cage.  Each one comes with a special security installation tool that makes it extremely difficult for thieves to remove it.  Pre-orders are now being taken ($129) and will ship out this winter.   Visit  BikeSpike on the web to learn more or to reserve yours.

GeigerRig Hydration System

Geigerrig has revolutionized the hydration pack by creating a pressurized system for delivery that is lacking from all other hydration bladders on the market.  It is the only system that sprays making it much easier to hydrate during physical activity.  Have you ever tried to hydrate when you are out of breath with a traditional hydration bladder?  It can be difficult because you have to bite the valve and suck to hydrate.  The best way to stay hydrated is to do so continuously, not by gulping a bunch after you catch your breath.

Not only can you spray to drink, but it can also be used to cool down, wash up and share with others or your pet.  Geigerrig hydration engines come in 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 Liter sizes and they have a full line of packs including a new Bike Rig to choose from.  Geigerrig offers a lifetime guaranty against leakage of the hydration engine portion of their pressurized hydration packs, including bladders, drink tube and bite valve.  Visit Geigerrig.com for more information.

Fix It Sticks

Fix It Sticks are an innovative new product from Brian Davis who is a Cat 3 road racer from Appleton, WI.  His concept for the Fix It Sticks was to combine the torque of a 3-way wrench into a compact and lightweight multi-tool.  Through his Kickstarter campaign he quickly was able to fund the project and make his new multi-tool available.  They are lightweight (55 grams-aluminum model), provide lots of torque (10 foot lbs.), contain no moving parts and have steel pressed bits.

Fix It Sticks are available in variety of different sets for $29.99 and are available from select dealers and on Fixitsticks.com.

Serfas USL-TL80 Taillight

 

The Serfas USL-TL80 Taillight is new for 2014 and boasts an impressive 80 Lumens.  This USB rechargeable model packs a lot of light in a small package (58mm x 40mm) and weighs only 58 grams.  It is rack compatible and can be strapped to a seat post/frame, clipped to clothing, backpack or seat bag and has an angle adjustment to achieve best visibility.  This light will get you seen on those dark roads with over 1 mile of visibility.  Serfas states a run time of up to 2 hours on High-Steady mode.  Three other modes (Low-Steady, Flash and Alternating Flash) can be used to extend battery life and the mode button also has charge indicator lights.  It is a little more expensive than other rear lights at about $75 but you will definitely be seen in the darkest of conditions.  Now available at your local bike shop or from Serfas. 

Cardo BK-1

The Cardo BK-1 is a Bluetooth communication and entertainment system for cyclists that is based on their motorcycle helmet communication system.  It is lightweight, waterproof and dustproof, will fit virtually all bicycle helmets and is equipped with hovering speakers and omni-directional noise-cancelling microphone.  Conversations while riding can be done 2 and 3-way bike-to-bike or with up to four other cyclist using the intercom toggling feature.  Intercom range is up to 1640 feet.  Pair the system with your mobile phone to make calls and enjoy unlimited range as long as there is wireless coverage.  Phone calls can be taken, made or rejected by voice command or by pressing a button.  Use it with your GPS/smartphone to receive audio navigation instructions out on the road.  The Cardo BK-1 is now available directly from the Cardo Online Store and can be purchased for $209 for a single cyclist or the Cardo BK-1 Duo that includes two headsets for $389.