Rintendo makes a series of bikes that feature some rather… unique forms of power assistance.
The four models include Jokee, a steam-powered bicycle, FIRE Trick BOB with a real jet engine, AQUA trick BOB which uses eight bottles of Diet Pepsi to power an onboard, high pressure water jet, and ELECTRIC BOB, which uses an electric powered propeller to get around.
They’re all custom made in Japan, so actually purchasing one and then shipping it may be a bit of a pain, but if you’ve got the skills to make one of your own, and just needed a bit of inspiration, then let this be it!
[Rintendo - Power Assist Bikes]
Get up and go with an engine from Zoombicycles, a DIY moped kit that turns any bike into a speed machine with the addition of a 49cc or 80cc 2-stroke motor, gas tank, clutch and throttle controls.
Once you’re up and running, the engines can do between 18 and 30 miles per hour, and gets up to 150 miles per gallon, though the tank isn’t exactly going to take you on any cross-country road trips.
The best part is that because you provide the bike and do the install yourself, the kits are rather cheap, with all the necessary parts setting you back between $100 and $200 depending on options.
If you’ve got the need, then Zoombicycles is here to provide the speed.
[Via: Retro Thing]
When speed is everything, anything that shaves off a few seconds can mean the difference between winning and losing, so for Shimano’s new bicycle derailleurs, they’ve gotten rid of cables all together and replaced them with computer controlled motors and gear selectors in an effort to provide smoother and more consistent shifts during the most demanding of races.
They’re not without their detractors however:
“People choose bicycles precisely because a bicycle’s motion requires only human effort, and nothing could be more simple, independent and autonomous,” said Raymond Henry, a cycling historian in St. Etienne, France. “Any source of external energy, however weak, runs counter to this philosophy.”
As with any new technology, these things don’t come cheap, and initial systems are expected to add about $1,250 onto the cost of an already expensive system, but if they can prove their reliability and speed up a rider’s pace, they just might be shifting the gears of every high-dollar race bike in a few years time.
[Via: The New York Times Via: Gizmodo]
For many automotive manufacturers, the transition from four wheels to two is a natural extension of their brand, which is why many bikes bear the familiar logos and nomenclature of our more typical forms of transportation.
From Cadillac cruisers to folding Hummer mountain bikes that were originally designed for paratroopers, Motive has put together a list of the best bikes for the automotive enthusiast who just can’t get enough of their car from behind the wheel.
Bicycles with belt drives used to be a boutique only feature just a few years ago, but as more and more people seek an alternative to automotive transportation, more and more bike companies are looking for ways to make the bike more consumer friendly.
Unlike a chain, belt drives keep you pant cuffs clean and your ride quiet, but they also can’t be repaired as easily or as on the spot as a chain can, and the price is also somewhat prohibitive.
However, when you want to live on the cutting edge, sometimes there are sacrifices that just have to be made.
Click below to check out Trek’s District, and see what the future has in store.
[Via: Gizmodo]
Max Knight’s Walking Bike might not be much faster than just plain walking, but it sure does look cool.
[Via: Neatorama]
Unfortunately, cars and bikes don’t always get along, and when confrontations happen, the bike is usually on the loosing end.
For those that pass on to the bike path in the sky, a painted white “Ghost Bike” is often locked to a nearby pole as an epitaph to the departed biker. These bikes serve as a reminder to cars that everyone needs to share the road, so the next time you see one remember: Share the road to save a life.
On my last trip to the snow, I saw a few folks running around the mountain on snow bikes, and it looked like a blast.
However, while the whole bike with skis for tires idea sounded like a lot of fun, the lack of suspension made it look like it would be less than fun after just a few minutes.
If you’re just dying to ditch the skis for something new though, then check out Boozhound Laboratories’ full suspension Skibike MkII. It takes the snow bound bike idea and adds in up to 10 inches of suspension travel for a cushy ride that’s sure to be easier on your tushy.
[Boozehound Laboratories - Skibike MkII]
If you’re a fan of “one gear, fixed wheel, low-maintenance, highly-dependable bikes”, then COG is for you.
“COG is a visual journal captured from behind the bars of city bikers and messengers around the world”.
It’s filled with beautiful pictures, great reviews, and from the front lines stories, so if the fixed gear bike is your thing, then COG just might be your new best friend.
[Via: NOTCOT]
Though it probably makes peddling a bit harder, these mobile sound systems put the party on wheels.
A new trend in Queens, bike stereos give those that are too young or can’t afford an auto a chance to rock out on the go, with car batteries powering thousands of watts of amps, subs, and speakers.
It might not look pretty, but it gets the job done.
[New York Times - Bicycles That Carry Powerful Beats, And Even A Rider Or Two]
When I heard the words ‘fixed gear bikes’ and ‘DVD’ used together, I had my doubts about how good a movie about the somewhat artsy bikes could be, but after watching the trailer, I will humbly accept defeat.
Despite a lack of gears, pegs, shocks, or comfort of any kind normally associated with trick bikes, the Mash SF crew manages to make this sport look like a ton of fun.
The DVD includes their hour-long feature film, an extra hour of outtakes, and a 120-page book of project photos and explanations.
Why wait? Pre-order now.
[MASH]
[Via: High Snobiety]
If you were born to ride, but bicycle theft is a problem in your area, then check out OnGuard’s Locking Skewers.
By replacing the quick release wheel and seat bolts with a bolt set that can only be opened with a one-of-a-kind key, you can simply lock your frame to a solid object and not worry about somebody making off with your bike’s pieces and parts in the middle of the night.
[OnGuard]
[Via: Cool Hunting]
Markus “Hercules” Stoeckl doesn’t like going slow. Weighing in at 220 lbs., and standing 6’4” tall, it’s easy to see where he got his nickname from.
Recently, Markus set a new record for the world’s fastest mountain bike by going 130.7 mph down the side of a 45-degree mountain in the Chilean Alps, smashing the previous record by 14 mph. To add to the excitement, Markus had to hold his breath for the entire 40-second run to prevent his helmet from fogging up.
The only question is: How did he stop?
[Via: Neatorama]
Looking like a cross between a mountain bike and a big roller skate, the StreetSurfer is a five wheel cycle that is supposed to give you “enhanced stability, the ‘surfing/carving sensation’ and the patented front and rear suspension system”.
Not mentioned on their page is that it gives you awkward stares from anyone who sees you riding this thing, though I guess that just goes unspoken.
I can’t attest to the ‘surfing/carving’ sensation, since I haven’t had a chance to ride one (Dear StreetSurfer, if you’d like to send me a demo unit, I’ll definitely give it a whirl.) though I’d imagine it’s going to take quite a sensation to overcome the feelings that you’ll get when you realize you’re riding on four high-tech training wheels.
Still, points must be given for creativity, and who knows, maybe this is the ride of the future.
(Or, maybe not.)
[Via: Gizmodo]
The Felt Racing MP is a classic cruiser with a vast amount of army style. Designed to withstand even the toughest of terrain in the urban jungle, the MP can handle any mission, and features:
- Monocoque-aluminum Frame
- Integrated Tank
- Bombproof Wheels with 12-gauge Stainless-steel Spokes
- Fat Balloon Tires
- Front and Rear Racks
- Canvas Saddle Bag
- Fenders
- Generator-powered Headlight
With looks to kill and features to match, the MP will promote you to general of the streets in no time.
[Via: Uncrate]
The New York Times put together a great piece on the ‘unstoppable’ trend of fixies, or fixed geared bicycles. Designed for the track, these bikes, favorited for years by messengers and hipsters, have no breaks and no gears, and are stopped by an artful combination of reversing the pedals, skidding, or skip stopping. Their purity is their appeal, as the fixed gear bike has become both a fashion statement and a demonstration of skill. With the New York Times covering it though, I think that the fixies are going to have to come out of their underground hiding and into the spotlight as more and more people jump on the single speed bandwagon.
[New York Times - Unstoppable]
[Via: High Snobiety]
Here’s a cool idea (though I can’t seem to find the actual product anywhere, so these may just be a concept): Bicycle brake pads with built in LED brake lights. When you use your brakes, the lights come on automatically and let everyone around you know of your impending stoppage. Smart.
[Via: Coolest Gadgets]
Before watching this video, try to guess how fast the world’s fastest bicycle can go.
Fast Freddy Markham, the man inside this custom recumbent bicycle, recently set two world records, one by clocking in at a top speed of 77.215 mph, and another by traveling 53.43 miles in one hour (the end of which is shown in the above video). I can only imagine the look on a driver’s face if they got passed on the freeway by a bicycle.
[Via: Trend Hunter]
As gas prices go up, so does bicycle use as people look to escape the pump. Peddling is so old school though. What if there was something that could give you 250 mpg, top speeds of 30 mph, and fit on any mountain bike or street cruiser? Golden Eagle has the answer with their assist engine. Designed to be “the first and only geared belt drive bicycle assist engine on the market”, the Golden Eagle gives you a choice between pedal power and a motor assist when you need it. Plus, it’s a four-stroke engine, so there’s no need to premix the oil and deal with the smelly exhaust associated with two stroke engines. If you’re going to save the world, why not do it with a little speed and a little style? Read through for Kevin Kelly’s account of his experience with the Golden Eagle.
[Via: Kevin Kelly - Golden Eagle Bike Engine]
The Aeroblade from Koga-Miyata is so beautiful, it deserves to be mounted on a wall and admired as art rather than sat on by a mere mortal. Produced as a partnership between Koga and Spyker, a small Dutch sports car manufacturer, this limited edition (only 50 will be made) bike features a hand-built titanium frame, sandblasted decals, a 14 speed internal gear hub, hand-built carbon fiber wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, Hulshof Leather grips, saddle and saddlebag, hand-built carbon fiber wheel fairings, and a whole lot of sexy.
[Spyker]
