Bicycles

An increasing number of bicycle manufacturers are proving that a bike doesn’t necessarily need to be built from metal, and cardboard, bamboo, and even plywood have all been used with apparent success. With this in mind, the latest unusual bicycle to pop-up on our radar is Woody Scorcher, by Denver-based Connor Wood Cycles – a wooden bike that aims to combine form and function into a rideable work of art.  Read More

Cyclists just love their multi-tools. Unfortunately, given the emphasis that’s placed on keeping these tools small (and thus short), they usually provide very little leverage for tightening and loosening bolts. The Nutter addresses that problem by combining a multi-tool with something that most cyclists will be carrying with them anyway – a tire lever.  Read More

There was a time when wooden-framed bicycles were quite the oddity. While you still don’t see them much in stores, it’s now not that unusual to come across models such as the Lagomorph or Renovo’s duo bikes on the internet. The Sawyer, however, is a little different – it’s a lowrider cruiser bike, that’s quite obviously built from flat sheets of beech plywood.  Read More

Bicycles are a notoriously easy target for thieves, but technology is here to help in the form of a new device that promises to help cyclists safeguard their property and recover it if stolen. Currently seeking funds on KickStarter, the Chicago-based BikeSpike team has designed a GPS tracker that features a built-in antenna, an on-board accelerometer and a connection to a GSM mobile phone network that allows users to keep tabs on their bike via a smartphone or computer.  Read More

The Netherlands is known for its bicycle-friendly culture as well as the skinny houses found in the capital, Amsterdam – the result of a taxes in the 16th century being based (among other things) on the width of a house. Therefore, we weren't too surprised to find that this space-saving parking device for bicycles harks from the land of tulips, clogs and windmills. Called Wheelylift, it was devised by Dutch designer Jules Sypkens for the spatially-challenged cycling contingent the world over.  Read More

Cyclocross bikes typically have paddle-style shift levers integrated into their brake levers, like road bikes do. While this setup his its advantages, cyclocross riders generally like things to be simple and tough enough to stand up to a lot of mud and abuse. That’s where Retroshift CX comes in – it’s a line of brake levers with built-in bar-end-style shifters.  Read More

Rear derailleurs are problematic, particularly on mountain bikes. They get bent, they get gunked up, and they’re exposed to the elements. While sealed hub transmissions lack these problems, not all of them have axles that are strong enough for multi-terrain use, they add revolving weight, and that weight is added in the back of the bike – not low and in the middle, where you want it. German company Pinion has developed what it claims is something better ... a sealed gearbox located adjacent to the bottom bracket.  Read More

Trek Bicycles used to make a jaw-droppingly gorgeous bike known as the District Carbon. The stealthy singlespeed steed featured a matte black carbon fiber frame, belt drive, and was designed – more or less – to be a fast commuter. Depending on its configuration, it weighed in at around 15 pounds (6.8 kg). Now, Germany’s PG-Bikes is offering something similar, in the form of its eye-popping BlackBraid Fixed ... and it tips the scales at under 11 pounds (5 kg).  Read More

We love our bikes here at Gizmag. We really appreciate efforts to help keep our rides out of the hands of thieves, too, especially those innovations that serve more than one purpose – such as the Küat Racks Bottle Lock, or the Interlock seatpost bike lock. BikeWatch is just such a device, attaching to any 27.2 - 31.6 mm seatpost and combining a bike alarm, rear LED light and cable lock in one attractive unit.  Read More