Looking like some kind of next-generation kayak, the Eta speedbike with pilot Todd Reichert now holds the global record for fastest human-powered vehicle.

He and the team of AeroVelo competed in the World Human Powered Speed Challenge, where serious cyclists tuck in and try to beat previous records. They ramp up over 5 miles before hitting a stretch of ultra-flat pavement for 600 feet – the key strip of road is repaved each year to make it as smooth and level as possible.

“If you were to describe what the team at AeroVelo does, “human-powered world firsts” would be a fair answer. The team’s Snowbird ornithopter (flapping wing craft) managed a world-first 19-second self sustained flight in 2010. In 2013, the crew would bag the coveted Sikorsky prize, which required a controlled human-powered helicopter to fly for one minute. The land speed record, therefore, was the next logical prize.”

From their website: “Advances are made by pushing limits. We are limited only by the power output of the human body. This forces us to approach each challenge from the perspective of conserving energy and creating the most efficient vehicle possible.”

The post World’s Fastest Human-Powered Vehicle Can Hit 86 MPH first appeared on Gajitz.

A rain jacket will only help bikers so much in a torrential downpour, leaving hands, forearms and legs largely exposed; thus, the ‘Boncho’, a shell that extends your sphere of warmth and dryness.

Designed by VANMOOF, the Boncho is lightweight, waterproof, breathable and extends over your handlebars to help keep your entire body clear of falling rain, all supported by a folding frame.

The compact system is designed to be tucked away when not in use. Arguably it still missing a key source of road moisture: splashing from tires, yours or otherwise (though a fender can at least address the former).

“BONCHO uses a unique folding structure, similar to pop up tents. The folding and unfolding is easy, making the package very small and thin, easy to carry inside almost every bag.”

The post Boncho: Extended Folding Rain Poncho Keeps Cyclists Dry first appeared on Gajitz.

Some countries have strict laws against biking while drunk, but here in the US that’s left up to the individual states – and the policy is notoriously ambiguous. Japanese company KOOWHO may not be able to clarify the cycling while drunk laws where you live, but it can let you (and a friend) know when you’re too tipsy to pedal home.

Most people look at cycling as a safer alternative to driving when they’re drunk, and in a way they’re right. Since you aren’t driving a couple tons of hulking mass, you’re more likely to hurt only yourself if you crash on a bike. But there are still plenty of good reasons to hoof it or call a cab after an evening of imbibing.

Alcoho-Lock is a bike lock that will only open up and let you ride home if you can prove you’re sober enough to bike safely. You blow into it, just like the alcohol-detection devices that unlock a car’s ignition system. If it judges you too impaired to bike, it will still open up for you – but it will also notify a friend or family member.

The notification is made through the proprietary app; when you first get the Alcoho-Lock you set up a person to notify in case of drunken cycling. The idea is that the friend will either talk you out of riding your bike or offer to come pick you up. At around $300 US, it’s a rather expensive way to stay safe that requires a lot of discipline on the part of the user. Still, if it can keep a few people from eating asphalt (and maybe a few others from being ticketed) it seems like a solid idea. The Alcoho-Lock is available for preorder here.

The post Sober Cycling: Bike Lock Won’t Let You Pedal Impaired first appeared on Gajitz.

Free of glues, screws and other complexity, this snap-on simple coffee cup holder is the perfect way to set down your favorite caffeinated beverage safely while biking to work through the city each morning.

The Bookman cup holder is made of plastic and steel, easy to attach then remove and take with you if you are worried about damage or theft during the day.

Pressing the rings together opens the clamp portion and allows you to slide it onto your handlebars.

The rings are designed for differently-sized drinks and come in various colors as well including red, green, black and white.

The company also makes bike stickers, reflectors, whistles and lights for bikers as well, all likewise designed to be fashionable and functional alike.

More about Bookman: “Three years ago a group of 5 friends all with different skill sets, came together over a mutual passion for cycling. Living in Stockholm, a very bicycle-orientated city, cycling is our main form of transport and we believe it is absolutely the best way to get around the city (and beat traffic). In amongst our comings and goings we saw a need for urban bike accessories with a twist so we decided to combine function with style and design and create Bookman. Our inspiration comes from the humming bike life we see in urban Europe where it is evident that getting on a bike is not reason enough to disregard dressing well. Our goal is to inspire more of you style-conscious people to see that traveling in the saddle can be a way of life that combines style, convenience, design and fun.”

The post Snap-On Cup Holder for Bikes Clamps Onto Any Handlebars first appeared on Gajitz.

Having a bike stolen is more than inconvenient; for someone who loves their bike, it’s truly traumatic. But if your bike could tell you when someone is trying to take off with it and then guide you right to it, those stressful days of trying to find your ride would be over for good.

The Smart Pedal from Connected Cycle has built-in GPS and can send you a notification when the bike starts to move. The Smart Pedal connects to your smart device and can lead you right to your bike if it’s ever stolen.

For the absent-minded cyclist, the GPS can also be a handy tool for when you just can’t remember where you parked. The pedal can only be removed with the owner’s specially coded key, so a bike thief can’t just make off with the high-tech accessory.

As an added bonus, the pedal keeps track of your route, speed, incline, and even calories burned every time you ride. You can track your stats through the app to follow your progress and help improve your workouts. The Smart Pedal is not quite ready for large-scale production just yet, but when it is, Connected Bike will also offer a service for fleets such as bike sharing programs.

The post Smart Bike Pedal Leads Your Right to Your Stolen Bicycle first appeared on Gajitz.