I'll tell you what. Crank Brothers is fast becoming the premier high-end bike component manufacturer out there. Give them a few more years and I think you'll find every major bike part or accessory has been reinvented by this crew of design mavens.
For 2008 they've announced several new products, including wheels, headsets, a new single speed crank, and a seat post.
While none of the new designs are as game-changing as their pedals were when first introduced, they are aesthetically beautiful. Only time will tell if they can hold up to day to day abuse.
Headsets
About time someone give Chris King a run for the money. I've never understood the fascination with headsets, but here you go Chris, some genuine design competition.
Single Speed Cranks
Now these are downright gorgeous. Clean looking and very minimalist modern. Kind of like my Ikea kitchen, but with more fit and finish. Would go nicely on my Monocog 29er, but cost almost as much as the bike at approximately $300.
Wheels
Now I've seen this hub and spoke design done before, but it sure does look clean, doesn't it? The only trouble for me is that there are just two colors, Cobalt Blue and Opium Red. I prefer a more subdued wheel and let my riding do the talking (yeah right), but that's just me.
Seat Post
It's not clear to me if Crank Brothers bought the Speedball seat post line from Maverick or simply licensed the design, but they do plan to continue development of this innovative seat post that let's you lower and raise the post depending on the terrain. Shrewd move on Crank Brothers part, after all there are only so many innovations that can come to the seat post.
So let's see...the Crank Brothers lineup now consists of the following; pedals, cranks, bottom brackets, wheels, headsets, and seat post, not to mention accessories like pumps, hand tools, and cleats. So what's next? Skewers and hubs sold separately, handlebars (maybe buy the design of one of those crazy Mary, H, or Jones bars)...what am I missing?
(Via Cyclelicious)
Masters Cycling is the new magazine for "geezer jocks"
Extra. Extra. Read all about it. Get your old geezer cycling news right here.
Yup. GeezerJocks, LLC. is publishing a new cycling magazine aimed at the gray-haired set. The magazine is called Masters Cycling and will be published five times a year.
In all seriousness, what do you think about this?
On the surface, my first thought was that this is completely ridiculous. Do old people want to read about other old people? I would think they are just like everyone else who enjoys reading magazines and seeing images of people doing unattainable things with unattainable bodies. The whole celebrity culture is built on this very premise.
On the other hand, one of the largest generations of Americans, the baby boomers, is on the verge of retirement. And they are one of the most active generations of old people. These are not people that will wither away into the sunset. No. Many of them will be cycling.
So maybe this is a smart move?
I really don't know. Any baby boomers out there that might shed some light as to whether this is a good idea?
Oh yeah, I just realized that the magazine is really only for older men, what, with the title of Masters Cycling and all. Who's going to cater to the older women? What about Mistress Cycling? Oh, yeah that has a different connotation. Come to think of it Mistress Cycling might be a great idea, but it would have to be one of those sexy calendars, however. You can have the idea, but I get a percentage of the royalties. ;-)
(Via FutureLab)
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