The Rowbike

 

Row, row, row your bike? The idea of rowing a bike may seem preposterous to most of us; however with the innovation of the rowbike, it is now possible. The machine uses the concept of rowing, instead of pedalling to get and keep the cycle in motion.

The Rowbike is mainly a bicycle with extra components (and less – pedals.) Therefore, those who are looking for something a little extra and different from the ordinary bicycle may opt for a rowbike instead. It comprises of a shock cord, which replaces the function of a conventional bicycle chain and a power lever, which the rider pulls back on to propel the rowbike. In order to allow the frame of the rowbike to swing more freely, a swing arm is attached, to which the chain is then attached. Then a pulley is connected to the end of the power lever, and the seat is made to move by brackets that have rollers.

Overall, it is definitely an interesting cycling gadget and fun way to work out. The combination of rowing and a bicycle is definitely a marvel as it allows people to get one of the best workouts (rowing) without being afraid of getting wet. It works out the upper body as you row, and like traditional bicycles, your legs have to do some work too – in this case, push yourself back after moving forward with the seat.

So if you don’t like to cycle and would still love to keep fit with an innovative machine, do tryout the rowbike. You may just fall in love with this fun exercise machine!

Available: Hammacher

Price: $1,400

VelEau Bicycle Hydration System

 

Cyclists are always seen on the road, most of the time for races. They seem to like competing their speed against the vehicles on the road. But not everyone can cycle like these competitive cyclists. The most important element for cyclists to finish a long race is the energy contained in their body as cycling is an energy-consuming activity. Water is definitely needed to survive the race.

Without a good and reliable streaming source of water to keep the cyclists hydrated, even the most professional cyclist will eventually crash and burn in a race. The VelEau Bicycle Hydration System is a drinking system cycling gadget which specially designed for cyclists to ensure that they stay well-hydrated along the road, especially during summer time.

Instead of bringing a performance-impeding hydration pack, cyclists are now able to reduce their load with the VelEau Bicycle Hydration System. It is mounted easily to the rear of the seat. It can carry up to 42 ounces of life giving water.

The VelEau Bicycle Hydration System has two retractable magnetic reels that allow riders to access the bite valve easily and safely, even while they are cycling without keeping their hands off from the handlebars. The reels are designed to keep the tube from flopping around. After the cyclist grabbed the tube for drinking and then let it go, the tube will return to its proper place through the magnetic reel system.

There are only 3 simple steps to using this awesome device. Pull. Drink. Replace. This system is able to transform your bike into a portable water reservoir. There will no longer be any need to carry a heavy backpack with extra water bottles anymore! Now you can fully concentrate on your race!

[Source: VelEau]

Cyclemeter GPS Bike Computer for Road & Mountain Biking

 

Numerous iPhone apps are out in the market. You are the one to decide which apps are the best and which ones you want to leave on your iPhone. The latest addition to the iPhone apps family is Cyclemeter. It is a GPS-based cycling app developed by Abvio and looks to be very promising. It carries a price tag of $4.99 and is fully integrated with iOS4.  The multitasking feature has also been added to this app which makes this one even more popular.

Cyclemeter also quite resembles other apps such as iMapMyRide and B.iCycle in various ways. It also provides complete synchronization with iCal and Google Maps. You can also take full control of your iPod from the app panel. This synchronization feature enables you to update your Facebook and Twitter profile with the rides you take. The routes which you take are also saved in the phone. If you wish to scrutinize your journey, there are a few analysis charts which can assist you with it. The amount of battery consumed by this app is quite fair in terms of comparison with the other cycling apps.

 

But what stands out in Cyclemeter app is the outstanding user interface. This app is much more sensitive than the rest and it also has a softer feel whenever used. The control buttons are placed very accurately, exactly where they have to be. They appear to be small in a few scenarios but at the same time very simple to locate and press whenever required. This is a very significant aspect whenever you use a touchscreen phone which also shakes on the handlebars while you are on a speed of about twenty miles an hour.

If you are planning to buy a GPS enabled cycling computer which comes for a hefty price like Garmin, getting a cycling app like Cyclemeter which costs around $5 would prove a lot wiser. You can surely save a lot of money and also get the similar functional features whichever present in Garmin. With the Cyclemeter iPhone app, you get benefited by a much bigger screen, Facebook/twitter integration, and a good navigation competency. On the other hand an out-an-out cycling GPS will give you a longer battery life, and is much better prepared for worst scenarios than what your relatively fragile phone could face.

 

In case you shortlist the Cyclemeter iPhone app, it would prove to be a very good decision of yours. Google Maps, whenever viewed on landscape mode, would make you feel blessed. Available for $4.99, it is a bit costlier than some of its rivals but those do not really stand a chance before this. If someone wishes to give Cyclemeter a run for its money, then he would have to build the app with a full power meter and heart rate monitor integration. Else this iPhone app is not too easy to thrash.

CoolWare Personal Cooling System

When the summer heat waves strike, I bet you would rather stay at home all day under the air-conditioning than go out in the heat. Here’s good news! The Coolware™ Personal Cooling System is just like a mobile air conditioning system, keeping you cool wherever you go.

This cooling system is a new innovative gadget with a high-tech system behind it. Incorporated in the interior are dual two-speed fans, delivering a steady mist and a micro evaporation system, which both keeps you cool and comfy in the hot weather. In its water chamber, there is anti-microbial fabric in an on-board reservoir, helping you reduce the heat by liquid cooling. The Coolware™ personal cooling system also boasts a comfortable and lightweight universal-fit design, together with an extremely silent operation; sometimes you even forget its presence!

The Coolware™ personal cooling system is perfect for use during outdoor activities such as jogging, biking, walking, yard and garden work, travelling, a day out on the beach and so on. It can also be used during hot weather to prevent you from perspiring in your best wear. It can cool up to four hours, so you can enjoy few hours of ‘air conditioning’ while you are outdoors!

This Coolware™ product also comes with a water bottle (2 ounces) for you to bring along your cooling drink or smoothie and ‘AA’ battery that can last you up to 20 hours of use. You will also get to enjoy a limited warranty for one year provided by Coolware™.

Available: Amazon

Price: $19.59

In Pool Exercise Bike

 

It is indeed very hard to lose weight and calories to get that perfect shaped body that everyone wants. Many of us know that both cycling and swimming are the best exercise routines that everyone can do and burn those calories at the same time.

So, instead of going into the pool after a couple of long hours of cycling in the gym or in the park, you can do both exercise regime at the same time. The In Pool Exercise Bike is a cycling gadget that needs to be submerged under water to be used. So, it goes without saying, you’ll need a pool if you’d like to use this product.

The most important advantage of the In Pool Exercise Bike is it gives more strain and muscle workout in a way that doesn’t fatigue your muscles and your body as much. Since the bike is used under water, it allows you to further improve on your strength and speed. While cycling under water, you’ll need to paddle the bike like a regular bike but the paddling momentum will be slower because of the resistance of the water resulting in a slow but very effective way to work tone your muscles and burn off those extra calories.

Not only does it help with your exercise regime, it exerts less pressure on your joints joints so that your regime will not lead to joint problems. In fact, the In Pool Exercise Bike will actually help to relax your joints and increase flexibility. With this cool exercise machine, now is the perfect time to work off those extra holiday pounds!

Available: Hammacher

Price: $899.95