Bike Repair

Top 10 High-Tech Bicycle Accessories

As we near the end of the first decade of the century the universal theme in modern living is comfort. We are constantly looking for ways to maximize our levels of comfort even in exercise design. No exception to this rule is the increasing demand for a functional accessories for our bicycles. As the cost of gas rises so does our desire to find alternates way of transportation. There has been a recent surge in the number of people choose bicycle transportation either to go to work or shopping on the weekend. Below is a list of the ultimate new bike gadgets that have come on the market recently. They are high-tech, functional and interesting ideas to increase our daily comfort levels.

1. The Handlebar-Mountable Speaker System for an iPod Gone are the days of wearing dangerous ear phones while biking around the neighborhood. Instead of wearing earphones that blocks noise, possibly life saving car honking sounds, the new iPod handle bar speaker makes it possible to ride your bike responsibly and safely. This device is not only water proof but can be used anywhere you need portable sounds. And when you are not using the iPod, just plug the speaker adapter into an outlet to charge the iPod. Currently the iPod speaker system will run you around $70. http://www.ihomeaudio.com

2. The Foldable Electric Bicycle If you are old enough to remember the rising popularity of the Moped in the 1980's and always wished you had bought one, well here is your opportunity. A new portable version is gaining a lot of attention in the oil crisis economic state we our in these days. Imagine having a moped that you can fold up, put in your car trunk, put in your closet and more. It has a barely audible 260-watt electric motor to help you as you approach those difficult hills. The new Electric Bike can get as high as 15 M.P.H. in power mode. You can also bike normally without using the power. When the bike senses you are pedaling with a lot of effort it will convert into power mode. Unlike a Moped, the electronic bike runs on a battery that takes about 6 hours to charge. Currently this bike sells for around $700. http://www.hammacher.com

3. Mobile Bicycle Computer Do you have a Bluetooth capable mobile phone? Then turn it into a portable computer when you are out biking. You can record your speed, rate of acceleration, your time and how far you have traveled. Best of all, if you feel intimidated by the larger cars and trucks on the road even the playing field with the installed sound simulator. Instead of a little bell sound, other motorists will here the sound of a large roaring motorcycle. You can download the software to your phone for a free trial and to purchase it will cost around $80. http://velocomputer.com

4. Bicycle Detachable GPS Forget about the fear of thinking big brother is tracking your every move if you get a GPS system enabled on your cell phone or car. The real fear should be biking aimlessly for miles while listening to music then finding you have no idea where you are. Purchase a detachable GPS system for your handle bars. You will always know where you are within 32 feet. This gadget runs about $150. http://www.hammacher.com

5. The Action Sports Hands-Free Camera Off roading sports are no longer reserved for the teenage thrill seekers. Weekend warrior wall street types are finding this sport more interesting and physically challenging than running a treadmill. Why not add a bit of excitement to the mix by recording your every move along the trail? New to the market is a hands free recording devices that straps to your helmet and records all the exciting adventures of your off roading experience. It is water proof and resistant to shock. You will be able to record up to 11 minutes of footage at a time with the ability to add a larger memory card to capture up to 13 hours of footage. With only the aid of 2 AA batteries you will be up and running. This camera retails for about $130. http://www.hammacher.com

6. Cateye Bike Light Combo Biking to work saving you time energy and gas money? Well, with change you need to be prepared for all conditions like working late and riding your bike back home in the dark. The solution will need not only great bike reflectors on the spokes of your wheels but also a bright light to held navigate the streets and make sure motorist can see you clearly. The new light combos provides attachments for not only your bike tail light but your helmet as well. The dual light system retails at about $30. http://www.cateye.com

7. The Bike Action-Pack Have you ever tried biking around with a heavy, weighed down backpack? Either you have a lot of errands to run or you are shopping, either way the weight of the backpack wears you down over time. The new Bike action pack is an actual backpack that has been formed to fit the back wheel of the average bike without getting in the way of your ride and not weighing you down. Go shopping around town and keep all your things dry in this water proof large backpack. This item retails for about $50. http://www.nashbar.com

8. Croozer Cargo Trailer Cruise along the streets of your home town with the Bike Cargo Croozer. This smaller alternative to the Uhaul rentable attachment you can get for your car this is a small version. It can weather the storms and can haul a number of items if you are out shopping. The Trailer retails for about $200.00. http://www.nashbar.com

9. Innovations Air Chuck Going out for a quick ride and don't want to carry anything too heavy or difficult? This new small and portable tire inflator is great for a short ride where you may need something quick for tire repair. http://www.nashbar.com

10. Kid Karriage Need a quick and easy transport system for your young children? Or maybe you need to exercise and would rather have your kids with you. The new Kid Karriage is a great way to cart around your two children awhile your cycle. It retails for about $80. http://www.nashbar.com