Carbon Fiber

Sled Tech. Stealth X from Snolo.

With Kansas City getting ready for its first major snowfall of the season, I thought I would do a little research on the advances made in sled technology. The last time I looked into sled tech was 3 years ago. Since then, some folks down in New Zealand have created a carbon fiber stealth sled; the Stealth X, by Snolo Sleds.

This high performance carbon fiber sled can hit speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, and can be maneuvered with precision under a variety of snowy and icy conditions. The carbon fiber construction is extremely light and strong. The design allows it to be carried like a backpack, which allows any back country explorer to have a little sledding fun on their deep country trek.

None of this sled tech comes cheap though. Stealth X will set you back $2500.00 plus shipping, so you better really be into sledding if you’re thinking about pulling the trigger on this one.

Wednesday Lust. The Rizoma 77|11 Metropolitan Bike.

Almost two centuries after it’s invention, the humble bicycle continues remain true to it’s roots while technologically advancing in design and materials. The 77|011 Metropolitan Bike from Rizoma is perfect example of this. It is a single speed fixed gear bike made from carbon fiber and billet aluminum construction. The materials used in the bike construction aid in keeping the bike light weight, and making sure the frame is extremely strong. The bike has softer lines with a slightly curved top, seat, and head tubes, and the attention to design detail is out standing. Simple clean lines combined with elegant geometry in the handlebar, crank, and seat assembly really make this bike stand out.

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A Little Carbon Fiber Leverage Please.

You never know when you are going to need a bottle opener. The thing is though, I’m not much of a Swiss Army knife or church key on my keyring kind of guy. I am however a beer in a bottle after mowing the lawn kind of guy. So what I need is a bottle opener that would say, fit in my wallet.

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Leverage is a credit card sized bottle opener that takes full advantage of the fact that carbon fiber is stronger than steel. This allows Leverage to be an incredibly thin .059mm and weigh in at .3oz. This alone would allow me to keep it in my wallet for those times when you need a bottle opener and don’t want to run back to the kitchen.

This simple, clean, well designed bottle opener is functional, and quite frankly looks like something Batman would use. Batman and probably Burt Rutan as well.

Peter Dudas, Hybrid City Bicycle.

If I could get a bike like this, I would ride to work every day. This concept is just stunning. Italian Designer Peter Dudas, has come up with a minimalist elegant bicycle concept, the “Hybrid City”.

Made from carbon fiber, aluminum, and nivachrom, the bike has a low weight threshold while achieving maximum durability. The design is a minimalistic play on a typical city commuter bicycle. The lines of the bike are simple and dynamic while the overall design is an exotic concept that looks fast even while standing still. The shape is an extreme, going against the grain of classic bike iconography.

Dudas Hybrid City bike removes the chain, and replaces it with a direct transmission with a gears hidden in the frame for a clean, sporty design. The wheels are hub-less and connected to to the transmission with a system of gear wheels. All the cables for the breaks and shifter are hidden in the frame to streamline the look further. The saddle and handlebar assembly are made from aluminum, and coated with carbon fiber.

According to Dudas, “The model is considered a premium city bike for commuting and inner city touring. The design provides a platform for an extensive rider base, while maintaining extreme styling and innovation.”