Sue Archer writes:

Journey planning for Androids
Android phones, that is. Android is an operating system for so-called 'smart phones' that aren't Apple iPhones. Confused? I am. But anyway, back in October an iPhone bicycle journey planner was released by Bike Hub, a joint UK industry initiative, funded by the Bike Hub Levy, which allowed users to use their phone as a cycling satnav and plan routes. A version for non-iPhones was promised in due course, and according to BikeBiz, that version became available just before Christmas. Android phone users should open the 'Market' app on their phone, and search for "Bike Hub".

The journey planner allows you to set multiple waymarkers and save routes and also features useful information on cycling law and the Cycle to Work Scheme. Additional features, including the satnav capability and a bike shop finder will be added with an update shortly.

Slippy and Grippy Cycling
After the last couple of months, most of us would probably prefer to forget about cycling on ice and snow. However, David Hembrow sent us a link to some ice cycling that looks rather fun - the Ice Bat is a very minimalist trike mounted on three skates, driven by a human powered propellor! You can see it in action below:


Races are intended to be pursuit races, with the Ice Bats starting opposite each other on a speed skating course, to lessen the risk of collisions. The first races will take place at De Bonte Wever sports arena, Assen, Netherlands on the 15th January.

If you'd rather grip than slip when cycling, and can't get hold of any studded ice tyres, you could always improvise your own. Dean Hipple sent us this link to the French Citycle blog, showing how to make impromtu snow chains out of cable ties.

Of course you can only use this method on a bike with hub or disc brakes, as the cable ties interfere somewhat with the rim braking surface. And you'd better hope you don't get a puncture.

Pretty pretty bells
Spotted on Velorution, some very pretty handpainted bells from DringDring in Montreal.

Apart from the examples on Velorution, I spotted this amusing 'speedometer' design.

Share this:
Facebook	Reddit	StumbleUpon	Digg	del.icio.us