Oh Boy! It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year! It’s when we at the Bikerumor.com North American Handmade Bicycle Show Desk post our pre-show coverage. Last year, we did a series of long and short form interviews with builders and community characters which you seemed to really enjoy. This year, we hope to elevate pre-show coverage to […]
The post Road to NAHBS 2017 Kickoff: CALLING ALL QUESTIONS! appeared first on Bikerumor.
To stand out in a sea of helmets, you have to be unique. That applies to both style and the feature set. Rudy Project is no stranger to unique designs, and their latest helmet is a continuation of that – just with a lot more features. Their new Racemaster helmet includes advances in safety as […]
The post Rudy Project Racemaster is one of the most feature packed (and expensive) road helmets around appeared first on Bikerumor.
Scicon’s Aerocomfort 3.0 upgrades the prior model bike travel case to make it more robust, but also lighter. And it’s still one of the only cases that’ll fit your road, triathlon or mountain bike in without having to remove the seat or handlebars. On the bottom are new wheels that are stronger so they won’t get […]
The post Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 bicycle travel case gets boosted features, lighter weight appeared first on Bikerumor.
Hang around road racing long enough, and you’re bound to see some carnage. Get a number of riders throwing down big watts in confined quarters, and it’s inevitable. Sometimes that crash happens at the worst possible spot, as it did recently during the Cat 3 Santa Barbara Road Race. This time, Peter Aquino who races […]
The post Cat 3 Carnage: Santa Barbara Road Race leaves rider hanging on for dear life appeared first on Bikerumor.
The Sea Otter Classic seems to consistently draw favorable reviews from both industry and attendees. The venue is outside, the trade show portion coincides with a full race schedule of nearly every variety, and there’s plenty to do whether you’re there to have fun and watch some racing, or you just want to see […]
The post The Sea Otter Classic finds home at Laguna Seca for the next 15 years appeared first on Bikerumor.
For 2017, Giant-Alpecin undergoes several changes in the named sponsor department. Alpecin have departed and joined forces with Katusha, while the Giant name takes a back seat to Sunweb, but remains as the team’s bike supplier. If you’ve heard of the name Sunweb, you’ll know they have recent history in the world of professional cyclocross […]
The post TDU 2017 Tech: Simon Geschke’s Sunweb Giant TCR Advanced SL appeared first on Bikerumor.
OK, to be fair it was about 14 minutes of coverage that aired over the weekend on the CBS program 60 Minutes. In the segment titled “Enhancing the Bike” news magazine correspondent Bill Whitaker leads off with a nicely inflammatory statement that “the sport of cycling is notorious for its culture of cheating…” From there […]
The post 60 Minutes on motorized doping in cycling, with implications of big names cheating appeared first on Bikerumor.
Pretty much the basic starting point for any form of training is heart rate tracking. On the bike the majority of us cyclists use a heart rate strap to communicate to wrist or bike mounted computers, and depending on which type of device maybe to transition over to a bit of cross training as well. But […]
The post LifeTrak Zoom HRV makes heart rate & heart rate variability tracking simple on & off the bike appeared first on Bikerumor.
Starting simply as the women’s extension of the Giant product line, Liv is quickly becoming a complete brand with a full range of bikes and dedicated accessories. Whether you’re looking for your next race machine, or simply a bike to cruise around town Liv continues to expand for 2017. New offerings including an interesting gravel/city […]
The post Liv rolls out the BeLiv City with matching clothing & accessories appeared first on Bikerumor.
If you have a young rider at home you’ll know the struggle of finding them real cycling clothing to wear. As a dad, I’ve resorted in the past to XXS women’s shorts for my daughter that I’ve then trimmed down to get her something workable for longer rides when she wanted to. Jerseys are a bit easier as […]
The post Islabikes stitches up proper performance cycling kit for kids appeared first on Bikerumor.
Photo submitted by Daniel Paz, “Took a day off and rode down to Key Biscayne to enjoy the sun, palm trees and cool breeze. Weather is always right for riding in Miami.” We always love seeing photos from where you are riding and are happy to share them with our readers around the world here on the […]
The post Bikerumor Pic Of The Day: Key Biscayne, Florida appeared first on Bikerumor.
These Ten Frame Puzzles help teach kids number concepts. Kids will put the puzzles together to make the 10 frames complete.
Print out the ten frame puzzles. Cut the ten frame puzzles like the photo shown below. The puzzles have two different pictures on them, so be sure to separate those. For example, if you print out the Farm set, each 10 frame has cows and pigs. Cut the puzzles so that one puzzle piece is all cows and the other puzzle piece is all pigs.
The first ten frame has 1 square separated from the rest (1+9).
The second ten frame has 2 squares separated from the rest (2+8).
The third ten frame has 3 squares separated from the rest (3+7).
Etc.
I have also included one page of ten frames that have only one picture (for example, only pigs), and you could print out multiple pages of that set and cut them apart the same way as described above. (See photo.) This page is only included in case some people prefer it. You don’t need to print it if you are planning to use the other 10 frames.
The last sheet has a blank 10 frame grid. Print extra copies of this page so that you have 10 blank ten frame grids. Have children place their puzzles on the grid as they put them together.
Children will put these 10 frames together like a puzzle. It’s a number puzzle where they will make 10 each time. Mix up the pieces and spread them out so children can see all of the choices. Each puzzle has two pieces. Have them select one and find a piece that will fit in the “missing” space. For example, if a puzzle is missing 4 squares of the 10 frame, it should be filled with a puzzle piece that has 4 squares.
When my preschool students played this game, some kids were able to put them together quickly, and for other kids, it was more of a challenge (but a good challenge).
Note: This is a free printable, just click to download.
More puzzles with different themes and holidays will be added to this page in the future.
The post Ten Frame Puzzles appeared first on PreKinders.
A new year is a fresh start, and where better to begin than right at home? It’s time to update the old and bring in the latest design trends.
The good news is that 2016’s more neutral, airy decor choices continue into 2017. However, this year’s style adds some bold and natural accents to create contrast in rooms.
You can expect to see more interiors that complement rustic charm with urban fashion, which is a nice fit for log or timber framed homes.
Here are the top home design trends to watch for in 2017:
A log or timber framed home defines this trend perfectly, mixing natural elements with urban accents. Organic wooden countertops and cupboards compliment clean white walls and floors, especially in kitchens. In the bathroom, natural stone, like marble flooring, contrasts with grey or black metallic fixtures and frames. (1)
This isn’t your parents’ beige. New, modern, airy shades are emerging. The reinvented versions keep the cozy warmth of blankets without the stuffy dated feeling. From furnishings to decorative wall paneling, homes will incorporate cooler shades of this classic colour. (1)
This cheerful colour is showing up more and more in design magazines. However, you won’t need your sunglasses. Bold yellows will only be used as accents, such as on cupboard doors. On whole walls, happy, muted shades will bring subtle sunrise shades inside. (2)
Pantone released its most popular colour of 2016: Greenery. As a continuation to the natural tone trends above, 2017 will have more green in colour palettes. Try it in a living room to create a calming oasis. (2)
Wall paper is a quick way to change the look of any room. Unlike 2016’s bold patterns and geometric prints, botanical designs are trending this year. Trees, flowers and artistic hand drawn pieces will bring inspiration from the wild to your walls. (2)
Pops of prominent colour in the kitchen, especially using tile backsplashes, contrast nicely with white surfaces and natural wood accents.2 In the bedroom, however, homeowners are split between more “intimate” or “cozy” tones. Some are choosing tranquil pastels while others select romantic reds and rich browns. (1)
DIY decorLast year was a year of reclaimed and refinished furniture, and 2017 will step it up a notch. This time it’s less about rebuilding and more about repurposing. For instance, imagine converting a dresser into a bathroom vanity for a splash of unexpected interest. (1)
This year, homes embrace the peace of the outdoors, the city’s style, and colours that set the mood.
Gone are the days of dark “cabin-like” log homes. Like 2017’s decor, modern timber framed homes incorporate the latest finishings with timeless natural accents.
Looking for more home design inspiration? Check out our other articles:
Sources:
1.Stone, M. (2016, December 20). Design experts say these will be the biggest trends in American homes in 2017. Business Insider.
2.Cook, K. (2016, December 20). Home decor trends for 2017 are all about ease, comfort. CTV News.
Consumer Activism: Just Getting Started
Since the inauguration of president Trump, we've seen protests seemingly organized on a dime whether it be The Women's March, The March for Life or the recent immigration protests at local airports. These actions, however will not be limited to the protests in public but also in protests of the purse or at least the #hashtag. Case in point—when Uber announced that it would be removing surge pricing to pick up the slack caused by NYC cab drivers who joined immigration protests it was seen by some customers as profiting from an issue they vehemently disagreed with.
And from this, the #Deleteuber "movement" was born with people screen grabbing their deletion of the app, swearing allegiance to Uber's competition and encouraging peers to do the same. While consumer activism isn't new by any stretch of the imagination—today's record levels of distrust in once trusted institutions (see Edelman's Trust Barometer) combined with peer connectivity sets the stage for a dramatic increase of the phenomena.
From Brand Awareness to Consumer Activism
For brands to raise their level of readiness in an era where consumer activism becomes more commonplace—marketers must think about four key stages in addition to the traditional funnel. Each stage carries with it a positive or negative impact for a brand.
Awareness
+ Positive: Consumer has general awareness of a brand and it's values and finds them relevant
- Negative: Consumer has low awareness of brand and it's values and brand is not relevant
Affinity
+ Positive: Consumer has a high affinity for the brand and preference as a result
- Negative: Consumer has low affinity for the brand and does not show loyalty
Advocacy
+ Positive: Consumer will recommend brand to others and actively promote it
- Negative: Consumer will speak negatively about brand and actively criticize it
Activism
+ Positive: Consumer will actively defend or take action which benefits brand
- Negative: Consumer will actively take action which damages brand (reputation or financial)
Earning Trust in an Era of Consumer Activism
Emerging societal demands and divides combined with peer connectivity provide the perfect storm for consumer activism and brands must find ways to earn not only the loyalty but trust of their consumers. Edelman's 2016 Earned Brand study outlines that most brands engage consumers in a way that interest and involve them but fall short of getting them invested to the point where consumers would advocate on their behalf or act as "activists" in their favor.
Some brands are taking a proactive stance as this emerging dynamic intensifies. *Starbucks recently committed to hiring 10,000 refugees in in five years while clearly articulating their values. AirBnB announced that stranded refugees could stay for free and Lyft pledged a million dollars to support the ACLU.
Handle With Care: Consumer Activism Will Force Brands to Examine Their Values
If nothing else, consumer activists will force brands to ask themselves "what do we stand for"? The biggest risk for a brand in dealing with a low trust environment is to act inauthentically, contrived or in a way that feels opportunistic. Still, consumers will continue to evaluate brands not only by how relevant they are in their lives—but how responsible they feel they are. Or to put it another way, how much they feel they have in common in terms of their values. If a brand today cannot express or articulate those values—it risks leaving its intent and action open to interpretation.
*Starbucks is an Edelman client
The new FSA Adventure Cranks take their full line of crank arms and pair them with Super Compact road chainrings for the gravel and touring crowd. Choose from 32/48 or 30/46 combos, the idea was to let you keep the standard road cassette and derailleurs but provide massive range for climbing those sketchy dirt access roads. […]
The post FSA Adventure Cranks bring complete lineup of micro compact road gearing appeared first on Bikerumor.
Ok, so this is a blatant ad for Skittles and the Super Bowl, but you can’t help but crack a smile as Marshawn Lynch takes to the streets of Houston on a Fat Ripper. Houston, Scotland that is. In the midst of handing out bags of Skittles from the bag strapped to the SE’s handlebars, […]
The post Video: Marshawn Lynch goes Beast mode for Skittles in Scotland on Fat Ripper appeared first on Bikerumor.
If you’re in the UK, and you want to learn how to build a bike frame, The Bicycle Academy is quickly becoming one of the premier destinations. Offering classes from beginning to advanced, and braze to TIG, it’s a perfect gateway to one of their other creations – the Hack Bike Derby. Now, The Bicycle […]
The post Video: Old Skool x New School – Tom Ritchey meets up with the Bicycle Academy appeared first on Bikerumor.
Yes, there is an app for that. In order to give consumers a better source of information about their wheels, Mavic has announced the My Mavic App. The free app is meant to serve as a portal for all things Mavic including the easiest way to register for and keep track of the Mavic Care […]
The post My Mavic App provides a digital connection to your wheels appeared first on Bikerumor.
Pioneer announced their power meter for the new Shimano Dura-Ace 9100 series last fall and are set to deliver by March 2017, which would be long before Shimano’s expected summer release. And Pioneer’s system carries the same $1,500 price point (including cranks and dual leg power), but provides their trademark force vector measurement. Pioneer originally planned […]
The post Pioneer adds Garmin Mount (sort of), might be first to ship Dura-Ace 9100 power meter appeared first on Bikerumor.
It has been difficult both to get ahold of the new Dura-Ace power meter crankset and to get more details on it. While the new R9100 series groupset was introduced all the way back last summer with the different drivetrain and braking options, Shimano certainly has had their hands full trying to keep up with production […]
The post Up close: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 dual-sided power meter crankset, with actual weights appeared first on Bikerumor.
Fi’z:k has long offered saddle designs specifically developed and sized for women, with the Vitesse & Vesta coming to mind on top of an adapted-for-women Arione Donna shell. But with the introduction of an all-new saddle line called the Luce, available in two widths, it looks like Fizik is rethinking how they fit both women […]
The post Fizik Luce Carbon offers premium perch for women in 2 widths, like for men appeared first on Bikerumor.
Photo submitted by Lindsay Mitchell, “There is ride we do out from our place in Lauderdale, southern Tasmania. The first nine kilometers is along coastal flats before you climb up the appropriately named ‘wallaby track’ (there are a lot to avoid) to the top of a hill where this photo was taken. A beautiful summer afternoon like […]
The post Bikerumor Pic Of The Day: Tasmania, Australia appeared first on Bikerumor.
Gotten into an argument on Facebook lately? You're not alone. Find yourself nodding violently in agreement with something someone posted?
Even more common.
We find ourselves in an environment where everyone seems to be acting like an "activist" for the views they find themselves aligning with. The rub? It's not easy being a good activist. The worst ones tend to alienate others because they become so deafening, vociferous and one dimensional in service of their cause—they become difficult to relate to. The best ones are able to mobilize those who share their views while building bridges to those who don't. But many of us are mistaking being engaged for taking action or skipping taking action all together and leveraging social media as a form of activism. These things are not the same and build off one another.
Awareness In Today's Filter Bubble
One of the most impactful societal measures of social networks is that they've become our go to sources of information, news, opinions, and an ever stream of feedback based on what's happening in our world. However, as the recent U.S. election underscored—networks are flawed by design in that we often surround ourselves with peer groups "like us" which creates a phenomena that's been labeled "filter bubbles". Our awareness is filtered by our often likeminded peers—and so a steady stream of content and feedback loops that are reflective of our own bias reinforces the way we see things.
Engagement vs. Action
Another side-effect of social media is that it tricks our brains into thinking being engaged is actually taking a tangible action.
It is not.
I was recently reminded of this when I read a story about a mosque burning down not long after the Trump administration has signed executive orders to pause immigration from select countries. My first inclination was to "react" to the story and then share it with my peers to raise awareness. I stopped myself however because I realized that although I was engaging around an event that troubled me—I wasn't taking any tangible action to change the outcome of the event. I stopped myself and made a donation to the Go Fund Me page associated with the story. Only after that did I share the story and encourage others to take similar action. Engagement is desirable and on social media—likes, comments, shares are all forms of engagement but they are not outcome altering actions and many of us have confused engagement for action.
The Risks and Rewards of Social Media Activism
Social networks have empowered us to in some ways mimic the dynamics of activism. It gives us a street corner, a megaphone and even a soap box to stand on so our friends, business contacts and peers know exactly what we stand for. And like the crowds who pass the activist and megaphone—some if not many will engage, after all most of us share the same filter bubbles. But for how long? After passing the activist on the street corner, when we just want to get home after a long days work—we begin to tune out the words no matter how sincere or earnest. With the megaphone and empowerment to become an "activist" for our beliefs and values comes the burden of alienation—there will be times when people just won't want to engage, no matter what their stance on an issue.
What's happening to our social newsfeeds? They've become a reflection of what we've curated over time. In some cases, they are a daily validation mechanism for ourselves and like minded peers. In other cases—they foster dialogue and debate. But they aren't a substitute for taking meaningful action even if a like, share or comment satisfies our urge in the moment.
