French designer, Philippe Starck is known for his controversial, and cutting edge projects. He did a collabo with Puma for a footwear line. Then he collaborated again with Puma on the “Naked Body Collection.” Now he has designed a motor-bike for French Motorcycle company, Voxan.

According to Motorcyclist online, this is not the first bike that Philippe Starck is doing. Back in 1996, he designed the ‘Aprilia 6.5 Moto’ for Aprilia. For now ” Voxan Cafe Racer Super Naked” is a prototype and it features a simple design with a 1200cc engine, weighs 180kg and has 140Hp.

Maybe ‘Naked’ is used to refer to the exposed engine design. (via) 

Orange County Choppers, Intel and Black Diamond have teamed up for a computerized chopper. Just like a car stereo, the computer is all weather and can withstand the vibrations of the bike. The bike has a digital dashboard which offers web access, and various forms of entertainment and processor based operations. Instead of rear view mirrors, the bike has a couple of LCDs and two rear mounted cameras.

That’s not all. Bluetooth capabilities, Wi-Fi, and GPS are also available. Did I mention that a fingerprint recognition system acts as the ignition? Depending on what it can do, the PC costs between $6,000-$10,000, plus now the price of the bike you want it on. I guess you pay for what you get.

Complex blog

Hayabusa in Japanese is Peregrine Falcon; a bird that reaches up to speeds of up to 200MPH plus, and it’s the natural predator of the ‘Blackbird’ which is the ‘Honda.’ Coincidence? You decide. Anyway, yesterday, Suzuki and Lifted Research Group (L-R-G), in conjunction with 2Wheel Tuner magazine, unveiled a customized 2008 Hayabusa sportbike at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show (IMS) in Long Beach, California.

The bike features custom design by L-R-G, and  it was built by Nick Anglada of Custom Sportbike Concepts (CSC). With the pearl white color, nice custom L-R-G designs and Suzuki’s reputation, this bike will definitely be a collectors item. Although the only way you might be able to collect it is if you print the pictures on this blog; for its only a one of a kind bike, and won’t be heading to production anytime soon.

According to Glenn Hansen communications manager, ASMC, Motorcycle/ATV Division “Suzuki’s relationship with L-R-G provides
us with a not-to-be-missed opportunity to vividly illustrate our iconic sportbike’s storied connection to urban culture.” If you want to catch a glimpse of this Bike, after the (IMS) the bike is headed to Cycle World IMS in New York from December28-30, then in 2008 the bike will be displayed at several urban lifestyle-oriented events, including the MAGIC Fashion and Apparel TradeShow in Las Vegas, Feb. 12-15. (via). Press release Read

Images: Complex Blog  

Designed by Gap, this Limited Edition ‘Crazy Stripes’ LX50 Vespa scooter from Piaggo, might  be what you need with the sky rocketing gas prices. Dipped in colors from Gap’s latest fall/winter collection of sweaters, scarves, gloves, leg warmers and baby clothes, the scooter has a summer feel. What’s even crazier about the already crazy ‘Crazy stripes’ LX50 vespas, is the price $5,999.00, $2,800 more than the standard price for a regular vespa which is $3,199.

Lately I have been spotting old ladies everywhere with the 50cc vespa scooters. What is interesting though, is the fact that most old ladies don’t wear helmets. It would be cool if the ‘Crazy Stripes’ LX50 Vespa comes with a matching helmet for my grandma, for added safety. By the way the Vespa looks ‘Prep’ to me, not ‘crazy’.

complex [crave]

The Bicycle Film Festival  is going from city to city, and as part of their sponsorship, Puma launched the “Puma Re-Bike Project” this summer which helps bike charities in five North American cities which are part of the bicycle film festival spots. Puma gave out $200 to seven magazine companies, and their challenge would be; to make a bike from recycled bicycle parts. The magazines included: Vice, Swindle, fader, Anthem…..and the list goes on. All the bikes will be on display at the North American destinations for the Bicycle Film Festival, as part of the Puma Re-Bike gallery.

Anthem: Made this bike (above) “For this project we wanted to create a bike that we felt represented Anthem. We found this old Austrian/German frame and fork buried under a pile of junk parts that we really dug. From that we pieced together the rest of the parts trying to stick close to the era the bike was originally from, probably late 60s. In the end we think we pulled off our look; clean, minimal, euro chic. It was a total labor of love and for a great cause so we hope it finds a happy home.” Special thanks to Jimmy Nghe.

Fader: “We built this curvaceous beauty with the diligent aid of Paul Rauen of C.H.U.D. 333 in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Her name is Magic Super Goodvibes and she is full Turbo. Thanks to Paul, the participating bike co-ops for inspiration, the FADER Family and the generous purchaser. Please use MSGT to spread happiness to the children.”

URB Magazine: “Out on the left coast, fixed gear bikes just aren’t gangsta. URB Magazine’s vintage Schwinn Sting-ray (and entry into PUMA’s Re-Bike project) is strictly for the West: from its laid back banana seat to the custom purple rims. Our dudes Kevin and Prime over at Routes in LA cooked up the floss and love for SoCal graffiti with the paint decals….just don’t forget to get your lean on.”

 More bikes here.>>> Also bid for the Bikes on ebay 

One last thing … don’t forget there is still time to win a bike on ThisNext by tagging your eco-friendly recommendations “11th Hour” 

You can now convert your bike from man-power to RevoPower. RevoPower is a wheel that features brand new patented technology, where by the engine and gear train are all incorporated in the front wheel. The wheel can be installed on most existing bicycles, you simply replace your exist front wheel with the RevoPower, and you are good to go from 3mph to around 20mph. Also when you purchase the RevoPower wheel $600, you just don’t get the Wheel pre assembled in a 26” rim an tire, but you get: 1 fuel tank that fits in a standard water bottle cage, 1 water bottle cage for the fuel tank, 1 throttle control that clips to the handlebars, and all the necessary items for installation (Kit).

With a 21cc motor that gets over 100mpg and travels at 17mph, the RevoPower wheel is ideal for: those who commute 5miles or less to work, college campuses, large resorts (it would replace expensive scooters and motorcycles), for RV owners, and may be golf course. [if you only play golf with just one club like me]. The wheel can also create new markets in law enforcement, (bike cops including beach patrol would respond faster), pizza delivery, and Pedi cabs.

On Tuesday Ducati North America announced the release of their 2007 Sport 1000 Mono Special Edition Bike.  Exclusively produced for North America, the sport 1000 will be limited to only 100 units. (90 for the U.S and 10 Canada). This numbers will make it one of the rarest Ducati unleashed in the recent history. It will feature the classic timeless black and gold paint scheme, a unique numbered plague for each of the bike, twin muffler “shotgun” exhaust, spoke wire wheels and brembo brakes. For $11,495, this would be an ideal gift for Fathers Day. more info @ ducatiusa

Luxist

With a color scheme inspired by the Italian Flag, the Ducati Superbike 1098 S Tricolore is a street riders fantasy ($25,000). Features 160 hp, and 90.4lbs/ft of torque, and at only 381 pounds its the lightest bike in its class. To celebrate the Italian Style, the Ducati will be available in the Italian flag color scheme only in 2007. Additional features include frame and wheels finished in traditional ‘racing gold’ colors, and a power increasing 102 dB Termignoni racing muffler.

Ducati

Carhartt and Honda have unleashed this special limited edition Carhartt Zommer Bike. It looks like a scooter but yet not quite humble……….it’s more like a “sports scooter bike.” The Zoomer will be limited to 300 sets, and will include: a bandana, a pair of gloves, a helmet, a beanie and abag. All of which are made by Carhartt.

hypebeast

The Scott Spark Limited Edition Mountain Bike is the lightest at 4.5” (110mm). Developed with the help of World Champion Thomas Frischknecht, it features full suspension, the frame weighs 3.94lb’s and the complete bike is 21.8lb’s, making it easy to accelerate and swing the frame when making turns. Available at Scott Sports. Complete bike $7,779.99, the frame alone is $3,479.99.

besportier

Germany’s MasterFlex will be unleashing their hydrogen fuel cell-powered bike. Already in-use in some third world countries, the cargo bike can cover up to 150 miles at 3.7mph (walking pace) “green but not fast enough for speed demons.” Ideal for hauling cargo. I am not sure when the bike will be available in the U.S.

engadget

Available in Army green, the Felt Racing MP bike is the Hummer of bicycles. It features a 12 gauge stainless-steel spokes, aluminium tank frame, thick tires, front and rear racks, fenders, a canvas saddle bag and a generator powered headlight. For $550 you can deliver papers, run errands, participate in the triathlon, or do whatever you do with a bicycle ‘military style.’

uncrate

Ladies, summer is here and for your next picnic, join the eco-friendly bandwagon and instead of driving your humvees and other gas guzzlers, ride in style with this surfin bike. It features designs and  Julius and friends graphics by Paul Frank. Comes equipped with a welded catridge kickstand, front basket, aluminium wheels with stainless spokes and a quick adjust seat. The only thing missing is a GPS system, and garmin can hook you up with one, the problem is I don’t know if they have a solar powered one.

Outblush

This bike can transform into a portable suitcase. First it was a concept on display at the Canton Fair in China, but don’t be suprised when you see it down the block in your neighborhood. It’s actually gone into production, and will be available later this year. The price is projected to be around $399. Is it worth it? You decide. Check out a video of the bike folding Here:

Treehugger

As the bike enthusiasts over at DirtWorld.com point out, there’s no need for your mountain bike to go into hibernation this winter. To stay warm and dry while you’re pedaling in the chilly winter weather, the site suggests bringing along a lightweight, waterproof jacket (stored in a water-resistant pack) for when you need to change layers. And, DirtWorld.com adds, “if you think the temp may really drop on the way down, think about tossing in some ski gloves and maybe even some toe warmers in that pack. Remember, if you lose feeling in your hands, you’re going to lose the ability to maintain control of your bike.”

When it comes to finding your ideal mountain bike in the first place, take a spin around ThisNext to discover what our cycling shopcasters are recommending. Santa Cruz Bicycles appear to be a fave, with theninja007, Gordon, blondie, gearnoise, and Julie Kipfer all showing their love for the Santa Cruz Blur XC mountain bike. While blondie deems the Blur XC “perfect for the long climbs and fast rolling down hills” and gearnoise notes that it’s a “real evolution in bike design,” Julie proclaims that “I love my bike because it fits me - it’s light and fast. The suspension allows me to climb anything with ease. The descents are faster because I roll over every obstacle.” Another Santa Cruz devotee, John Johnston is all about the Santa Cruz Nomad Mountain Bike, a new find that’s “black and sleek with more travel than I know what to do with, but I’ll think of something.”

...continued: Mid-winter mountain biking

Just a few hours ago I was reveling in the supreme pleasure of working from a café right off the Venice Beach boardwalk, where the view included lots of graffitied palm trees, some smoggy mountains, a slightly-past-middle-age and very brave woman wearing just Daisy Dukes and a bikini top, and so many happy people on bikes. The bikes-galore thing really made me wish I had a ten-speed of my own, but I haven’t owned that kind of wheels since I scored an ‘84 Corolla around the age of 16. If I were to invest, here are some of the ThisNext-approved road bikes I’d have to consider first:

1. Trek 2100 Road Bike

Teigeman swears that this “fast, sleek, and sexy” road bike “changed my life” and transformed him into a “confirmed roadie that rides dirt once in a while.” As “one of the most well-engineered pieces of gear a person can own,” the Trek 2100 “is all about comfort, pro-level quality, and just plain fun. With a Trek 2100, you’ll have a pimpin’ ride that won’t break the bank, and you’ll never feel outclassed - even 10 years down the road.”

...continued: Hit the road

Who could resist a bike good-looking enough to double as wall art? “Stripped for all unnecessary equipment,” according to its designers, the Alta bike gets down to the basics for a no-frills ride through the city streets. “Simplifying the essence of a bike is the basic idea behind Alta Bikes,” explains ThisNexter elmanco, adding “I love Scandinavian design!” Also a fan of that Scandinavian style, shopcaster lifeiscarbon regards the “cult fixed wheel/no gear street racing bike” as an “affordable design classic.” And, back when the Alta first debuted in 2004, Treehugger raved that the bike is “sleek, fast, comfortable, and — for all you hipsters out there — looks damn fine.” So fine, in fact, that “it looks equally good hanging in your apartment as it does wooshing down Broadway. You’ll happily eschew pollution-producing cabs and buses in exchange for yet another good, clean mode of transport.”

Designed for the “ultra-skinny, scary-fast, heart-rate-monitor-wearing contingent of the Santa Cruz Bicycle riding family,” the Santa Cruz Blur XC mountain bike has pedaled its way into the hearts of several of our shopcasters. “I love my bike because it fits me - it’s light and fast,” says Julie Kipfer of her Blur. “The suspension allows me to climb anything with ease. The descents are faster because I roll over every obstacle. I have now learned to trust my bike and I’m amazed what it carries me over.” Gordon also loves that lightness, adding that the bike is “durable and responsive” and “great for cross-country enduro-rides and can be used for cruising as well.” For Britt, it’s all about “the long climbs and fast rolling down hills,” while Gear Noise believes the Blur to be “very well designed, balanced, light weight, a real evolution in bike design.”

Everybody has a different head. Which is something you were probably already aware of, but it’s a key point for About.com to make in its guide to Bike Helmet Basics. “Even among helmets made by the same manufacturer, the shape of each model can vary widely,” the guide notes. “The only way you can figure out what works best for you is to go to your local shop and start trying on helmets.” Atlanta Bike Commuter agrees that visiting your local bike shop and checking the fit of various products is one of the best ways to simplify the “fairly daunting task” of helmet shopping.

In a post on the 10 essentials for bike commuting, Atlanta Bike Commuter selects the Bell Arc Sport Helmet ‘05 and as low-priced model that still gets the job done (“The biggest reason for a helmet to be over 100 dollars is that it will have more vents than a cheaper helmet, but still hold up in a crash,” Atlanta Bike Commuter points out. “More expensive helmets also are lighter and usually fit much better. I am a cost conscious biker and tend to stay in the 40-60 dollar price range for a helmet.”) Indeed, The Gear Junkie recently reviewed a series of bike helmets and crowned Bell’s Sweep XC as his favorite. “I felt comfortable using the helmet racing down the road and off trail on tough, muddy and root-laden singletrack,” says Gear Junkie, calling attention to the helmet’s “airy, lightweight design,” breathability, and easy-to-use twist-knob and chin-strap buckle. ThisNexters Brian Lopes and Gordon also recommend Bell helmets, with Gordon classifying the brand as “a great biking brain-bucket.” (“Little visor keeps some sun out of my face, light weight and keeps my head cool too,” he adds. “Adjusts easily and securely.”)

...continued: Best brain buckets

After a long, long bike ride, there’s nothing like a nice sip of once-ice-cold bottled water that’s turned hot as fresh-brewed coffee in the midst of your journey. Or not. To keep your water chilly as you ride, Fitness Gadgets recommends the Evap-A-Wrappa cooling sleeve. Almost as cool as Fitness Gadget’s latest post: a waterproof iPod shell that lets you soundtrack your swimming with your favorite MP3s.