This product sounds like something Taco Bell would sell, however it's not even close.  The Chargerito ($19 Pre-Order) claim's to be the world's smallest charger. This charger attaches to your key-ring, and provides everything you need to power up your devices. It has a fold-out prong and a flip up Apple or Andriod connector depending on which one you purchase. As a bonus, the designers also included a built-in dock and bottle opener.  Can your charger do that? Check out the video below for more information.

As you may have surmised, we have arrived at Part Three of our three part bike innovation series. Part One was focused on more of a futuristic approach to what bikes will eventually become and have the capability of becoming, while Part Two is more of an urban approach of what genius ideas can do to make your bike extra smart as well as theft proof. In Part Three, we will see some bike hacks to give you that new fangled feature or the "sexed up" look, without having to shell out for an all new ride.



Easily the coolest piece of kit I've seen, is the Helios Smart Handlebar. Coming in many styles, this handlebar comes with front and rear LEDs along with turn signals. Yes, I know, we've all seen indicator lighting blah, blah, blah... Yeah, you are way wrong! What sets the Helios apart, is the built in Bluetooth and GPS. Basic functionality lets you do the obvious stuff you would expect; tracking where you are, where you've been and how far in between. Get excited because here is where it gets good. Using the GPS and the rear facing LEDs, the Helios gives you real time telemetry. Set your destination in the app and follow the lights to get to where you need to go, while using the pulsing color feature (to indicate speed) at which you are traveling. Better yet, should the criminal element make off with your ride, the Helios can send you a text to your bike (SMS) when you want to retrieve location coordinates. You'll then receive a text back containing a Google Maps link to its current location. Shwing! For added flair, you can turn the lights on or off from your phone when you approach or when you walk away. Yay safety! $279 isnt the cheapest, but this is a serious product for serious riders.



Named for its T-shaped appearance. The Hammerhead is another navigation LED set up, but with more of a social angle. Much like the Helios, the Hammerhead uses LEDs to give it the turn-by-turn directions, but steps it up a bit to let you know when road hazards show up in the mix. As for the social angle, it syncs to the popular cycling app Strava, so you can send routes to friends, and of course, compete for bragging rights... you show off! For the price ($85), this is definitely a must have item, which you can preorder here.



As you no doubt remember, back in May, my good friend Damion Schweizer featured The Skylock...you did read it, right? For those of you who are new...or just slacking off... go here to read about it's app based key less entry and accelerator based notification system. So when some douchebag is fondling your goodies or when you've taken a spill, it gives you the option to call for help to friends, family or to the authorities. Way cool!


Now that the douchebags are no longer diddling your diddles and you know where you're going, what you need next is to keep those wheels spinning with the Patchnride. Small enough to fit in your pocket, this device can be used with any tube tire to permanently patch a hole. You don't even need to take the wheel off, although you will obviously need a pump to refill the air back in the tire. Head over here to check it out.


Of course with safety being of the utmost importance to every cyclist, you cant forget your helmet. The LifeBEAM Helmet will not only keep your brain in tip top shape, but it will track your heart rate, calories burned and distance traveled. Big bonus, no need to worry about any extra devices, straps or any unnecessary shenanigans. It can function in conjunction with almost all apps and devices. Head on over to LifeBEAM to check out this and their other products such as a hat and visor with the same capabilities as the helmet.

Now that I have thoroughly met all of your future bike tech needs, the test will be on Monday. So study up! Haha! I'm just joshing you. Questions, concerns or ideas are welcome in the comments section, and dont forget..."Like" early, "Like" often.

Welcome to TCL Playlist-66.  The fogginess of fall has arrived. The leafs are changing and so is the season. So why not change it up with a more follk/indie/remix  style playlist. In this installment we have new tracks by The Griswolds, The American Scene, Chad Vangaalen and more...

If you want to check out any of the other Playlists then click on TCL Playlists in the menu.


Cover art by: Damion S. 

Tracklist

Welcome to Part Two of this bike series. As you've seen, Part One was geared towards a more futuristic machine that a bike is fully capable of becoming. Now in Part Two, I'm going to show you about two ingenious concepts that, with luck, will become standards in bike security.

Would you believe me if I told you that there are two ways that bikes cant be stolen? That's right! I bring you the Yerka Project and the Seatylock.

The Yerka Project is a one of a kind concept that was created from three Chilean childhood friends who are now engineering students who have no small amount of experience with having their bikes stolen. A play on the Nordic word for strength, the Yerka is based on the idea that there's less incentive to steal a bike when you have to destroy it in the process of getting to it.

What I like about the Yerka is that it gives you that urban, funky colored casual appeal that could almost resemble a traditional lightweight bike, but with a significant twist. You see, here, the bike frame itself is actually it's own lock. Coconuts, right?! How it works is once you pull up to a bike rack, street post or any stationary item, you pull out the seatpost, flip out the downtube, and create a lock with the frame itself. It creates a security feature that if anyone decides to hack open the lock, they are actually going to destroy the frame itself...and it also looks pretty rad around a tree.

The Yerka Project expects their first batch of bikes to be available within six to eight months. The guys are also planning to launch a Kickstarter campaign by December to raise funds for mass production.



Designing a perfect bike lock is a constant ongoing challenge that will forever be one upped by the thieving douchenozzles who want your bike. Most are pretty bulky, obnoxious and sometimes a pain to remember when you're running out in a rush. The Seatylock which is currently being funded on Kickstarter aims to keep your bike and all of it's bits and pieces from being stolen.

What's pretty creative about this design is that it looks like a normal bicycle saddle, but once unclipped turns into a three foot steel chain lock and takes only 30 seconds to secure your bike to any fixed object. An additional thumbs up goes to it's universal adaptor. In other words, no matter what bike you own, this bad boy will be there for you. It adjusts to any seating position that your little tush desires. It'll be available in a range of colors and designs for those of you who like to turn your ride into an expressive fashion statement.

I highly recommend checking out the Seatylock Kickstarter campaign with bids starting at $75. Once fully funded, it has been estimated to ship on out in March of 2015.

Keep a look out for Part Three in the bike series! If you can dig it, don't forget to hit the like button. 

I'm just going to come out and say that this watch is amazing and stylish all in one.  You want to get noticed by your watch, then this will do that for you. The Walnut Watch ($239) comes out later this year. Designed in collaboration with Stefan Andren, this wooden analog watch displays time in eclipse-like shapes and showcases the beauty of American hardwood without hiding it behind glass. Watch the video below for more information on the watch.

So what are you waiting for check out this watch as well as other products by Grovemade.

Oh Seattle, how you've managed to design and build yet another great addition to the unique city. I bring you The Denny. Tah Dah!! With the freedom to commute, the simple transportation that Seattle provides, this is a cyclists dream. In the event that an occasional off routine ride may happen, you will be guided by the all inclusive safety, security, and convenience that this bike gives. Those are the concepts of what this bike was built on. Even those who are non-riders will definitely choose a The Denny as their mode of transportation.

Lets face is, today's urban commute makes us all question if we'll be ok to even cross the street. The fear of having to navigate, dodge, and seek safety can be an overload on anyone trying to get from point A to point B. Lighting is a huge factor for safety. Although strobing lights are rather useful, research has shown that it can make it difficult for motorists to judge speed and distance. With that being said, The Denny uses day light running lights, brake lights, and turn signals like every other vehicle on the road. The idea of having lights always running, makes The Denny easier for motorists to track. Remember, SAFETY FIRST!

Having a bike stolen really sucks and is just flat out rude. It's an ugly fact of city life that your security system just never feels secure enough. To combat the uneasiness in your gully works, The Denny comes equipped with an integrated U-lock handlebar security system. WHAAATTTT?! The handlebar can be fully removed to lock the bike frame securely onto other secure structures. The "quick stop" locking mechanism keeps your life moving when you stop for coffee while it keeps the creeps from ruining your week.

Convenience runs all through this thing. The automatic transmission and powered pedal assist will keep you going on Seattle's winding roads and varying terrain. It's auto adjusting lights will make sure you are never struggling to see the very avoidable pothole. Another convenient feature is the removable battery solution. Not having to lug my bike to a charging station is pretty awesome, especially if you're petite like myself. The storage platform gives you a place to secure your coffee, purse, bag of food, or whatever you fancy.

Overall, the look and feel is approachable, yet edgy. It gives you the WOW factor, but not the flashy obnoxious kind. It's simple and confident that the mixed Seattle lifestyle is known for. If you're interested, check out the video below! Lucky for you, it won in a contest! So, lets give a big thanks to Fuji Bikes who will be manufacturing it.

Don't forget to leave any comments and/or suggestions. And don't forget to hit the like button. Thanks!

Last week, Tycho released a stunning array of beautiful sounds at Burning Man that's been making it's way around the internet. This week though he has premiered his track "See'' from his fourth studio album Awake, as remixed by Ghostly International label-mate Beacon, which is down below for your listening pleasure. In addition to the new remix, Tycho has posted his upcoming world tour, with stops ranging from Los Angeles, London, Paris and more... Opening in support with be Com Truise, Christopher Willits and CHVRCHES.

Check out the Beacon remix of "See," and Tycho's Burning Man DJ set as well as the complete winter tour schedule below.

TYCHO AWAKE WORLD TOUR

Tickets and info at tychomusic.com/awake/

SEP 16 | Reno, NV | Knitting Factory #
SEP 17 | Salt Lake City, UT | The Depot #
SEP 18 | Boulder, CO | Boulder Theatre #
SEP 20 | Austin, TX | Emo's #
SEP 22 | Dallas, TX | Granada Theater #
SEP 24 | Asheville, NC | The Orange Peel #
SEP 25 | Nashville, TN | Cannery Ballroom #
SEP 26 | Cincinnati, OH | MidPoint Music Festival
SEP 27 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | The Pygmalion Festival w/ CHVRCHES
SEP 29 | Boston, MA | Royale #
OCT 01 | New York, NY | Terminal 5 w/ Beacon #
OCT 03 | London, United Kingdom | The Forum w/ Ulrich Schnauss #
OCT 04 | Glasgow, United Kingdom | The Art School #
OCT 05 | Leeds, United Kingdom | Stylus #
OCT 06 | Bristol, United Kingdom | Trinity Centre #
OCT 08 | Paris, France | La Gaîté Lyrique #
OCT 09 | Brussels, Belgium | VK Club #
OCT 10 | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Melkweg #
OCT 11 | Hamburg, Germany | Uebel und Gefährlich #
OCT 12 | Cologne, Germany | Gebäude 9 #
OCT 14 | Berlin, Germany | C-Club #
OCT 15 | Warsaw, Poland | BASEN #
OCT 16 | Prague, Czech Republic | Roxy #
OCT 17 | Vienna, Austria | WUK #
OCT 18 | Budapest, Hungary | A38 Hajó #
OCT 20 | Bologna, Italy | Estragon #
OCT 22 | Barcelona, Spain | Music Hall #
OCT 24-26 | Las Vegas, NV | Life is Beautiful Festival
OCT 26 | Pioneertown, CA | Pappy & Harriet's ^
OCT 27 | Pomona, CA | The Glass House ^
OCT 28 | San Diego, CA | North Park Theatre ^
OCT 29 | Ventura, CA | Majestic Ventura Theater ^
OCT 30 | Oakland, CA | Fox Theater ^
DEC 30 | Marion Bay, Tasmania, Australia | The Falls Music & Arts Festival
DEC 31 | Lorne, Victoria, Australia | The Falls Music & Arts Festival
JAN 02 | Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia | The Falls Music & Arts Festival
JAN 04 | Busselton, Western Australia, Australia | Southbound Festival

# - w/ Christopher Willits
^ - w/ Com Truise

Tailgating is something that everyone who loves sports enjoys almost as much as the game. There is one issue though, packing up for it and then packing up again once it's time for the game.

Well how about this Kickstarter project; The Instagate: Tailgate In A Box".  It's the perfect solution for those looking for an easier and more affordable way to tailgate.  It even cuts down the time in packing and setting up, and cleaning up. So that it leaves more time to party! Check out the video below for more information or check out their Kickstarter page. Oh, did I mention it costs significantly less than a stadium beer or hot dog and it's eco-friendly. Instagate accommodates up to 10 people!

Welcome ladies and gents! This is my first post and I couldn't be more excited about it. So, lets get started!

Being that this is my first post, why not do something that is not only cool, but something that all ladies will like. It’s functional, it’s super handy, and most ladies (or long haired gents) need it almost all the time. What is this that I speak of…? Yes, a multi-functional hair clip!

Not only is this hair clip a great accessory to get those obnoxious flyaways out of your face, and of course to help fix your awesome do, but also makes you feel like you’re the modern day MacGyver. So, if you’re a mom, a busy lady, a handy woman, just friggin awesome, or all of the above, then yeah, this will be it for you.

This innocuous hair clip is like a toolbox in your hair. It serves as a flat-head screwdriver (works well on glasses), a large and small screwdriver, has a 5/16 wrench for the occasional bolt, a serrated edge for hacking through rope or a nasty snarl (that you may or may not want to just rip out), a mini ruler, and a trolley coin (for supermarket trolleys or to cut an orange).

If interested, head on over to http://www.animicausa.com.

Again, thank you for welcoming me to The Collective Loop. I look forward to filling you in on some of the cool things I find and hopefully you enjoy them as much as I do. If any questions or ideas, feel free to let us know in the comments section. Oh! And don’t forget that like button!

What a beautifully designed urban bike. The cockpit is fully integrated into one single unit and also has the front and rear lights embedded into the frame, giving Urban Concept Bike a highly distinctive, yet elegant appearance. The Canyon Urban features include a Gates sprocket and belt, Shimano brakes and rear derailleur, and San Marco custom leather grips and saddle. Find out more about this bike.



Source: likecool.com

Ladies and gentleman, let me introduce our new contributor on The Collective Loop, Natalie Hicks! Not only is she a good friend, but also another tech geek (got to love that!). She is also no stranger to TCL and has been a longtime supporter. So let's give her a lot of hello's and welcome's and internet winks. ;)

So welcome aboard Natalie and we look forward to finally getting a women's point of view on different topics on TCL. Look for her first post next week and don't forget to spread the word!

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This one goes out to all my brewing friends that may want to keep tabs on their home brew operations even if they're not home with the BeerBug ($250). This WiFi-enabled sensor monitors the specific gravity, temperature, and alcohol content of your brew,  it even lets you view real-time data via a web browser or through apps for iOS and Android. Its built-in rechargeable battery lasts over 25 days and recharges over a standard Micro USB connection, so even if your fermenting time runs over, all you need is a common charger to stay informed until it's done. Happy Brewing! If you want more information on this product it can be found here.

Welcome to Playlist-65.  With Labor Day weekend upon us. We could use a playlist to keep the party going. In this installment we have new music by Banks, Kate Boy, Generationals and more....

As always enjoy and help spread the word of TCL playlists! If you want to check out any of the other Playlists, then click on TCL Playlists in the menu.


Cover art by: Damion S.

Tracklist

Artist Othman Toma from Baghdad, Iraq, has taken his watercolor skills to the test by painting with melted ice-cream instead of the traditional paint. He paints mini masterpieces with different flavors of ice-cream and popsicle. Talk about a sweet treat!

You can follow him on Instgram here.

Jeremy Harnell, who designs and produces music under the name Sons of Wolves has created these vintage style prints for music equipment lovers. You can check out more of his work on his shop. Definitely worth checking out.



Source: iso50.com

There are so many different portable and personal speaker systems available on the market, it's hard to choose which one would fit your needs.  So how about this one. The OM/One Levitating Speaker ($180) has everything you look for in a speaker, with great-sounding audio across the range from low to high, 15-hour battery life, Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, and the ability to play from just about every music app available. Unlike every other speaker out on the market, this one actually levitates above its magnetic base, making it as much a conversation piece as it is an audio system.  Check out the video below to get some more information on this product.

   

Source: Uncrate

Two Portland-based companies, Industry and Ti Cycles unveil Solid, a urban commuter bike that features a 3D-printed titanium frame. Solids inspiration came about from the diverse beauty and soul of Portland, Oregon. This bike captures the essence of the city and riding.

"The criteria for this platform is a titanium frame and sub-assemblies for its light weight and strong properties, belt drive for high durability, internal geared hub for effortless shifting, disc brakes, Dynamo for electronics, fenders, and internal wiring." 

Industry redefined the bike gesture by pushing the boundaries of the material and frame design. In order to make it truly seamless they 3D-printed key parts in collaboration with i3DMFG, and brought together old and new techniques.

Solid is a lifestyle bike. With that in mind, Industry created a Discover My City companion app that allows riders to discover the city through 5 curated journeys. Whether riders want to experience Portland’s diverse forested terrain or ride in the city – this app guides riders to enjoy the diverse beauty of Portland.

The app communicates with the bike to navigate.




Source: urdesign
Images by Industry

Summer is not over yet, either are the cookouts. Having a grill at home is great, however taking it places, not so ideal. Here is a grill that is not only easy to take somewhere but also takes up little space on the patio. Notebook Grill ($26.95) allows people to cook delicious meat and veggies in any location.

This innovative barbecue grill with notebook inspired design can be folded flat to one inch for easy storage and transportation.  It is made out of high quality heat resistant steel and has a low end price range. Happy cooking!

Keeping your eyes on the road can be a hard task. You want to keep checking your phone for directions or see who posted the lastest thing on your Facebook. With Navdy (pre-order $300.00), it will help make this a thing of the past. This 5.1-inch transparent heads-up display connects to your phone via Bluetooth and presents your navigation info and incoming notifications in a distraction-free way — above your dash, and between your eyes and the road. An IR camera lets you control things via touch-less gestures, and thanks to an OBD-II power and data connection, it can give you pertinent info about your car's performance and vitals, too, all without making any modifications to your existing ride.

Check out the video below for more info or check out Navdy site.



Source: uncrate.com

Tom Atkinson, a photographer, has put together and documented the personal gear carried by British solders from 1066 to 2014.  You can see all the images and documentation on telegraph.co.uk.

I enjoy these types of photography, not only for the unique items, but also for the organization and layout of each item. It's the OSD in me.  Check out more works by Tom on his site.

Artist Chris Maynard has created these beautiful works of art out of feathers. Each feather design is placed in a shadowbox and uses feathers naturally shed from birds. These were made with the help of scissors, forceps, magnifying glasses and feathers provided by zoos. Check out more of his work on his site