Gadgets & Gear: Reduce, Reuse, Cycle

Oliver Slosser
04/01/2009

Areaware Moof
Debuting at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Moof is the latest product from New York–based design firm Areaware, which won an award for overall excellence in January at the New York International Gift Fair. Moof’s aluminum frame houses two solar-powered lamps in the front and back—one of the few extras on this classic Dutch-style bike designed by Sjoerd Smit. "The boldness and pureness of the bike are what sets it apart," says Noel Wiggins, the owner of Areaware. In 2005, Wiggins formed his company, which now offers everything from jewelry and tableware to faux gold switch plates and copper pigs. A bit more on the practical side, Moof is priced at $600.

Areaware, www.areaware.com

Lapierre Passport
New from Dijon, France–based Lapierre, the Passport is the perfect bike for the world traveler who is all-too-acquainted with the sub-par quality of many rental bikes. The Passport is a full-sized suspension mountain bike that can be folded into its own bag. Due to the weight and dimensions of both bag and bike—35 pounds and about 2.5 by 3 feet—the Passport meets the standard-check bag criteria with all airlines, leaving you another 15 pounds to play with (in most cases). The bike is assembled and disassembled with quick-release snaps, and requires a 6-millimeter hex wrench for the pedals. Priced at $2,500, it features Michelin tires, Shimano shifters, and a Fox front fork. Available in the U.S. at Seattle Bike Supply.

Lapierre, www.carryyourdreams.com, www.seattlebikesupply.com

Fezzari Widows Peak
Though suitable for basic mountain biking, this dirt-bike doppelgänger was made for high-adrenaline runs down steep hills and mountains. Dubbed by Fezzari as "the ultimate downhill machine," the Widows Peak offers at least 8 inches of movement in both the fork and frame platform to absorb big shocks, while still giving riders a feel for the hill. A Sram X.9 shifter and Avid Juicy Code hydraulic brakes help put this bike in a class of its own. Custom-built to buyer specifications, the Widows Peak starts at $7,200.

Fezzari, 888.833.9927, www.fezzari.com

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