Technology takes another spin at outdoor gear innovations

April 6, 2005

If you’re looking for a kayak that will “do it all” on either big water, small lakes or rivers, consider the Tsunami by Wilderness Systems at Backcountry Outfitters in downtown Traverse City. Whitewater kayaking specialist Eric Hubschneider says the 14.5-foot recreational kayak has the length to brave open water, such as the Lake Superior shoreline or trips to the Manitou Islands, but is short enough to maneuver most local rivers. Plus, this boat is equipped with an advanced Phase 3 seating system that comes with an adjustable back, seat pad and thigh braces. At 50 lbs., it won’t break your back lifting it, and at $1,150 it won’t break your wallet, compared to the cost of most open-water craft.

Urban Assault Bikes

They’re called “free ride” bikes and they dominate the off road trails or city streets as beefy, bouncy, urban assault rides that stand up to loads of abuse. Here, Marty Mack, Zach Beery and Caleb Smith take a cruise on some of the latest in the line offered at Brick Wheels - B-Xtreme in Traverse City. Zach’s own personal bike is a Santa Cruz with 7-inches of travel on the shocks (most bike shocks only register 2-3 inches), hydraulic disc brakes similar to that of a car, slightly bigger tires than a mountain bike and an aluminum frame, customized for around $4,000. There are also much lower price points available: B-Xtreme has a Gary Fischer Opie bike for $370 with prices rising to $1,300 and up on other cycles.

A Total Shock

Spring into Spring with the heavy duty shocks on the new Nikes at Running Fit in Traverse City. Trail runner Mike Decker says the Nike Shox Dendra and Shox Turbo Oz shoes are the result of more than 15 years of research and development at the company, offering the ultimate in durability and shock absorption. Their big, colorful shocks are great conversation starters. Users say the shoes are very comfortable, and at $99, also very competitively priced.

Windsurfing Made Easy

A new generation of jumbo windsurfing boards are revitalizing the sport for newcomers. “It’s super easy for anyone who wants to get started in the sport and these boards even have rollers on the back to make them easier to get to the beach,” says Scott Wilson of Sailsport Marine on West Bay in Traverse City. At a little over 3 feet wide and 8 feet long, these boards by Starboard and Exocet are super stable -- so much so that you can be boardsailing within an hour of the instruction video that comes with them. Weighing 32 lbs., the boards start at $850

Super Light

If you’ve ever struggled to lift a heavy kayak over your head to reach a car rack you’ll appreciate the new ultra light line of boats made by Hurricane at McLain Cycle and Fitness in Traverse City. Owner Bob McLain says the kayaks are made of a durable plastic, but resemble fiberglass. The 12-foot Santee XL model weighs just 31 lbs., about half of what the average kayak of that length weighs. With two sealed hatches, a comfortable seat and a shiny finish, this is a fast boat on the water for $759.

Big Bruisers

There’s nothing like a big beach cruiser to get you around town in style. Pete Lortz of Modern Extreme Sports in Traverse City says the store’s line of cruiser bikes by Nirve offers the latest in comfort and styling with a three-speed internal hub, coaster brakes and ultra outsized handlebars. The bike he is astride is licensed by John Deere, the tractor manufacturer, and comes in the appropriate farm green. The price point is a sweet deal too: the bikes start at $330, with a chopper faux motorcyle style bike going for $409.
photo mclain cycle

Bike of the Year

The Cannondale Prophet is the answer to your mountain bike dreams.
Christian Jensen of Latitude 45 says the Prophet was voted 2005 mountain bike of the year by Mountain Bike Magazine thanks to its full suspension, lefty front fork, disc breaks and new single-pivot rear suspension technology. Plus, this bike’s light aluminum frame and stiff geometry make for lightning off-road rides. Check it out at the store’s locations in both Petoskey and Gaylord. Photo by Peg Kuchin.