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Republic Bike, custom singlespeed or fixie

republicbike

“Republic Bike assembles custom bicycles based on shared design.  We offer component and color selection curated for quality, value and aesthetics.  Pick, choose, swap and decide and we’ll build it, box it, and ship it out. Built by us and you.”

For $399, Republic Bike will build you a sweet one-of-a-kind ride based on your color selections as a singlespeed or fixie.  Think of them as the Dell Computers (circa late 1980s) of fixie bikes.  We here at freshestgear.com always advise protecting your dome, so wear a helmet dummy.  Shipping is $34 per bike from Florida.

www.republicbike.com

Toyota Anti-Drunk vehicle device

toyotaantidrunk

Toyota Motors is developing a vehicle device to prevent drunk driving.  It will incorporate a digital camera with face detection and a breathalyzer.  Based on the device’s assessment, if you are drunk a warning alarm will sound and the ignition will lock.  People can get pretty creative when they’re drunk so we can assume a lot more testing is needed.  Keep in mind a DUI affects your car insurance rate for 10-years in some states.  Plus taxi drivers are cool and sing with you (watch video below).

www.toyota.com

Red Bull Soapbox Race Los Angeles 09.26.2009

redbullsoapbox

Red Bull has done an amazing job commercializing grassroots events like soapbox racing.  This year the Los Angeles race event will be held on September 26th.  Teams of five compete for supreme bragging rights.

The Rules

“Teams will be judged on three criteria: speed, creativity and showmanship. All soapboxes must be human powered meaning no engines or external energy sources allowed. Prefabricated cars are not accepted. All vehicles must be less than six-feet wide, less than 20 feet in length and no more than seven inches from the ground. All cars must weigh no more than 176 lbs. (not including the driver). Drivers must be at least 18 years old.”

www.redbullsoapboxusa.com

TED Talk about electric vehicles

Shai Agassi explains how we can become independent of oil consumption by 2020.  The speech is about 17 minutes long, but worth it if you are interested in the transformation of the automotive landscape.  The information he presents about future electric supply chains and overall costs per “e-mile” is simple to understand.  For example, use the infrastructure of gas stations to become battery swapping stations since batteries last about 120-150 miles.  Some background on Agassi, he was next in line to be CEO of software giant SAP but stepped down in 2007 to form the start-up Better Place.  His efforts have gained the support of Nissan-Renault as well the countries of Israel and Denmark.  The US administration’s goal to reach 40 mpg fuel economy standards by 2016 is weak sauce.  Agassi is confident we can do better, faster, and cheaper.  Tesla’s for everyone!

www.betterplace.com
www.ted.com

Ducati Monster Colour Therapy – 10 new colors

ducatimonstergiallo

The Ducati Monster is the definition of a street fighter.  It has rugged good looks and do anything performance.  Plus now there are 13 colors to choose from.  Originally I was disappointed with Nicky Hayden for leaving Team Honda, but Ducati’s are art-in-motion and I can’t blame him.  My favorite for the Monster 696 is still the pearl white.

www.monster.ducati.com

2010 Polaris Ranger EV

rangerev

Polaris utility vehicles are legendary for build quality and off-road capabilities.  For the first time, they are offering an electric vehicle version of the popular Ranger.  In my opinion it’s a no brainer, especially for hunting where silence is a premium.  For the rest of us it would make an awesome golf cart!  Top speed 25 mph and features a 45-mile range on a full charge.  Designed to fit in the back of a full-size pickup for easy transport.  MSRP $10,699

www.polarisindustries.com

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI rated at 29/40 mpg

2010vwgolftdi

The Rabbit has been axed and the beloved Golf is back!  The 2010 VW Golf will come in the base model, TDI, and performance oriented GTI.  After the success of the Jetta TDI, the Golf TDI is guaranteed to be another top seller for VW with the 29 city/40 highway mpg rating.  In our opinion it’s also the best looking model in recent years and no longer has the brake lights that look like nipples.  The new Golf should arrive in showrooms late October, starting at $21,990 for the TDI.

www.vw.com

Ariel Atom 3. 0-60 in under 3 seconds.

atom3

“No doors, no roof, no compromise!”

Update (08/27/2009): For one day only on September 14, 2009 the price of an Ariel Atom 3 will be $59,500! PLUS receive a 10% discount on any chosen options!!  The Anniversary Package is only available for new orders placed on September 14 with a confirmed initial 25% deposit due within 5 business days of the order.

Hand-built in America by TMI AutoTech Inc. in Virgina, the Ariel Atom is the closest you’ll ever get to a superbike on four wheels.  This amazing vehicle is powered by the ultra reliable and tunable K20 Honda engine (JDM Type-R) to propel the 1,400 lb curb weight.  Wildwood race specification brakes provide the stopping power.  This is a very very serious track car that can achieve 0-60 sub 3 seconds, and 0-100-0 in under 11 seconds, while still being street legal.  Weekend warriors now have a new toy, weather permitting of course.  Base price $65,000.

www.arielatom.com

MINI Rally Edition Clubman S

miniclubmansrallyedition

Only 70 of these Mini Rally Edition Clubman S will be available in the USA, meaning each Mini dealer will only receive one.  The Rally Edition will feature Midnight Black exterior paint (silver racing stripes), Piano Black interior, 17″ black wheels, and roof rack.  The distinct one-of-a-kind items are the “Rally Green” side mirror caps and white turn indicators.  MSRP is $32,999, but plan to pay a mark-up plus you’ll want to add the JCW package option.  Arrival date is rumored to be October 2009.

www.mini.com

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