Week in Tech: Strava Insight, Zipp, Primal ‘athleisure,’ Park education
New data from Strava, faster Zipp 808s, casual apparel from Primal and Rapha, along with online Park Tool education.
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Here’s the Week in Tech — all the gear news, tips, and announcements you need and none of the marketing gibberish you don’t.
Strava Insights reveal the world’s most active cycling and running cities
Strava has launched a new interactive data platform, Strava Insights, that highlights running and cycling data from the world’s 12 most active cities. Strava says the Insights platform allows for activity comparisons between cities including averages for ride distance, ride time, average speed, and elevation gain. The 12 cities tracked by Strava Insights include Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Milan, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, and Sydney.
Zipp 808 NSW Carbon Clinchers
Zipp’s 808 NSW Carbon Clinchers are the first wheelset to be included in Zipp’s new NSW (Nest Speed Weaponry) series of components. With a depth of 82mm, Zipp claims the NSW 808 rim shape increases aerodynamic efficiency and reduces side force. The wheels also include the new Cognition hubset that disengages the ratchet mechanism in the hub when coasting. In theory, this should reduce friction within the freehub body for less drag. The wheelset has a combined weight of 1,810 grams and will retail for $3,400.
Primal debuts new “athleisure” lifestyle collection
Primal, a cycling brand known for its licensed jerseys and custom gear, unveiled its new lifestyle collection this week. The new offerings feature “athleisure” wear for both on and off the bike, including hoodies, loose-fit shorts, and casual shirts. The collection is available at select retailers and online at primalwear.com.
Park Tool goes live with education website
Park Tool launched a newly redesigned website that combines expanded product information along with an increased educational section focused on repair help. The site features two sections: the “Show Me Tools” and “Help Me Fix It.” The repair help section is designed to demonstrate or explain how a repair is done with written step-by-step instructions and/or videos. The tool section directs users to the company’s current offering of products.
Zwift structures your workouts
After a year in business, Zwift is making a move into the structured training market with a paid subscription service. Zwift’s “workout mode” will focus on “gamifying” training experiences through virtual courses and challenges. A beta version of the structured training will be available on October 29 and will include a non-contract monthly pricing structure of $10.
Rapha trousers take style on and off the bike
Rapha’s City Riding range of cycling clothing now includes two new pairs of riding pants meant for on and off the bike. The Cotton Trousers ($150) are slim fit and taper at the ankle. The pants are 97 percent cotton and 3 percent lycra. The Loopback Trousers ($170) are treated with a DWR (durable water repellant) finish for weather protection.