What We Have Noticed: Nike, Rumba ….

For this issue of What We Have Noticed we look at the ultralight Nike Flyknit sneakers, the Rumba VanDam GO watch, the 2012 North American Handmade Bicycle Show, a beautiful photo book about custom frame builder Richard Sachs, and a book about Schadenfreude.

Nike Flyknit

What: You might enjoy running around your house in your socks but would most likely not consider doing that outside. Well, some folks might. Nike’s new Flyknit might feel a bit like a second skin or running around in socks, and oh boy are they light. With a size 9 weighing a mere 160 grams you might have to tie them down in the transition area so they won’t fly away by the time you return from the bike segment. A slightly heavier trainer with the same technology will also be available.
Weight: 160g (size 9)
Available: July 2012
MSRP: n/a
Website: nikeinc.com

Rumba VanDam GO

What: So you are out on a ride and are really hungry for a snack and sadly you have no cash on you, what to do now? You could soldier on, call your spouse or a friend or use that Rumba VanDam GO watch to make a cashless transaction. Plus it doubles up as a medical ID bracelet. Thee payment services and emergency response profile are not included in the price of the watch but can be had for $14.95 annually.
Colors: various
MSRP: $35
Website: rumbatime.com

North American Handmade Bicycle Show 2012

What: If you want to see some very unique custom bike frames and builders you may want to head to Sacramento, CA the first weekend in March. The 2012 North American Handmade Bicycle Show takes place at the Sacramento and features builders from around the world. Plus with ArtBike running at the same time in various locations in Sacramento, you may have a very busy time ahead of you.
Location: Sacramento, CA
Date: March 2-4, 2012
Website: handmadebicycleshow.com

Richard Sachs – Bicycle Maker

What: Nick Czerula followed custom frame builder Richard Sachs for about 18 months and the result is a beautiful coffee table book with 120 black and white images spread over 110 pages in a landscape format. You may have to wait a while to get your hands on one of Richard Sachs frames, but the book can be yours in an instant. And should you be NAHBS bound you might be able to get Richard to sign it.
Format: 11.75″ x 8.25″
MSRP: $59.95
Website: bicykel.com

Everyone Loves A Good Train Wreck

What: We have all watched train wrecks developing with quite a bit of dedication and passion and the Finman thread in our forum was just one great example of a phenomenon Germans call Schadenfreude. Eric G. Wilson, who happens to live around the corner from this editor, has written a book about this interesting topic and explains why we all seem to be unable to look away. So read the book and learn a bit about yourself and your peers.
MSRP: $22
Website: amazon.com