NEWS

Shed Shackle should stop stealing

The Shed Shackle is a clever new device just launched by UK company Pragmasis: it provides a secure locking point for bikes and other items, even in a relatively fl imsy wooden shed. Often such sheds have no concrete fl oor to which could be bolted a strong ground anchor, and doors and windows are also often vulnerable. The Shed Shackle instead works by bolting through the shed’s wall structure – which may not be particularly strong either, but can’t be demolished quietly or inconspicuously. There are a series of ‘links’ of hardened steel plate to offer fl exibility in

positioning – for maximum strength both horiontal and upright beams should be used: A large steel hoop allows D-locks or heavy chains to secure the bike. The device is secured to the shed structure with coachbolts inserted from the outside: inside there are security nuts (they break off when tightened to leave a smooth cone) further secured with thread lock. From the outside you can see is the smooth heads of the coach bolts, while inside, the Shackle is a clear visual deterrent. It’s available direct from Pragmasis for £37.95. Tel 01827 286267 or see www.pragmasis.com

Zeppy update

Following a break-in at their airport lock-up, the Zeppy human-powered airship team (as described in the article in Issue 19) have been regrouping before an attempt at the Channel crossing. Technically, things are looking good. A new higherperformance canopy has proved very promising in initial tests. Stephane Rousson, the project leader and pilot, was also devoting much effort to attracting sponsorship. That seems to have paid off: just as we go to print he announced that the Zeppy project has been selected by fast food company MacDonalds to feature in their worldwide ‘Stars’ campaign.

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He’s pictured here during studio photography. Stephane says further sponsors are still very welcome, and

they’d benefi t from the MacDonalds publicity, which, it is estimated, will reach 50 million consumers worldwide. Zeppy project: seewww.zeppy.org

Steintrikes launch a recumbent trike-bike conversion kit

Steintrikes, the recumbent trike makers from Serbia & Montenegro, together with their Austrian partners/distributors Bike Revolution, have launched a conversion kit which allows owners of their Nomad Sport recumbent trike to – very affordably – turn the machine into a two-wheeled recumbent. The ‘Speedy’ kit employs the entire trike rear end, the seat, and the right-hand front wheel which is fi tted to a one-sided front fork. Note that on the prototype picture here the rear brake isn’t fi tted. The price for the complete bike is € 1490, or if you buy a complete package of Nomad Sport trike with the conversion kit, it’s a still very reasonable

€ 2590. Some members on the Germanlanguage Liegerad Forumwebsite, mwhere the kit was announced, said they might be tempted to ride it as a bike in

summer, and change to tricycle mode for winter. The kit should fi t riders from 1.5 to 2.1 m tall, with inside leg measurements from around 71 to 96 cm. It can also be used with the Steintrikes mesh seat option. Converting between modes is fairly simple apparently, mostly just quick-releases. Steintrikes: Tel +381 63 8863132 or seewww.steintrikes.com Bike Revolution: Tel +43 2282 70444 or see www.bike-revolution.at

New C&RC calendar

Once again Velo Vision has joined a string of cycle-friendly organisations worldwide to co-produce the Cycle and Recycle Calendar 2007. As in previous years, it’s full of inspiring cycling images from around the world, with the additional bonus that it’s re-useable in 2018 and 2029. Supplies are expected towards the end of September, but you can order now (see page 56) and we’ll send them out as soon as they arrive.