Michelin Protek Max flat-resistant innersIt turns out, you can reinvent the wheel: Michelin has launched a flat-resistant square one – and no, April Fool's is well gone.
It’s square in cross-section unlike regular round bike inner tubes. But that’s only a small part of the innovation here, as it’s also covered in patterns of bumps and hollows. Much like the bike lanes you’ll be using them on.
However thanks to this blistery surface, these inners have a compression reaction when they’re punctured: to decode, they actually squeeze in to close the hole, unlike a conventional one which experiences “extension” (that’s the puncture getting bigger). And it’s even got a sealant integrated within the tube to heal the seal. All this inventiveness makes the Protek Max almost 10 times more efficient than other self-sealing tubes. And means it only needs inflating half as often. Win, win.
Back to its square shape. This isn’t just some avant-garde piece of product design – it positions the inner naturally in the rim well, without twisting, unlike the classic inner tube. Of course, it inflates to fit snugly in the round of the tyre.
The Protek Max tubes come with either Presta or Schrader valves in two sizes: 700x35-47c (200g) and 26x1.4-2.125in (260g).
Cost£6.99, (€7.85), from chainreactioncycles.com
iLugger desktop computer bagsBags, backpacks, cases and all manner of luggage porn to tote laptops around are two a penny. But what if you wanted to bring your all-in-one desktop computer with you, such as an iMac or HP's Omni range, well, that was an entirely different matter. Until iLugger.
A well-travelled, art director friend pointed me in their direction. They make custom-padded bags to allow you travel with your iMac, right up to their 30 cinema display.
iLuggers are made out of tough, heavy duty nylon, with thick protection all around for the computer itself and slots for the keyboard, mouse, cables etc. A wide shoulder strap is the best way to carry it, though iLuggers have handles too if you fancy a real workout on the move.
There’s a range of sizes, and a newer batch comes with wheels.
Whether they qualify as carry-on luggage depends on the model computer you’re hauling, but the 21.5 iMac version, for instance, will cut it with the carry-on cops.
Of course, a bigger question than the bag size is why you’d want to bring your desktop with you – it’s like the anti-iPad – however for those in design or photography where a bigger screen is a real bonus, an iLugger fits the bill perfectly.
Cost€90 and up, from ilugger.com
Columbia Insect Blocker clothingThe Columbia Sportswear Company was set up in 1938, but rarely can it have had any other time of such creative innovation as now. It has really raised its game in outdoor and activity gear.
Latest timely introduction is its Insect Blocker technology. This uses a synthesised version of a natural insect repellent found in chrysanthemums. It integrates the repellent deep within the fabrics to offer invisible protection against bugs such as mosquitoes, flies, ticks and ants. Moreover, it’s odourless. Certainly a boon for anyone who has ever had to Deet-up.
The blocker agent doesn’t require reapplications and they say it’s effective for up to 70 washes.
That’s a lot of weekends out in the wilds. And there are no sensitivity issues, so toddlers or pregnant women can wear Insect Blocker gear.
The protection is available in a range of Columbia gear from trousers to tops.
CostBug Shield Top is €64.95, from good outdoor stores around the country