Audi, pushing the limits with innovation, illustrates what is technically possible with the electric mobility and lightweight construction of the Wörthersee. With its carbon fiber frame weighing only 1,600 grams (3.53lbs), the complete bike weighs in at 21kg (46.3 lbs). The frame also houses the lithium-ion battery that can be fully charged in 2.5 hours using a 230 V supply or can even be detached and replaced with a charged battery if need be. The 26 inch wheels are made of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), weighing just 600 grams each.

The rider of the e-bike can choose between five programs; these either support use of the pedals or permit electric-only travel. “In the ‘Pure’ mode the rider only propels the bike by means of the pedals. In the ‘Pedelec’ mode the rider is assisted by the electric motor; a top speed of up to 80 km/h (50 mph) can be reached and the action radius is between 50 and 70 kilometers (31 and 44 miles). In the ‘eGrip’ program the Audi e-bike Wörthersee can be ridden with the electric motor providing all the necessary power; in this case at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph).” The on-board computer is located in the frame’s top tube, and is operated using a touchscreen. One of the coolest aspects of the bike, if not the coolest, is its ability to communicate with the riders smartphone. So when the rider is using one of the five programs to pop-a-wheelie, the smartphone can post to Facebook and compare with other riders tricks.

There is no price on the carbon fiber beauty-bike unfortunately, because as of now its just a prototype. Audi is calling the Wörthersee, a “show bike” so we will have to keep our ears open regarding the future of this e-bike. The prototype will be introduced by Audi at the 2012 Wörthersee Tour.

[Sources: Engadget, Born Rich]

Once released, the balloon traveled 63 miles from where it took off, burst in the air and rapidly landed in Apple Valley. From there, with the footage they got, editing took place. It was the first stratospheric 3D video shoot using a balloon and the footage the students received was nothing short of awesome. This project also exemplifies how durable the carbon fiber frame and the HD cameras are as they all survived the rapid descent. And just the use of carbon fiber in the experiment has to mean it was affordable enough for an elementary school to fund.

So with 3D glasses on or not, this video is a must watch.

[Source: Tech Crunch]

During a trip with his father and brother where the three set off to Italy from Turkey by sailboat, Simon gazed into the clear water of the Greek islands, dreaming up what would now come to be the Subwing.

“The SUBWING is basically two connected wings that can be rotated independently of each other, which are being towed by a boat with a person hanging on. The speed varies about 2-4 knots, which means that even a small boat with a less powerful engine will have no problem towing the SUBWING.”

The Subwing doesn’t sound too difficult to maneuver either and it is attached to a boat with a recommended rope length of about 15 meter. When the user presses the device down, it will cause a dive-like motion while pulling it up, pulls the user to the surface. Turning it left, will make you go left and turning right, will make you go right. Simple enough but here is my big dilemma, breathing. I can hardly hold my breath for more than 20 seconds, so how much fun would my ride be, having to come up for air twice a minute? Oxygen tank anyone?

The Subwing is available in a few different styles, two of which are made out fiberglass and the rest out of carbon fiber. The Subwing Carbon Glossy, is just that, a glossy carbon fiber model, which is actually their top model and the most expensive as well. Opposite of the glossy, is a matte version subsequently called the Subwing Carbon Matte. The newest edition to the carbon fiber line is the Subwing Black Painted Carbon which is still made out of carbon fiber, but is painted on top. The Subwing’s range in price from $700 for the fiber glass versions and between $840-895 for the carbon fiber versions and you can buy them here.

[Sources: Gizmodo, Subwing]

‘Light like air, stronger than steel’, the Nike Zoom Hyperdunk, LeBron 9 and Zoom Kobe VII each encompass premium materials used for optimal performance on the court. Both carbon fiber and Kevlar can be found throughout the shoe. Carbon fiber is used in the heel and mid foot for lightweight stability. The use of Kevlar actually helps to minimize the stretch for maximum stability. And the Nike Pro Combat inner sleeve and carbon wing exterior deliver superior protection. And just to top it off perfectly, the designers at Nike made the signature swoosh in gold.

Due to the high-end costs that comes with using these premium materials, Nike has decided to manufacture these in a limited run, also limiting the limit to 2 per person per color. These elite-level shoes aim to give ultimate protection and responsiveness. Get yours now from Nike as they went on sale on April 28 and are sure to run out soon. They range from $200-$250 and are available in both home and away editions.  Looks like the Lebron’s will be the most popular, they are already sold out as of this post.

[Source: Fast Co.Design, Nike]

We’ve seen these carbon fibers used in high end vehicles, like those displayed in the latest Lamborghini’s, but never in a high volume situation. Ford is projecting a possible weight reduction of up to 20 percent on some of its most popular, and most affordable, models. The major issue that Ford had to overcome to be able to use carbon fiber composites was one of availability. They estimated that it would take about 30,000 metric tons of carbon fiber to replace their thermoset glass fibers composites. With the global forecast for production coming in at just over 60,000 metric tons, there would be no way for them to do it. Ford needed to find a supplier that could produce large amounts of carbon fiber at a low cost, and they found one, DOW chemical.

Although the project is still in the research and development stage, it isn’t starting from scratch. DOW Automotive Systems has already been working with Turkish carbon fiber manufacturer AKSA and the U.S. Department of Energy Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Ford will add its R&D team to the mix in hopes of producing the first carbon fiber models by the end of the decade.

Just by making this announcement, Ford has put pressure on all of the other major car manufacturers to respond. This should lead to a huge demand for carbon fiber and multiple new joint R&D ventures. Not only will car manufacturers be interested in leveraging this new technology if it can be produced on a low cost basis. We could start to see appliances, electronics and other consumer goods that used to be made from metals, turn to the lighter, more resilient carbon fiber. On the other hand, if low cost carbon fiber is not able to be produced on the scale needed by these industries, this will drive prices up. In either case, Ford’s announcement is a win-win for the carbon fiber industry.

Brown Safe Manufacturing, the company behind the safe, has made a name for themselves since being founded in 1980. They have successfully grown into the premier safe and vault company providing worldwide security solutions.

The Chronos series allows entry via biometric fingerprint reading and is made from high grade materials such as carbon fiber. The company boasts a protection like no other. “This includes ballistic armor plating, four way solid titanium locking bolts, tungsten carbide hard plate, locking bolt anti-drive, active and passive re-locking, interlocking anti-pry door, hi-density amalgamate cladding, reinforced anchor bolts, alarm system integration, and a GPS alert and tracking system.” Doesn’t sound like anyone is getting in there!

As previously mentioned, each safe is fully customizable so the owner-to-be is presented with a plethora of choice features, so no two safes are alike. To enhance the appearance of the safe with more carbon fiber, clients can choose to have the impressive carbon fiber trim package which is exclusive to Brown Safes. You can have the entire exterior body and door wrapped in carbon fiber with matching carbon fiber drawers or only use carbon fiber on the interior drawers.  The Chronos start at $58,750 and goes up from there depending on options.

“This watch safe is designed for the sophisticated timepiece collector who will settle for no less than the most advanced and highly refined watch chest on the market today.”

Innovative and stylish to say the least, this series of the Chronos series premium watch safe line truly is one of a kind. Too bad I don’t have enough watches to really need one…or the money, but that’s neither here nor there

Brown Safe has put together a video, it is a must watch:

Brought to us from Crescent Moon, the ski company that specializes in snowshoe’s, poles and accessories, the Black Kilo will be the lightest pair on the market when they launch next winter (2013).

President of Crescent Moon, Jake Thamm, states:

“To my knowledge, there are no other all carbon fiber frame and deck shoes on the market. The Black Kilo weighs 2.2 pounds, including the binding and crampons, and is by far the lightest pair of shoes on the market.”

The Black Kilo will feature a carbon fiber composite frame and platform with cutout. And while carbon fiber has been seen in shoes before, Thamm believes this is the first snowshoe with a composite carbon fiber frame and deck for “a complete carbon fiber solution.” Crescent Moons also see’s a lot of potential in the use of carbon fiber for a future line including racing shoes to off-trail shoes and everything in between.

Thamm also admits that the genius behind the Black Kilo is co-founder and CFO, Tamara Laug who began thinking about this concept over two years ago including the design and prototype. Both Thamm and Laug are proud to announce that all of the resources used in the shoes, are US made, which is fundamental to the companies production philosophy.

The carbon fiber snowshoe, Black Kilo, is expected to be available for sale as early as Fall of 2012 or even as late as Winter 2013, with a $399 price tag.

[Source: Crescent Moon]

Described as “one of the worlds most amazing super yachts”, the Adastra is made from pure carbon fiber with a Nomex honeycome core. Other parts of the yacht made from carbon fiber include the hatches, port lights, ladders and of course, the hinges. While the hull is glass/kevlar foam sandwich and the interior consists of a light weight oak cabinetry using honeycomb panels.

“The challenge of turning this concept into a viable luxury yacht has led us to further research and to develop new thinking on stability and comfort at sea for this type of craft. Extensive tank testing and radio controlled model tests in waves have been carried out to analyze stability and performance. Outrigger height has been optimized for ease of motion at sea, and a new outrigger shape has been developed to increase stability in waves. We have undertaken a state of the art structural analysis of all the major components in the yacht in order to achieve the light weight required for very low fuel consumption. All this has resulted in the exceptional vessel that has recently been launched in China.”

The Adastra is not only luxurious, but spacious too. It’s 16 meter beam allows for a plethora of amenities. Some of which include a lounge area, dining and bar area’s, large sunbeds, and not to mention, the gorgeous views offered from all around the yacht. It allows for up to nine guests and five-six crew members. And has the ability to ride at a top speed of 22.5 knots and a range of 4,000 miles. It also encompasses an anchoring system that is unique with three anchors all driven by carbon fiber drum winches run by hydraulics.

Now after years of being built at the the McConaghy boatyard in Zhuhai China, the Adastra has successfully been launched into the Pearl River. Now the owners of this $15 mil spaceship-resembling yacht, get to take their expertise to the Pacific Ocean. Ahoy matey!

[Source: Uncrate, John-Shuttleworth.com]

Almost two years ago we wrote about a golf cart made by Garia, that exhibited a carbon fiber roof. It looks like maybe the company read my article where I suggested the use of a tad bit more carbon fiber because that’s exactly what they did here.

Garia, the Danish manufacturer of luxury golf and luxurious cars, teamed up with Mansory this time around, who is best-known for their insane carbon fiber work on exotic vehicles (prime example), to create this masterpiece which had its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Auto Show back in September of 2011.

“When creating the Garia, we set out to build the best golf car in the world, teaming up with the most renowned suppliers in the automobile industry, and with the Garia Mansory Edition our connection to the automobile world is further strengthened”, says Mr. Anders Lynge, designer of the Garia.

The golf cart has a full carbon fiber body. The carbon fiber panels can be found on both the front and tail apron, and the side steps. Also the steering wheel is using a new design that uses a gun grip and has a carbon fiber top.

The Garia Mansory Edition can also be customized for your own liking by actually working closely with a designer from Garia, including the color and trim of your choice. It is also built in both a street legal and non-street legal version. You can order your very own carbon fiber golf cart from the company’s website here.

Video

[Source: Dexigner]

What is Pinterest?

For those who are asking, ‘What is Pinterest?’, I’ve gone ahead and put together a little overview for you.

Pinterest is a social network site that allows users to share images they find interesting, whether from the web or taken themselves. The images are uploaded by users and are then known as Pins.

Users can then place the pins on their own customized boards which are all themed related, for example, hobbies, cooking, dream cars, etc.

Their Mission? “To connect everyone in the world through the ‘things’ they find interesting. We think that a favorite book, toy, or recipe can reveal a common link between two people. With millions of new pins added every week, Pinterest is connecting people all over the world based on shared tastes and interests.”

Join Us

We have been actually been working behind the scenes for the past couple months to build out our boards.  On our Pinterest profile, you’ll see we have several Carbon Fiber Gear related boards, to help you access products easier, like “Gifts under $100.” We also have a few boards totally unrelated to carbon fiber because as hard as it is to believe, we like other things too. (If you have any suggestions or feedback on specific boards you would want to see on our page, feel free to let us know!)

If you are already a member, don’t forget to follow us! We will doing things like sharing exclusive products with our pinterest users, just like we have with Facebook and Twitter in the past. Pinterest is the perfect way for people to be able to express themselves without trying too hard to add humor or their own take on it, it simply allows you to show what you find interesting. And remember Pinterest is an invite only website, so if you need an invitation to join, just let us know and we would be happy to send one your way!