New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
PEG PEREGO BANDOLERO
Power to the people-er, the little people. Peg Perego's battery-run Bandolero mini-cruiser ($280) is designed for children up to 65 pounds, ages 3 to 7. It’s tough, thanks to molded plastic and metal construction, and capable of a racy, 5.5-mph top speed via the twistgrip on/off accelerator-perfect for hallway hijinks or lapping Central Park. Traction is provided by rubber-covered vinyl wheels, and durable, foot-actuated drum brakes supply sure stopping power. Some assembly required. Peg Perego Adventure, 3625 Independence Dr., Fort Wayne, IN 46808; 219/482-8191
1996 WORLD SUPERBIKE YEARBOOK
While attending each round of last year’s World Superbike series may only have been a dream, rabid roadrace fans can still get a flavor for the season past with the 1996 World Superbike Year-book. Chock-full of artful photography, this 112-page hardbound volume examines every aspect of WSB racing, from technical trivia to behind-the-scenes interviews with riders and team members. The yearbook carries a suggested retail price of $50, plus $4 shipping. Gianatsis Design, 4801 Reforma Rd., Woodland Hills, CA 91364; 818/223-8550
XTREME GX-3 MOTOCROSS APPAREL
Get the drop on your competition with Xtreme’s new GX-3 off-road apparel. Mock turtleneck jerseys ($49) are 100 percent cotton, have padded elbows and dropped tails. A choice of four colors are available in sizes S-XXL. Matching basket-weave construction cordura-nylon pants ($140) are sold in waist sizes 28-40, and claim heavy-duty knees, shins and seats. Foam hip pads are supplied. Xtreme, 2590 Jason Ct., Oceanside, CA 92056; 619/630-6370
RENTHAL R1 WORKS CHAIN
Reduce friction and unsprung weight with Renthal’s R1 Works non-O-ring drive chain. Boasting shot-peened alloy sideplates, chamfered edges, chromised bearing pins and oversize bushings, the R1 is available in 96to 120-link lengths for late-model 125, 250 and 500cc MXers. Prices range from $65-85.
Renthal USA, 24950 Anza Dr., Valencia, CA 91355; 805/257-0474
ALPINESTARS GP TECH BOOTS
Alpinestars’ all-new GP Tech roadrace boots are arguably the hottest thing going in two-wheel footwear. But there’s more here than a flashy facade: The lightweight, aerodynamically shaped carbon/kevlar shinplate strengthens and protects, while the
wraparound heel absorbs impacts. Gel, air and closed-cell foam surround the ankle, and leather-alternative Lorica adds flexibility and saves weight. High-tech ain’t cheap, though: Offered in five color combinations, the ventilated, rear-zip GP Techs retail for $279 per pair in full sizes 8-13. Alpinestars USA, 3860 Del Amo Blyd., Unit 401, Torrance, CA 90503; 310/542-5996
BATES LEATHERS MICKEY’S JACKET
Although the 1991 film Harley-Davidson and the Marlboro Man wasn’t an Oscar contender, actor Mickey Rourke’s flat-track-inspired jacket garnered loads of praise. So much so, Bates has produced a replica model. Fashioned from premium, top-grain cowhide, the jacket incorporates many of the colors, features and sponsor patches found on its movie namesake. The Mickey’s Jacket comes in chest sizes 40-44 and costs $695. Custom sizing, styling and alternative patches are available. Bates Leathers, 3700 N. Industry Ave., Unit 102, Lakewood, CA 90712; 310/426-8668
BUGZ BOMBERZ
Based on WWII-era flyer’s goggles, Bugz Bomberz ($45) feature open-cell foam liners, a lightweight thermoplastic flex-frame, polycarbonate lenses and an alloy-reinforced bridge. The latter, company officials claim, provides additional protection and support. Bomberz come with an innovative strap/frame adjustment system for convenient over-helmet use. Skyline Northwest Corp., 0224 SW Hamilton St., Portland, OR 97201; 503/227-7814
K&N BILLET FUEL FILTER
Behold, the final fuel filter you likely will ever buy. This finned, billet-aluminum K&N contains a reusable pleated stainless-steel filter disc, designed to stop particles as small as 10 microns (.000392-inch) in size. Threaded ends sealed with rubber O-rings withstand more than 6000 psi, and a bypass option prevents total fuel starvation in race applications. Available with ¼and 5/16-inch barbed-style fittings, the filter costs $95. K&N Engineering, P.0. Box 1329, Riverside, CA 92502; 800/858-3333
