If you follow me on Twitter, you may have noticed a slight decline in activity lately. I am definitely not giving up on Twitter, but I have been playing around with Google Plus for the last couple of weeks (add me to your circles if you are using it too). So far, I have discovered a few interesting links through Google Plus, like Brad Gressel’s photos from the New Belgium Tour De Fat in Chicago this year (one of which can be seen to the left).

Designed Discourse is the title of an interview at Pez with “an industry insider who wishes to remain anonymous.” In the article, he discusses the design of team kits and company logos, as well as graphic and color trends in the pro peloton and the industry in general. You may not agree with everything he says, but it is an interesting perspective.

I have posted about bikes from car manufacturers several times before (most recently here). The latest one I have seen is this flat bar, Gates Carbon belt drive urban bike from Porsche? Compared to some of the overpriced mountain bikes that Porsche introduced in the past, this new bike looks pretty nice (though I am sure it still costs way more than it should).

I must have missed this bike in the Spring, but the Look 920 full suspension 29er is a nice looking bike. I love way the stem is integrated into the form of the frame. This is the first time I have seen that detail on a mountain bike, I believe.

All of the links above came from Google Plus, but this last one was sent to me on Twitter. NPK Product Design developed the Raceday mini pump in collaboration with SKS Germany. Aside from a clean, integrated look, they point out that curved ends of the pump serve two functions:

“It creates a handle that feels comfortable and gives it a handy grip and while the curved surface provides extra support. The Raceday also fits better on a bike frame in comparison to other mini pumps. Both the shape of the removable rubber dust cap that closes the valve door, and the rubber on the handle, respond to the shape of the bicycle frame. The result is that the shape of the pump suits the bicycle better and that the pump sits less in the way. The handle lock closes off the inside against dirt and moisture and ensures that the pump remains well positioned on the bike.”

I recently had a flat on my mountain bike, and found that the head of my mini pump, which was clamped to the downtube next to my water bottle cage, was completely clogged with dirt. The rubber cover that is supposed to plug the opening had come loose, and the pump head filled with mud that had subsequently dried like concrete. It took me forever to dig the packed-in dirt out with a mini tool before I could use the pump, so I am glad to see a design that addresses that issue in an effective way.