Aftermarket action
A stick-up for your bike No two auto bike racks are exactly the same, as evidenced by the Talon bicycle rack from Sea Sucker. The product’s extra-strong vacuum suction cups hold your two-wheeled ride firmly on top of your vehicle’s roof or trunk, or hanging from the liftgate window. But the best part is that the Talon attaches without the need for a conventional roof rack. When not in use, the suction cups can be stored away in a small bag. The single rack Talon sells for $300, while the dual-bike version sells for $440. The tripple-bike rack costs $550. Get full details at www.seasucker.com.
Out-front tool box People who work on cars or other machinery are usually packing a variety of tools. For this, a handy tool tote is essential. The Best Made Co. has designed a unique Front Loading Toolbox that makes the accessibility part particularly convenient. Once the latches are unlocked, the front opens to reveal your tools and other equipment. It’s no longer necessary to remove the top tray to get at the stuff stored beneath it. The hand-fabricated box is powder-coated (a durable heat cured finish) in red and comes with a heavy-duty handle on top and one on each side. The Front Loading Toolbox sells for $98 and is available at www.bestmadeco.com.
Keep a neat seat It’s often difficult keeping the interior of your vehicle clean and free from assorted messes, spills and pet hair. However with kids and the family pooch often riding with you, that’s not an easy task. The Solvit Deluxe Back Seat Cover has been designed to fit over the rear bench on most cars, trucks vans and sport utility vehicles. The machine-washable quilted cover creates a comfortable cushion for your pet, while preventing moisture, hair, etc. from penetrating the seat itself. Elastic traps and special clips (included) help secure the cover in place. Order one from a pet-supply store or from a number of online resellers, including www.petco.com from about $30.
Famous helmets For all you Formula One fans, Memento Exclusives of Great Britain sells racing memorabilia, including cufflinks and other trinkets, made from retired racing parts. However, for something a bit different, you can select from a limited number of racing-helmet replicas done up in the same livery, including the appropriate sponsorship logos, as worn by some of F1’s greatest drivers. Examples include James Hunt, Rene Arnoux and Keke Rosberg. Prices start at about $1,900, but if that’s too pricey, you can pick up a 1/2-scale replica of Lewis Hamilton’s helmet for $175. All can be found at www.mementoexclusives.com.