Studded/Studdable Fatbike Tire Choices For More Traction this Winter

Winter fatbike riding conditions are constantly changing with the weather here in Minnesota and a good set of studded tires can have you rolling when others may skip out because it's too icy.  There are several manufacturers that have studded and studdable tire options available in 26" and 27.5" wheel sizes.  Below is a list of them for you to research and choose from.

45NRTH

Dillinger 4

"Riding your fat bike on ice just got even better with the redesigned Dillinger tread pattern and tubeless compatibility."

Options:  120tpi Studded, 60tpi Studded, 120tpi Non-studded
Size:  26 x 4.0", 27.5 x 4.0"
Casing:  120tpi Ultralight or 60tpi
Studs:  Concave Aluminum Carbide (120tpi), Steel-Carbide (60tpi)
Bead:  Tubeless Ready Folding 120tpi or 60tpi
Rim Compatibility:  64–94mm wide rims
Pricing:  120tpi Studded/$225, 60tpi Studded/$150, 120tpi Non-studded/$115

Available from 45NRTH dealer bike shops.  More information on Dillinger 4 26 x 4.0" & 27.5 x 4.0" at the 45NRTH website.

Dillinger 5

Image Credit: 45NRTH

"The extra width of the Dillinger 5 provides flotation over loose snow additional grip while turning, accelerating or braking on ice and packed snow. Available in both studded and non-studded configurations. The studded version comes with 258 concave, aluminum carbide tip studs to provide extra bite and increased durability."

Options:  120tpi Studded, 60tpi Studded, 120tpi Non-studded
Size:  26 x 4.6"
Casing:   120tpi Ultralight
Studs:  Concave Aluminum Carbide (120tpi), Steel Carbide (60tpi)
Bead:  Tubeless Ready Folding 120 and 60 tpi
Rim Compatibility:  70-100mm wide rims
Pricing:   120tpi Studded/$225, 60tpi Studded/$170, 120tpi Non-studded/$140

Available from 45NRTH dealer bike shops.  More information at the 45NRTH website.

Wrathchild

"From loose snow to icy freeze-thaw and everything in between, Wrathchild craves the best and worst winter conditions. Deep center lugs aggressively claw into unconsolidated snow for extreme acceleration and braking traction. Super tall side lugs dig into loose snow to provide predictable and confident cornering. Encounter sheer ice on your ride and Wrathchild’s XL concave studs tear into the surface."

Options:  120tpi Studded, 120tpi Non-studded
Size:  26 x 4.6"
Casing:  120tpi
Studs:  XL Concave Aluminum Carbide
Bead:  Tubeless Ready Folding
Rim Compatibility:  65 - 102mm wide rims
Pricing:  120tpi Studded/$235, 120tpi Non-studded/$145

Available from 45NRTH dealer bike shops.  More information at the 45NRTH website.

Bontrager

Gnarwhal

"When bite and traction are required above all else, this tire keeps you moving. Roll through the roughest terrain and deepest snow with the stud-ready, aggressively treaded Gnarwhal. Available to fit both 26 and 27.5 wheels, this versatile tire can be ridden with or without studs to add traction to even the slipperiest winter riding conditions."

Options:  120tpi Studded, 120tpi Non-studded
Size:  26 x 3.8", 27.5 x 4.5"
Casing:  120tpi
Studs:  Aluminum Carbide, 27.5" tires can accept 216 studs, 26" tires can accept 160 studs
Bead:  Tubeless Ready Folding
Pricing:  26 x 3.8" Studded/$225, 26 x 3.8" Non-studded/$120, 27.5 x 4.5" Non-studded/$120

Available direct from Trek and Trek Authorized Dealers.

Terrene

Cake Eater

Image Credit: Terrene Tires

"Gliding over a frozen lake or twisting through a groomed trail—winter riding is best enjoyed with a quick and capable tire that won’t drag you down and still rail through turns. Inspired by studless winter vehicle snow tires, Cake Eater was designed to have lower center tread height with deep siping for lower rolling resistance while the side lugs remained tall and edgy for biting into soft corners. Studs pockets were added in the transition areas for optional added cornering confidence in icy conditions."

Cake Eater 26x4.0 Light  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Non-studded, $120

Cake Eater 26x4.6 Light  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Non-studded, $120

Cake Eater 27.5x4.0 Light  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Non-studded, $120

Cake Eater 27.5x4.5 Light  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Non-studded, $120

Cake Eater 26x4.0 Light Stud  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Triple Traction 180 stud, $200

Cake Eater 26x4.6 Light Stud  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Triple Traction 180 stud, $200

Cake Eater 27.5x4.0 Light Stud  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Triple Traction 180 stud, $200

Cake Eater 27.5x4.5 Light Stud  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Triple Traction 180 stud, $200

Cake Eater 26x4.0 33TPI Stud  33tpi Standard casing, Tubeless-ready, Flat Tipped 180 stud, $150 Sold Out

Cake Eater 26x4.6 33TPI Stud  33tpi Standard casing, Tubeless-ready, Flat Tipped 180 stud, $150

Available direct from Terrene and Terrene dealer bike shops.

Wazia

Image Credit: Terrene Tires

"For some, boundaries are simply starting points. When convention becomes routine, there is a tire that will allow you to go beyond. Wazia is our all-season, all-surface, go anywhere tire. From winter ice and snow to sandy beaches, and all of the trails in between."

Wazia 26x4.0 Light  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Non-studded, $120

Wazia 26x4.6 Light  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Non-studded, $120

Wazia 26x4.0 Light Studded  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Triple Traction 156 stud, $200

Wazia 26x4.6 Light Studded  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Triple Traction 156 stud, $200 Sold Out

Available direct from Terrene and Terrene dealer bike shops.

Johnny 5

Image Credit: Terrene Tires

"Plowing through a layer of fresh morning snow, or grinding on into the unknown in the dead of winter—adverse riding conditions require flotation and traction to keep you on the surface and moving forward. Johnny 5 is our extreme soft conditions tire designed with a wide platform, tall paddle lugs, and 320 studs for maximum traction so that you can continue moving forward when stopping is not an option."

Johnny 5 26x5.0 Light  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Non-studded, $140

Johnny 5 26x5.0 Light Stud  120tpi Ultralight casing, Tubeless-ready, Triple Traction 320 stud, $260

Available direct from Terrene and Terrene dealer bike shops.

Vee

Snow Avalanche

Image Credit: Vee Tire Co.

"The Snow Avalanche features an aggressive tread design for enhancing steering performance and off-camber grip. With a low rolling resistance and excellent float, this directional tire is great for blocked trails or loose snow."

Snow Avalanche 26 x 4.0  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Silica Compound, Non-studded, $130

Snow Avalanche 26 x 4.0  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Pure Silica Compound, Beige color, Non-studded, $145

Snow Avalanche 26 x 4.0  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Pure Silica Compound, Beige color, Studded (250), $190

Snow Avalanche 26 x 4.0  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Silica Compound, Studded (250), $200

Snow Avalanche 26 x 4.8  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Silica Compound, Non-studded, $130

Snow Avalanche 26 x 4.8  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Silica Compound, Studded (250), $200

Snow Avalanche 26 x 4.8  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Pure Silica Compound, Beige color, Non-studded, $145

Snow Avalanche 26 x 4.8  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Pure Silica Compound, Beige color, Studded (250), $200

Available direct from Vee Tire and local bike shops.

SnowShoe XL

Image Credit: Vee Tire Co.

"The SnowShoe XL is the tire to turn to for grip when winter hits. Excellent in the snow, dirt, or even soft sand, its large and strategically-spaced block tread take an unsophisticated approach to finding traction. Smothered in nearly five inches of sticky rubber, let the sharp edged blocks punch into the trail surface, and drive you forward."

SnowShoe XL 26 x 4.8  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Silica Compound, Black Tread, Non-studded, $115

SnowShoe XL 26 x 4.8  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Pure Silica Compound, White Tread, Non-studded, $135

SnowShoe XL 26 x 4.8  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Silica Compound, Black Tread, Studded (240), $175

SnowShoe XL 26 x 4.8  Folding Bead, 120tpi, Pure Silica Compound, White Tread, Studded (240), $190

Available direct from Vee Tire and local bike shops.

Studs & Stud Tools

For an investment of a little of your time you can save a bunch of money by buying non-studded tires, some studs and install them yourself.  It's pretty simple and with all the studs on the market you can choose the kind that will be best for what you'll be riding.  Below is a list of studs that are available in numerous pack sizes online and at your local bike shop. 

45NRTH

Concave Studs

Image Credit: 45NRTH

Construction:  Aluminum base, concave carbide tip

Pack Size/Price:  25/$10, 100/$30

Available from 45NRTH dealer bike shops.

XL Concave Studs

Image Credit: 45NRTH

Construction:  Aluminum base, concave carbide tip

Pack Size/Price:  25/$15, 100/$45

Available from 45NRTH dealer bike shops.

Stud Tool

Image Credit: 45NRTH

Compatible with studs that have a 3.5mm or smaller shaft.

Available from 45NRTH dealer bike shops for $9.

BIKESTUD

Hex Tip Studs

Image Credit: BIKESTUD

Construction:  Aluminum body, Tungsten carbide tip, 0.4 g per stud

Pack Size/Price:  25/$14, 50/$26, 100/$45, 250/$105, 500/$198

Available direct from BIKESTUD.

Concave Studs

Image Credit: BIKESTUD

Construction:  Aluminum body, Tungsten carbide tip, 0.3 g/stud

Pack Size/Price:  25/$7, 50/$13, 100/$25, 250/$60, 500/$115

Available direct from BIKESTUD.

Flat Tip Studs

Image Credit: BIKESTUD

Construction:  Aluminum body, Tungsten carbide tip, 0.25 g/stud

Pack Size/Price:  25/$5, 50/$10, 100/$18, 250/$42, 500/$80

Available direct from BIKESTUD.

T Handle Stud Insertion Tool

Image Credit: BIKESTUD

Monster magnet tip holds stud in place!

Beefy, smooth handle for comfortable, secure grip

Available direct from BIKESTUD for $15.

Tire Stud Insertion Tool

Image Credit: BIKESTUD

Magnetized tip helps hold stud in place.

Available direct from BIKESTUD for $12.

Bontrager

Tire Stud Kit

Image Credit: Trek

Construction:  Aluminum base, carbide tip

Pack Size/Price:  25/$15.99, 225/$49.99

Available from Trek and Authorized Trek Dealers.

Gnarwhal Stud Tool

Image Credit: Trek

Magnetized tip securely holds tire stud for easy installation.

Available from Trek and Authorized Trek Dealers for $9.99.

Terrene

Triple Traction Crown Stud

Tungsten Carbide Stud Kit

Image Credit: Terrene Tires

Construction:  Aluminum base, carbide tip, 3-pointed crown shape

Pack Size/Price:  100/$40

Available direct from Terrene and Terrene dealer bike shops.

Triple Traction Low Rolling Resistance

Tungsten Carbide Stud Kit

Image Credit: Terrene Tires

Construction:  Aluminum base, carbide tip, 3-pointed crown shape, 1.5mm lower height

Pack Size/Price:  100/$40

Available direct from Terrene and Terrene dealer bike shops.

Triple Traction Ultra Traction

Tungsten Carbide Stud Kit

Image Credit: Terrene Tires

Construction:  Aluminum base, carbide tip, 3-pointed crown shape

Pack Size/Price:  100/$80

Available direct from Terrene and Terrene dealer bike shops.

Terrene Stud Insertion Tool

Image Credit: Terrene Tires

 Cooperatively developed with Bikestud.com.

Available direct from Terrene and Terrene dealer bike shops for $10.

Studs for tires without stud pockets

Gripstuds

#1000 Tire Stud

Image Credit: Grip Studs

Construction:  Wide–auger/screw-in base, tungsten carbide core 

Pack Size/Price:
100 studs with manual install tool/$111.85
150 studs with manual install tool/$159.85
Bulk pack of 100 studs/$99.95
Bulk pack of 150 studs/$147.95
#4000 Power Install Tool/$9.95
#5000 Manual Driver Handle Only (requires #4000 Power Install Tool)/$1.95

Available direct from Grip Studs.

45NRTH Introduces Wölvhammer Red Wing Edition

Image Credit: 45NRTH

45NRTH has teamed up with Red Wing Shoes to come out with a new Limited Edition Wölvhammer design.  The new boot was unveiled at a 45NRTH Limited Edition Product Launch at Angry Catfish in Minneapolis on October 20th.  This new boot has all of the technical features of the previous year model including lace-up design with gusseted tongue, 200g Primaloft® aerogel insole under the foot and a 45NRTH rubber outsole with Hypergrip for added slip resistance (2-bolt compatible). Suggested temperature range remains the same as the original at 0° (-18°C) to 25°F (-3°C).

Image Credit: 45NRTH

According to 45NRTH this limited edition boot has a "Waterproof-breathable membrane for moisture control, mid-calf height for weather protection and comfort, gaiter hook for fatbiking in deep snow and added insulation above the ankle" and is made from "100% full grain locally sourced Red Wing Leather®."

Image Credit: 45NRTH

Look for them to start showing up 45NRTH Dealers including Penn Cycle soon for $344.99.

My Favorite Winter Fatbike Gear-Part 2

Winter is finally here and and that opens up a lot of new opportunities to ride fatbikes.  Some of these opportunities are made even better with the right gear.  This will be my fifth year of winter cycling and I have a few favorite items that help make fatbiking out on the snow and ice much more enjoyable. 

45NRTH Dillinger 4 Tires 

This Winter has started off extremely icy and a pair of studded tires has almost become a must if you want to get in any riding.  Most of the Twin Cities area singletrack is currently unrideable without studded tires until we get a decent amount of snow to pack down on top of the ice.  I've crashed on icy patches in previous years and vowed that I would go studded this winter for better traction and to ride areas that I couldn't before.

I recently purchased a pair of 45NRTH Dillinger 4 studded fatbike tires and set them up tubeless so I could run lower pressures when needed without the risk of pinch flats.  From the very first ride I was amazed at their grip on the ice.  Now I can ride the slippery stuff with confidence thanks to their 240 concave studs.  These tires now allow me to go places I would have never thought of before.  Frozen lakes, creeks, marshes and icy singletrack are no longer off limits thus extending my opportunities to ride.  They will definitely be put to use during some fatbike ice fishing ventures to come.

Revelate Designs Mountain Feedbag

The Mountain Feedbag from Revelate Designs is a favorite cockpit bag of mine.  I use a pair of them year round for different practical applications.  They're small, but big enough to carry the things I need for the ride.  I can easily fit my tool kit in one with room to spare for keys, wallet or snacks.  The other one usually carries a spare tube, water bottle or other gear needed for cold rides.  They allow quick access and hold very secure, even on the bumpiest of rides.  I like to travel light and these bags allow me to do that without feeling cumbersome.

Bontrager TLR Flash Charger Floor Pump

The Bontrager TLR Flash Charger Floor Pump is one of the best floor pumps I've ever owned.  This high capacity pump works great for filling high volume fatbike tires and also has a pressurizable chamber that makes seating tubeless tires a breeze.  I recently set up a pair of Bontrager Barbegazi 26x4.7 tires tubeless and was able to get them to seat easily without the use of a compressor.  I check my tire pressure before every ride and adjust it to handle the trail conditions and this pump makes doing so quick and easy.  The pump action is very smooth and I would definitely recommend the Flash Charger to anyone who has a fatbike.

WSI Sports HEATR Baselayer

One of the newest gear items I'm most excited about is my new base layer from WSI Sportswear.  This Eagan based company has a full line of performance base layers that have been designed, tested and made in Minnesota.  HEATR is their line of base layer apparel that warms against the skin while wicking away moisture to keep a person dry and comfortable in a variety of cold conditions.

I have their warmest Full HEATR Pant and Long Sleeve 1/4 Zip Shirt that has a comfort range from -20° to 50° F and added their HEATR Socks and HEATR Glove Liners to complete the set.  The material is thin, stretchable and wicks moisture really good.  I combine this set up with my Gore Bike Wear Windstopper outer shell to stay remarkably warm without layering up too much.  I'll be putting it to the test with the subzero temperatures to come and hope to write a full review later this Winter.

45NRTH Introduces New, Redesigned and Plus Winter Tires

Image Credit: 45NRTH

45NRTH introduced a couple of new aggressive studded tires for fatbikes as well as 27.5+ bikes and a redesigned tread on a couple already in their lineup.  The announcement came over social media and their new website on Thursday, September 8th.   Below I go over some of the details of these new tire offerings to choose from for this Winter.

Wrathchild 26X4.6 Studded Tire

Image Credit: 45NRTH

Wrathchild is a new more aggressive studded fatbike tire in the lineup that has 224 XL concave studs with deep lugs and an open tread pattern designed to shed snow.  45NRTH touts this tire for use "From loose snow to icy freeze-thaw and everything in between, Wrathchild craves the best and worst winter conditions."  Wrathchild's tread design and concave studs seem to make it an ideal all-around Winter tire that is going to provide plenty of traction for cornering, braking and the icy stuff.

Wrathchild will be available in a 26x4.6 studded-only version with a 120 tpi casing and a tubeless ready folding bead.  Fits 65-102mm rims.

Wrathchild 27.5X3.0 Studded Tire

Image Credit: 45NRTH

Wrathchild will also be available in a 27.5x3.0 version for plus bikes.  It has deep, aggressive lugs that dig in with tall side lugs for cornering traction and XL Concave Aluminum Carbide studs for icy conditions.  This new tire will give 27.5+ bike owners all-conditions traction this Winter whether it be for commutes to work or rolling fast on the packed, icy singletrack.

Wrathchild will be available in a 27.5x3.0 studded-only version with a 120 tpi Ultralight casing and a tubeless ready bead.  Fits 35-50mm rims.

Dillinger 4 26X4.0

Image Credit: 45NRTH

Dillinger 4 gets a tread redesign for 2017 that includes taller side lugs and an improved center tread.  Studded versions will have 240 Concave Aluminum Carbide studs(120tpi), Steel-Carbide (60tpi) for ice gripping traction.  This new tread upgrade is designed for improved cornering, speed and rolling efficiency.

Dillinger 4 will be available in a 26x4.0 studded/studless versions with a 120 tpi Ultralight casing or 60 tpi casing both with a tubeless ready folding bead.  Fits 65-102mm rims.

Hüsker Dü 26X4.0

Image Credit: 45NRTH

Hüsker Dü also has a redesigned tread pattern for 2017 with a reduced lug count and taller should lugs for what 45NRTH calls one of the fastest snow tires available.  45NRTH recommends this tire for hardpacked groomed singletrack because of its "perfect balance of low rolling resistance and traction".

Hüsker Dü will be available in a 26x4.0 version with a 120tpi Ultralight or 60tpi tubeless ready folding bead.  Fits 65-102mm rims.

Images Credit: 45NRTH 

Look for all of these tires to be available at your local bike shop soon.  Pricing has not been revealed yet.

Product Review: 2016 45NRTH Wölvhammer Winter Cycling Boot

45NRTH introduced its newly redesigned Wölvhammer Winter cycling boot for 2016 late last Fall and the changes they made were a huge improvement on previous models.  Anyone who had a pair of these older models knew the problems with them such as sticky zippers and difficulty getting them on and off due to their double layer boot design.  Gone are all of those problems with this new single layer boot construction.  The outside of the boot now has a full grain leather and Ballistic Nylon Cordura shell for warmth and durability giving it the look and styling of a traditional mountaineering boot.

One of the first things I noticed is the improved Power Strap at the top of the boot, gone is the restrictive D-ring of the older style.  This will make putting them on easier and allow adjustments to be made while wearing gloves.  The lace-up design with gusseted tongue makes it easy to get the right amount of comfort when putting them on and it keeps the snow and slush out while keeping the warmth in.  The lacing has a Velcro tab on the end that can be tucked underneath the Power Strap so it is out of the way and secure.


With this new gusseted tongue, getting into them is easy.  It's just like putting on a traditional Winter boot.  This is especially handy when wearing thicker wool socks for colder temperatures.

The deep lug pattern Vibram sole provides plenty of traction for those times when you have to hike-a-bike or put a foot down to keep yourself upright.  This new model is two-bolt SPD compatible only but comes with a cleat plug giving it the versatility to be used with flat pedals too.

Where I found these boots really excelled for warmth was in the late Fall and early Winter when temperatures were in the twenties and thirties.  I was able to wear a thin wool sock and be warm and comfortable for hours out on my fatbike.  The wicking properties of the wool socks and the lining of the Wölvhammers kept my feet dry even when I became a little overheated.

My toes tend to get cold easily so when temperatures dipped into the teens and below I would use chemical toe warmers and thicker wool socks to extend the length of my rides.  The larger toe box on the new Wölvhammers still left me with plenty of wiggle room to keep blood circulating properly, even when wearing the thicker socks and toe warmers. 

For really cold temperatures I would pair them with the 45NRTH Bergraven Gaiters to add an extra layer of insulation over the boot and keep the snow out for those first tracks and bushwhacking rides in deeper snow.

During the Winter I will clip in (using Crank Brothers Eggbeater 3's) about 75% of the time.  The times I don't and use flat pinned pedals are during icy conditions, doing a little bushwhacking or on rare occasions like downhill (Fat Bike Gravity Fest).  The Vibram sole of the Wölvhammers really works well with flats providing plenty of grip on the pins of the pedals.

Wölvhammers  keep my feet dry during wet conditions or creek crossings where shoe covers with MTB shoes don't.  Because they are breathable and keep moisture out, I plan on using them through the Spring thaw on some of my cold weather gravel rides on the fatbike.

The real test for the Wölvhammers came back in mid January when temperatures got really cold here in the Twin Cities.  Some friends and I decided to go out early one Sunday morning for a creek/bushwhacking ride through the Minnesota River Bottoms.  At ride start the temperature was -14° F and after 2-3/4 hours it had warmed up to -6° F.  I had used chemical toe warmers and thick wool socks for this ride and by keeping my core temperature up with constant movement the Wölvhammers kept my feet warm but my toes were beginning to get a little cold near the end.

In conclusion, 45NRTH Wölvhammer boots are an excellent choice for both clipless and flat pedals in the Winter.  Their comfort rating is 0° F to 25° F and in these conditions they work quite well at keeping feet warm and dry.  Everyone is different so sock choice and chemical warmers will definitely help those who's feet get cold easily.  These boots are very comfortable and don't seem bulky like other non-cycling specific boots.  The new design is a huge improvement over the older models and has become much more user friendly.  For those that race ultras or ride many miles in extreme temperatures the Wölvhammer may not keep your feet warm during these extended periods of a sub-zero climate.  For this reason 45NRTH spent several years developing the ultimate extreme cold weather boot, the Wølfgar with its comfort rating of -25° F to 10° F.  But for most of us recreational and enthusiast riders, the Wölvhammer does a fine job.

45NRTH Wölvhammer boots are now available in Mens extra wide 38–50 (no size 49), full sizes only at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $325.

Disclosure:  45NRTH provided the review samples for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review.