Field Tested Gifts for Cyclists

When it comes to cycling gear and accessories I'm always looking for something new that is functional and improves my ride.  I have field tested a lot of products over the years and found items that worked great and others that didn't.  This post will highlight some products that met or exceeded my expectations and would make great gifts for the cyclist (or yourself) on your holiday shopping list.

Knog Oi Bell

After using other bells in the past on my mountain bikes I wanted one that would fit stealthily on my bars.  The Knog Oi Bell fit the bill perfectly.  I could install it neatly seated between my brake lever and dropper post lever so that it isn't very noticeable, that is until I ring it.  This bell has a loud tone and resonates nicely to alert others of an approach or overtaking.  The Knog Oi Bell comes in two sizes, Small for 22.2mm bars (pictured above) and Large for 23.8 – 31.8mm bars.  Installation is easy and handlebar cables aren't a problem with a built into the mount cable management system.  Knog Oi Bells come in numerous colors, Classic (shown), Luxe and Limited Edition models.  The Classic is available at local bike shops, online retailers and has an MSRP of $19.99.

Revelate Designs Hoppper Frame Bag

When I saw that Revelate Designs had come out with a new frame bag that would fit most bikes and allow me to still have a bottle cage in my main triangle, I had to have one.  Not only does the Hopper Frame Bag fit smaller frames but also many full-suspension frames with a vertically mounted shock.  There are no zippers on this bag but rather an adjustable magnetic closure that can easily be accessed with one hand.  This single compartment, 4 Liter bag is made with Dimension Polyant VX-21 with abrasion resistant finish, 420-denier diamond ripstop lining and closed-cell foam making it very durable and water resistant.  It is a great bag for storing a tool/flat kit and still has plenty of room for snacks and even a windbreaker.  Accessing bag contents while riding is very easy with the large opening flap and closing it securely is even easier.  Visit the Revelate Designs website for a sizing chart and printable full size PDF pattern.  Makes a great gift for any mountain biker or fatbiker.  Available from Revelate Designs and your local bike shop for $79.

Fix It Sticks Ratcheting T-Way Wrench

with Locking Hex Drive

I've always carried a set of the Original Fix It Sticks in my on-bike tool kit and have used them regularly for small jobs working on bikes in my shop.  Since Fix It Sticks came out with the newest version of their Ratcheting T-Way Wrench I've switched over and it's now my compact multi-tool of choice.  The Fix It Sticks Ratcheting T-Way Wrench with Locking Hex Drive accepts any standard 1/4" bit and holds them securely with magnets on all three ends.  The spring loaded magnetic locking collar makes this multi-tool configurable to get into tight places and breaks down for more compact storage on the bike.  The reversible ratchet makes quick work of shop and trailside repairs or adjustments.  Pair it with a Mounting Bracket, T-Way Case or Chain Breaker for a great gift that is sure to get used.  Available from Fix It Sticks for $48. 

EverClear Frame Protector

I have been using EverClear Frame Protector on my bikes for years.  It's the perfect solution to help keep your frame's paint job looking brand new.  EverClear comes in 2″ x 60″ 12M (MicroMeters) thick rolls in Matte or Glossy for $13.99/roll.  The EverClear Frame Protector Sheet works great for larger areas and custom cut pieces and is available for $19.99.  The sheet comes in a 2' x 8" strip that is  8M (MicroMeters) thick.  I've used the sheet for protecting areas bikepacking bags come in contact with my frame and to protect the finish on crank arms.  Never leaves a gluey residue.

Anker PowerCore Essential 

20000mAh Power Bank

For the cyclist on your list that is a long distance rider, bikepacker or commuter, the Anker PowerCore Essential 20000mAh Power Bank has enough energy stored in a cell phone sized package to last you for days.  This ultra-high capacity battery bank has the power to charge an iPhone or Android phone up to five times.  It features twin USB ports so charging a cell phone and cycling computer at the same time won't be a problem.  With a combined output of 15W, this power bank charges devices quickly.  While it doesn't come with a wall charger, I added a 20W USB C Fast Charger ($13.99) and a USB C to USB C Cable, 60W Type-C PD Fast Charging Cord ($7.99) to charge the power bank in half the time (10 hours) as using a 5W wall charger with the included Micro USB cable.  The Anker PowerCore Essential 20000mAh Power Bank is available in black or white from Amazon for $49.99.

Lezyne Tubeless Kit

Many mountain/fat bikers are now riding tubeless tires on their bikes for quick sealing of punctures and to run lower tire pressures without the risk of pinch flats common with using tubes.  But not all of them carry a plug kit for larger punctures that sealant can't seal up.  This is why I recommend those running tubeless to always carry a tire plug system.  I've had to use mine several times now and it saved the ride from becoming a long walk of shame back to the start.  After using a couple of different models I settled on the Lezyne Tubeless Kit because of its small size, ease of use and the storage tube that holds the plugs doubles as a handle.  This kit has become a staple in my on-bike tool kit for all of my bikes.  The large sized plugs work best on mountain and fatbike tires so I also purchased some Genuine Innovations Sides of Bacon from my local bike shop so I could use it with my gravel/commuter bike tires.  Available from Lezyne and local bike shops for $19.99. 

GoPro Hero 9 Black

When GoPro released their latest Hero 9 Black Edition with a bunch of new improvements making it their best camera ever, I knew it was time to upgrade.  I have had a couple of months play around with all of the features and WOW, the video and photos are amazing.  New on the Hero 9 is a video front display, pro-quality 20MP photos, up to 5K video resolution, 30% more battery life and GoPro's most advance stabilization ever with HyperSmooth 3.0.  Other features include 8x slo-mo, TimeWarp 3.0, Hindsight to capture footage before you start recording, Live Burst, Scheduled Capture, Duration Capture and HyperSmooth video live streaming.  

If you have a commuter, mountain biker or roadie on your list, they would love to get this feature packed new camera.  The Hero 9 Black Edition is available from GoPro and GoPro retailers for $449.  If you act while GoPro has their Holiday Sale going on you can pick up this camera for $50 off and it includes a 32 GB MicoSD card and Camera Case.  Save $200 with their Holiday Sale Bundle which comes with a Magnetic Swivel Clip, Spare Battery, Floating Hand Grip, 32GB MicoSD Card, Camera Case and a one year subscription to GoPro which includes unlimited cloud storage in full resolution, total camera replacement and up to 50% off of GoPro gear, mounts and accessories.

Field Tested Gifts for Cyclists

For the last couple of years I have put out a list of cycling gift ideas containing quality products that I have tested and use regularly.  This year's list contains eight of those items that will make the cyclist on your shopping list happy without breaking the bank.

Park Tool 
Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair

For the cyclist that would like to learn more about how to work on their bikes, the Park Tool Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair is a perfect gift.  This mechanic's guide covers everything from simple adjustments to a complete overhaul.  It's full of step-by-step, easy to follow instructions with color pictures and charts that demonstrate the repairs.  This is a great pairing with any cyclist wrencher's toolbox.  Available in hard cover from Park Tool, local bike shops and book retailers for $29.95.  Paperback and e-book versions are also available.

Garmin Edge Remote

If you're shopping for a roadie or a mountain biker that has a Garmin Edge compatible cycling computer, they'll love the Garmin Edge Remote.  This Ant+ wireless connectivity 3-button remote comes with a road and mountain bike mount.  No more taking hands off the bars to swipe to the next screen, hit the lap button or a number of other programmable options from a preset list of functions.  I use this remote for both on and off-road and it is much more glove friendly than trying to use the touchscreen of the Edge.  The Garmin Edge Remote retails for $49.99 and is available from local bike shops, Garmin and outdoor retailers.

Pearl Izumi WxB Shoe Covers

The shoulder seasons (spring & fall) can present some challenges to keeping feet warm and dry so Pearl Izumi WxB Shoe Covers are my choice for chilly or wet rides.  These shoe covers feature a fleece lining for warmth, a two stage hook and loop closure for a proper fit and windproof/waterproof PRO Barrier WxB fabric.  Available in Black and Screaming Yellow for $55 from local bike shops, Pearl Izumi and outdoor retailers.

Fo//ow Ho//ow 

Performance Alpaca Socks

When it comes to cycling socks, I have a huge collection of them, but if I had to choose only one pair it would be Follow Hollow Performance Alpaca Socks.  These hypoallergenic, baby Alpaca fiber socks are outstanding at regulating heat, wicking moisture and are extremely soft and comfortable.  This is truly a no-itch, all-day, no-stink sock. I wear them for a morning ride and then the rest of the day at work.  Follow Hollow just recently surpassed their Kickstarter goal and these are now available for pre-order in two sizes. Single pair price is $25 with orders being shipped out before December 20, 2019.  Buy two, four or eight pairs and receive a discounted price.

Bontrager Windshell Balaclava

I'm a big fan of balaclavas during the cold months to keep my face, neck and head warm.  I have several of them but I really like the Bontrager Windshell Balaclava because of its Windshell fabric that has a brushed thermal interior and clamshell design that allows me easily adjust it up or down on my face while riding.  This year's model has added laser-cut holes by the mouth and nose.  Available from Authorized Trek Dealers and Trek for $29.99.

Pro Bike Gear

Discover Bikepacking Bags

If you have a cyclist on your list that is interested in getting into bikepacking or bikecamping there are a couple of quality bags from Pro-Bike Gear that aren't too expensive.  The Discover Seatpost Bag is a 15L waterproof bag with anti-swing construction.  This bag is big enough to hold my bivvy tent with plenty of room to spare.  For the cockpit there is the Discover Handlebar Bag.  This 8L waterproof bag with handlebar wrap also has anti-swing construction and opens at both ends for easy access.  I've used this bag for my sleeping roll on my gravel bike and my bivvy tent on my fatbike and still had room to load other smaller gear.  Available from local bike shops and outdoor retailers for $69.99 each.

VeloInk Decals

VeloInk has the perfect gift for the cyclist that would like to add that personal touch to their rides, helmets or other bike gear.  I've been using these high quality, laminated vinyl decals for years and they stand up to whatever I and the elements have thrown at them.  Choose from a variety of different flag/graphic styles, fonts, colors, sizes and finishes.  Create a design with VeloInk's easy to use templates so you can preview it before you buy.  VeloInk Personalized Decals start at $9.95 and come with a satifaction guarantee.

Prestacycle
Prestaflator Mini Bicycle Tire Inflator

Why use a tire pump if you have an air compressor? The Prestaflator Mini Bicycle Tire Inflator is a shop quality, one-handed tire inflator with models for both presta and schrader valves.  I check and adjust my tire pressure before just about every ride and using one of these with my compressor is much quicker and easier than using a hand pump, especially for my fatbike.   Top off that tire pressure or seat a tubeless tire in seconds with this handy shop tool.  Available at local bike shops, Prestacycle and Amazon for $24.95 to $36.95.

Take a Bike Camping Trip to Carver Park Reserve

Bike camping was something I wanted to try ever since I heard about the bikes-only campsite at Carver Park Reserve from an article I saw a couple years ago by Bikeverywhere's Doug Shidell.  I didn't get around to it last year, but this spring I started purchasing the camp and bike gear I would need.  After some Internet research I had an idea of the gear that would work best to travel light, be comfortable and to carry most of it on the bike.  I took some time to gather together what I would need and packed it all on the bike for testing and tweaking.  I wanted to make sure my bike handled properly with all the extra weight and if anything needed adjusting.  It's better to find out during a test ride and fix it than having a problem on the actual camping trip.

I was now ready to camp and saw that Farmstead Bike Shop was hosting three free bike camping trips to Carver Park Reserve so I decided to to join them for their June outing.  I wanted to get some mileage out of the trip so I decided I would ride from my house in the south metro up to Minneapolis for the meet up at Farmstead.  We then rolled out to the campground with a pit-stop at Excelsior Brewing making it a nice 48 miles for the day.  We set up camp, relaxed and socialized by the fire.  It was a fun trip and the folks from Farmstead were very hospitable.  If you are new to bike camping and want to give it a try I would recommend joining them for their last outing of the season on July 27th.

The 2019 camping season for Carver Park Reserve runs from April 26th to October 27th.  The park has a drop-in, bike-in-only shared campsite at the Lake Auburn Campground that does not take reservations.  The site can accommodate up to six tents and the camping fee is only $10/tent per night.  For larger groups or those wanting a guaranteed site the park has five rustic group campsites that can be reserved online.

Accommodations include a commons area with picnic tables, benches, fire ring and bike rack.  Vault toilets and water are available nearby.  Don't worry about gathering firewood as it is delivered by the park for free.

Getting there is easy since Carver Park Reserve is accessible from the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail.  For the best bike-friendly routes to the campground use Google Maps with Bicycling Directions to help plot your course.  It will give you several routes to choose from showing elevation change and mileage for each.  Pair your phone with some earbuds or a speaker for turn-by-turn navigational directions using the route you chose on Google Maps.  For GPS device users, a route can be plotted on RideWithGPS or many other cycling mapping sites where a gpx, tcx or tif file can be downloaded and loaded into your device for navigation.  RideWithGPS has an option to print cue sheets also.

If you've been bike camping before you probably already know what to pack.  For those trying it out for the first time, below is a list of things you may want to bring along.

Tent/hammock/footprint
Camp stove/cookware
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Clean cycling/lounge clothes
Toiletries
Battery backups and usb cables
Flashlight/LED lantern
Food/water
Footwear
Washcloth/camp soap/wet wipes
Tool kit/tubes/co2/pump
Matches/fire starters
Cell phone

One rule of thumb that I follow is to keep my gear waterproof.  I use drysacks, roll-top pvc bags, Ziplocs and waterproof bike bags to keep my gear dry.  Camping can get damp and occasional unexpected rainfalls will happen but if your gear is in waterproof bags it makes the experience much more comfortable.

I had a great time bike camping at Carver Park Reserve and plan on doing it again.  The site, amenities and location make it a great spot for giving bike camping a try or just taking a quick overnighter for a little getaway.  Happy camping.

Tips for 30 Days of Biking Weather in Minnesota

I took the pledge to ride my bike every day in April for the first time in 2017 and now I'm in the midst of my third year participating in 30 Days of Biking.  I've really learned a lot about riding in the wide variety of conditions that Minnesota can dish out in April.  With a little preparation biking can be much more enjoyable and comfortable during this weather transition month.  Here are some tips that you can use to help you through the remainder of 30 Days of Biking.

Keeping a close eye on the weather is key for being prepared and properly dressed for a ride.  With today's smartphone apps you can check the current conditions and forecast for your neighborhood anytime.  I've even used these apps out on rides to check the progress of an incoming storm so I can respond accordingly.  Knowing the forecast also allows me to select my ride apparel the night before which helps speed up the process of getting ready in the morning.

The weather can change quickly in April here in Minnesota so be prepared by bringing along extra cycling apparel and having a place to put it.  If it's chilly in the morning I'll wear a jacket and warmer gloves but keep a lighter change of gloves and ditch the jacket when the day warms up. Shedding some apparel is easy when you have a place to put it, that's why I roll with a frame bag.  If there's a chance of rain I'll keep my windproof/waterproof shell jacket stored in the bag.  The above photo was taken just two hours before I got caught in a complete downpour ten miles from home.  I was glad I brought that jacket along.

Don't put away your winter cycling gear quite yet.  Snow and below freezing temperatures in April are part of living in Minnesota.  I keep all of my winter apparel close at hand for those chilly morning and evening rides as well as the occasional snowstorm.

April weather can be all over the place including fog, rain and overcast days making cyclists less visible to motorists.  This is why I always ride using daytime running lights.  I will use them on daytime flash mode to be seen by motorists that aren't expecting to see cyclists on the roads this time of year.

Plan your rides around the weather.  I watch the weather closely using several apps on my phone to plan around my work schedule the best times to ride.  The above photo was a morning ride I went on just hours before a major snowstorm rolled in.  I usually like to get my rides in before work in the morning but sometimes the weather for my daily ride may be more favorable after work and make for a more enjoyable experience.

If you don't have a pair of fenders for your ride, get some.  April weather can get messy and things are going to get wet.  Fenders can keep you a lot drier and more comfortable when puddle jumping or riding in the rain and snow.  Clip-on style fenders are quick and easy to install or remove so you can put them on only when you need them.

30 Days of Biking has taught me a lot about myself, my bikes and my gear because it has me riding every single day in April which can present some challenges in the form of weather.  I've learned to overcome them by getting out there and riding on some days that I normally wouldn't.  By following the weather closely I can be my most prepared for the elements and enjoy the ride.

Field Tested Cycling Gifts-Part 2

When it comes to cycling gear and accessories I'm always looking for something new that is functional and improves my ride.  I have field tested a lot of products over the years and found items that worked great and others that didn't.  This part-two post will highlight some products that met or exceeded my expectations and would make great gifts for the cyclist (or yourself) on your holiday shopping list.

Yeti Rambler with Chug Cap

I've been using the 18 oz. Yeti Rambler as my go-to winter water bottle for a couple of seasons now.  Its double-wall vacuum insulated design keeps my water from freezing up in subzero temperatures and ice cold for hours during the heat of the summer.  Yeti introduced the Chug Cap accessory for the Rambler which makes it even easier to take a swig out on the trail.

The 18 oz. Rambler fits perfectly in any standard water bottle cage making it a great choice for cyclists.  The 18 oz. Rambler sells for $29.99 and Chug Cap for $9.99 and both are available from Yeti, outdoor and sporting goods retailers.

Ass Savers

Ass Savers are lightweight portable fenders that attach to saddle rails without the use of any tools.  The Flip-Tip attachment system keeps it locked on securely and fits just about any standard rail saddle and even works with a saddle bag in place.  Its simple design is meant to do one thing, and that is to keep your butt dry for comfort on cold wet rides.

I purchased the Ass Saver Regular to use on my road bike for the wet fall riding season and it got its first real world test at this year's wet and snowy Filthy 50 gravel race.  While it wasn't long enough to keep some of the water and gravel slop off my back, it did its job well keeping my butt dry.  It's compact enough where if there's a chance of rain during a ride, I will store it in my frame bag and install it in seconds if needed.  The Ass Saver Regular fits tire widths between 25-35mm and is available from Zeitbike and Amazon for $11.95.

Bontrager Storage Bottle

The Bontrager Storage Bottle is a great way to carry tools and a flat kit stored in any standard water bottle cage.  It's always on my bike so I have everything I need in the event of a flat or mechanical problem.  It has a screw top lid for easy opening and padded inside to keep your things from noisily bouncing around.

For its small size it can hold a lot.  I keep my multi-tool, tire levers, chainbreaker, chain lube and CO2 cartridges with inflator stored in it.  When switching bikes, I grab the Storage Bottle from one and transfer it to the other and I'm ready to roll with all my essentials.  The Bontrager Storage Bottle is available from Trek and Trek Authorized Dealers for $6.99.

Banjo Brothers Large Top Tube Pack

The Banjo Brothers Large Top Tube Bag is a staple cockpit accessory on my road bike whether I'm heading out for a few hours on the gravel or a short commute to work.  This "gas-tank" style top tube bag has 65 cubic inches of storage with a rigid bottom and padded sides to hold its shape.  It's big enough to hold my wallet, keys and cell phone or a multi-tool and flat kit.  The zipper is easy to open and close with one hand while riding making this bag a great place to store gels and snacks for refueling during a ride.  Available from Banjo Brothers and local bike shops for $19.99.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Cyclists-Part 1

Now that the holidays are almost here, I have put together a list of some cycling products that are sure to please the cyclist on your list.  Some of these items are new while others have been around for a while.  I will have more gift ideas coming up in part 2 of this post.

Banjo Brothers Large Frame Pack

$40

Banjo Brothers came out with their Large Frame Pack last Summer which gave gravel riders, commuters and bikepackers even more storage space than their small and medium frame packs.  This 200 cubic inch (5.75 H x 19 L x 2 W) frame pack gives the rider plenty of space for food and gear on those long rides.  It will also accommodate up to a 100 oz hydration bladder for those that prefer to carry water on the bike instead of their back.  Available from Banjo Brothers, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.  

Wolf Tooth Singletrack Pogies

$125

Wolf Tooth Components introduced its new Singletrack Pogies at Interbike and they are now available just in time for Winter.  These pogies are made from waterproof and durable rip-stop nylon and have three warmth settings (Warmest:  Cuff up, zipper closed, Warmer: Cuff up, zipper open, Warm (singletrack mode): Cuff folded down) to adapt to changing weather conditions.  Wolf Tooth's proprietary quarter-turn bar plug mounting system makes for easy attachment and removal.  Compatible with most flat bars with an inner diameter between 17.4mm and 20mm.  Additional sets of bar plugs are available to make switching them between bikes a breeze.  Available from Wolf Tooth Components and some fine bike shops.

Race Face Aeffect Pedals

$120

Race Face introduces their new Aeffect platform pedals which are perfect for the fatbiker, mountain biker or downhill enthusiast.  These lightweight, thin concave pedals have a 6061 T-6 aluminum body and chromoly steel axle with cartridge bearings and DU bushings.  The large platform (101x100mm) contains 20 SHCS hex traction pins per pedal for extra bite to keep feet positioned without slipping.  Weighs only 375gr and comes in Black, Blue or Red.  Available at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Sticky Pod

$15/$18

 

From MilesWide Industries, maker of cycling products designed by cyclists, comes the Sticky Pod.  This utility pack was first introduced in 2009 as a lightweight and water resistant pod for cyclists to store essential items like CO2 cartridges, tubes, tools, etc.  The Sticky Pod fits easily in a jersey pocket or hydration pack and the grippy surface on the back keeps it in place.  It even has a touchscreen pocket for your smartphone.  Large and Small Sticky Pods in Black and Camo are available from the MilesWide Industries website.

Saris Freedom SuperClamp

$430/$800

Saris has long been a leading manufacturer of all types of vehicle bike racks and with the introduction of the Freedom SuperClamp, they have one of the best tray racks on the market.  Available in 2-bike and 4-bike models, the SuperClamp holds bikes of any type and with the addition of Fat Tire Wheel Holders, can accommodate fatbikes with 5" tires.  This is by far the best rack I have ever owned and the most stable.  With its ratcheting arms, tire trays and no frame contact clamp design it is quick and easy to load and unload bikes.  Comes with a hitch pin lock to lock the rack securely to your vehicle.  Fits 1¼" and 2" receiver hitches.  Available from the Saris website, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Inspired to Ride Movie

$13-$25

Inspired To Ride is a documentary by Mike Dion about the inaugural year of the Trans Am Bike Race which takes a small group of unsupported cyclists from coast to coast across 10 states and 4233 miles.  This road trip along the TransAmerica Trail comes with many hardships, stories and beautiful scenery.  Available on DVD/BluRay + Digital Download and Digital Download with or without Extra Paks.  Also available on iTunes and Amazon.com.

My Favorite Fatbike Accessories-Part One

Winter is here and to quote Guitar Ted, "White is the new dirt".  Cold weather brings on a whole different experience and there are a lot of fatbike accessories to make riding a little more comfortable and easier to carry the gear needed for those longer rides.  Below are some of my favorite items that I use regularly throughout the Winter.

Pogies and Heated Grips

Hands are usually the first to get cold and there are a couple of ways in addition to gloves to keep them warm.  Warm fingers are more dexterous for shifting and braking and using pogies (handlebar mitts) and/or heated handlebar grips do the trick nicely.  I have a pair of Stellar Bags pogies made by a local Twin Cities cyclist who no longer makes and sells them but there are plenty of others out there on the market.  Some of these include 45NRTH, Revelate Designs, Dogwood Designs, Bar Mitts and Gup Gum Gear.  Pogies do a great job of protecting your hands from the elements, especially the wind which can cool down hands fast and they let you ride wearing lighter gloves.

A'ME Ergo Tri Heated Mountain Bike Grips do a great job at keeping hands warm and toasty on very cold rides.  These grips feature bluPulse™ ‘Adaptive Thermal Regulation’ technology with six different temperature settings that can be selected by pushing a button.  They are powered by a rechargeable 11.1 volt Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery Pack that can be mounted to a frame tube or handlebar stem and have watertight connectors.  Battery life varies depending on the setting chosen, but I usually get about three hours using the lowest setting that keeps my hands comfortable.  For more information, read my full product review.  These grips in combination with gloves and a good set of pogies will keep hands warm for hours in bitter cold temperatures letting you ride longer and more comfortably.

Frame Bag

A frame bag allows me to carry gear, snacks and my tool kit for those times I want to travel light.  Access to bag contents can even be done while riding without having to stop.  I will sometimes stash my water bottle in the main compartment of the bag giving it a little protection from the cold so it doesn't freeze up as quickly.  A good bag should be made with fabrics that have a durable water-repellent finish to keep contents dry on rides in slushy or wet conditions.  Frame bags can be purchased for specific bike models, custom made for a perfect fit and some are universal fit.  I had mine custom made by a local cyclist (Gup Gum Gear) for my mountain bike but the triangle on my 9:Zero:7 was so similar that it fit perfectly. 

Pedals

Pinned flats or clipless for Winter riding?  I will use both depending on the trail conditions.  Most of the time I like to clip in for the increased pedaling efficiency and power transfer but when conditions turn icy I switch to flats in case I need to put a foot down in a hurry.  The flats I use are actually a downhill mountain bike pedal by Xpedo, the Face Off 18.  I chose this pedal for its large platform with an open cage that doesn't build up with snow and ice.  They also have 20 replaceable pins on each pedal that helps me maintain a firm grip even when they become icy.  I'm currently using a set of Crank Brothers Candy 3's which I like for the easy in and out clipping over SPD pedals.  I am thinking of  switching to Crank Brothers Eggbeaters to eliminate the platform that the Candy pedals have to prevent ice and snow build up. 

Boots

I have two pairs of boots for Winter riding, Columbia Bugaboot Plus II Omni-Heat and my newest addition, the 45NRTH Wölvhammer.  I rode with flat pinned pedals all last Winter and the Bugaboots gripped the flats really good and the Omni-Grip outsole grabbed nicely on a variety of ice and snow covered surfaces. They are very lightweight and flexible making them a good choice for cycling.  The Bugaboots kept my feet warm on rides which usually lasted two to four hours.  During extreme cold where temperatures were sub-zero, my feet would start to get cold and toe numbness would set in.  To help extend ride time I would pair the Bugaboot with Grabber Toe Warmers and Foot Warmers.  For More information on the Columbia Bugaboot Plus II Omni-Heat, read my full product review.

The Wölvhammers, though a bit spendy are very well insulated, waterproof and breathable, three things I want in a Winter cycling boot.  When riding clipless, which is most of the time now, these are my go to boots.  I bought the next size up from what I normally wear to accommodate thicker wool socks for when it really gets cold.  These boots are new for me but I already love the comfort, feel and warmth they provide and would recommend them for cold weather fatbiking.

I will continue with more of my Faviorite Fatbike Accessories in two more upcoming posts.