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.

Field Tested Cycling Gifts-Part 1

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.  In this two part post I 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.

Upstand

The Upstand is not your normal kickstand.  It's made from carbon fiber, is lightweight, compact and fully detachable.  It has a strong neodymium axial magnet that keeps it attached to the metal tab that installs on a quick release skewer or thru axle.  I recommend purchasing it with the Upclip so it can be attached to the water bottle boss bolts on the bike's frame for storage when not in use.  With the Upstand you no longer have to lean your expensive bike up against something or lay it down risking scuffs and scratches.

The Upstand is available for bikes with standard 26"/700, 29" and 20" wheels with either thru axles or standard quick release skewers.  Available from The Upstanding Bicycle Company for $34.95.

Hot Sockee

The Hot Sockee is a product I came across at Interbike '17 where I bought a pair to try out because the first thing to get cold on close to or below freezing rides is my toes.  These 1.5mm thermal neoprene toe warmers slide on directly over socks to give that little bit of extra insulation to keep phalanges from getting cold.  I primarily use them in the Winter with a cold weather cycling boot but have also opted for them in the Fall and Spring with my cyclocross boots or mtb shoes.

The Hot Sockee buys me some extra time out on the road or trail to enjoy the ride and because I roll with clipless pedals year round, they provide one more layer of warmth from the cold conducted through the sole from metal cleats. Pair them with wool socks to wick away any moisture if feet get a little too warm.  Available from TraxFactory in sizes S/M, L and XL in a two pack for $27 or a four pack for $50.

G.H. Meiser Accu-Guage

For accurate tire pressure readings in any temperature, you can't beat the G.H. Meiser Presta Valve Dial Gauges.  These gauges have bronze bourdon tube precision movement that is not affected by temperature, altitude or humidity giving the most accurate reading possible.  These easy to read dial gauges come in a variety of psi readings for everyone from the low pressure winter fatbike rider to the high pressure roadie.

I have two of these gauges, one for my fatbike tires (0-30psi) and one for my gravel bike tires (0-60 psi).  Meiser gauges really let you dial in that perfect ride feel/traction and they are all I ever use when checking my tire pressures.  These gauges make a perfect gift for any cyclist whether they are an avid rider or just get out for a ride occasionally on the weekends.  Available from local bike shops and Amazon for around $15.

Bontrager Ion Pro RT/Flare RT

The picture above is a very common sight on my desk. I use these two lights on every ride whether it is to be seen by motorists on the road during the day or lighting up the trail while mountain biking at night.  The Bontrager Ion Pro RT and Flare RT definitely are my favorite, and I have a bunch of different lights.  Both units have nice battery life and are extremely bright.

Pair them with your Garmin GPS device using the Bontrager Connect IQ app to control them and see the remaining battery life.  The Ion Pro RT has five modes (1300LM-1.5hrs, 800LM-3hrs, 400LM-6hrs, night flash-26hrs, day flash 22hrs) for daytime and night riding.  The Flare RT has five modes (Flash: 90LM-6hrs, 45LM-12hrs, 5LM-15hrs Steady: 25LM-4.5hrs, 5LM-13.5hrs) and is daytime visible from up to 2km away.


Available from Trek and Trek Authorized Dealer bike shops as a pair for $154.99 or individually, $99.99 for the front light and $59.99 for the rear light.

Look for part two of this post soon with four more of my field tested gifts for the cyclist on your list (or yourself).

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.

Inexpensive Cycling Accessories For Your Ride

There are a lot of bike accessories out there to better your ride experience and the following five are products I use regularly that are under $10.  They are simple in design but do their intended job effectively.

Rough Riders

$5

Rough Riders is a new product from Miles-Wide Industries that was designed to give fingers a better grip on shifters, brake and dropper post levers.  They work for both road and mountain bikes.  This extra grip is made possible with a product called "Stubble" that acts similar to sandpaper.  Rough Riders are very thin, slightly elastic and waterproof for use in any riding condition.  Available in Black and Burgundy from Miles-Wide Industries.

CamelBak Podium Mud Cap

$6

If you're anything like me, you enjoy riding off the beaten path and may encounter sand, dirt and mud along the way.  This is where the CamelBak Podium Mud Cap for their Podium bottles comes in real handy.  Unlike their old style mudcaps, this one just slips over the nozzle and is ready for use.  Keep all of the grit and grime out of the valve so you don't end up with a mouth full of it.  Made out of Silicone and comes in colors Black and Blue.  Available from CamelBak, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Bontrager Storage Bottle

$7

One thing a cyclist should never leave on a ride without is a rescue kit that contains the items needed to get you up and rolling again in the event of a mishap. The Bontrager Storage Bottle is perfect for such a kit.  It has enough space to store the items I always carry with me in a convenient package that fits securely in my water bottle cage.  Available from Trek, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

General HeroMount for GoPro

$7

I had a more expensive GoPro Handlebar Mount but was not happy with the bulkiness of it and wanted to get something smaller.  I found the General HeroMount Handlebar Mount for GoPro on Amazon for under $7 and decided to give it a try.  Its design allowed me to mount my GoPro Hero 4 Black Edition neatly out of the way under my bars so as not to take up space on my cockpit that already contained my Garmin and a headlight.  This mount held my GoPro very secure and made for some great video without any vibration or shaking.

I liked this mount so much that I bought a second one to put on my fatbike so I could easily mount my GoPro to the bike of my choice for that day's ride.  Made from aluminum, weighs 45 grams and fits bars from 30-32mm.

Mirrycle Incredibell Adjustabell 2

$8

Through many miles of commuting and riding I've found that the simple ring of a bell is very effective to alert other cyclists and pedestrians of my approach and passing without startling them.  I recently got a new road bike and I wanted a bell that I could mount on drop bars that would be easily accessible while riding without having to move my hand placement to ring it.  The answer was the Mirrycle Incredibell Adjustabell 2.

This bell has a fully adjustable handlebar clamp (fits bars 15-39mm) so it can be placed anywhere on the bar.  The dinger can be adjusted to any position around the dome of the bell making for a truly custom fit for ringing with a finger or thumb.  Available in black or silver from Mirrycle, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Bontrager Gnarwhal Studdable Tire First Impressions

I had been waiting for over a year since I first heard about the Bontrager Gnarwhal studdable tires for Trek's new 27.5" wheel size that came stock on my Farley 9.6.  When they did become available earlier this Winter they sold out immediately and I was out of luck on getting a pair.  I would have to wait for another shipment to arrive which wasn't until the beginning of February.  When my order finally came through the Bontrager studs were still out of stock so I would have to buy some 45NRTH Aluminum Carbide Concave Studs to get them ready for the ice.

This was definitely the Winter for studded tires.  The singletrack around the Twin Cities was very icy for quite some time and usually only rideable with studs.  Something else I wanted to try more of was riding creeks, lakes and marshes since the snow pack on them was either non existent or lightly covered.  Studded tires would open up a bunch of new riding opportunities that were unavailable with my standard fat bike tires.

Once I got the Gnarwhal tires set up tubeless it was time to get to work studding them.  This would take about an hour per tire since each one had 205 stud pockets to be filled.

Out on the ice the Gnarwhals had excellent grip. I could ride a tight circle without slipping because of all the studs and siping that were on the outside edges of the tire.  This gave me the confidence to ride faster and on uneven ice like pictured below.

On packed or icy singletrack the wide footprint (4.5") the Gnarwhals have provided plenty of traction at the right tire pressure for the conditions. 

In fresh powder and off the trail (bushwhacking) they had plenty of flotation to get me where I was going. One of the first things I noticed is how well they shed snow instead of it packing up between the lugs.  This aggressive tread pattern would give me the traction needed to ride just about every condition that this Winter would dish out.

Tubeless set up was very easy with these tires.  The 120 tpi casing makes the sidewalls strong and supple allowing me to run them at low pressures for excellent grip.  If you're a Trek Farley owner that has 27.5" wheels, the Bontrager Gnarwal tires are a great choice for a variety of Winter riding conditions.  Check with your local Trek Retailer for availability.  MSRP $119.99 each, available only non-studded.