My Favorite Fatbike Accessories-Part Three

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.

Lighting

A good lighting set up is a must if you plan on doing any riding after dark.  I run a two-light combination that works great for singletrack in the dark early evenings that Winter brings.  The Light & Motion Stella 500 is a very compact headlight that has the versatility of being mounted on handlebars or a helmet.  This is my choice for a helmet-mounted light because of its small size and focused beam that follows my line of sight as I ride through switchbacks and turns.  It has a separate 2 cell Li-ion battery pack that is easily tucked into a jersey or jacket pocket when helmet-mounted or can be attached to a bike frame for handlebar use.  Long run times are another reason I like this light.  With a battery life of 2½ to 6 hours, depending on the setting used (Hi or Med), I don't have to worry about it running out in the middle of a ride.

For a bar mounted light, I like the the Light & Motion Taz.  I have the Taz 1000 which is no longer available from the manufacturer but two newer models come in 1200 and 1500 lumens.  The Taz is a compact light that is bright as a motorcycle headlamp with run times of 1½ to 6 hours (High to Low).  The light beam is powered by three high power LED's configured to throw a pattern out ahead and down in front of  the the rider giving a good field of view in very dark conditions.  It is MicroUSB rechargeable, water-resistant and durable. 

Bottle Cage Coozie

Winter cycling requires a rider to hydrate just as much as during warm weather rides, so slushy or frozen water bottles can be a nuisance.  To help extend the amount of time it takes to freeze up a water bottle, Gup Gum Gear handcrafts the newly redesigned Bottle Cage Coozie right here in the Twin Cites.  This product is fashioned to fit around standard water bottle cages and uses 3/8" thick closed cell foam for insulation to significantly extend the time it takes water to freeze.  Each Coozie has a heavyweight nylon exterior and medium weight nylon interior with holes for bottle boss bolts.  These coozies will let you ride longer without your water bottles freezing up as quickly.

Hydrapack SoftFlask

Another way to stay hydrated in freezing conditions without the hassle of frozen water bottles is by using the Hydrapack SoftFlask. SoftFlasks work great when stored in the back pockets of a cycling jacket.  The warmth of the perspiration vapor that passes through the jacket seems to be enough to keep them from freezing.  I have biked for hours in all types of below freezing temperatures with filled SoftFlasks in my jacket pockets and have not had any of them begin to freeze up.  In extreme cold, I have had the water in the bite valve freeze, but that was remedied by biting the valve crushing the ice thus restoring water flow.

One of my favorite features of the SoftFlask is the way they collapse as you drink from them.  As they are emptied they crumple up into a very small size that is easily stored in a pocket or bag.

ColdAvenger Pro Softshell

I first heard of ColdAvenger from my friend and ColdAvenger Athlete Bonnie Moebeck, who raved about its performance in the coldest of weather.  She really put it to the test at one of the world's toughest ultra-endurance races, the Arrowhead 135, that takes place each year in the "Icebox of the Nation", International Falls, MN.  Bonnie tells me she couldn't compete having asthma without the protection that the ColdAvenger mask provides for her lungs.

I use the Pro Softshell Half Face Mask.  This model allows me to choose the proper head covering for the temperature.  I will wear a beanie or skullcap for just the right amount of insulation to stay warm without overheating.  The ColdAvenger warms inhaled air making it much easier to breathe, especially during rigorous activity.  Its soft fleece material that covers the face, neck and ears is very well insulating and cuts the wind entirely.  The protection it provides has made it possible for me to ride longer in the extreme cold conditions that Minnesota is known for.

Light & Motion Rechargeable LED Lighting That Lights Up the Night

Taz 1000 headlight and Vis 180 Micro taillight

Light & Motion has been developing high quality lighting for cycling at their Monterey, California factory for over 20 years.  When it came time to choose what lighting I would like to test and use regularly, testimonials from other cyclists, Light & Motion's reputation and the fact they are designed and assembled here in the USA made their products a clear choice for me.

Stella 500 headlight

I wanted to go with a three light set-up; a powerful headlight with a wide beam, a small and lightweight helmet-mounted headlight and a compact brightly lit taillight, all with Li-ion rechargeable batteries for convenience.  This combination would suit me for whatever type of riding I would be doing, whether it be on gravel roads, singletrack and in town after dark or daytime use in traffic and on snowmobile trails.  After some research, the Taz 1000, Stella 500 and Vis 180 Micro became my selections for testing, review and everyday use.

Taz 1000

The Light & Motion Taz 1000 is a compact light that is bright as a motorcycle headlamp. It's an ideal lighting choice for just about any cyclist whether you're a commuter or mountain biker.  There are two modes that include seven lumen output settings to give you the light and run times needed for all types of ride conditions.  These include Cruise Mode:  High-1000 (1:40), Medium-500 (3:00), Low-200 (6:00), Pulse-200 (9:00), Flash-200 (18:00) and Race Mode:  Race Hi-800 (2:00), Race Lo-350 (4:00).  In addition to the flexibility of  light output, the Taz 1000 also has amber lights on each side that gets your profile seen.  These side lights can be turned on or off with a second power button.  The light beam is powered by three high power LED's configured to throw a pattern out ahead and down in front of  the the rider.

After using the Taz 1000 in many different lighting conditions I have come to really like having many choices of lumen output.  I can use the Pulse or Flash mode for daytime use, Medium or Low for urban riding, High for shorter rides at night on singletrack or gravel and Race Mode for longer run times that allows me to switch back and forth between Hi and Low.  After using it for some time, I have a come to learn how much battery life is remaining during a ride by the indicator light (lights up green, amber or red) on the main power button.   It also has a low battery warning and automatic shut off that prevents damage to the battery.  Its sealed, waterproof  to 1 meter design is one feature I like, riding in rain, freezing drizzle or snow is not a problem. 

Taz 1000-Low

Taz 1000-Medium

Taz 1000-High

I have never had a problem over driving the High beam on the Taz 1000, even when riding fast downhills.  This light really throws a beam far out ahead, even on the Race Hi and  Medium settings.

The tool free mount held very secure when I took it out on singletrack mountain bike trails and gravel roads so no adjustment was necessary due to bumps.  The Taz also swivels left and right so can be aimed properly with just about any bar set up.  Charging it can take some significant time using a .5 Amp USB slot (13 hours) so I recommend using a 1 Amp (7 hours) or 2 Amp (3.5 hours) adapter for a quicker charge rate.  I really like using High on Cruise Mode for gravel road rides out in the country at night, only problem is the battery gets run down pretty fast (1½ to 1¾ hours).  To extend ride time, I have to switch to a lower mode or use it in tandem with the helmet-mounted Stella 500.  I'm pretty impressed with this light and take it with me on all of my rides to see and be seen during day or night.

The Taz 1000 has a two-year warranty against manufacturer defects and is available from Light & Motion, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $249.99.

Stella 500

The Light & Motion Stella 500 is a very compact headlight that has the versatility of being mounted on handlebars or a helmet.  It is very light weight with a focused beam and like the Taz 1000 there are two modes, Cruise Mode and Race Mode.  Long run times are what the Stella 500 is known for making it a good choice for longer rides.  Lumen output and run times are as follows:  Cruise Mode:  High-500 (2:45), Medium-275 (6:00), Low-140 (12:00), Pulse-140 (24:00) and Race Mode:  Race Hi-500 (2:45), Race Lo-275 (6:00).

Stella 500-High

Stella 500-Medium

Stella 500-Low

This is an excellent choice for commuters because of its long run times and chances are it will only need a charge once every day or two depending on the setting used.  The Stella 500 has a separate 2 cell Li-ion battery pack that is easily tucked into a jersey or jacket pocket when helmet-mounted or can be attached to a bike frame for handlebar use.  The included charger will charge the battery pack in around 2¾ hours and shuts off automatically when a full charge is achieved.  Pair this light helmet-mounted with the Taz 1000 and you really have great light setup for the darkest of nights.

I exclusively tested this light helmet-mounted and it's so lightweight that I didn't even notice it was there.  The mount for the light attaches easily using a Velcro fastener and holds tight keeping the light in place without shifting or moving.  Once the Stella 500 is attached to the mount it can be pointed up or down and swivels left and right to place the beam where you want it out in front of you.  The cord that connects to the battery pack is the perfect length for placement of the pack in my back jersey or jacket pocket.  Additional battery packs are available which is nice if I ever wanted to add a second one to bring along for those really long rides or to have an extra that is fully charged and ready to go.

Taz 1000 & Stella 500 on High

Taz 1000 & Stella 500 on High

The beam is very focused and lights up the path ahead nicely.  When riding singletrack it was easy to ride fast because the beam followed my line of sight as I rode through switchbacks and turns.  The combination of the Stella 500 and the Taz 1000 is the way to go if you do any night time off-road or gravel road riding.  It's like having car headlights on a bike.  It's tough to overdrive this set up on High in Cruise Mode.  Obstacles are seen well in advance allowing enough time to maneuver around or away from them.  With long run times, a powerful beam and helmet or bar mounting options, I would recommend the Stella 500 for commuters, road cyclists and mountain bikers alike.

The Stella 500 has a two-year warranty against manufacturer defects and is available from Light & Motion, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $199.99.  Additional battery packs are available from Light & Motion and Penn Cycle for $99.99.

Taz 1000 & Stella 500 light output demonstration

Light output from Light & Motion handlebar-mounted Taz 1000 and helmet-mounted Stella 500 by themselves and in combination.  Taz 1000 (00:00-00:20) High, Medium, Low, Pulse, Flash, High.  Stella 500 (00:23-00:47) High, Medium, Low, Pulse, High.  Taz 1000/Stella 500 both on High (00:49-00:59).

Vis 180 Micro

The Light & Motion Vis 180 Micro is a bright and compact taillight that is designed to get a rider seen.  It has a 25 lumen main taillight and an amber light on each side giving it 180º of visibility.  With its locking clip it can be attached to a seat bag or backpack and a rubber mounting strap provides an option for adjustable seatpost mounting.  It has four light modes that have very long run times:  High Pulse-25 (6:00), Low Pulse-13 (12:00), High-25 (4:00) and Paceline-13 (eliminates top pulsing light) (20:00).   The Vis 180 micro is a good choice for the mountain biker, commuter and road cyclist because of its lightweight small size, bright 180º output and the convenience of a Micro USB rechargeable battery.  For road cyclists that participate in group rides, the Paceline setting is ideal because it's not blinding to following riders.

For only 25 lumens, the Vis 180 Micro emits brilliant light.  It's red LED can be seen from a long way and lights up the ground in a fan pattern behind the bike.  The side amber lights are also very bright giving me the confidence that I will be seen from all angles.  I like the versatility of mounting options it has allowing me to attach it to my seatpost, seatbag or trunk bag depending on my need.  The angle of the light can be adjusted for maximum visibility when seatpost mounting. 

Recharging the Vis 180 Micro is pretty quick at around 2 to 2½ hours and the Paceline light will go out to let me know it's done.  The long run times give me several rides out of this light on a single charge.  It has an automatic shut-off that prevents damage to the battery if I happen to run it down too far during use.  It's small size and Micro USB recharging are very convenient for me and never having to buy batteries is a big plus with this taillight.  

The Vis 180 Micro has a two-year warranty against manufacturer defects and is available from Light & Motion, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $49.99.

Disclosure:  Light & Motion provided the Stella 500 and Vis 180 Micro review samples for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review.  Light & Motion did not supply the Taz 1000, it was purchased with my own money.

Gift Guide for the Fatbike Cyclist

With the ever-growing popularity of fatbikes and snow biking, I have compiled a list of great gift ideas for the wide-tire enthusiast on your shopping list.  If you're a fatbiker, you may even want to get one or several of these products as a gift for yourself. 

Banjo Brothers Waterproof Saddle Trunk
$49.99

This bag has 400 cubic inches (12.5” L x 7” H x 8.5” W) of carrying capacity for those times when you need space for your gear.  It has a waterproof liner to keep your items dry, an outside pocket for small things like keys and money and a webbing loop on top for strapping on a jacket.  With the capacity of a trunk bag and no need for a rack, it installs securely with four point strapping to virtually any bike.  I've loaded it up with gear for long rides and it holds in place without moving around when riding bumpy terrain.  Available from Banjo Brothers, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Portland Design Works Dave's Mud Shovel-Front
$20

This fatbike specific front fender does an excellent job at blocking snow, mud, water and sand from being flung upward onto you and your frame.  It's lightweight design installs quickly and it has the length and width to keep you dry when riding through the muck.  Available from Portland Design Works, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops. 

Portland Design Works Dave's Mud Shovel-Rear
$28

This rear fender is also fatbike specific with its wide, extra long design.  It also does does an excellent job at blocking snow, mud, water and sand and keeps it from ending up on your backside.  It's very lightweight and installs in seconds.  Available from Portland Design Works, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Columbia Bugaboot Plus II Omni-Heat Boot
$120

This boot is a more cost effective option to those higher priced winter cycling boots.  It's a seam sealed, insulated (rated to -25° F), waterproof boot with Columbia's patented thermal reflective Omni-Heat insulation that retains and reflects body heat while dissipating moisture.  It is very lightweight (size 9, ½ pair = 24 oz) and flexible making it a great choice to pair up with a good set of pinned, flat pedals for winter riding.  The Omni-Grip rubber outsole will provide greater traction on all types of winter terrain.  Available from Columbia and numerous retailers.   

G.H. Meiser & Co. Low Pressure Presta Valve Dial Gauge

$16

When running very low air pressure that fatbike tires are known for, you will want to be able to dial them in to the proper inflation.  G.H. Meiser's Low Pressure Presta Valve Dial Gauge will help do just that.  Whether riding hard-packed singletrack, snow-packed trails or fresh powder, this gauge will make sure you know you are at the right pressure for for the conditions.  Simply press onto the Presta valve and hold until you get a reading and remove.  The needle will indicate the pressure and stay there until the button is pressed resetting it to zero.  Over time you will get a feel for what psi works best for differing conditions.  Available from Penn Cycle, Fatbikes.com and other online retailers.

Bar Mitts

$64.95

Riding fatbikes in winter presents many challenges due to the weather and keeping your fingers warm is one of them.  A set of Bar Mitts greatly improves keeping your hands warm and maintaining finger dexterity for shifting and braking.  Made from Neoprene, they protect from rain, snow, wind and cold.  Installation takes seconds and they can be used with fingered gloves or lobster claws for extra warmth.  Available from Bar Mitts, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

ColdAvenger Pro Softshell
$59.95

The ColdAvenger Pro Softshell half facemask will protect your face and lungs in the most extreme conditions.  It has fleece insulation with a water-repellent/breathable, windproof shell that covers your neck, ears and face.  The ColdAvenger ventilator warms and humidifies cold, dry outside air and does not impede breathing during rigorous activity.  It has been designed to work with goggles and helps prevent fogging when wearing them.  I have spent up to five hours in sub-zero temperatures wearing it and having a cold face and neck was never an issue.  Available from ColdAvenger, REI, Amazon and other online retailers.   

Lone Peak Pfeifferhorn Handle Bar Pack
$39.95

The Pfeifferhorn Handle Bar Pack has 330 cubic inches of storage space with an external pocket for small items.  An internal full length polyethylene stiffener maintains the pack's shape and provides stability.  Its three-point suspension system fits almost any handle bar type.  This pack is a great add-on for carrying gear on longer rides or a spacious alternative to a seat bag.  It comes in handy for carrying a tool kit, gloves, goggles or snacks for out on the trail.  Comes in four colors: Black, Blue, Red, Steel.  Available from Lone Peak and online retailers.

Light & Motion Stella 500
$199

The Stella 500 is a compact, lightweight, high-output LED headlamp with long run times.  Powered by a Li-ion rechargeable battery pack, it has six light modes:  High (500 lumens), Medium (275 lumens), Low (140 lumens), Pulse (140 lumens), RaceHi (500 lumens) and RaceLo (275 lumens) with run times of 2¾ to 12 hours (24 hrs. on Pulse mode).  With power like that, you'll be ready for those long rides between dusk and dawn.  Mounts without tools to your helmet or handle bars and the external battery pack can be placed in a pocket or strapped to your bike frame.  Use the Pulse mode to get you seen in the daytime on snowmobile trails or in town.  Available from Light & Motion, Penn Cycle and online retailers.  

Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiter
$75

These gaiters are tough.  They have a breathable/waterproof Gore-Tex Nylon upper and a lower panel of Cordura-coated Nylon lined with packcloth.  The two inch wide hook and loop fastener runs the full length of the gaiter to allow it to be easily put on and adjusted to many different boot styles.  The BioThane webbing instep strap keeps them securely in place and the boot lace hook keeps them from shifting.  Designed for snowshoeing, cross county skiing and glacial climbing, they will provide that extra protection needed from the knee down when riding in in wet or snowy conditions.  Available in Men's and Women's sizes from Outdoor Research, REI, Amazon and other online retailers.

Xpedo Face Off 18 Pedal
$99

This low profile, large platform pedal has 20 replaceable pins that provide excellent grip in all weather conditions.  The large openings on each side of the spindle keep snow and ice from building up and interfering with foot to pedal contact.  It has a cromoly spindle with cartridge bearings, DU bushing and a 6061 CNC Aluminum body that weighs in at only 385 grams.  Available in three color choices (Black/Silver, Red/Pearl White, Gold/Navy Blue) and comes with extra pins and wrench.  Available from Xpedo, Penn Cycle (call for availability) and other fine bike shops.

Cycling Stocking Stuffers Under $50

When it comes to shopping for the cyclist on your list, there are some useful stocking stuffers under $50 that any bike lover would be happy to get.  Here are seven of them that come in small packages and won't break the bank.

SKS Airchecker Digital Gauge 
 $24.99

This handy little digital gauge works with Shcrader and Presta valves and has a lighted readout in both PSI and bar.  The swiveling head makes it easy to take a reading and has a deflate button to bleed off excess air pressure.  Its small size conveniently fits in a jersey pocket, tool pack or seat bag to take with you.  Available from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Light & Motion Vis 180 Mirco
$49

The Vis 180 Micro packs 25 lumens of light output in a small taillight.  This USB Li-ion rechargeable light  has run times of 4 to 20 hours depending on which of the four settings (High, High Pulse, Low Pulse and Paceline) are used.   It weighs only 61 grams and has a locking mount clip for installation on frame, seatpost or bag.  This taillight's bright amber side lights deliver 180° of visibility to get you seen.  Available from Light & Motion, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Fix It Sticks 
 $29.99

Fix It Sticks are a light-weight, innovative new multi-tool with all the torque of a 3-way wrench.  Their small size makes them very easy to stash away in a seat bag, top-tube bag or jersey pocket.  Each set comes with a convenient carrying case made from a recycled tube.  They made in the USA and come in many versions.  Choose from Aluminum or Steel.  Available from Fix It Sticks or from select dealers.

Swiftwick Pursuit Socks 
$15.99-$34.99

The Pursuit line from Swiftwick is the only 200 needle compression sock on the market.  Its 23.5 gauge Australian Merino Wool construction provides thermal protection and wicks away moisture keeping feet warm and dry.  They come is size small to extra large with a height of zero to twelve inches.  This is a great sock for colder weather cycling but can be used in warm weather because of its excellent wicking properties.  Available from Swiftwick and select bike shops.

Banjo Brothers Cycling Phone Wallet
$5.99

Banjo Brothers' Phone Wallet is a durable and water-resistant pouch for your phone, ID, spare keys, etc.  It has a touch screen compatible window and will fit phones up to 2.75 x 5.75 inches.  Stuff it in your jersey or jacket pocket and it will keep your items dry and protected.  Available from Banjo Brothers, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Genuine Innovations

Genuine Innovations Air Chuck Elite Inflator
$24.99

The Air Chuck Elite Inflator is very compact, easy to use and inflation is controllable with its push-to-inflate technology.  It's all metal alloy design weighs only 17 grams and works with both Schrader and Presta valves.  Includes a 16g and 20g threaded CO2 cartridge.  Available from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Lone Peak Tool Roll Essentials Kit
$29.95

The Tool Roll Essentials Kit is made from 1000 D Nylon and comes with a Park Tools Patch Kit, tire levers and 4, 5, & 6 mm allen wrenches.  Extra compartments hold CO2 Cartridges, spare tube, chain tool, etc.  Roll it up for attachment under the saddle or store inside a seat bag, handlebar pack or pannier.  Available from Lone Peak and authorized dealers.