Product Review: Lone Peak Pfeifferhorn Handlebar Pack

I first learned of Lone Peak Packs last year at Interbike in Las Vegas where I met owner Gary Hubbert.  He showed me his full line of cycling packs that are designed and made right here in the USA.  The one pack that caught my eye was the Pfeifferhorn Handlebar Pack.  For me, this pack would become a great dual service bag that I would use year-round on the fatbike and road bike.

The Pfeifferhorn Handlebar Pack has 330 cubic inches of space to hold necessary items for those long rides.  The main compartment holds larger items while the smaller front compartment works well for items like keys, cell phones or snacks.  The three-point, multi-adjustable straps make mounting this bag easy for just about any type of handlebar set-up.  My Trek Crossrip Elite has interrupter brake levers or "cross levers" that can make mounting some handlebar bags difficult, but I had no problem securing the Pfeifferhorn Handlebar Pack to my bars.  It stayed in place without moving or swaying, even when loaded up with gear. A  polyethylene liner runs the full length of the pack to help keep its shape and support the weight of the items contained within.

The Ballistic Nylon fabric and flaps covering the zippers kept my gear dry during rainstorms and slushy, wet winter rides. 

I really liked this pack for winter fatbike rides, it had that extra space I needed for things like goggles, gloves, a balaclava and snacks.  I would bring what I needed or store what I didn't for changing weather conditions or all day rides.  It was nice having these things close at hand, I could remove my goggles or switch to a warmer pair of gloves and stash them in the pack without getting off the bike.

 

Once Winter was over and it was time to hit the road again, the Pfeifferhorn Handlebar Pack would become an essential part of my road bike gear.  Whether it was long distance gravel/road, commuting to work or just riding around Minneapolis, it held what I needed for the ride.

This is a quality handcrafted pack that has a good amount of storage space, stays put and is reasonably priced.  It comes with a lifetime warranty and its durable design and stitching should provide many years of useful service.  

The Lone Peak Pfeifferhorn Handlebar Pack is available from the Lone Peak online store for $39.95 and comes in Black, Blue, Red and Steel.

Disclosure:  Lone Peak provided the review sample for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review. 

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.