Interbike 2017 Cool Bike Gear-Part 2

This year's Interbike wasn't what it was in past years, there were a lot of big players in the industry that were no-shows at this year's show, however that didn't discourage me from finding some cool new bike products.  This is the second installment of my recap of the cool Interbike 2017 finds that I came across during the convention and if you ride like I do, I think you'll find these products as useful as I see their potential.

TOGS Flex Model

I have been a big fan of TOGS since first seeing them at Interbike '15.  TOGS was kind enough to set me up with a pair of hinged carbon TOGS at that show and they have been standard equipment on my bike ever since.  TOGS stands for "Thumb Over Grip System" which gives a rider multiple hand positions without the use of bar ends.  I found them most useful during long gravel rides and for climbing to keep my hands and wrists from becoming fatigued or to give me a little better leverage without loss of control for braking and shifting.

New this Fall are the TOGS Flex Model.  This design incorporates a raised hood with a flexible rubber tip that has a some give to it and provides a little shock absorption compared to the original models.  The Flex model will be available soon in numerous colors at bike shops that are supplied by QBP or directly from TOGS for $22.50.  To learn more about TOGS, watch the video below from this year's Interbike.

Wren Fatbike Suspension Fork

I got a chance to meet Kevin Wren, the founder of Wren Sports at Interbike '17 and discuss the Wren Fatbike Suspension Fork and what makes it different from other fatbike suspension forks.  The first thing I noticed about this fork is the stanchions are on the bottom which which I was told are lighter making the fork react quicker out on the trail.  The seals also face downward to help keep grit and grime from getting into the fork.  It has keyes to "perfectly align the stanchions in the uppers and are designed to shear should you take a really big hit. This protects the channels and your fork from damage. The fork will still function and the keys are easily replaced." 

This fork also has a TwinAir System that can be easily adjusted and fine tuned with an air pump.  A single positive air chamber is located in one stanchion that has a floating piston with valves on the top and bottom which allows pressure to equalize on either side of the piston as you add or release air.  "More air in the top chamber will increase its volume relative to the bottom chamber and the fork will exhibit a more plush ride. If the bottom chamber volume is larger relative to the top, the fork will exhibit a stiffer, more progressive ride."

The Wren Fatbike Suspension Forks come with carbon bash guards in hub widths 135mm with 110mm or 150mm of travel for $899.99 (add $50 for 150mm travel) and 150mm with 110mm or 150mm of travel (add $50 for 150mm travel) also for $899.99 directly from Wren Sports.  For you Winter fatbikers, there is an available new Winter Damper that I was told is good down to -20 degrees F. that can easily be changed out from the stock one.  Contact Wren Sports for more information.

Lezyne Micro Floor Digital Drive XL

Being a fatbiker, the Lezyne Micro Floor Digital Drive XL caught my eye right away.  Its compact size is just under 12 inches tall and weighs a little over 12 oz.  This pump was designed for fat and plus bikes due to its high volume chamber.  It has an integrated 1.6 inch digital gauge on the flexible hose that is said to be highly accurate.  A stainless steel folding foot peg helps keep it stable during use.  It also has a patented air bleed system built in and is Presta/Schrader compatible.  Available from Lezyne, local bike shops and Amazon for $89.99.

My Favorite Winter Fatbike Gear-Part 2

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

45NRTH Dillinger 4 Tires 

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

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

Revelate Designs Mountain Feedbag

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

Bontrager TLR Flash Charger Floor Pump

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

WSI Sports HEATR Baselayer

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

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