Gift Ideas for Cyclists-Part 2

Now that the holidays are almost here, I have put together a list of some more 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.

The Weatherneck System

$40

The Weatherneck System is a 3-in-1 modular balaclava consisting of Mullet Hat and Facemask that has a variety of uses depending on the weather you'll be riding in.  The Mullet Hat covers the ears and neck and can be used alone for those days when only a hat is needed.  It also comes with a secret pocket in the back that is great for stashing cash or a chemical hand warmer and has a pony tail pass through.  The facemask has a unique mesh design that makes it easy to breathe during rigorous activity and helps prevent fogging of glasses or goggles.  Magnets in the facemask adhere to metal on the back of the Mullet Hat to combine the two pieces for use as a balaclava.  One size fits all and the metal/magnet positioning for the facemask helps achieve this.  Available from theweatherneck.com and select bike shops.

Yeti Rambler-18 oz.

$30

The Yeti Rambler 18 oz. is a product that I used a lot last winter to prevent my water from freezing up while riding in below freezing temps.  This vacuum insulated container fits in a standard bottle cage and works much better than plastic water bottles especially when the temps dip below zero Fahrenheit.  It also keeps hot beverages hot for hours if you need a little warm-up out on the trail.  Available from Yeti, Amazon, Cabela's and other outdoor retailers.

Fork Cork
$30

The Fork Cork is a new item from Miles-Wide Industries that is designed to fit in the hole at the bottom of a tapered steerer tube creating a secret storage spot.  With the Fork Cork in place it will create a water tight seal for storing items like money, gps bike theft tracker, a multi-tool, matches/lighter and many other small items.  Installs quickly and stays put.  Available from Miles-Wide Industries and select bike shops.

WSI Sports HEATR Baselayer

$30-$149

My go-to baselayer for the coldest weather Minnesota can dish out is WSI Sports HEATR Baselayer.  This specially engineered fabric actually warms up when skin comes in contact with it.  HEATR Baselayer provides excellent thermal protection and wicks moisture away from the skin to keep you warm and dry.  Pair this baselayer with a windproof breathable outer shell and you're ready for an all day Winter adventure out on the trails.  Shown in the picture above are HEATR Socks, HEATR Glove Liners, Full HEATR Shirt and Full HEATR Pant.  Available online from WSI Sports or at their Eagan showroom.

Hillsound Armadillo LT Gaiter

$49

For the adventure fatbiker that likes to go where others don't, there's the Hillsound Armadillo LT Gaiter.  This gaiter features a waterproof/breathable upper, is contour-fitted and lightweight.  The zipper makes them easy to put on and the adjustable straps at the top and bottom make for a perfect fit with your boot.  Not only will the keep your legs warm, but will prevent snow from getting into your boots for those deeper hike-a-bike sections.  I also like to use them in the late Fall and early Spring when conditions tend to be a little more wet to keep my legs dry.  Available from Hillsound and outdoor retailers.

Gravel Cycling

$25

If you have a gravel cyclist on your list, they will love Nick Legan's new book "Gravel Cycling: The Complete Guide to Gravel Racing and Adventure Bikepacking".  Nick writes about the gear, bike setup and tips to get you riding as well as profiling some of America's best gravel and bikepacking events.  Available from Velo Press and select bike shops.

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.