45NRTH Introduces Wölvhammer Red Wing Edition

Image Credit: 45NRTH

45NRTH has teamed up with Red Wing Shoes to come out with a new Limited Edition Wölvhammer design.  The new boot was unveiled at a 45NRTH Limited Edition Product Launch at Angry Catfish in Minneapolis on October 20th.  This new boot has all of the technical features of the previous year model including lace-up design with gusseted tongue, 200g Primaloft® aerogel insole under the foot and a 45NRTH rubber outsole with Hypergrip for added slip resistance (2-bolt compatible). Suggested temperature range remains the same as the original at 0° (-18°C) to 25°F (-3°C).

Image Credit: 45NRTH

According to 45NRTH this limited edition boot has a "Waterproof-breathable membrane for moisture control, mid-calf height for weather protection and comfort, gaiter hook for fatbiking in deep snow and added insulation above the ankle" and is made from "100% full grain locally sourced Red Wing Leather®."

Image Credit: 45NRTH

Look for them to start showing up 45NRTH Dealers including Penn Cycle soon for $344.99.

Product Review: 2016 45NRTH Wölvhammer Winter Cycling Boot

45NRTH introduced its newly redesigned Wölvhammer Winter cycling boot for 2016 late last Fall and the changes they made were a huge improvement on previous models.  Anyone who had a pair of these older models knew the problems with them such as sticky zippers and difficulty getting them on and off due to their double layer boot design.  Gone are all of those problems with this new single layer boot construction.  The outside of the boot now has a full grain leather and Ballistic Nylon Cordura shell for warmth and durability giving it the look and styling of a traditional mountaineering boot.

One of the first things I noticed is the improved Power Strap at the top of the boot, gone is the restrictive D-ring of the older style.  This will make putting them on easier and allow adjustments to be made while wearing gloves.  The lace-up design with gusseted tongue makes it easy to get the right amount of comfort when putting them on and it keeps the snow and slush out while keeping the warmth in.  The lacing has a Velcro tab on the end that can be tucked underneath the Power Strap so it is out of the way and secure.


With this new gusseted tongue, getting into them is easy.  It's just like putting on a traditional Winter boot.  This is especially handy when wearing thicker wool socks for colder temperatures.

The deep lug pattern Vibram sole provides plenty of traction for those times when you have to hike-a-bike or put a foot down to keep yourself upright.  This new model is two-bolt SPD compatible only but comes with a cleat plug giving it the versatility to be used with flat pedals too.

Where I found these boots really excelled for warmth was in the late Fall and early Winter when temperatures were in the twenties and thirties.  I was able to wear a thin wool sock and be warm and comfortable for hours out on my fatbike.  The wicking properties of the wool socks and the lining of the Wölvhammers kept my feet dry even when I became a little overheated.

My toes tend to get cold easily so when temperatures dipped into the teens and below I would use chemical toe warmers and thicker wool socks to extend the length of my rides.  The larger toe box on the new Wölvhammers still left me with plenty of wiggle room to keep blood circulating properly, even when wearing the thicker socks and toe warmers. 

For really cold temperatures I would pair them with the 45NRTH Bergraven Gaiters to add an extra layer of insulation over the boot and keep the snow out for those first tracks and bushwhacking rides in deeper snow.

During the Winter I will clip in (using Crank Brothers Eggbeater 3's) about 75% of the time.  The times I don't and use flat pinned pedals are during icy conditions, doing a little bushwhacking or on rare occasions like downhill (Fat Bike Gravity Fest).  The Vibram sole of the Wölvhammers really works well with flats providing plenty of grip on the pins of the pedals.

Wölvhammers  keep my feet dry during wet conditions or creek crossings where shoe covers with MTB shoes don't.  Because they are breathable and keep moisture out, I plan on using them through the Spring thaw on some of my cold weather gravel rides on the fatbike.

The real test for the Wölvhammers came back in mid January when temperatures got really cold here in the Twin Cities.  Some friends and I decided to go out early one Sunday morning for a creek/bushwhacking ride through the Minnesota River Bottoms.  At ride start the temperature was -14° F and after 2-3/4 hours it had warmed up to -6° F.  I had used chemical toe warmers and thick wool socks for this ride and by keeping my core temperature up with constant movement the Wölvhammers kept my feet warm but my toes were beginning to get a little cold near the end.

In conclusion, 45NRTH Wölvhammer boots are an excellent choice for both clipless and flat pedals in the Winter.  Their comfort rating is 0° F to 25° F and in these conditions they work quite well at keeping feet warm and dry.  Everyone is different so sock choice and chemical warmers will definitely help those who's feet get cold easily.  These boots are very comfortable and don't seem bulky like other non-cycling specific boots.  The new design is a huge improvement over the older models and has become much more user friendly.  For those that race ultras or ride many miles in extreme temperatures the Wölvhammer may not keep your feet warm during these extended periods of a sub-zero climate.  For this reason 45NRTH spent several years developing the ultimate extreme cold weather boot, the Wølfgar with its comfort rating of -25° F to 10° F.  But for most of us recreational and enthusiast riders, the Wölvhammer does a fine job.

45NRTH Wölvhammer boots are now available in Mens extra wide 38–50 (no size 49), full sizes only at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $325.

Disclosure:  45NRTH provided the review samples for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review.

My Favorite Winter Fatbike Gear-Part 3

Winter is my favorite time of the year to ride my fatbike, it opens a whole different world of exploration possibilities.  But, cold weather does present its own challenges that that can be overcome with the right gear.  I have tried a lot of products over the last four Winters and have come up with a new list of some of my favorite items that I use regularly.  This is part three of a three part series where I highlight my favorite Winter fatbike gear.

Garmin Edge 1000

After using a smartphone with Strava for the past few years I finally upgraded to a Garmin Edge 1000 for ride tracking and navigation.  Battery life was always an issue using a smartphone but with the Garmin Edge 1000 I don't worry about it anymore and it doesn't seem to be affected by very cold temperatures like other rechargeable battery devices.  It's full of functions for both road and off-road riding making it a great choice for cyclists that ride a little of everything.

This unit comes preloaded with Garmin Cycle Map and has a round-trip routing feature that allows the input of a ride distance and it will calculate three ride options to choose from.  Ride statistics are very accurate and after a ride they can be uploaded to Strava through a Bluetooth connection with my smartphone.  Incoming call, text and weather alerts are also displayed when connected to my smartphone.  The large 3" touchscreen display is easy to read and with an ambient light sensor I can view it in a variety of lighting conditions.  Creating routes on Garmin Connect is easy and they are synced with the Edge 1000 so I'll never miss a turn or get off course again.  

These are just a few of the many features the Edge 1000 has making it my every bike, every ride cycling computer.  Available from Garmin, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $499.99.  A bundle version (speed sensor, cadence sensor and heart rate monitor) is also available for $599.99.

45NRTH Wölvhammer Boots

45NRTH's Wölvhammer cycling boot is my choice of footwear during Winter fatbike season.  Redesigned for 2016, this boot is easy to get on and off with its new gusseted tongue lace-up drawstring that does away with zippers.  I pair the boot with the appropriate thickness of wool sock based on the outside temperature.  My toes tend to be the first to get cold so sock choice does help and with a larger toe box the Wölvhammer has room to wiggle my toes increasing blood flow.  This boot claims a 0°-25° F comfort rating and my feet stay warm for hours with just light to medium weight wool socks when temperatures are in the 20's° F.  When temperatures dip into the teens and single digits I will switch to a medium or heavy weight wool sock.  For longer rides, the addition of chemical toe warmers give that little bit of warmth to extend my time outside by hours.

This is a very comfortable boot that is waterproof and breathable.  200g of Primaloft ECO Gold insulation with a fleece lining wick away moisture keeping feet dry and warm.  It can be used with flat pedals or install 2-bolt cleats for use with clipless pedals.  The NASA approved Aerogel insulation of the footbed eliminates cold transfer from cleats.  A deep lug pattern Vibram sole provides plenty of grip on a variety of snow and ice covered surfaces.  Pair these boots with gaiters for extra warmth and to keep the snow out when bushwacking or making first tracks.

45NRTH Wölvhammer boots are now available in Mens extra wide 38–50 (no size 49), full sizes only at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $325.

Outdoor Tech Wired Chips

Universal Helmet Audio

I enjoy listening to podcasts and music while I ride but the use of earbuds can interfere with hearing approaching vehicles or passing cyclists.  I recently got a Smith Vantage helmet and like most snow helmets it has snap fit earpads with an audio drop in.  Immediately I purchased Outdoor Tech's Wired Chips snow helmet audio kit to take advantage of this feature.

The Wired Chips have 40mm drivers for great sound and plenty of volume.  They function fine in cold temperatures and the right ear chip button controls everything form playing/pausing a track, changing tracks and answering phone calls.  There is also a built in microphone, secondary control button and volume wheel control.  They even have Siri and Android voice activation.

I have really come to like the Wired Chips because of the great sound quality, the simple controls and they still allow me to hear outside sounds so I can be more aware of my surroundings.  If I receive a  phone call I can take it  while riding without having to stop and grab my phone or take my gloves off.  It's a simple design with great sound that is easy to use.

Outdoor Tech Wired Chips Universal Helmet Audio are compatible with Bern, Giro, Smith, Anon, Pro Tec, Bolle, and others that have slots for audio drop ins.  Available from Outdoor Tech and sporting goods retailers for $39.95.  A wireless version is also available for $129.95.

Crank Brothers Eggbeater 3 Pedals

This is my second Winter riding with Crank Brothers Eggbeater 3 pedals and I absolutely love them.  I never have any problems with them or my cleats packing up with snow where I have difficulty clipping in.  I like their minimalistic design that lets me unclip quickly if I need to put a foot down or perhaps misjudged a technical feature.  Made of stainless steel, I don't have to worry about corrosion or the occasional pedal strike.

Eggbeaters can be customized for angle of release (15° or 20°) and still allow some float while pedaling.  I have my cleats set to release at a 15° angle so I can get out of the pedal in a hurry if I need to.  They have become my year round choice for mountain biking in all kinds of weather and conditions.

Crank Brothers Eggbeater 3 pedals are available in four color choices from Crank Brothers, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $120 to $135.  For the more budget minded there is the Eggbeater 1 for $59.99 and the Eggbeater 2 for $94.99.

Holiday 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.

45NRTH Wölvhammer Boots

$325

45NRTH's Wölvhammer Winter Cycling Boot is standard equipment for many fatbikers and winter cyclists.  Their latest offering is completely redesigned and can be used with platform pedals or two-bolt clipless pedals.  Made of a full grain leather and ballistic nylon shell with 200g Primaloft ECO Gold insulation and aerogel in the footbed, this boot will keep your feet warm and dry on those chilly winter rides.  Available in full sizes 38-50 (no size 49) at Penn Cycle and other 45NRTH Dealers.

True North Basecamp Gift Certificate
$99

True North Basecamp is now offering Gift Certificates for two nights camping at their brand new lodging facility in the heart of Cuyuna.  Bike right from your campsite to the world class mountain bike trails of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.  Campsite amenities include fire ring, picnic table, wi-fi, bike rack and bike wash.  There is a locker room available nearby with showers, changing areas and bathrooms too.  Gift certificates are personalized and shipped anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.

Bontrager Flare R Tail Light

$60

The Bontrager Flare R Tail Light was designed for cyclists to be more visible during daylight hours.  It's a powerful CREE LED 65 lumen light with balanced optics and 270 degrees of visibility that can be seen up to 2 Km away.  The two day-time (day steady-4.25hrs./day flash-5.75hrs.) and night-time modes (night steady-21hrs./night flash-23hrs.) are sure to get you seen by motorists no matter what time of the day you ride.  Comes with the Sync bracket, seat stay bracket and USB cable.  Available at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Park Tool PCS-10 Repair Stand

$206

Park Tool's PCS-10 Home Mechanic Repair Stand is a great gift for any cyclist that likes to work on their bikes.  It features a cam-type clamp that allows single action clamping of tubes 7/8" to 3" and has 360-degree rotation.  Height of the repair stand can be quick-release adjusted from 39" to 57" and when your done working it can be folded down to 41" and stored away.   Available from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Oliver Flask Cage/Stanley Flask 

$44

Image Credit: Swift Industries

Winter cycling and a little whiskey warmer go hand in hand.  You've seen other flask/cage combos before, but why not get the cyclist on your list the best one.  Swift Industries has the Oliver Flask Cage that fits the 8 oz. Stanley Flask perfectly.  Available as cage only or combination cage and flask.  Great for taking a little nip out on the winter singletrack.

IMBA Membership
$30-$1000

Still don't know what to get the mountain biker on your shopping list?   Why not purchase them a new or renewal IMBA Local Chapter membership?  Membership dues support their local chapter and nationwide IMBA efforts.  Individual and Family memberships are available in a variety of different support levels for Minnesota's eleven area chapters.  "Joining your local IMBA chapter is the most effective way for you to build and maintain the amazing trails you love to ride."

45NRTH Makes Improvements on the Wölvhammer Winter Cycling Boot for 2016

45NRTH brings back its very successful Winter cycling boot, the Wölvhammer for 2016 with many improvements over the previous years' models.  The new design will make this boot easier to get on and off by doing away with the outer zipper/velcro for a gusseted tongue lace-up drawstring design.  For fatbikers and commuters it still maintains its 0°-25° F comfort rating making it a comfortable choice for Winter riding.

The outside of the boot now has a full grain leather and Ballistic Nylon Cordura shell for warmth and durability giving it the look and styling of a traditional mountaineering boot.

45NRTH added a protective rubber toe cap to help keep moisture out and to give some impact and abrasion resistance.  Though the new Wölvhammer is shorter than the previous model, it still comes to the mid-calf to help keep snow out and warmth in.  A slightly wider toe box and outsole allows for a better fit which means warmer toes.

The toe hook remains for use with gaiters in deeper snow. 

Gone now is the restrictive D-ring on the Power Strap at the top of the boot.  This will make putting them on easier and allow adjustments to be made while wearing gloves.

The single layer boot construction of the new model still maintains its waterproof membrane and allows for feet to breathe.  

Inside the boot is 200g Primaloft ECO Gold insulation with a fleece lining to wick away moisture keeping feet dry and warm.  The NASA approved Aerogel insulation of the footbed from previous models remains to eliminate cold transfer from cleats.  The drawstring lace now has a velcro tab at the top that can be attached underneath the Power Strap so excess lacing can be neatly tucked away.

Maintaining the deep lug pattern Vibram sole of previous models, the new Wölvhammer will come in an SPD compatible model only.  But it comes with a cleat plug giving it the versatility to be used with flat pedals or 2-bolt style clipless pedals.

For night riding, the reflective area on the heel is larger and very bright to get you seen on commutes or while riding in a group.

I will be writing a more in-depth review of the 2016 Wölvhammer boot with details on its performance in a variety of cold and snow conditions after more testing to come this Winter.

45NRTH Wölvhammer boots are now available in Mens extra wide 38–50 (no size 49), full sizes only at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $325.

Disclosure:  45NRTH provided the review samples for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review.

Interbike 2015 Cool Bike Gear-Part 2

After spending five days in Las Vegas for Interbike and the Outdoor Demo, I came across a lot of cool new bike stuff that I wanted to share with my readers.  These are products that are now available or in the case of some of them, will be available soon from your local bike shop.  This is part two of a three part series where I will highlight some of the items that caught my attention.

45NRTH Wölvhammer

45NRTH showed their newly redesigned Wölvhammer cycling boot at the QBP booth.  They have done away with the zipper and velcro closure of the previous years' models in favor of a lace-up design with a gusseted tongue.  Also removed is the D-ring for the powerstrap at the top of the boot making it easier to secure.

The outer shell is now made with full grain leather and Ballistic Cordura Nylon with a rubber toe cap.  The new Wölvhammer still has a waterproof membrane with plenty of insulation and moisture wicking fleece allowing the boot to breathe while keeping your feet warm and dry.  Use with flat pedals or remove the cleat cover to install 2-bolt compatible cleats for clipless pedals.  Designed for 0° to 25° F comfort.  The Wölvhammer is beginning to show up at local bike shops now for the price of $325.

TOGS

TOGS stands for "Thumb Over Grip System" that offers riders an extra hand position by providing a thumb grip on top of the bars.  This thumb positioning allows plenty of leverage when climbing and a different hand placement for relief during long bumpy rides without interference to access brake and shift levers.  They are very lightweight, easy to install and come in a Zytel Nylon Ring in eight colors and a Carbon Fiber Hinged model making them a great alternative to bar ends.

While the Zytel Nylon Ring model requires removal of the grip for installation, the Carbon Fiber Hinged model does not.  With a universal fit on flat and riser bars, TOGS work will all grips including lock-on models.

Both models are available now from the TOGS website.  The Zytel Nylon Ring model sells for $23 and the Carbon Fiber Hinged model for $35.

Bianchi Allroad

For 2016 Bianchi introduces its new aluminum gravel bike, the Allroad.  Bianchi states, "Allroad is a mountain bike, a road bike, a cyclo-cross and a trekking bike all-in-one."  This do it all bike comes with a carbon fork, fittings for fender and rack mounts, a dropper seat post and Kenda Happy Medium tires.  It will come in two build options, Shimano 105 11-speed with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and a more affordable Shimano Tiagra 10-speed with Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes.  No word yet on a price for both models.  Expect the Allroad to start appearing at Bianchi dealers before the end of the year.

Maxxis Minion FBF & FBR

Maxxis was at Interbike with new fatbike versions of their popular Minion downhill tires.  These front & rear specific tires designed for trail riding are massive at 26x4.8.  The FBF (front) features Minion DHF tread blocks for great cornering and low rolling resistance.  The FBR (rear) is inspired by the Minion DHR II with side knobs for cornering and "paddle-like" knobs in the middle for better traction and decreased rolling resistance.

FBR

FBF

Both have a dual rubber compound and will be available in 60 & 120 tpi foldable bead casings.  A tubeless-ready EXO Protection (cut/abrasion resistant) version in a 120 tpi casing will also be available.  While not at your local bike shop yet look for them sometime soon.  While US pricing is not yet available, the European pricing of the 60 tpi casing models is around $100 each and the tubeless-ready EXO Protection models about $125 each.

Proviz Switch Gilet

 

From Proviz comes a great product for the road cyclist or commuter, the Switch Gilet.  This dual layer outer shell can be worn day or night to make sure cyclists are seen out on the road.  The Switch Gilet is reversible with a highly visible fluorescent yellow on one side and is 100% reflective (CE EN 20471 certified) on the other.  It features a 2-way reversible zipper, chest and back pockets, "meshed reflective material to aid breathability" and is machine washable.   

The Proviz Switch Gilet is available in Men's and Women's for $102.99 direct from the Proviz website.

My Favorite Fatbike Accessories-Part One

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.

Pogies and Heated Grips

Hands are usually the first to get cold and there are a couple of ways in addition to gloves to keep them warm.  Warm fingers are more dexterous for shifting and braking and using pogies (handlebar mitts) and/or heated handlebar grips do the trick nicely.  I have a pair of Stellar Bags pogies made by a local Twin Cities cyclist who no longer makes and sells them but there are plenty of others out there on the market.  Some of these include 45NRTH, Revelate Designs, Dogwood Designs, Bar Mitts and Gup Gum Gear.  Pogies do a great job of protecting your hands from the elements, especially the wind which can cool down hands fast and they let you ride wearing lighter gloves.

A'ME Ergo Tri Heated Mountain Bike Grips do a great job at keeping hands warm and toasty on very cold rides.  These grips feature bluPulse™ ‘Adaptive Thermal Regulation’ technology with six different temperature settings that can be selected by pushing a button.  They are powered by a rechargeable 11.1 volt Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery Pack that can be mounted to a frame tube or handlebar stem and have watertight connectors.  Battery life varies depending on the setting chosen, but I usually get about three hours using the lowest setting that keeps my hands comfortable.  For more information, read my full product review.  These grips in combination with gloves and a good set of pogies will keep hands warm for hours in bitter cold temperatures letting you ride longer and more comfortably.

Frame Bag

A frame bag allows me to carry gear, snacks and my tool kit for those times I want to travel light.  Access to bag contents can even be done while riding without having to stop.  I will sometimes stash my water bottle in the main compartment of the bag giving it a little protection from the cold so it doesn't freeze up as quickly.  A good bag should be made with fabrics that have a durable water-repellent finish to keep contents dry on rides in slushy or wet conditions.  Frame bags can be purchased for specific bike models, custom made for a perfect fit and some are universal fit.  I had mine custom made by a local cyclist (Gup Gum Gear) for my mountain bike but the triangle on my 9:Zero:7 was so similar that it fit perfectly. 

Pedals

Pinned flats or clipless for Winter riding?  I will use both depending on the trail conditions.  Most of the time I like to clip in for the increased pedaling efficiency and power transfer but when conditions turn icy I switch to flats in case I need to put a foot down in a hurry.  The flats I use are actually a downhill mountain bike pedal by Xpedo, the Face Off 18.  I chose this pedal for its large platform with an open cage that doesn't build up with snow and ice.  They also have 20 replaceable pins on each pedal that helps me maintain a firm grip even when they become icy.  I'm currently using a set of Crank Brothers Candy 3's which I like for the easy in and out clipping over SPD pedals.  I am thinking of  switching to Crank Brothers Eggbeaters to eliminate the platform that the Candy pedals have to prevent ice and snow build up. 

Boots

I have two pairs of boots for Winter riding, Columbia Bugaboot Plus II Omni-Heat and my newest addition, the 45NRTH Wölvhammer.  I rode with flat pinned pedals all last Winter and the Bugaboots gripped the flats really good and the Omni-Grip outsole grabbed nicely on a variety of ice and snow covered surfaces. They are very lightweight and flexible making them a good choice for cycling.  The Bugaboots kept my feet warm on rides which usually lasted two to four hours.  During extreme cold where temperatures were sub-zero, my feet would start to get cold and toe numbness would set in.  To help extend ride time I would pair the Bugaboot with Grabber Toe Warmers and Foot Warmers.  For More information on the Columbia Bugaboot Plus II Omni-Heat, read my full product review.

The Wölvhammers, though a bit spendy are very well insulated, waterproof and breathable, three things I want in a Winter cycling boot.  When riding clipless, which is most of the time now, these are my go to boots.  I bought the next size up from what I normally wear to accommodate thicker wool socks for when it really gets cold.  These boots are new for me but I already love the comfort, feel and warmth they provide and would recommend them for cold weather fatbiking.

I will continue with more of my Faviorite Fatbike Accessories in two more upcoming posts.