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.

My Favorite Winter Fatbike Gear-Part 2

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 two of a three part series where I highlight my favorite Winter fatbike gear.

Bontrager RXL Waterproof

Softshell Split Finger Glove

When the temps dip into the teens and below I like to continue to ride without pogies but I need a pair of gloves that will keep my hands warm.  To achieve this I wear the Bontrager RXL Waterproof Softshell Split Finger Glove.  When it gets below zero I can extend my ride time by adding pogies to my bars if the conditions demand.

These gloves have a Profila Softshell outer lining that is windproof/waterproof combined with 100 grams of 3M Thinsulate insulation and a full finger fleece lining providing a comfort zone for hands in extreme cold weather.  The split finger and inForm cushioning allow for dexterity when braking and comfort in the pressure areas of the palm that mittens can't provide.  Available in XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $69.99.

45NRTH Bergraven Gaiters

After last weekend's trip to Cuyuna where over the two days I was there we received about 5 inches of fresh powder, I was glad I had my 45NRTH Bergraven Gaiters.  The snow was deep on the trails and lakes and the groomer hadn't been out yet so keeping the snow out of my boots and my legs warm was definitely a plus.

My friends and I like to venture off the beaten path in the Wintertime for areas normally not available during the warmer months and that will take us to places like lakes, creeks, marshes and woods where the snow is deeper and may involve some "hike-a-bike" sections.  These definitely do the trick for this type of riding. 

Bergaravens are easy to put on and take off and have tear-resistant outer shell with 100 grams of Primaloft Eco Gold insulation.  They will keep your legs warm and make sure snow stays out of your boots.  Available in 38-40 (Small), 41-43 (Medium), 44-46 (Large), 47-50 (X-Large) at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $85.

HotHands Toe Warmers

Sometimes those expensive cycling boots or regular Winter boots need a little boost to help keep your toes warm when riding for hours out in the cold.  My toes have a tendency to get cold easily, even in the 20's°F.  HotHands Toe Warmers are super thin and can be placed on the top or bottom of your toes with a stay-in-place adhesive that sticks to your sock.  They last for hours, are pretty inexpensive and will extend your ride time.  When it is really cold out I will place a set on the top and bottom of my toes to really keep my feet warm.  HotHands Toe Warmers are available at sporting goods and hardware stores for around a $1 for a two pack.

Sticky Pod

The Sticky Pod is a product I highlighted earlier this Fall and I've continued to use throughout the Winter as my compact tool kit for rides.  Depending on how light I travel, I will put it in my hydration pack or back jacket pocket.  The larger model holds everything I need for trailside repairs including my compact frame pump in the event of a flat or change in tire psi.  This compact kit has room for a chain tool, master links, spare derailleur hanger, multi-tool, zip ties, CO2 cartridges/inflator and a tube patch kit.  You can even put your smartphone in the side that has the plastic window for safe keeping and easy touchscreen access.  Available from Miles-Wide Industries in two sizes and color choices from $14.99-$17.99.

My Favorite Winter Fatbike Gear-Part 1

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 one of a three part series where I highlight my favorite Winter fatbike gear.

Gore Bike Wear Windstopper Balaclava

Keeping your face and head warm while protecting them from sub-zero windchills is where the Gore Bike Wear Windstopper Balaclava excels.  It fits comfortably, is breathable, can be worn with goggles and stops wind's bite preventing frostbite on the coldest days.  It has a thermal stretch fabric that is very thin and fits like a glove.  When the temps dip into the teens or the wind kicks up, this balaclava is my choice for face protection.  It folds up small enough to fit in my jacket pocket so I have it with in case the weather takes a turn.  Available at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $39.99.

G.H. Meiser Low Pressure Gauge

Keeping your tires properly inflated is key to speed, control and traction.  Colder temperatures can cause tire pressure to decrease as much as 2% for every 10° F drop, so checking your tires to ensure proper inflation should be done before each ride.  A change of as little as a pound or two of psi can make a huge difference to how a fatbike tire reacts to the conditions you are riding.

I use the G.H. Meiser Low Pressure Presta Valve Dial Gauge to give me accurate readings at very low pressures that regular gauges might not be able read.  This model reads tire pressure from 0 to 30 psi and is not affected by cold temperatures unlike some digital tire gauges.  It's an excellent choice for fatbikers looking to dial in that that precise inflation for the conditions, whether they be soft/hard pack snow, "mash potatoes" or fresh powder.  With a little experimentation you will learn to set pressures exactly to your liking and know what they feel like when squeezing your tires.  Available at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $20.99.  Also available in a 15 psi version for $14.99.

Smith Vantage with MIPS Helmet

My wife got me the Smith Vantage with MIPS helmet for Christmas and it is by far the best I've used for Winter riding.  It's a little on the spendy side at $260 but the features and design make it well worth it.  With its 21 vents, vent closures and Aerocore construction it is easy to keep your head cool or warm depending on the outside temperature.  The snapfit ear pads keep ears warm and can accommodate helmet audio systems for listening to music or podcasts out on the trail.  The adjustable Boa FS 360 Fit System assures a comfortable custom fit.

It works great with goggles and even has a removable goggle lock on the back of the helmet.  The MIPS system will limit the rotational forces to the brain in the event of an oblique impact during a crash or fall.  Available at REI and fine bike shops.

SKS Fatboard Fender Set

When the weather gets warmer you are going to want a good set of fenders to keep you dry when pedaling through slush, water and mud.  SKS Fatboard Fenders come in a set and just became available at your local bike shop.  I got a set from SKS before they available and tried them out on some of my wet commutes to work.  They really did the job of keeping me dry and the quick-release rear fender with an adjustable two-hinge arm to accommodate my bike's geometry made it a perfect fit.  The front fender straps quickly and easily to the downtube and prevents the continual spray of my front wheel and puddle jumping  from soaking me.  Made of rigid plastic, they have plenty of coverage to keep you dry on those messy Winter/Spring rides. MSRP is $54.99 for the set.  Available at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.