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.

Interbike 2015 Cool Bike Gear-Part 3

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 the final installment of a three part series where I will highlight some of the items that caught my attention.

 Serfas Orion Blast Tail Light

Coming soon from Serfas is the Orion Blast Tail Light.  This light will be one of the brightest tail lights on the market and is sure to scream out “hey bike right here!” during the dark months commuters encounter when Daylight Saving Time ends.  The Orion Blast is designed with 70 micro LED's in red and amber and its internal Lithium-Polymer batteries are micro USB rechargeable.  Solid mode (85, 50 and 25 Lumens) flashes Red with a battery life of between 1 and 4 hours.  The five Flash/Pulse modes (150/70  Pulse Red/Amber, 70/35 Alt Red/Amber, 150 High Flash Red, 60 Low Flash Red, 70 High Flash Amber) give it battery run times of 1.25 to 10.5 hours.

This light also has the new Serfas Blast Audible Warning System that will emit an 85 decibel signal when there is only 10 minutes battery life remaining in that particular mode.  This allows the user to switch to a lower mode and restarts the battery low alert thus extending the battery life.

The Orion Blast Tail Light weighs only 55 grams.  It will be available in three colors (Red, Black and White) and comes with a new Aero-Bracket to fit any seatpost or application on a bike.  Retail price is $90 but no word yet on when it will be available at your local bike shop.

 Upstand

The Upstand was first introduced through a successful  Kickstarter campaign by Garrett Blake back in late 2013.  It is a lightweight, high tech kickstand for your road bike. Made of carbon fiber tubes with a shock cord, this device connects to a metal attachment tab that mounts on your skewer inside the the quick release.  The carbon fiber tubing has a rubber cap on one end and a magnet on the other to secure it to the metal attachment tab.

The metal magnet attachment tab only adds 15 grams to the bike while the stand itself a mere 25 grams.  Installation takes only 30 seconds and when the Upstand is not needed, slide it off and fold it in half for storage in seat bag, jersey pocket or attach it to the bike using the optional Upclip. 

The folding Upstand is available in standard (26"/700 wheels), 20" and 29" wheels with the option of adding the Upclip or an extra tab at a discount.  Purchase direct from the Upstanding Bicycle Company on their website.

 SRAM Red eTap

SRAM displayed their first electronic shifting groupset at Interbike, the Red eTap Wireless.  While SRAM is late with this offering to the electronic drivetrain market, they did what their competitors (Shimano, Campagnolo) haven't done yet and that is to make their system wireless.  SRAM uses a wireless proprietary protocol called Airea instead of using others protocols like Ant+ or Bluetooth.

Both the front and rear shifters have their own battery and wireless transmitter making them self-contained.  Batteries charge in only 45 minutes and SRAM promises 1000 km of life per charge.  For time trial and triathlon bikes with aero bars, the system can be paired with eTap Blip satellite shifters for remote placement using the eTap BlipBox.

Unlike the Shimano and Campagnolo electronic shift logic that is identical to their mechanical groups, SRAM's Red eTap is entirely different.  With only one shift paddle per shifter, shifting mistakes are almost eliminated.  Shift with the left shifter paddle to an easier gear on the cassette, shift with the right shifter paddle to a harder gear on the cassette and shift both at the same time to shift the front derailleur.  What could be more simple?

The SRAM Red eTap Road and TT Groupset will be available in the Spring of 2016.  The complete Red eTap Road Groupset will list at $2758 and the complete Red eTap TT Groupset for $2835.  It will also be standard equipment on high-end 2016 complete bikes next Spring from brands like Trek, Giant, Specialized and others.

SKS Fatboard Fender Set

SKS introduced their new Fatboard Fender Set at the Outdoor Demo and Interbike.  This two-piece fender set will cover tires up to 5" wide and weighs 353 grams.  The rear fender attaches to the seat post with a quick release clamp and has a two-hinge arm to adjust for any frame geometry or bikes with dropper posts.  It provides 20" of horizontal coverage keeping the rider clean and dry.

The front fender attaches to the downtube using high performance straps and works with all types of fatbike forks.  This design allows it to secure easily to any frame including irregular shaped or round tubes and also provides 20" of coverage.

 The Fatboard Fender set will be available at local bike shops in January, 2016 for a retail price of $54.99.

Swiftwick Vision Team

Swiftwick was at Interbike with a wide variety of cycling compression socks.  New this year are the Swiftwick Vision Team socks.  This sock is available "in designs that sync with any team’s colors".  Featuring Swiftick's signature Managed Compression and antimicrobial moisture wicking technologies, these socks will provide blister-free comfort, improve circulation and keep feet dry.

Vision Team comes in an 8" cuff length, twelve color combinations in sizes S, M, L, XL from the Swiftwick website and Swiftwick retailers for $17.99/pair.  

Interbike 2015 Outdoor Demo Finds

I spent two days looking at all the new offerings from the bike industry and what a better place to see them first and test some of them out than at the Interbike Outdoor Demo.  While my posts concentrate on the fatbike and gravel scene, I came across some products for those that also share my interests.  Below are some of my finds.

Vee Tire Snowshoe XL

Vee Tire is introducing the Snowshoe XL Studded fatbike tire for 2016 with a 120 tpi folding bead (shown above) and a 72 tpi wire bead with a silica compound that is designed to hold traction at lower temperatures.  This 4.8 inch studable version has 240 carbide-tip studs and a Vee rep told me the folding bead will retail around $200 putting it more affordable than 45NRTH's folding bead Dillinger 5 and Bontrager's 3.8" Gnarwhal.

9:Zero:7 Whiteout Team

The 2016 9:Zero:7  Whiteout Team carbon limited edition frame/fork combo to build up was displayed at the Outdoor demo as a super lightweight build of 18 lbs. 15 oz.  $3100 price tag to start your build.  This bike was crazy light and is expected to be the fatbike racing choice coming into this Winter.  Get one before they are all gone.

Raleigh Roker

 

For the gravel enthusiast, Raleigh has taken the Tamland to the next level with two lightweight carbon choices.  The Raleigh Roker LTD is their top-notch carbon gravel/adventure bike with clearance for tires bigger than 40c, hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting.  MSRP on the Roker LTD is $5299.99.  For the budget-minded cyclist that wants the same lightweight carbon chassis there is the Raleigh Roker Comp.  This model features the new Shimano 105 shifter and hydraulic disc brakes with a price tag coming in at $3299.99.

Crank Brothers Candy 7

Crank Brothers introduced its new Candy 7 pedal for 2016.  Although not yet available, the Candy 7 is "competition-oriented with new integrated traction pad" with an all new body shape.  This pedal has upgraded the Candy 3's inner needle bearing with an igus LL-glide bearing and an enduro cartridge outer bearing that the rep told me would not have to be rebuilt as often as the Candy 3.  When available, the Candy 7 will retail for $165 a pair.

SKS Fatboard Fender Set

Coming in January from SKS is the Fatboard Fender Set.  The quick-release rear fender with an adjustable two-hinge arm to accommodate your bike's geometry and a downtube front fender with straps,  they quickly and easily attach to to the bike.  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.

GoPro Hero4 Session

GoPro introduces their new Hero4 Session, which is their "smallest, lightest, most convenient camera yet".  It shoots video in 1080p60 and photos in 8MP.  This tiny camera weighs in at only 74 grams and has an easy one-button control to capture video or time-lapse photos.  Use it with the free GoPro app for your smartphone or the Smart Remote to access most of its modes.  It is compatible with all GoPro mounts, is waterproof to 10m and has Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity for remote app control and social media sharing.  Available now for $399.99.

Surly Wednesday

I had a chance to ride Surly's newest offering, the Wednesday fatbike.  It's a 100% Surly 4130 CroMoly steel frame bike who's geometry I felt really comfortable with.  I test rode a small frame and it felt really good out on the trails at Bootleg Canyon.  I don't have a chance to experience the elevation changes and climbing like Bootleg Canyon has to offer and this bike made me feel right at home on trails that are much more technical than those back in Minnesota. The Surly Nate tires grabbed the loose terrain nicely proving that they are not just a snow tire.

With its 2X10 drivetrain, I never felt the need to shift into the smallest chainring on some of the steeper climbs where converting the Wednesday to a 1X10 drivetrain is definitely an option.  This bike is Bluto-ready and comes with the new My Other Brother Darryl tubless-ready rims for the affordable price of $1499.

My Favorite Fatbike Accessories-Part Two

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.

Gaiters

Gaiters are a great way to keep legs from the knees down warm, dry and boots from taking on snow.  I like the Crocodile Gaiter from Outdoor Research because they are extremely durable, waterproof and breathable.  Breathability allows transfer of vapor keeping my tights and baselayer dry underneath, which is key on long rides in the cold.  Blocking the wind and providing a little extra thermal protection are added bonuses to keeping the snow from working its way into my boots.  For deeper snow and frigid temperatures gaiters make a great addition to your fatbike riding apparel.

Tire 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 carry a 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.  This gauge is 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 tire pressures exactly to your liking.

Frame Pump

I carry a small frame pump with me on rides to modify tire pressure giving me the ability to adjust for changing trail conditions.  It gives me the freedom to let some air out of my tires to gain traction with the ability to increase tire pressure if the riding conditions require me to do so.  Adjusting tire pressure up or down by a pound or two can make a big difference.  I like the Bontrager Air Support HP Pro (short model) for its compact size and the flexible hidden hose that threads onto Presta valves making inflation easy.

Fenders

When temperatures get above freezing riding a fatbike can get a little messy.  Mud, sand, slush and puddles can get a rider all wet.  To combat this and keep riding dry and comfortable, Portland Design Works has made Dave's Mud Shovels.  These lightweight, quick-install fenders are wide enough to keep water, mud and muck from being flung all over your legs and backside from those big tires.

The front and rear models install quickly and accommodate a wide variety of tube diameters.  They are reasonably priced, lightweight and really do keep you dry, even when splashing through big puddles.  If you're an all-weather rider like me, you'll come to rely on Dave's Mud Shovels for those messier rides.

I will continue with more of my Faviorite Fatbike Accessories in one more upcoming post.

Product Review: PDW Dave's Mud Shovels

During the seasonal transition periods in the Spring and Fall, riding a fatbike can get a little messy.  Mud, sand, slush and puddles can get a rider all wet.  To combat this and keep riding dry and comfortable, Portland Design Works has made Dave's Mud Shovels.  These lightweight, quick-install fenders are wide enough to keep water, mud and muck from being flung all over your legs and backside from those big fatbike tires.

The Dave's Mud Shovel rear fender installs in seconds with an adjustable clamp and is long and wide enough (22.5" X 5.5") to keep your backside dry on the messiest of rides.  The angle of the fender can be adjusted to fit all makes and sizes of fatbikes.  MSRP $28.

The Dave's Mud Shovel front fender installs quickly with rubber straps that attach to the downtube of the bike.  It is long and wide enough (19.5" X 6.5") to keep your legs dry and clean when riding through the wet stuff.  The rubber straps accommodate a wide variety of tube diameters.  MSRP $20. 

When the mountain bike trails are closed during the spring thaw, I like to hit the gravel.  This allows me to keep riding until things dry out, but it can get a little dirty.  PDW's Dave's Mud Shovels become part of my necessary riding gear at this time of year.  Mud, water, wet sand and sloppy crushed limestone hit these big fenders instead of me.  My riding apparel would be filthy without them and I wouldn't be warm and dry.  At the beginning of winter, those wet snowfalls are another prime time for using the Mud Shovels.

These fatbike fenders are reasonably priced, lightweight and they do the trick to keep you dry.  Both fenders are easy to remove and clean up quickly with just a rinse and a wipe down.  One area that the rear fender doesn't cover very well is at the confluence of the seat stays, top tube and seat tube.  I usually have my frame bag strapped on and it always gets soaked and covered with dirt as the spinning tire throws a steady stream right on to this area.  Good thing my bag is made with water-resistant nylon and zippers keeping my gear dry inside.  Other than that, the benefits of these fenders far outweigh this small negative.  If you are an all-weather fatbiker, I would recommend Dave's Mud Shovels for all of your messy rides.

Note:  Please do not ride wet mtb trails, this causes ruts, trail damage and takes many hours of volunteer time to repair.  Allow trails to dry before use.  Your local IMBA chapter will thank you.

The front and rear Portland Design Works Dave's Mud Shovels are available from the PDW website, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Disclosure:  Portland Design Works provided the review samples for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review.