The wind chill effect is the mountain biker's worst enemy in winter. It quantifies the difference between measured and perceived temperature in relation to wind speed and takes effect from around 10 degrees. This makes the temperature on the skin appear much colder than it actually is. At a speed of 20 km/h, zero degrees already feels like minus five degrees.
These winter products will keep mountain bikers warm through the icy season:
Therm-IC Dryer
Looks like the teeth of a robot ant, but is actually just a harmless shoe dryer. The Dryer dries even soaking wet biker boots in just a few hours. The extendable nozzles fit all standard models and can also be used to dehumidify hand or ski boots. The mobile shoe and glove dryer costs 38.99 euros at Decathlon.
Mons Royale Cabrio Balaclava Itallica
Either a thick beard or a balaclava will help against the icy wind on your face. The two-coloured merino balaclava is much friendlier than aggressive black. The integrated neck warmer can be pulled over the mouth and nose area for even more protection. RRP: 34.95 euros. Currently at Bergfreunde.de with 40% discount for 20,97 Euro.
Camelbak Stoaway 3l
Camelbak offers the little black one. This turns the 3-litre drinking bladder into a really hot item. Ten millimetre thick foam keeps the contents warm. Covers for the tube and mouthpiece ensure that there are no cold bridges on the way to the mouth. 60 euros.
Thermosoles 3D radio
Underfloor heating for travelling. If you slip the radio-controlled thermal inserts into your boots, you can walk on hot soles even in sub-zero temperatures. The room temperature can be set to between 38 and 44 degrees. One battery charge should last a full eight hours. The Thermosoles 3D radio costs 149 euros.
The Heat Company Foot Warmer
Warm feet with iron powder, salt, water and activated charcoal? MacGyver must have had a hand in that. If you tear open the packaging, the iron powder is oxidised by oxygen and releases reaction heat for eight hours. The flat pads can simply be stuck on or under socks, but are a disposable product. From 1 euro. Various heat pads for hands, feet and the body are available from Decathlon, for example.
WOBS Limited Edition Zebra
The leopard-look hand warmers would also cut a fine figure when strolling along Düsseldorf's Kö. But they are even better suited to a winter bike ride. The fur-lined covers are simply slipped over the handlebars and are designed to keep the grippers cosy and warm even in sub-zero temperatures. 49.95 euros.
45NRTH Cobrafist
When the temperatures reach double-digit minus degrees, even the best gloves can quickly reach their limit if there is a bit of wind. But then so-called pogies come to the rescue. These are handlebar cuffs that are screwed onto the ends of the grips and enclose the shift/brake levers and grips. With their Cobrafist pogies, the bibber specialists at 45NRTH offer an insulated luxury version with an integrated zip, high-quality materials and sealing on the inside. The Handlebar grips from 45NRTH are available at Fatbike24.de for 115 euros.
Stefan Frey
Editor
