There is still plenty of outdoor cycling miles to be had as the northern hemisphere moves from Fall to Winter. The key is to be comfortable and not overdress or underdress for the weather. 45NRTH has a few new products to keep you riding in style and comfort.
Ragnarok Tall Transition Season Cycling Boots
Price: $245
Sizes: Men’s wide 36–50 (no size 49), whole sizes only
Colors: Black with yellow highlights
Closure: Side-mounted BOA Fit System and Li2 Dial
Weight: 595 g (size 46)
Cleat compatibility: 2-bolt
Temperature rating: 25+ degrees F
Upper material: Premium microfiber, neoprene ankle, abrasion-resistant Tec Tuff toe and heel
Outsole: Real rubber with anti-slip micro-glass filament lugs
Availability: Online or retail
Obtained by: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Keep feet dry and warm in cool, wet conditions
A boot designed for cool, wet conditions just got even better. 45NRTH has improved upon its Ragnarok boot in two important ways. First, by incorporating the new BOA Li2 dial and lacing system. The second combines it with a redesigned opening for easier on/off.
Getting dressed and slipping on a pair of winter boots shouldn’t be a level-one workout. 45NRTH designed this boot with a neoprene cuff that opens wide enough to slide your foot in with the BOA laces open. Once in, the cuff wraps around your ankle using a Velcro closure to keep your foot dry and debris out. The cuff comes up high enough to provide coverage if you wear tights.
45NRTH uses BOA’s newest, low-profile Li2 dial platform with multi-directional adjustability. The lacing system uses a floating “three-finger” overlap that envelopes the top of the foot.
Once the boot is on, I found it almost too roomy. 45NRTH offers it in men’s wide 36-50 in whole sizes. The company says they make the Ragnarok Tall roomy so you can wear thicker socks. But for me, even with thicker socks, it was a little wide. So I added my orthotics which helped reduce the volume inside the shoe.
One advantage of the neoprene cuff is its flexibility. For example, the movement was not impeded on the bike pedaling or walking. The Tec Tuff toe and heel help minimize environmental abrasions or pedal scrapes.
The aggressive tread of the sole provides ample traction in mud when you need to hike-a-bike, with space for optional lugs in the forefoot. The Ragnarok features a 2-bolt cleat mount for rides when you want to clip-in.
Available in only one style, the black with bright yellow accents and a reflective element on the heel to add visibility when riding on the road.
Stripe Knee-High Socks for Cold Weather Cycling
Price: $35
Sizes: S (36-40 EU), M (41-44 EU), L (45-50 EU)
Cuff length: 11”
Colors: Black, Grey, and Blue stripes
Material: 78% Merino Wool, 10% Nylon, 10% Polyester, 2% Lycra
Care instructions: Machine or hand wash with mild soap in cold water. Air dry.
Merino wool for warm, dry feet in cold weather
If you are like me, cold extremities limit my riding time during the winter. Staying warm, dry and comfortable starts with a great pair of socks. I’ve been testing these 45NRTH Stripe socks in various ways, including with knickers, under tights with shorts, and with thermal bibs. In all instances, I was impressed with their performance.
In the high 40s and low 50s, the knee socks were perfect to pair with knickers. The 11” cuff length prevented any skin exposed to the elements. I didn’t feel any wind passing through the material either. On cooler days, I’d wear these socks with shorts and layer with a pair of tights. When it got in the 20s and low 30s, I’d wear them over a pair of thermal bib tights.
I also tested with various footwear, from gravel shoes (with and without shoe covers) and Ragnarok Tall boots. The socks performed perfectly in all three scenarios and from 20-50 degrees. The 78% merino wool wicks moisture and keeps feet dry. Also, the wool doesn’t require washing after each wearing. So simply let them air out, and they’re ready to wear the next day. When it comes time to launder, machine or hand wash with mild soap in cold water and hang dry. Never put them in the dryer.
These socks are next to skin soft and make a great stocking stuffer for any cyclist or outdoors person. And grab a pair for yourself while you’re at it, too.
Speck Lightweight Crew Socks for Cool Weather Cycling
Price: $25
Sizes: S (36-40 EU), M (41-44 EU), L (45-50 EU)
Cuff length: 9”
Colors: Black with yellow, red, and blue specs
Material: 59% Merino Wool, 26% Nylon, 13% Polyester, 2% Lycra
Care instructions: Machine or hand wash with mild soap in cold water. Air dry.
Versatile socks for cool weather
The feel, performance, and comfort of these crew socks are as good as the Stripe version; these are designed for cool weather, not cold. With 59% merino wool, they still wick and are next to skin soft, but are a crew style and lighter weight.
I test these on cool days under tights and with thermal bibs. In addition, I wore them with dress and hiking boots on a walk in the woods. The material is so soft; I never had issues with scratching or chafing.
Layer these with the Stripe socks reviewed above on really cold days for a vapor barrier. Because both pairs don’t have the bulk, your boots should fit just fine.
These also make great stocking stuffers for any cyclist or outdoors person.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
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