A few weeks ago, I reviewed 45NRTH’s new Ragnarok Tall Boot and the company’s new warm wool socks and mentioned there were a couple of other products awaiting testing. I got my chance last weekend while celebrating Global Fat Bike Day. It was perfect testing conditions – blustery 20-something degrees with windchills of 11 degrees. I set out on my fat bike to test 45NRTH’s Sturmfist 3 winter cycling gloves and their Naughtvind winter cycling shell pants. Both contributed to keeping me warm as I celebrated hitting my 6000th mile for the year.
Sturmfist 3 Extreme Winter Cycling Gloves
Price: $110
Color: Black/Slate, Black
Size: XS-2XL
Fit: True to size
Insulation Material: Primaloft 6 oz Gold insulation with Cross Core Aerogel technology
Shell Lining: Merino wool-blend (56% polyester/44% wool)
Temperature Range: 10°F (-12°C) to 30°F (-1°C)
How Obtained: Company sample
Availability: Online and retail
RBR advertiser: No
https://www.45nrth.com/products/sturmfist-3#/
Cold Weather Gloves With Finger Mobility and Warmth
45NRTH proves that you don’t need a bulky, heavy glove to keep your hands warm on a cold winter ride. Their new Sturmfist 3 (the 3 designates how many fingers) uses the lobster-claw design and is remarkably lightweight while providing ample mobility for shifting gears and grasping the handlebars. The AX Suede synthetic leather palm and pre-curved fingers enhance gripping, preventing your hands from slipping.
The absence of bulk allows me to slide my hands in and out of bar pogies. So when the temperature really gets frigid, I have the option of another layer of protection from the elements.
The outer shell of these gloves is wind and water-resistant, while the interior lining is a merino wool blend with 35% recycled materials. The lining is soft and tacked down inside the glove. So if your hand gets sweaty, the lining stays in place when pulling your hand in and out.
To prevent the cold wind from getting inside the glove, a wrist cinch made from hook and loop, and farther up the wrist, another cinch strap with a tab for easy one-handed operation. Pull the plastic tab to tighten and the blue ribbon to loosen. And as any winter rider knows, you need a soft place to wipe a runny nose. The suede fabric on the Sturmfist 3 tumb is perfect for the job.
Available in either black or black with slate blue accents and unisex sizes XS to 2XL, the gloves are relatively true to size. Also, the glove has the right amount of room inside, allowing air to circulate to keep the figures warm. Since last year’s model was much roomier, it seems like 45NRTH adjusted the sizing to be more unisex.
There was one negative to these gloves. According to the website and hangtag, the thumb and index fingers are touch-screen compatible. However, I could not get it to work with my iPhone or iPad. Unfortunately, whenever I wanted to take a picture during my ride, I had to remove a glove.
Bottom Line
The new 45NRTH Sturmfist 3 winter cycling gloves are pricey, but they get the job done. Your hands will stay warm and toasty on rides this winter.
Naughtvind Winter Cycling Shell Pants (men’s and women’s versions)
Price: $210
Color: Black, Black/Slate (men’s only)
Size: XS-2XL (women’s); S-2XL (men’s)
Temperature Range: 0°F (-18°C) to 25°F (-4°C)
How Obtained: Company sample
Availability: Online and retail
RBR advertiser: No
Women’s: https://www.45nrth.com/products/womens-naughtvind-pant#/
Men’s: https://www.45nrth.com/products/naughtvind-pant#/
The Perfect Winter Shell Pants for Layering and Warmth
The new Naughtvind winter cycling shell pants receive my rare perfect 5-star rating. I can’t find anything wrong with them. Cyclists design them for cyclists with purposeful features for winter riding.
45NRTH offers the Naughtvind pants in both women’s and men’s versions. The women’s is more fitted for a curvier body, yet roomy enough for layering over bibs, while the men’s is more of a straight silhouette. The waistline is adjustable to accommodate different layers of clothing and body types.
The fabric is made from recycled materials, stretchy, wind- and water-resistant, and breathable. But if things heat up, four ventilation areas (thigh and lower leg) open with a zipper allowing you to regulate the temperature. I love the fleece-lined thighs because that’s where I always get the coldest, and it’s never an issue in these pants. There are also two zipped front pockets and two rear pockets with side zippers to stash valuables. I like front thigh zipper pockets to store my phone, and I wish these pants had one.
Other nice cycling-specific features include a high rear waist to keep you covered and articulated knees for easier pedaling. There are hook and loop closures for adjusting the ankle and a zipper for easy on/off over boots or shoes. On the inner section of the ankles is a reinforced material for added durability and protection from getting caught in the chain. Lastly, the front waist closes with two snaps and a zipper without adding additional bulk.
The men’s version comes in black or slate blue, while the women’s is offered only in black. There are even reflective elements for increased visibility in low light or nighttime conditions, which is common in the winter. The length on the women’s version was perfect for my 34” inseam and could be a bit long for those with shorter legs.
The Naughtvind shell pants pair perfectly with the Naughtvind jacket I reviewed last year. I can ride longer and comfortably in the cold with these two pieces in my winter wardrobe.
Bottom Line
At $210, the newest version of Naughtvind shell pants is a bit pricey, but you can’t put a price tag on comfort, PLUS longer rides. Chicago winters are long, dreary, and cold, so anything that enables me to ride outside instead of on the trainer is well worth it. These pants are great for layering, are lightweight, and perfect for temperatures 0°F (-18°C) to 25°F (-4°C). So get out and enjoy old man winter in comfort.
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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