If you live someplace like Minneapolis, where winter can last for a good 7 months of the year, you have to make the best of the cold and continue to get outside. Bloomington, Minnesota based cycling distributor QBP has launched a new brand, 45North, that will focus on designing cold weather cycling gear and accessories, enabling you to ride regardless the weather outside.
One of inaugural 45North products will be the Hüsker Dü, a 26 X 4.0 fat tire for all terrain riding. The tire will fit on bikes such as the Salsa Mukluk (pictured above) and the Surly Pugsley. Tread spacing is designed with tightly spaced center blocks to achieve lower rolling resistance down the center, with loosely spaced shoulder knobs for extra bite on the sides.
The treading depth is equal across the 120tpi casing for enhanced tracking and steering performance over a variety of terrains. 45North is allegedly considering the release of a 70tpi casing version of the Hüsker Dü fat tire as well.
Two studded tires are included in the inaugural 45North lineup and will be the first to hit the market. The Arcwelder is a 26 X 2.1 tire with 268 studs, while the Polara is a 700 X 35 tire with 110 studs. During 2012 and 2013, 45North will follow-up with additional product categories, including clothing and winter cycling boots rumored to use aerogel insulation.
The Hüsker Dü fat tire will be available in November and retail for $120. The Polara ($50) and Arcwelder ($60) studded tires should be available shortly. The 45North tires will be sold through regular QBP retailers.
So how many of you brave Northlanders continue to ride or bike commute through the winter?