Got cold hands? Winter cycling specialist 45NRTH claims its new Sturmfist glove will actually keep your fingers warm and toasty – even when your handlebar is frozen solid.
According to 45NRTH, the key is the use of two different types of insulation: more traditional and breathable Polartec Alpha on the back for maximum loft, but higher-tech aerogel palms, which the company claims better protects your hands from frozen handlebars. Meanwhile, the back is covered in a Polarec Neoshell wrapper while the palm uses Pittards WR100X Armortan weather-resistant goat leather for grip and durability.
The new 45NRTH Sturmfist gloves are offered in both five-finger and four-finger versions, both use a combination of traditional and aerogel insulation
"45NRTH’s goal is to provide products that keep you comfortable and in control in extreme winter riding conditions," 45NRTH marketing manager Kurt Barclay told BikeRadar. "Our outdoor industry connections lead us to aerogel to combat conductive heat loss through cold metal. We first used it in our Wölvhammer and Fasterkatt boots with great results. It only made sense to add it to the palm of the Sturmfist gloves to insulate against cold handlebars."
Two different versions of the Sturmfist will be available depending on your desired warmth requirements.
The US$100 Sturmfist 5 is intended for -9 to 2°C (15 to 35°F) temperatures with a more traditional five-fingered layout, sewn-in Merino wool lining, and a tight-fitting cuff with a Velcro closure. The US$130 Sturmfist 4 uses a more protective four-fingered setup and heavier insulation on the back, a removable Merino liner, and a gauntlet-style cuff with a shock cord closure. Target temperature range for the Sturmfist 4 is a decidedly chilly -18 to -9°C (0 to 15°F). The touchscreen-compatible liners will also be offered separately for US$50.
Common features to both models include full Pittards leather palms and snot wipes on the thumb
For more information vist www.45nrth.com.