Fat Biking in the Winter
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Year of cycling coming to a snowy end? SNOW WAY
Trade in your tires for a pair of fat bike tires and keep the cycling season going all year round. If you are new to the icy trails, don't worry! Our tech expert Brian has answered all the basic questions surrounding the sport and has tips for his favorite gear and apparel for the winter.
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Where can I go fat bike riding in the winter?
The ideal areas for fat biking are groomed trails, typically Nordic skiing, snowmobile, or snowshoe trails. Be sure to check with the owners of the areas to confirm that fat biking is allowed. For more information on trails near you, reach out to your local cycling club to see if they groom anywhere for fat biking, or if the have trail recommendations.
How do I go about selecting tires for my fat bike?
Most fat bike tires will be 4.0 inches or larger, ideally tubeless if your bike is compatible. Studded tires are only recommended if you are riding in icy and slick conditions. Avoid studded tires if you are doing any sort of pavement riding, as they can actually be quite dangerous and slippery.
Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Tire 27.5 x 2.6 Tubeless Folding Blk Performance RaceGuard
$124.63
Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Tire 27.5 x 2.25, Tubeless, Folding, Evo, Winter, DoubleDefense
$101.31
Topeak SmartGauge D2X Digital Pressure Gauge - 260psi
This sleek, lightweight and compact digital tire pressure gauge works seamlessly with Presta and Schrader valves without changing internal head parts. The digital gauge provides accurate pressure readings up to 260psi / 18bar. The illuminated 360º rotating gauge is easy to read from any angle in daylight or darkness. Compatible with bike / motorcycle / car tires, forks and shocks and the Air Pressure Adjusting Mode continuously reads pressure when using the air release button to fine tune tire pressure.
MPN: TSG-D2X
UPC: 883466033825
Your Price:
& Free Delivery in the USA
This sleek, lightweight and compact digital tire pressure gauge works seamlessly with Presta and Schrader valves without changing internal head parts. The digital gauge provides accurate pressure readings up to 260psi / 18bar. The illuminated 360º rotating gauge is easy to read from any angle in daylight or darkness. Compatible with bike / motorcycle / car tires, forks and shocks and the Air Pressure Adjusting Mode continuously reads pressure when using the air release button to fine tune tire pressure.
MPN: TSG-D2X
UPC: 883466033825
RaceFace Chester Platform Pedals 9/16" Nylon Composite Body Hex-Head Pins Yellow
$61.00
RaceFace Chester Platform Pedals 9/16" Nylon Composite Body Removable Pins Green
$61.00
How to stay warm when biking in the winter?
When dressing for fat biking low temperatures, you want to follow the three principles of layering:
Base Layer - Something moisture-wicking to keep the sweat away (polyester or merino wool)
Middle Layer - Insulation to keep your core warm (down or fleece jackets)
Outer Layer - Snow and wind protection (water-proof breathable outer shell)
To keep your hands warm, invest in some pogies. These allow for regular cycling gloves to be worn underneath so you can have better control than you would with typical bulky winter gloves.
Some people choose to wear specialized cold weather helmets and balaclavas to keep the wind and snow out. Others will duck tape the inside of their helmet to keep the air from rushing in and freezing their sweat.
Salsa Arctica Purist Insulated Water Bottle - Rose, White, Sky Blue, Sapphire, Royal, Red, 23oz
$25.00
Random Tips
Spray Pam or cooking oil on the bottom of your bike to keep the snow and ice from building up on the bottom of the frame
Always have a buddy to go with, being out in the middle of nowhere if you crash can be very dangerous
Invest in good quality lights for commuting in the evening (2 lights, one on helmet and one on handlebars)
HAVE FUN!!