Fat Bike 101: Winter Riding To Beat Cabin Fever
Winter is here in Michigan, and while hopping on an indoor training or taking on some cross-training is certainly a time-efficient way to keep moving, cabin fever is going to be especially tough this season. Here’s how to give fat biking a ride to get fresh air and some new riding experiences.
Fat biking is nearing a decade of real popularity, and while its appeal tends to be limited to snowy, cold states in the US like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, they do have a widespread appeal for cyclists who love the versatility that four or five-inch tires can offer. From commuting safely in the snow and on icy roads to exploring the groomed trails where you live, we put together a few things to know to get started.
It’s Just Like Riding A Bike. Most brands and riders consider fat bikes has having tires four inches or wider, compared to the two-inch tires common on most mountain bikes. The popularity of fat bikes has also given rise to the “Plus Fat” category of bikes with three-inch tires. While quite wide, these are often too narrow to ride in softer snow conditions and may be discouraged on groomed trails.
Other than wheel size and tire width, fat bikes share the same componentry as other mountain bikes. The biggest difference in the ‘feel’ of the ride is probably the added resistance of pushing so much rubber on the ground, especially in soft or loose snow conditions. Additionally, many fat bikes have noticeably wider crank spacing, which means your feet will feel much wider while pedaling than on a normal mountain or road bike.
It Takes Grooming. One common misconception in the early days of fat biking was that riders would be able to head out into the woods and ride through a deep, powdery pile of freshly fallen snow. Even with wider tires, fat bikes will only ‘float’ over snow when it’s relatively well packed, which means most trails need regular grooming to make riding possible. In the early days, trail associations would ask volunteers to snowshoe on trails to pack them in. Now, many use snowmobiles and specific grooming equipment for a much better riding experience. Check-in with your local trail association to learn which trail networks are groomed in the winter and consider supporting grooming efforts through donations.
It’s Not That Cold. One of the toughest parts of any winter sport is learning how to dress comfortably. There’s certainly a learning curve for fat biking, which might be more difficult to properly dress for than running or cross-country skiing. That’s because the slightly faster speeds cause more wind chill, while also requiring a little less effort. As a result, the best way to get outside is to wear more than you need and peel off extras until you’re comfortable. After a few rides, you’ll learn what apparel works for you for different temperatures. And remember, the first ten minutes are the coldest; after that, your body heat should kick in to keep you nice and warm.
One Last Tip...and this is one too few people realize. Air down. The added volume of fat bike tires means you’re running a lot less air pressure than your normal mountain bike. Instead of 20-25 psi, you’ll likely spend most of your winter riding around 4-6psi. The lower your tire pressure, the more the tire itself ‘puddles’, expanding your footprint for more floatation. It’s kind of like a dune buggy on the sand; low pressure means more of your tire stays on top of the snow, improving traction. It’s not uncommon to ride as low as 2psi when the trails are especially soft and powdery!
How are you spending the winter months? Let us know if you’re riding indoors, outdoors, or mixing things up.