Riding a fat bike on snow? Slow and sluggish, right? And don’t even get started on layering clothes – it’s either swampy or shivering, and never just right. Plus, let’s be honest, sticking to cross-country ski trails sounds about as thrilling as watching paint dry.
These were the exact preconceived notions clouding my judgment about winter fat biking. My mental image? The grueling Iditabike race in Alaska, circa 1998 – pure, unadulterated suffering in extreme cold and desolate landscapes. Living in Park City, Utah, surrounded by whispers of meticulously groomed trails, still didn’t spark any excitement. Dirt riding was my benchmark for fun, and winter was ski and snowboard season, period. Then I actually tried it. And discovered a cycling discipline that now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with XC, downhill, and gravel in my book – a winter obsession I’m wholeheartedly committed to.
Let’s dismantle those fat bike myths right now. First, speed. Is it as lightning-fast as summer dirt? No. But “sluggish” is a gross mischaracterization. Snow conditions are the wild card here, varying dramatically and constantly. This ever-changing surface is part of the unique allure of snow biking. On perfectly packed trails, fat tire bikes are surprisingly nimble and engaging, offering a distinct riding sensation compared to dirt. Think about how the tires grip, how you shift your weight, and how you brake into turns – it’s a different, but equally rewarding, skill set. And here’s a massive bonus: crashing is practically consequence-free. Embrace the inevitable wipeouts! The soft landing encourages you to push your limits, experiment with your bike and tire traction, and really explore the edge of control.
When it comes to winter bike clothing, finding that sweet spot is key. Like any cycling endeavor across seasons, it’s a delicate dance. You need to vent enough on uphill climbs to avoid overheating and sweat buildup, then batten down the hatches for descents to prevent a bone-chilling freeze. Thankfully, modern fabric technology has revolutionized winter cycling apparel, making this balance achievable and even, dare I say, scientific.
Terrain-wise, you’ll encounter wide, groomed trails shared with Nordic skiers. However, in winter sports havens like Park City, Utah, a network of groomed singletrack trails exists exclusively for bikers and hikers. After a fresh snowfall, these trails transform into exhilarating bobsled runs. And as time passes between snowfalls, they harden and become progressively faster. Interestingly, there’s an inverse relationship between ideal ski conditions and prime snow biking conditions. More often than not, you might find yourself dropping the kids off for ski team and then heading straight to the bike trails for a fat tire adventure rather than battling hard, icy groomers on skis.
Like any specialized cycling discipline, winter fat biking is undeniably gear-dependent. Here’s a breakdown of my go-to setup:
Trek Farley 9.6 Fat Bike
The fat bike world, in many ways, still revolves around the classic 26-inch wheel. However, forward-thinking designs are increasingly adopting 27.5-inch wheels, a feature showcased in Trek’s flagship fat bike, the Farley 9.6. The larger diameter provides a greater contact patch with the snow, which translates to improved traction and reduced rolling resistance. Consequently, tires on 27.5” wheel fat bikes often lean towards a slightly narrower width, around 4.5 inches compared to the more traditional 4.8 inches.
The core of the Farley 9.6 is its remarkably light and stiff OCLV carbon fiber frame and fork. You’ll notice the absence of suspension, which is intentionally omitted because it’s simply not necessary for snow-covered terrain. The snow itself acts as a natural cushion, smoothing out bumps and absorbing vibrations. With tire pressures as low as 8 PSI, the fat tires provide all the suspension you need, effectively rolling over obstacles. Despite its robust appearance, the Farley 9.6 is surprisingly lightweight, tipping the scales at just 28 pounds, 12 ounces with pedals and a dropper post. It’s deceivingly agile and quick for its size, much like a nimble linebacker.
The drivetrain is perfectly matched for the demands of snow riding: SRAM’s reliable NX Eagle groupset, featuring a wide-range 12-speed, 10-50t cassette paired with a 30t chainring. For the 2020 model year, Trek upgraded to the GX Eagle group, boasting an even wider 10-52t cassette. One of the unexpected advantages of snow biking is its minimal impact on components. No dirt, mud, or grit means significantly less wear and tear. Maintenance is simplified to just drying and lubricating the chain. Forget about chasing Strava PRs in the snow; your times will be nowhere near your dirt trail speeds. However, a wide gear range is crucial, as soft snow conditions often demand high cadence pedaling.
I opted for a few key upgrades to the stock Farley 9.6. First and foremost, a dropper post is an absolute game-changer for snow riding. Thankfully, Trek recognized this and included one on the 2020 Farley 9.6. Lowering your center of gravity significantly enhances stability, keeping the tires planted when navigating sweeping turns on variable snow surfaces. The FSA Flowtron dropper post is a budget-friendly ($249) option that performs reliably even in freezing temperatures. The Farley frame features internal routing, making installation a breeze. I also swapped the stock aluminum handlebar for the FSA Gradient Carbon 35 20 Riser bar to shave weight and sharpen handling.
Pedal selection for snow biking is a pivotal decision. Many riders favor flat pedals because (a) unexpected dismounts are frequent, and (b) maximizing pedaling efficiency with clipless pedals isn’t paramount in snowy conditions. However, I preferred the added control of clipless pedals, but also needed a stable platform and a system that could handle wet conditions. This led me to the Crank Brothers Mallet E LS pedals, designed as enduro pedals with a longer spindle. Crank Brothers’ “egg beater” cleat mechanism excels in wet environments, and the Mallet design incorporates six adjustable traction pins to maintain shoe contact, clipped in or not. Cleat setup offers 10 or 15 degrees of float, adjustable to rider preference.
Tires are arguably the most crucial component dictating a fat bike’s snow handling. The Farley comes stock with Bontrager Barbegazi Team Issue 4.5-inch tires, front and rear. The square knobs work well in the rear, providing solid climbing traction and braking power. However, the front tire performance could be improved. I swapped the front tire for the 45NRTH Dillinger 4.5-inch Studded tire. Its angled center tread and “slice-y” side knobs enhance cornering stability, the most challenging aspect of snow biking. Front tire grip is often elusive, leading to drifts. The Dillinger’s tread pattern makes a significant difference in maintaining control. Furthermore, the studded version includes 252 concave aluminum carbide studs. While perhaps overkill for purely snow conditions, for icy patches and variable winter surfaces, the added front-tire grip is invaluable.
For the 2020/2021 season, Trek offered three Farley models ranging from $1,800 to $3,300, along with aluminum and carbon framesets. All models feature 27.5-inch wheels and deliver similar riding experiences. You can’t go wrong with any of them.
Thule T2 Pro XT Receiver Rack
Winter snow biking often necessitates driving to trailheads, raising the question of transporting these oversized bikes. The Thule T2 Pro XT is a robust two-inch receiver rack engineered to carry two bikes, each with tires up to five inches wide. It features a wide front wheel tray, adaptable for road tires via a center channel, and a ratchet strap for securing the rear tire. Simply adjust the strap anchor to accommodate fat tires. Driving a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, I also utilized the Thule Access, which allows the rack (with bikes) to swing away from the vehicle, granting tailgate access, and to fold up (without bikes) while clearing the Jeep’s rear spare tire.
Assos Bonka EVO Bib Tights
Warmth, comfort, and performance are the hallmarks of Assos bib tights, and the Bonka EVO model is no exception. During testing, other brands’ heavy leg material felt restrictive, sliding down and pulling the chamois, leading to chafing. Assos bib tights address this through thoughtful design. First, they are meticulously shaped for the riding position and engineered to withstand various riding forces. Second, highly insulating “RX Heavy” fabric is strategically placed at the knees, hips, and thighs for targeted warmth, while more breathable and flexible “RX Light” fabric is used at the back of the legs. This construction ensures a snug, second-skin fit that stays in place. Finally, the cuffs feature a wetsuit-like material that effectively repels water and snow while maintaining a tight seal.
45NRTH Naughtvind Shell Pant
Similar to overshorts for summer mountain biking, shell pants are essential for layering over bib tights in winter snow biking. The 45NRTH Naughtvind Shell Pants are exceptional, featuring a cycling-specific fit with a high back to block snow and a low front to prevent bunching. Velcro cinch straps at the waist and cuffs allow for precise adjustments. Front leg vents with zips and Velcro enable fine-tuning airflow. Strategically placed side pockets accommodate nutrition without interfering with pedaling. A reinforced crotch area enhances durability, and stretch construction maximizes freedom of movement. These pants are a non-negotiable snow biking layer – specifically, the Naughtvind Shell Pants. Bib tight weight can be adjusted for warmer days, but these shell pants are a constant. And, they look great too.
Shimano MW7 Shoes
Shimano’s top-tier winter mountain bike shoe, the MW7, is purpose-built for cold, wet, and snowy conditions. It starts with an insulated, waterproof GORE-TEX liner and a wetsuit-style cuff that seals around the entire ankle. Even when stepping off-trail into deep snow, feet stay warm and dry. A fleece-lined insole further enhances warmth and comfort, feeling slipper-like from the moment you slip them on. The Michelin sole provides aggressive grip for inevitable hike-a-bike sections, and the Boa lacing system allows for precise, on-the-fly adjustments.
Pearl Izumi Interval AmFIB Jacket
If any brand excels in winter cycling apparel, it’s Pearl Izumi, perhaps due to their Boulder, Colorado roots. For 30 years of cycling, Pearl Izumi has been my go-to for cold-weather jackets. The Interval AmFIB Jacket became my default winter layer. Depending on the day’s conditions, I’d pair it with different base layers and vests for temperatures ranging from 15 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite its lightweight feel, this jacket punches well above its weight class in terms of warmth. Front-facing zippered vents allow for on-demand airflow, and the cuffs feature a tight inner liner to seal out wind.
Essential clothing accessories include the 45NRTH Baklava for face and neck protection, the Assos Winter Cap for under-helmet warmth, and the Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Gel Gloves for hand warmth and dexterity. I found a dedicated winter helmet unnecessary and only used 45NRTH pogies (handlebar mitts) a couple of times. Milder mid-day temperatures often made them unnecessary, but they are crucial for temperatures around zero degrees Fahrenheit and below.
