Many cyclists dismiss the idea of winter riding, picturing slow, cumbersome bikes and battling the elements. Preconceived notions often paint a picture of fat bike riding as an arduous task, akin to the Iditabike race in extreme Alaskan conditions – all suffering and little reward. The reality, however, is far from this myth. For those willing to embrace the snow, a Fat Bike Bike opens up a thrilling new dimension of cycling, transforming winter into an exciting playground.
Having spent years enjoying mountain biking and gravel riding in warmer seasons, I initially shared these skeptical views about fat bike bikes. Living in a location renowned for its winter sports, Park City, Utah, I was surrounded by groomed trails, yet the idea of actually enjoying them on a bike in the snow seemed improbable. Skiing and snowboarding were my winter priorities. However, venturing into the world of fat bike bikes completely changed my perspective, revealing a cycling discipline that is not only comparable to XC, downhill, and gravel riding but has become a winter passion.
Alt text: A cyclist enjoys a winter sunset ride on a fat bike bike in Park City, Utah, showcasing the beauty of snow biking.
Let’s dispel some common fat bike bike myths. Firstly, the notion of sluggish speed is inaccurate. While not as fast as summer trail riding, fat bike bikes are far from slow, especially on well-packed snow. The unique aspect of snow biking is the constantly changing surface, which adds an element of unpredictability and excitement. When conditions are ideal, snow trails can be just as exhilarating as dirt trails, offering a different kind of riding experience. The way tires grip, how you balance your weight, and how you brake into turns all become nuanced skills in the snow. Perhaps the most liberating aspect is the low-consequence nature of crashes. Falls are expected, but the soft snow makes them remarkably forgiving, encouraging you to push your limits and explore the bike’s capabilities and the terrain’s boundaries.
Choosing the right winter cycling apparel is crucial for enjoying your fat bike bike adventures. Similar to dressing for any outdoor activity in varying temperatures, layering is key. The goal is to strike a balance: adequate ventilation during climbs to prevent excessive sweating, and sufficient insulation for descents to avoid chilling. Modern technical fabrics excel at managing moisture and temperature, making winter cycling comfortable and even surprisingly scientific in its layering approach.
Terrain variety is another significant advantage of fat bike bikes. While some trails are shared with Nordic skiers, many locations, like Park City, offer dedicated groomed singletrack trails specifically for bikers and hikers. These trails, blanketed in snow, transform into natural bobsled runs. As time passes between snowfalls, these trails harden and become faster, offering progressively more challenging and rewarding rides. Interestingly, there’s often an inverse relationship between ideal ski conditions and fat bike bike conditions. Hard-packed snow, less desirable for skiing, becomes perfect for fat biking. This means on days when ski conditions are less than ideal, fat bike bikes come into their own, providing an excellent alternative for outdoor enthusiasts.
Like any specialized cycling discipline, fat bike biking relies heavily on specific gear. My personal setup revolves around the Trek Farley 9.6 fat bike bike, along with carefully selected components and apparel.
Trek Farley 9.6 Fat Bike: A Deep Dive
The fat bike bike category largely maintains the original 26-inch wheel standard. However, contemporary designs are increasingly adopting 27.5-inch wheels, a feature found on Trek’s flagship fat bike bike, the Farley 9.6. The larger wheel circumference provides an enhanced contact patch and reduced rolling resistance, allowing for slightly narrower tire widths, typically 4.5 to 4.8 inches.
Alt text: Close-up of the Trek Farley 9.6 fat bike bike, highlighting its carbon frame and large tires, demonstrating key features for snow riding.
The core of the Farley 9.6 fat bike bike is its OCLV carbon fiber frame and fork, known for their exceptional lightness and stiffness. Notably absent is suspension, which is unnecessary for snow-covered terrain. The snow’s surface is naturally forgiving, cushioning rocks and ruts. With tire pressure as low as eight PSI, the tires themselves provide ample suspension. Despite its bulky appearance, the bike is surprisingly light, weighing in at approximately 28 pounds, 12 ounces with pedals and a dropper post. This lightness contributes to the fat bike bike’s nimble and responsive handling, defying its size.
The drivetrain on this fat bike bike is perfectly suited for snow riding conditions. It features SRAM’s NX Eagle groupset, an entry-level yet reliable 12-speed system with a 10-50t cassette and a 30t chainring. Later models upgraded to the GX Eagle group with a wider 10-52t cassette, further enhancing gear range. One of the unexpected benefits of fat bike bikes in snow is the minimal maintenance and component wear. The absence of dirt means cleaning is simplified to drying and lubricating the chain. While Strava times are not a focus in snow biking, gear range remains crucial, as soft snow conditions often demand high cadence pedaling.
Essential Upgrades for Your Fat Bike Bike
I made a few key upgrades to the stock Farley 9.6 fat bike bike to optimize it for my riding style and snow conditions. A dropper post is paramount for snow riding, allowing for quick saddle adjustments and improved maneuverability – a feature now standard on the 2020 Farley 9.6. Lowering the center of gravity significantly enhances stability, keeping the tires firmly planted, particularly when navigating slippery turns. The FSA Flowtron dropper post is a cost-effective and reliable choice, performing consistently even in freezing temperatures, and the Farley frame’s internal routing makes installation straightforward. To further reduce weight and improve handling, I replaced the stock aluminum handlebar with the FSA Gradient Carbon 35 20 Riser bar.
Alt text: The FSA Flowtron dropper post, an essential upgrade for fat bike bikes, highlighting its robust design and functionality for winter conditions.
Pedal selection for fat bike bikes is a matter of personal preference and riding style. Many riders opt for flat pedals, prioritizing easy dismounting in frequent fall situations and acknowledging that ultimate pedaling efficiency isn’t paramount in snow. However, I prefer clipless pedals for the added control they provide. Seeking a balance of control and performance in wet conditions led me to the Crank Brothers Mallet E LS pedals. Designed as enduro pedals with a longer spindle, they offer a stable platform and reliable clip-in performance. The Crank Brothers “egg beater” cleat system is renowned for its performance in wet and muddy conditions, and the Mallet design includes adjustable traction pins for secure footing whether clipped in or not. Cleat setup options for 10 or 15 degrees of float allow for customized release angles based on individual rider preference.
Alt text: Crank Brothers Mallet E LS pedals, a great choice for fat bike bikes, showing their durable build and cleat system designed for control and performance in varied conditions.
Tires are arguably the most critical component in determining a fat bike bike’s snow handling capabilities. The Farley 9.6 comes equipped with Bontrager Barbegazi Team Issue 4.5-inch tires, which perform well in the rear due to their square, widely spaced knobs offering excellent climbing and braking traction. However, for the front, I opted for the 45NRTH Dillinger 4.5-inch Studded tire. The Dillinger’s angled center tread and “slice-y” side knobs enhance cornering stability, crucial in snow where front tire grip is often compromised. The studded version, featuring 252 concave aluminum carbide studs, provides maximum front-end grip, especially beneficial on icy patches. While perhaps overkill for purely soft snow, the added confidence in cornering and control is invaluable.
Alt text: 45NRTH Dillinger studded fat bike bike tire, emphasizing its aggressive tread pattern and carbide studs for superior grip on snow and ice.
For the 2020/2021 season, Trek offered three Farley fat bike bike models ranging in price from $1,800 to $3,300, including both aluminum and carbon frame options. All models feature 27.5-inch wheels and share similar riding characteristics, making any of them a solid choice for entering the world of fat bike bikes.
Transporting Your Fat Bike Bike: The Thule T2 Pro XT Rack
Winter fat bike biking often requires driving to trailheads, making bike transportation a key consideration. The Thule T2 Pro XT receiver rack is designed to handle two bikes, each with tires up to five inches wide, making it ideal for fat bike bikes. It features wide front-wheel trays and adjustable ratchet straps for rear tires, easily accommodating fat tire dimensions. When using the rack with a vehicle like a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, the Thule Access adapter is invaluable, allowing the rack to swing away for tailgate access and fold up while clearing the spare tire.
Alt text: The Thule T2 Pro XT bike rack, designed to securely transport fat bike bikes, showcasing its robust construction and wide tire trays.
Essential Fat Bike Bike Apparel for Winter Comfort
Proper clothing is as crucial as the fat bike bike itself for winter riding enjoyment. Assos Bonka EVO Bib Tights are my go-to base layer, offering warmth, comfort, and performance. Compared to other brands tested, Assos tights stand out for their superior fit and fabric technology. The “RX Heavy” insulated fabric in key areas like knees, hips, and thighs provides warmth, while the more breathable “RX Light” fabric at the back of the legs ensures moisture management and prevents overheating. The bib tights fit like a second skin, staying in place without chafing. Wetsuit-like cuffs at the ankles seal out snow and water effectively.
Alt text: Assos Bonka EVO Bib Tights, premium cycling apparel for fat bike bike riding, highlighting their thermal fabrics and ergonomic design for cold weather comfort.
Layering over bib tights, the 45NRTH Naughtvind Shell Pants are indispensable for fat bike biking. These shell pants are specifically designed for cycling, featuring a high back waist for weather protection and a lower front waist for pedaling comfort. Velcro cinch straps at the waist and cuffs, zippered front leg vents, strategically placed pockets, a reinforced crotch, and stretch construction all contribute to their exceptional performance. The Naughtvind Shell Pants are a constant in my winter riding wardrobe, offering essential protection and functionality across varying conditions.
Alt text: 45NRTH Naughtvind Shell Pants, essential outerwear for fat bike bike enthusiasts, showing their weather-resistant material and cycling-specific features.
For winter cycling footwear, Shimano MW7 Shoes are top-tier. These winter mountain bike shoes are built for cold, wet conditions, featuring a waterproof GORE-TEX liner and a wetsuit-style ankle cuff for complete protection. Even when hiking through deep snow, my feet remained warm and dry. A fleece-lined insole adds to the warmth and comfort, while the Michelin sole provides excellent grip for hike-a-bike sections. The Boa lacing system allows for precise adjustments, even on the move.
Alt text: Shimano MW7 Winter Bike Shoes, high-performance footwear for fat bike bike riding, emphasizing their waterproof construction and insulated features for cold weather.
Pearl Izumi’s Interval AmFIB Jacket became my preferred outer layer last winter, particularly excelling in cold-weather cycling apparel. Its lightweight feel belies its impressive warmth. Depending on the day’s temperature, I adjusted base layers and vests to accommodate temperatures ranging from 15 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Zippered front vents allow for ventilation as needed, and tight inner cuffs seal out windchill.
Alt text: Pearl Izumi Interval AmFIB Jacket, a versatile outer layer for fat bike bike riding, highlighting its lightweight yet warm construction and ventilation features.
Key accessories like the 45NRTH Baklava, Assos Winter Cap, and Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Gel Gloves further enhance comfort in extreme cold. While a winter-specific helmet wasn’t necessary for most conditions, 45NRTH pogies are crucial for temperatures around freezing and below, though I only needed them on the coldest days.
Fat bike bikes offer a unique and exhilarating way to experience winter. Dispelling common myths, they reveal a world of thrilling snow-covered trails and a new dimension of cycling enjoyment. With the right gear and mindset, a fat bike bike transforms winter from a season of indoor confinement to one of outdoor adventure and exploration. Embrace the snow, and discover the joy of fat bike bikes.
