Many cyclists dismiss the idea of winter riding, picturing slow, cumbersome bikes and battling the elements. The thought of Fat Tire Bike adventures in the snow might conjure images of extreme expeditions in desolate landscapes, more about survival than enjoyment. Perhaps you’ve heard whispers of the challenges: sluggish speeds, the impossible task of layering clothing just right, or the monotony of snow-covered trails. Before last season, I held these very preconceptions about winter fat biking. However, stepping onto the snow with a fat bike completely shattered these myths, revealing a thrilling and accessible winter cycling experience.
The image in my mind was stuck in the past, something akin to the grueling Iditabike race in Alaska from decades ago – a test of endurance against extreme cold and unforgiving terrain. Living in Park City, Utah, I was aware of the groomed trails but couldn’t quite envision fat biking as anything comparable to the joy of summer dirt riding. Skiing and snowboarding were my winter staples. What I discovered was a revelation: fat tire biking is a distinct and exhilarating cycling discipline, deserving a place alongside XC, downhill, and gravel riding. It’s an activity I’ve wholeheartedly embraced.
Let’s address those snow biking myths directly. Speed is the first concern, and while it’s true that snow isn’t as fast as dirt, it’s far from sluggish, especially on a well-packed trail. The beauty, and unique challenge, of snow biking lies in the ever-changing surface conditions. Snow is fickle, transforming with temperature and time. But when conditions are perfect, groomed snow trails become playgrounds that rival dirt in fun factor, offering a different kind of riding sensation. You’ll experience a unique connection as the fat tires grip the snow, learning to redistribute your weight and modulate braking into turns. Perhaps the most liberating aspect is the low-consequence nature of crashes. Falling is part of the fun in snow biking. It’s almost guaranteed to happen, but the soft landing encourages you to push your limits, explore the bike’s capabilities, and test the boundaries of traction.
When it comes to winter cycling clothing for fat tire biking, finding the right balance is key. Just like any outdoor activity in varying temperatures, the goal is to avoid overheating on climbs and getting chilled on descents. Modern technical fabrics make this balancing act achievable and even predictable. Layering becomes intuitive, allowing you to regulate body temperature effectively throughout your ride.
Terrain variety is another pleasant surprise in fat tire biking. While some trails are shared with Nordic skiers, offering wide, groomed paths, places like Park City boast extensive networks of singletrack trails groomed specifically for bikers and hikers. These trails transform into bobsled-like runs after snowfall, becoming progressively faster and firmer as time passes between storms. Interestingly, snow biking conditions often improve as ski conditions deteriorate on groomed runs. On days when ski slopes become hard and icy, fat bike trails can be prime for riding. I often find myself dropping the kids off for ski team and then heading straight to the trails for a fat bike session instead of hitting the hardpack ski groomers.
Like any specialized cycling discipline, winter fat biking is gear-dependent. Here’s a look at my setup:
The fat bike category, while evolving, still often utilizes the original 26-inch wheel size. However, more progressive designs, like Trek’s Farley 9.6 flagship, are embracing 27.5-inch wheels. This larger diameter offers an increased contact patch and reduced rolling resistance. Consequently, tires on 27.5″ fat bikes tend to be slightly narrower, typically around 4.5 inches compared to the wider 4.8-inch tires found on some 26″ models.
The Trek Farley 9.6 is built around a lightweight and stiff OCLV carbon fiber frame and fork. Notably absent is suspension, which is unnecessary for snow riding. The forgiving nature of snow-covered terrain effectively absorbs bumps and vibrations, smoothing out rocks and ruts. With tire pressure as low as 8 PSI, the large volume tires provide ample cushioning. Despite their substantial size, fat bikes like the Farley 9.6 are surprisingly light. My build weighs in at just under 29 pounds with pedals and a dropper post. It feels deceptively agile and quick for its robust appearance, much like a nimble linebacker.
The drivetrain on the Farley 9.6 is perfectly suited for fat tire biking. It features SRAM’s NX Eagle groupset, an entry-level 12-speed system with a wide-ranging 10-50t cassette and a 30t chainring. Later models upgraded to the GX Eagle group with an even wider 10-52t cassette. One of the surprising benefits of snow biking is the minimal wear and tear on components. The absence of dirt means less grime and maintenance. Simply drying and lubricating the chain is usually sufficient. Performance metrics like Strava times become less relevant in snow biking, as speeds are naturally slower than on dirt. However, a wide gear range is crucial, especially in soft snow conditions, where maintaining momentum often requires higher cadence pedaling.
I made a couple of key upgrades to the stock Farley 9.6, enhancing its snow riding capabilities. A dropper post is paramount for navigating varied snow conditions and is now standard on newer Farley 9.6 models. Lowering the center of gravity significantly improves stability and control, especially when carving through sweeping turns on unpredictable snow surfaces. The FSA Flowtron dropper post is a reliable and affordable option that performs well in freezing temperatures. The Farley frame includes internal routing, simplifying installation. I also swapped the stock aluminum handlebar for the FSA Gradient Carbon 35 20 Riser handlebar to reduce weight and improve handling responsiveness.
Pedal choice is a significant consideration for fat tire biking. Many riders opt for flat pedals due to the frequency of unexpected dismounts and the less critical need for maximum pedaling efficiency in snowy conditions. However, I prefer the added control of clipless pedals. I sought a system that offered a solid platform and reliable performance in wet conditions, leading me to the Crank Brothers Mallet E LS pedals. Designed as an enduro pedal with a longer spindle, the Mallet E LS features the Crank Brothers “egg beater” cleat system, known for its excellent mud and snow shedding capabilities. The Mallet platform provides six adjustable traction pins for enhanced shoe grip, whether clipped in or not. The cleats can be adjusted for 10 or 15 degrees of float, allowing riders to customize the release angle based on personal preference.
Tires are arguably the most crucial component influencing a fat bike’s snow handling. The Farley 9.6 comes equipped with Bontrager Barbegazi Team Issue 4.5-inch tires, front and rear. The widely spaced, square knobs provide excellent traction in the rear, offering solid grip for climbing and ample stopping power. However, the front tire performance can be improved. I upgraded to the 45NRTH Dillinger 4.5-inch Studded tire for the front. Its angled center tread and “slice-y” side knobs enhance cornering stability, the most challenging aspect of snow biking. Front tire traction is critical, as the front wheel tends to drift in turns. The Dillinger’s tread pattern helps maintain grip, preventing washouts. The studded version, featuring 252 concave aluminum carbide studs, provides maximum front-end grip, particularly valuable on icy patches. While studs might be overkill in purely soft snow, the added confidence they inspire is worth it, especially for maintaining control.
For the current season, Trek offers a range of Farley fat bike models, from $1,800 to $3,300, including aluminum and carbon frameset options. All models feature 27.5-inch wheels and share similar riding characteristics. Any of these options would be a great entry point into the world of fat tire biking.
Transporting fat bikes to trailheads typically requires a vehicle. The Thule T2 Pro XT is a two-bike hitch rack designed to accommodate bikes with tires up to 5 inches wide. It features a wide front wheel tray that tapers to fit road tires and a ratcheting strap for securing the rear wheel. Adjusting the strap’s anchor point easily accommodates fat tires. Driving a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, I also used the Thule Access swing-away adapter, which allows the rack to swing away from the vehicle for tailgate access and folds for clearance around the Jeep’s spare tire.
For winter cycling apparel, Assos Bonka EVO bib tights are a top choice, offering warmth, comfort, and performance. In testing other brands, I experienced issues with heavy leg material slipping down, causing discomfort and chafing. Assos addresses this through thoughtful design. The tights are anatomically shaped for the riding position and engineered to withstand cycling forces. Insulating “RX Heavy” fabric is strategically placed at the knees, hips, and thighs for added warmth, while more breathable and flexible “RX Light” fabric is used on the back of the legs. This combination ensures a secure, second-skin fit. The cuffs feature a wetsuit-like material that effectively repels water and snow while maintaining a snug seal.
Similar to overshorts for summer mountain biking, shell pants layer over bib tights for winter fat biking. The 45NRTH Naughtvind Shell Pants are exceptional for this purpose. Key features include 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, zippered front leg vents for airflow control, strategically placed side pockets, a reinforced crotch, and stretch construction for maximum mobility. These shell pants are an essential winter cycling layer, and the Naughtvind model is particularly well-suited for fat biking. While bib tights might vary based on temperature, the Naughtvind pants remain a constant in my winter riding kit. They also offer a stylish look.
Shimano’s MW7 winter mountain bike shoes are designed for cold, wet, and snowy conditions. They feature an insulated, waterproof GORE-TEX liner and a wetsuit-style ankle cuff that seals out the elements. Even when hiking through deep snow, my feet stayed warm and dry. A fleece-lined insole adds slipper-like comfort. The Michelin sole provides excellent grip for hike-a-bike sections, and the Boa lacing system allows for precise adjustments on the fly.
Pearl Izumi Interval AmFIB Jacket
Pearl Izumi excels in winter cycling apparel, perhaps due to their Boulder, Colorado, roots. For 30 years, I’ve relied on Pearl Izumi for cold-weather jackets. The Interval AmFIB jacket became my go-to layer last winter. Depending on the day’s conditions, I paired it with different base layers and vests for temperatures ranging from 15 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite its lightweight feel, the Interval AmFIB jacket provides exceptional warmth. Front zippered vents allow for adjustable airflow, and the cuffs feature a tight inner liner to seal out wind.
Essential accessories for fat tire biking include the 45NRTH Baklava, the Assos Winter Cap, and the Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Gel Glove. I found that a winter helmet wasn’t necessary for most rides, and I only used 45NRTH pogies in extremely cold temperatures, around zero degrees Fahrenheit and below. For most mid-day rides, they weren’t needed, but they are crucial for truly frigid conditions.
Fat tire biking has transformed my perspective on winter cycling. It’s not just about enduring the cold; it’s about embracing a new and exciting way to ride. With the right fat bike and gear, winter becomes another season to explore the trails and enjoy the unique thrill of riding on snow.
