Riding a fat bike on snow? Slow and sluggish, right? And the clothing layering nightmare – always too hot or freezing cold. Plus, aren’t those cross-country ski trails incredibly dull for biking?
These were my exact preconceptions about winter fat biking. I pictured the Iditabike in Alaska from decades ago – pure suffering in extreme cold and desolate landscapes. Living in Park City, Utah, I knew about the groomed trails but couldn’t imagine snow biking being anywhere near as enjoyable as dirt riding. Skiing and snowboarding were my winter priorities. Boy, was I wrong. What I discovered was a whole new cycling discipline, right up there with XC, downhill, and gravel. Now, I’m a total convert.
Winter Solstice in Park City Utah, showcasing the ideal environment for fat tyre mountain biking.
Let’s bust those Fat Tyre Mountain Bike myths right now. Firstly, speed. It’s not dirt-bike fast, but “sluggish” is way off. Snow conditions are the game-changer here, varying wildly and constantly. This ever-changing surface is unique to snow biking. On perfectly packed trails, fat tyre mountain biking rivals dirt riding for fun. The way the tyres grip, how you shift weight, and braking into turns all offer a distinct and exhilarating feel. And the best part? Crashing is practically consequence-free. You will crash, but it’s usually a soft landing, letting you push your limits and the bike’s capabilities without fear.
When it comes to winter bike clothing, finding the right balance is key, just like any season. You need to vent on climbs to avoid overheating and sweat, then layer up for descents to prevent chilling to the bone. Modern fabric technology makes this straightforward and almost scientific.
Terrain-wise, you’ll find wide, groomed trails shared with Nordic skiers. But places like Park City boast miles of groomed singletrack dedicated to bikers and hikers. After snowfall, these become like bobsled tracks. As time passes between snowfalls, they harden and speed up. Interestingly, ski and snow biking conditions have an inverse relationship. I often find myself dropping the kids at ski team and heading straight to the trails for some fat tyre mountain biking instead of skiing on hard, icy slopes.
Like any cycling discipline, fat tyre mountain biking is gear-dependent. Here’s my setup:
Trek Farley 9.6 Fat Bike
The Trek Farley 9.6 fat tyre mountain bike, a high-performance option for winter trails.
The fat bike category still largely uses the original 26-inch wheel standard. More progressive designs are moving to 27.5-inch wheels, like Trek’s flagship Farley 9.6. The larger circumference offers more contact and less rolling resistance, allowing for slightly narrower tyres – 4.5 vs. 4.8 inches.
The core of this bike is the OCLV carbon fibre frame and fork, incredibly light and stiff. Suspension is absent because snowy terrain doesn’t require it. The surface is forgiving, covering rocks and ruts. With only about eight PSI in the tyres, cushioning is ample. Despite its size, the bike is surprisingly light: 28 pounds, 12 ounces with pedals and a dropper post. It’s deceptively fast and nimble for its robust build.
Close-up of a fat tyre mountain bike tyre, highlighting its width and tread designed for snow traction.
The drivetrain is perfect for snow riding: SRAM’s entry-level NX Eagle with a 12-speed, 10-50t cassette and 30t chainring. For 2020, Trek upgraded to the GX Eagle group with a wider 10-52t cassette. Snow biking is low maintenance and easy on components because there’s no dirt. Just dry and lube the chain. Strava times aren’t a concern in snow biking, but gear range is crucial as soft conditions demand high RPMs.
The FSA Flowtron dropper post, an essential upgrade for enhanced control on a fat tyre mountain bike.
I made a few key upgrades to the stock Farley 9.6. A dropper post is vital for snow riding and is now standard on the 2020 Farley 9.6. A low centre of gravity keeps tyres planted during sweeping turns on shifting snow. The FSA Flowtron is a cost-effective, freeze-resistant dropper post ($249), easily installed thanks to the Farley frame’s internal routing. I also swapped the stock aluminium bar for the FSA Gradient Carbon 35 20 Riser to reduce weight and improve handling.
Crank Brothers Mallet E LS pedals, offering a stable platform and reliable clip-in performance for winter riding.
Pedal choice for fat tyre mountain biking is important. Many opt for flat pedals due to frequent dismounts and less emphasis on pedalling efficiency. However, I prefer clipless for control but wanted a solid platform and wet-condition performance. The Crank Brothers Mallet E LS, an enduro pedal with a longer spindle, fits the bill. The Crank Brothers “egg beater” cleat system excels in wet conditions, and the Mallet design has six adjustable traction pins for grip, clipped in or not. Cleats can be set for 10 or 15 degrees of float based on preference.
The 45NRTH Dillinger studded tyre, crucial for maximizing grip and control on icy winter trails when fat tyre mountain biking.
Tyre choice is paramount for fat bike snow handling. The Farley comes with Bontrager Barbegazi Team Issue 4.5-inch tyres. The square, widely spaced knobs are great in the rear for climbing and braking. However, they aren’t ideal up front. I switched to the 45NRTH Dillinger 4.5-inch Studded tyre up front. Its angled centre tread and “slice-y” side knobs boost cornering stability, crucial in snow biking where front tyre grip is challenging and drifting is common. The studded version has 252 concave aluminium carbide teeth. While overkill without ice, I prioritize maximum front-tyre grip.
Snow providing a natural kickstand for a fat tyre mountain bike, illustrating the unique riding environment.
For 2020/2021, Trek offered three Farley models from $1,800 to $3,300, plus aluminium and carbon frame sets. All are 27.5-inch platforms with similar ride characteristics. Any model is a great choice.
Thule T2 Pro XT Receiver Rack
The Thule T2 Pro XT 2 bike rack, designed to securely transport fat tyre mountain bikes to winter trailheads.
Winter fat tyre mountain biking often requires driving to trailheads, raising the question of transporting these oversized bikes. The Thule T2 Pro XT is a two-inch receiver rack for two bikes with tyres up to five inches wide. It has a large front-wheel tray, sized down for road tyres in the centre, and a ratchet-strap for the rear tyre. Adjust the strap anchor point for fat tyres. Driving a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, I also used the Thule Access, allowing the rack (with bikes) to swing out for tailgate access and fold while clearing the Jeep’s spare tyre.
Thule fat bike rack setup, demonstrating how to securely mount a fat tyre mountain bike for transportation.
Assos Bonka EVO Bib Tights
Assos Bonka EVO Bib Tights, premium winter cycling apparel providing warmth and comfort for fat tyre mountain biking.
Warmth, comfort, and performance – that’s Assos bib tights. Testing other brands, I found heavy leg material would slide down, pulling the chamois and causing chafing. Assos bib tights solve this. They’re shaped for riding posture and forces. Highly insulated “RX Heavy” fabric is used at the knees, hips, and thighs for warmth, while breathable “RX Light” fabric is at the back of legs, ensuring a second-skin fit. Cuffs have a wetsuit-like material that sheds water and snow while sealing tightly.
45NRTH Naughtvind Shell Pant
45NRTH Naughtvind Shell Pant, essential outer layer for fat tyre mountain biking, offering protection and flexibility in winter conditions.
Like over shorts for summer mountain biking, these shell pants layer over bib tights for winter snow biking. Key features: phenomenal riding fit with a high back waist to block elements and a low front waist to prevent bunching; Velcro cinch straps at waist and cuffs; front leg vents with zips and Velcro for airflow control; strategic side pockets for food that don’t interfere with pedalling; reinforced crotch for durability; and stretch construction for movement. The Naughtvind Shell Pants are essential. I might use lighter bib tights when warmer, but these pants are a constant. And they look good too.
Shimano MW7 Shoes
Shimano MW7 Winter Bike Shoes, top-tier footwear designed for cold, wet conditions encountered during fat tyre mountain biking.
Shimano’s top winter mountain bike shoe is built for cold rain and snow. It features an insulated, waterproof GORE-TEX liner and a wetsuit-like ankle cuff. Even stepping into deep snow, my feet stayed warm and dry, enhanced by a fleece-lined insole. The Michelin sole is grippy for hike-a-bike sections, and the Boa lacing system allows precise adjustments.
Pearl Izumi Interval AmFIB Jacket
Pearl Izumi Interval AmFIB Jacket, a versatile and warm outer layer suitable for a range of winter temperatures when fat tyre mountain biking.
Pearl Izumi excels in winter gear, perhaps due to their Boulder, Colorado roots. For 30 years of cycling, I’ve relied on Pearl Izumi for cold-weather jackets. The Interval AmFIB became my go-to last winter. Depending on conditions, I’d layer it with base layers and vests for 15 to 50 degrees F. This jacket is light but incredibly warm. Front zippered vents allow airflow, and tight inner cuff liners block wind.
Key clothing accessories include the 45NRTH Baklava, Assos Winter Cap, and Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Gel Glove. I didn’t need a winter helmet often and only used 45NRTH pogies a few times. Mid-day temperatures usually didn’t require them, but they’re crucial around zero degrees and below.
Fat tyre mountain biking completely changed my perspective on winter cycling. It’s not just about enduring the cold; it’s about embracing a unique and exhilarating riding experience. If you’re looking to extend your cycling season and discover a new thrill, give a fat tyre mountain bike a try. You might just find yourself hooked.
