GT: Fat Biking for Beginners

When winter hits and your local trail networks get buried in snow, fat biking is a fun and challenging way to keep the party going on two wheels, or even three wheels—adaptive fat bikes are a thing, too! Fat bikes are a blast for exploring areas you’d never be able to ride otherwise. In addition to making snowy trails rideable, their enormous, low-pressure tires can truck through other places regular mountain bikes don’t do so well, like beaches or sandy trails. And while it’s a ton of fun, fat biking—especially in the winter—is almost an entirely separate sport from “regular” mountain biking. Of course, you’ll need to dress warmer, but it requires a slightly different mentality as well. Keep these tips in mind to make your winter fat biking experience a great one:

Know Where (and When) to Go

Research ahead of time what areas near you are open to fat biking. They could be singletrack, snow-covered roads, or groomed trails you’re sharing with cross-country skiers. In the case of the latter, be sure to ride to the side of the ski track rather than right in the middle of it. Especially when you’re new to fat biking, it’s advised to stick with groomed trails, or those that get packed down with plenty of foot traffic. While it’s technically possible to “break trail” through fresh snow on a fat bike, it’s a lot of work, and probably not much fun for a beginner. Finally, make sure you’re only riding when the ground is frozen solid enough to avoid leaving a rut. (Tire tracks are OK, but trenches are bad.) Riding on the wrong side of a freeze-thaw cycle can do serious damage to the trail surface—the kind that makes land managers reconsider allowing fat bikers in the first place. Your local trail organizations’ social media pages are likely to have updates on what trails are open to fat bikes, and may even be able to share some recommended routes.

Embrace the Pace

Especially in the snow, fat bikes are slower than your mountain bike—a lot slower. Both on the way up, and on the way down. It’ll feel like a lot more effort to ride the same amount of miles. And you know what? That’s OK—in fact, it’s an important part of the experience. You’ll get a little more time to enjoy the idyllic winter scenery and to giggle about the inevitable slipping and sliding that still happens when riding on frozen ground, even with extra-fat tires. Plan for shorter routes on mellow trails at first, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself dismounting or dabbing a foot much more often. Try not to compare your speed or your capabilities to your warm-weather riding, and lean into the fact that fat biking is its own experience.

Layer Up

If you’ve done any other human-powered hill-climbing activities in cold weather, you know the challenge of dressing warmly enough for the descent without roasting on the way up. Layers are the key, as they let you match the amount of insulation you’re wearing to your effort level. Make it a priority to avoid drenching yourself in sweat—when you stop for a break, it’ll freeze and turn you into a sentient refrigerator. Start with some good moisture-wicking long underwear, topped with an insulating layer like a vest, fleece, or packable puffy jacket. Make sure you’ve got enough room in your pack to stash this layer if necessary. A waterproof shell with zippered vents is the ideal outer layer, so you can regulate between plentiful airflow and a nice cozy cocoon. As for your lower half, unless you’re in sub-zero temps or you get cold really easily, you should be OK with some winter cycling tights, or some good long underwear and a weather-resistant outer layer. Just like with your outer jacket, vents can be very useful if you tend to overheat. Of course, don’t forget a headband, balaclava, neck gaiter, or thin beanie to wear under your bike helmet. Any exposed skin on your face and neck can make it easy to catch a chill, especially in colder conditions.

Hands & Feet

These are two of the toughest parts of the body for many people to keep warm while fat biking. If your hands are almost always freezing, you’ll likely be happiest with handlebar mittens (aka pogies) that offer a built-in wind barrier and plenty of insulation. For milder temperatures or added dexterity, insulated gloves or lobster-claw mittens are popular choices. It’s also a good idea to carry a set of disposable hand warmers, just in case you really catch a chill. As for your feet, some good hiking or snow boots with warm wool socks underneath are the go-to choices for most fat bikers. Many people also use gaiters to prevent snow from sneaking between your boots and your pant legs. Because metal handlebars and pedals can effectively act as heat sinks in cold temperatures, some people go as far as putting carbon bars or composite pedals on their fat bikes to avoid having their hands and feet next to cold metal.

Shield Your Eyes

“I’d love a blast of cold wind directly into my eyes”, said no human in recorded history. Make sure to bring some sunglasses to avoid constant squinting against the glare of the snow and the chill of the wind. Even if it’s early in the morning or a cloudy day, you should still bring some eye protection, ideally with a lens suited for low-light conditions. Many people also like to wear goggles while fat biking, especially if it’s really cold or if snow is blowing around. Ski goggles will work OK, though goggles made for mountain biking may be a little more fog-resistant if and when your head starts sweating.

Under Pressure

Compared to most bike tires, fat bike tires run at absurdly low pressures, especially on snow—we’re talking single digit PSI. And one of the most common fat-biking mistakes is overly inflated tires. If the ground is well frozen but you’re still leaving ruts and sliding all over the place, chances are good your tire pressure is too high. Experiment to find what works for you, though as a general rule of thumb in the snow, you want your tire pressure as low as you can get it without bottoming out on your rims. Even for people in seriously snowy climates, fat bikes have made it possible to keep riding all year long. They’re an awesome way to keep your pedals turning when most people have given up on riding for the winter, and to see the trails near you in a totally new way—often with much smaller crowds. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to a great day on the trail. TJ Parsons is a semi-reformed snowboard bum who now has a semi-adult career as a professional writer and creative. He's a self-proclaimed perpetual intermediate who thinks the outdoors are for everyone, and who wants to help dismantle gatekeeping and elitism in outdoor sports. When he's not squeezing brain juice into a keyboard, you'll find him riding boards or bikes throughout the Intermountain West. Follow us on Instagram + Facebook: Tag us @geartrade with the hashtag #unnewoutdoor #wearitout on your post or story for a chance to be featured on our page.

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