Snow and Singletrack

Keep the winter doldrums away with fat tire biking
By Jill Missal

Credit: Daniel Folmar

Sweat stings my eyes despite the single-digit temperatures. My legs and lungs burn. I try as hard as I can to not stop pedaling. I know that if I lose my hard-won momentum, I’ll have to work even harder to get going again. Keeping the bike’s big four-inch-wide tires centered on the narrow, snowy singletrack takes focus, concentration, and the need for minute steering corrections, as well as the precious momentum upon which everything depends when you’re riding in the snow.

If this sounds fun, fat tire snow biking might be for you. Fat tire bikes are specialized bike frames that accommodate ultra-wide tires, up to four inches. Remarkably versatile, these tires provide great grip in snow and mud, and they allow a wide range of tire pressures to give a rider the ability to float on top of loose snow and deep mud. Fat tire bikes provide traction and stabilization in slippery conditions because the build of the bike makes them more stable. You’ll be able to ride a fat tire bike on surfaces you never thought possible. Riding on packed trails is easier than deeper snow, but it’s always a good workout and a fun new way to spend your winter. Bonus: You’ll never lose your cycling fitness, even if your town’s winter is longer than all the other seasons combined.

Snow bikes are becoming popular and new models abound. I like the Alaska-made 9:Zero:7 snow bike for its emphasis on comfort, low stand-over, and stable geometry. ($500; fatbikes.com)

Getting used to the bike’s handling and performance can be tricky, but these tips might make the transition easier.

DO

• Make sure that your snow bike has disc brakes. V-brakes ice up quickly and aren’t reliable at cold temperatures. Many winter riders sport only a rear brake; since snow biking is usually so low-speed, a front brake ends up being extra baggage.
• Moderate your pace so that you can keep pedaling. Momentum is your friend.
•  Adjust your tire pressure according to the terrain. On slippery or loose surfaces, like snow, low tire pressure provides more traction. Some fat tires can run as low as 5psi, so don’t be afraid to let out some air.
• Layer, layer, layer your clothing! You’ll stay pretty warm while you’re moving, but if you have to stop for a mechanical or to take a break, you’ll get cold quickly.
• Get the feel of the bike on groomed trails because it’s difficult at first to keep the tires on packed snow. Frozen lakes are also good places to practice, as long as you know the ice is solid enough.

DON’T

• Forget to relax. Falling into snow hardly ever hurts!
• Try to over steer. Snow biking typically requires frequent steering corrections on narrow trails. Apply power, relax your arms, and try to keep the bike centered on the trail.

Gear

You’re going to work hard, so stay hydrated. But in the winter your water can freeze quickly, so wear your hydration pack over your base layer and under your jacket. Try a low-profile pack like the GoLite Race Sleeve. ($35; golite.com)

No two ways about it, your hands will get cold! Try Pogies—big, mitten-like covers that fit over your handlebars, allowing you to tuck your hands inside to hold the grips. Relevate Designs is the go-to Pogies manufacturer. ($105; revelatedesigns.com)

If it’s really cold, windy, or snowing, wearing goggles will protect your eyes from blowing snow. I like the Julbo Eclipse with photochromatic lenses that change in different light conditions. ($160; julbousa.com)