Snow bike tips

One of the best part about the fat bike is the large low volume tires. To get the most out of them you have to run low pressure, I use 4-5 in most conditions and 8 in the summer. The Accu-Gage Low Pressure Tire Gauge is what you need to get your pressure dialed in.

Warm Hands

I can say this without any exaggeration; half the reason I like fat biking so much is that you don’t have to wear bike racer clothing. Wearing outdoor gear can make you stay warm. The end all-be all of warm hands are the Dogwood Designs Pogies Plus. I can’t tell you how much money I have spent on winter cycling gloves that have left me with numb hands. Never once has that happened with the Pogies. 

The pogies are too warm if it is above 30°, so I wear mitts like the Hestra Army Glove or Montbell Down Mitts. 

Now if you ride clipless just go out now and order a pair of 40 Below Overflow Supergaiters. I’m not joking, these are great. You glue them on top of your winter shoes and bring it to a whole new level of warmth and dry. 

I have never had warm feet while clipped in before and it’s great. 

If you ride with flats go for an insulated boot. If you have to deal with crazy cold get a pair of Baffin Shackletons. These are rated to -100 and I have never once had cold feet in them. 

If you get to ride in just regular cold, the Vasque Arrowhead Ultradry is nice. Stiff sole, good traction and primaloft insulation.

Clothing Layers
I know that liner shorts are maligned by the cycling elite, but I love them. I ride with them all the time. in the winter I’ll wear Roscoe Outdoor Washakie or Hellroaring pants.

When it gets really cold I wear bibs. The Montbell Hydro Breeze Insulated is essential when you want to stay warm in negative temps.

Head and Neck
You have got to keep your face and ears warm in the winter. I have to say it, winter cycling caps are not good. They always move around and your ears end up exposed and frozen. I like the Kuhl Alf hat or the Smartwool beanie.

And as I have told all y’all. I love a neck gaiter. Anything fleece from Patagonia or Montbell will do the trick. The Buff is nice on a mild day.

Layers
I layer on the fat bike. I am a huge fan of riding in a long slave base layer like a Patagonia Capilene zip or similar with a fleece vest over top for temp control on the climbs. I always keep a down vest in my bad for the descents. I also keep extra gloves and an extra pair of socks if I am going long and far.

Accessories
I love the StemCAPtain thermometer Its fun to see how cold it is out.

I carry a tube in an Ortleib Medium Seat Bag and a Lezyne pump.

Oh and pedals, I ride 80% of the time in flat 45North Pedals.

That’s it, have fun and carry an extra layer for the downhills and chapstick for your smiles!