Many cycling enthusiasts stop taking their fat bikes out for a ride once winter sets in. If you live in a state that experiences winter with heavy snow fall, you don’t have to shy away from riding your fat bike. Believe it or not, riding your fat bike in winter can actually be as fun as or even more fun than doing it in the warmer months. But you must ensure that your bike is properly fitted for riding in the snow.
Although fat bikes have huge tires that are better suited for riding in the snow compared to regular mountain bikes, there are certain essential things they should have when it comes to riding them in the freezing temperatures. This guide will take you through some basics on re-purposing your fat bike for snow adventure.
- Adjust the Tire Pressure
Even with the traction that the huge tires on a fat bike offers, the most crucial factor when it comes to gaining traction in the snow is tire pressure. Luckily, fat bikes are specifically designed with a low pressure gauge. Normally, fat bikes run on tire pressures of less than 5 PSI. Ensure that you check the tire pressure on your fat bike and that it doesn’t exceed 5 PSI.
- Get it Fitted with Flat Pedals
Every time you stop and step in the snow or carry your bike over some obstacle, you’ll have a hard time getting your cleat back into the pedal. Riding with flat pedals will help you avoid this trouble. Flat pedals allow you to wear hiking boots and will save you from spending on specific winter riding boots.
- Fenders
When cycling in winter, it’s not always all perfect snow. You are most likely bound to encounter some dirt and slush that leave the riding, your bike, and you a bit wet and dirty. Although some fat bikes come with fenders already fitted, others don’t. Fenders are valuable safeguards in this regard as they will catch the water and dirt that comes up from the tires. If your bike doesn’t have mounts for fenders or you simply don’t want something permanent, there are plenty of affordable, temporary fenders available on the market that can easily be fitted and taken off.
- Winter Tires
It’s obvious that traction is a greater challenge when riding your fat bike in winter. You must ensure that you have adequate treads on your bike, or get a pair of tires specifically designed for winter. Alternatively, you can reduce the pressure in your tires to gain more traction. Reducing the pressure in your tires will increase the surface area of the tires on the terrain and increase grip.
These are some of the tips that will help you experience an easier and more enjoyable ride on your fat bike in the winter. Besides ensuring that your fat bike has been fitted with the items in this list, there are other items you need to protect yourself, especially your body. Ensure you wear the right gear when riding in winter.
