The sport of fat biking is one of the most fun and exciting new ways to enjoy the outdoors in Ontario’s. Essentially a mountain bike with extra wide tires, these bikes allow you to ride almost anywhere there is a snow-packed trail. This season, experience winter the way you’ve never imagined – from the saddle of a fat bike. All you need are these simple tips to get you going:
THINK TECHNIQUE:
Although rooted in mountain biking, you’ll get the best out of a fat bike with a slightly different approach to riding.
Two keys to fat tire success are gentle steering inputs and staying upright on the bike. If you turn the handlebars of a fat bike too quickly the tire will sink and you will lose traction and end up in the soft snow. Use a slow and steady hand and try to look far enough ahead that you can anticipate when you will need to turn early enough that you don’t have to make any sudden direction changes.
Posture on the bike is also an important skill when fat biking:
“On a mountain bike you really lean into a corner,” says Carlee Wood, Bike and Nordic Manager at Algonquin Outfitters in Huntsville. “On a fat bike you need to use your core strength to maintain a vertical posture.”
Leaning too far to either side will cause the tires to lose grip and slide out from underneath the rider. Pedaling technique is also different. Wood says it is important to “…concentrate on making smooth pedal strokes, applying force in complete circles instead of just pushing down hard on each pedal. Sudden bursts of power can cause the rear wheel to spin out.”
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER:
Another critical factor is dressing appropriately for the temperature. Sweating when riding in sub zero temperatures can become quite dangerous.
If you slow down or stop to take a break the moisture can begin to freeze and it can be very difficult to get warmed back up. A good rule of thumb is to dress so that your body feels chilled at the start of your ride. Dress in layers, so you can take off an outer layer if you start to sweat:
“Dress the same as you would for Nordic skiing or snowshoeing with an outer windbreaking layer you can remove if needed,” says Aleesha Mullen, owner of Parry Sound Bikes. “Unless it is very cold, avoid wearing a downhill skiing helmet which is almost always too hot for cycling. Wear your normal bike helmet with a thin beanie underneath for warmth.”
When it comes to footwear, insulated and waterproof hiking boots or shoes are best. Remember to always put on fresh dry socks immediately before setting out as your feet tend to sweat while driving or walking to the start of the trail. “It is also very important to wear gloves or split fingered mitts when fat biking,” says Mullen.
“If you are trying to brake with mitts on you can easily lose control of the bike.”
PLAN YOUR ROUTE:
Finally, choosing the correct day and location are important factors in enjoying a fat bike experience.
“The ideal trail is hard packed snow,” advises Ian Dawes, owner of Bracebridge’s Ecclestone Cycle. “Small patches of ice are okay – but treat any ice longer than the length of the bike with respect. Otherwise your bike may slide out from under you.”
Trails that get regular foot or snowshoe traffic generally make for exciting fat biking. Like riding singletrack trails in the summer, a narrow path through the woods can make even a routine ride feel fun and exhilarating. Another key is to start with short trails.
“You won’t be riding fast so you don’t cover nearly the distance you would on a mountain bike in the same time period,” adds Dawes. “Tire pressure is much lower on a fat bike so it takes more work to cover the same distance.
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Choosing the correct day is also important. Fresh snow can make for an extremely frustrating experience, and a cold headwind can quickly zap energy and enthusiasm
Have Fun!
Fat biking is a great way to see a new side of Ontario’s cottage country in the winter. With the proper preparation and a few helpful suggestions, even your first wide tire adventure can be a fun and rewarding challenge. So layer up and hit the trails this winter!
Click here for more info about where to ride and rent fat bikes across the region.
To plan your stay in the region, click here.ShareTweetPin7
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Table of Contents
It was only recently that I tried a fat tire bike. Three opportunities to ride in the mountains in winter presented themselves over eight days and I was game to try.
I’m hardly an expert now but I do feel these 10 fat tire bike tips will help anyone keen to try this growing sport for the first time. Although it takes more energy to ride a fat tire bike, let me assure you that it’s a whole lot of fun.
The weather will play a big role in your experience. If it’s too cold or windy, you’ll be miserable. And if it starts to snow hard, it’s akin to riding in sand – energy zapping and demoralizing.
The ideal trail is hard-packed snow. If it’s deep you’ll waste so much time just trying to peddle. Small patches of ice are okay – but treat any ice longer than the length of the bike with respect. Otherwise your bike will slide out from under you.
Trails are rated for difficulty.
Choose easy or moderate trails when you’re just starting out, especially if you have no mountain biking experience.
Start with short trails. You won’t be riding fast so you don’t cover nearly the distance you would on a mountain bike in the same time period. Tire pressure is much lower on a fat tire bike so it takes more work to cover the same distance.
Fat tire biking the Spray River loopWear warm winter boots and gloves or mitts with enough dexterity so you can change gears. You still need to wear a helmet so a thin hat or a headband is a good idea.
Many fat tire bike trails are rutted so if the ride isn’t smooth you’ll feel it in your arms and butt. Even though you must dress for winter, a padded short with leg warmers under an outer shell would certainly make the ride more comfortable.
Bring water or a drink to stay hydrated – in a thermos if it’s really cold so it doesn’t freeze. Take more than you think you’ll need.
Don’t forget energy bars and snacks. Between trying to stay warm (which shouldn’t be too much of a problem) and working hard on the bike you use a lot of calories. You don’t want to burn out far from the trailhead.
Make sure the fat bike you are riding is properly sized to you. Carry an allen key if the seat doesn’t have a lever cam lock system. It’s more work for you if the seat is too low – and if you’re having a hard time reaching the pedals it can be dangerous.
Fat tire biking in a city in winter is a great way to get aroundThe better physical shape you’re in, the more enjoyable the fat tire biking experience will be.
Some people lose their fitness routine in winter but you can join a gym to get you in shape. My daughter who joined me on one of the rides credits her twice a week fitness class for making the ride enjoyable.
Many fat tire trails are shared with cross-country skiers, hikers and snowshoers. Stay out of the ski tracks and be prepared to pull over for others. Chances are the further away from the trailhead you get, the fewer people you’ll run into.
Fat tire biking in winter is a lot of fun – even magical – when the weather and the trail conditions are right. You’ll enjoy it even more if you’ve dressed properly, maintained your fitness level and follow the fat tire bike tips.
Walking fat tire bikes is sometimes the only way to go when the snow is softClick on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.
Leigh McAdam is an award-winning photographer and three-time author. A true adventurer, Leigh prefers wilderness experiences, camping and glamping in unique locations, long hikes, multi-day bike rides and paddling trips where few people go. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are her passion. Author of Discover Canada: 100 Inspiring Outdoor Adventures Co-author of 200 Nature Hot Spots in Alberta
Meet - this is a fatbike (fatbike)! "Fat bike" - this is how the name of this type of transport is translated from English. So in fact it is, the very first thing that catches your eye when looking at a fatbike is powerful thick wheels with wide tires that have a decent weight.
The width of the tires on this unusual bike can reach 4.8 inches! or 12 centimeters! Thick? More than, because the mountain bike, which has a fairly wide rubber, this parameter is much smaller - a maximum of 2.5 inches.
Each fatbike tire weighs about 1.5 kilograms. The mass of the rim is about one kilogram. Adding to this the weight of the tubes, spokes, rim tapes, bushings and spokes, we get an impressive mass - about 3 - 3.5 kg per wheel. The total weight of a fatbike is usually 14 - 20 kg.
1. What is a fatbike, what body kit does it have and what are such wide wheels for?
Anyone who looks at the fatbike "live" will probably have questions about its designer. Of course, super thick tires immediately catch the eye. After learning how much they weigh, many are wondering "Why such wide heavy wheels?". Let's figure out together what a fatbike is and who needs it.
So, a fatbike is an off-road bike with very thick tires, 3.
5 to 4.8 inches wide and usually low pressure in the chambers (from 5 PSI or 0.2 atmospheres). Take a look at the frame of the fatbike. In most cases, this is the best example of a classic type of countryman! Although, there are also two-suspension. To compensate for the weight of heavy wheels, the frame in good models is made using modern butting and hydroforming technologies, which reduces the overall weight of the bike. Top modifications have an ultralight and durable carbon frame.
The fork is available with suspension or rigid, without suspension. The fact is that the role of a shock absorber in a fatbike is successfully performed by soft high tires that perfectly cope with various bumps on the way, making the ride as comfortable and soft as possible. A rigid fork always weighs less than a suspension fork. Of course, extreme sportsmen need a high-quality suspension fork, and sometimes a shock absorber in the frame.
The transmission is installed the same as on mountain bikes: multi-speed amateur, semi-professional or professional level, depending on the cost and class is great.
Typically, fat bikes are equipped with Shimano Altus, Acera, Alivio, Deore or similar shifters from Sram. Sometimes there are budget options with Shimano Tourney transmission, as well as semi-professional SLX and professional XT, XTR. Of course, the bad road conditions that the fatbike and the Tourney group are designed for are, to put it mildly, not very compatible. Therefore, if you already buy a fatbike for off-road, then with a normal transmission, it is no worse than Shimano Altus with a limited budget, and preferably Deore and higher.
Fatbike brakes are always disc brakes, unlike conventional mountain bikes, where they can be either disc or rim brakes. The brake drive can be hydraulic or mechanical. The first option is preferable due to greater reliability and the ability to smoothly dose the braking force.
Ideal conditions for cycling and Russia, and in particular St. Petersburg and the region - things are rarely compatible. It snows for almost half a year, then it often rains, there is slush and mud on the roads, but you always want to ride! Therefore, fat bikes with thick rubber are becoming increasingly popular in St.
Petersburg - real off-road vehicles in the cycling world, which have increased cross-country ability and comfort, and also attract the attention of unenlightened passers-by. It is for cross-country ability and depreciation that such wheels are needed.
2. Wheels that go everywhere.
At first glance and from the name it is clear that it is the fat wheels that make the fatbike special. Thanks to such wheels, it can drive on almost any terrain. Deep snowdrifts, sharp stones, beach sand, liquid mud, forest thicket, mountain paths, swampy or rough terrain, city curbs and steps, as well as potholed asphalt, dirt roads - everything will be conquered!
Such all-terrain capability is achieved not only due to wide tires, the deep tread pattern of the tires, as well as the ability to use a wide range of chamber pressures, contributes to the flotation. Fat bike tubes can be inflated with pressure ranging from 5 to 30 PSI (inches per square centimeter).
By inflating the fatbike in the first mode, with soft chambers, you will turn the bike into a real off-road vehicle. This low pressure causes the tires to literally "spread" over the surface of the terrain, absorbing any bumps. That allows you to successfully storm sandy beaches, snowy expanses, dirt roads with a thick layer of mud after the rain, and any other places where another bike cannot even drive up. You will ride a fatbike, while others will have to go around impassable terrain or carry a bike!
Such "superpowers" come at the cost of reduced speed and handling. After all, pedaling in high gear with half-flat tires will become difficult, so you have to switch to a low gear. Yes, and lay turns worse.
Having fully inflated the chambers, you can forget about the big problems with handling and speed, the fatbike will become obedient and not so slow. True, due to the greater weight of the bike and the greater rolling resistance of wide tires, it is more difficult to accelerate and go uphill on it, and the maximum speed will be lower compared to other types of bikes.
But thick tires provide amazing smoothness. That is why, such bikes are often equipped with a rigid fork. The extra cushioning that costs a lot of money and adds weight is often just not needed.
3. Who needs a fatbike?
At first glance, you might think that a bike with such huge tires is only for those who want to drive into the impenetrable wilderness. But it is not so. Remember how often on your way there are snowdrifts, mud, sand, stones, curbs and other obstacles through which you cannot pass on a regular bike? And the fatbike can handle it, lowered the tire pressure by half - and drove off.
In addition, the ability to inflate the tires to your taste, allows you to successfully use this bike for city trips. Pumped up the cameras - and ride yourself slowly, but comfortably on urban asphalt roads. At the same time, it is great on powerful tires gives several advantages while driving around the city. For example, going down steps and curbs is much easier on this bike.
And on an ordinary bike, you wouldn’t even think of going down the stairs, so with a fat bike, new horizons open up in conquering the “stone jungle”, which will provide fresh sensations, emotions and positive. This bike encourages you to try something new, you want to go where you were afraid before. If you are an experienced rider, then you will definitely have a desire to go crazy. And in winter, you will want to ride it around the city just because of one view.
Don't forget about the look of this bike. Whatever you say, he looks really cool. So big, beautiful, brutal, functional... It catches the envious glances of passers-by and motorists. He is not ashamed to show the people around him. Every cyclist dreams of driving such an all-terrain vehicle.
And buying a fatbike is a great way to lose weight! Riding with half deflated tubes across rough terrain is such an active workout! You will burn a lot of calories in one trip.
So, if the weight of the bike is not so critical for you and you are not chasing a high speed of movement, you should seriously consider buying a bike with thick wheels, maybe this is exactly what you need! Evidence of the increasing popularity of fatbikes is the sales statistics, and it is growing.
4. Where can I buy a fatbike?
Fatbikes have not yet become widespread in Russia, they are only gaining popularity here, so finding where to buy a high-quality fatbike in your city is not always easy.
If you want to buy a fatbike in St. Petersburg, come to USPORTS sports department store. We specialize in the sale of bicycles, so here you can even find such an unusual bike with thick tires from the world-famous Czech company AUTHOR, which produces only high-quality bikes, while their pricing policy is quite modest. You can also order a fatbike through this site.
5. Fatbikes - past, present and future.
The history of 2-wheel "fat men" began in the 80s of the last century, when the owner of a bike shop in Alaska, Mark Grunwald, developed and made the first bike on very wide tires, which was able to overcome difficult off-road conditions.
Mark's idea was liked by his friends, but such bikes were not put into mass production.
It was only in 2005 that this idea found its way into life, when Surly launched the production of fat bikes, which gained recognition and popularity.
Today, fat bikes have found their customers not only in the US, but also in the rest of the world. Many serious bike brands have models of this type in their arsenal. Riding on "fatties" gradually opened up a new direction in cycling, with its own competitions and rules. Also, 2-wheeled all-terrain vehicles have gained recognition among tourists in many countries of the world. In Russia, they are not yet so popular, but today many Russians are switching to all-terrain bikes. For example, three thrill-seekers from St. Petersburg rode over 300 km on fat bikes along the shores of the Arctic Ocean.
The future of the fatbike can be predicted today. They will become more and more popular and are sure to take their rightful place in the cycling family.
So, if you want to diversify your outdoor activities and decide to buy a fatbike - buy boldly, you won't regret it!
Go to the catalog Fatbike bicycles
Fat bike (from the English Fatbike), literally translated as “fat bike”, got its name because of the very wide wheels, the tire width of which is from 3.
8 to 4.5 inches. Despite its exoticism and low prevalence, the bicycle is quite popular due to its unique driving characteristics.
Large wheels allow the fatbike to ride on almost any surface: rocks, sand, swamps, tall grass or snow.
Fatbike was created in Alaska by Mark Grunwald. Hence the main purpose of this bike is high snow flotation. Mark is also the originator of the term "fatbike". Three-inch tires stretched on 80mm rims to a width of about 3.5 inches.
In fact, a fat bike is the same mountain bike. Attachments - switches, brakes, cassettes - are exactly the same. But, let's see what is so special about it that others do not have.
All-terrain and versatility of this mode of transport is achieved through the use of different tire pressures - from 5 PSI (very soft wheels), to 30 PSI (feel like a stone).
At low pressure, the wheels "absorb" all the bumps, as if "spreading" over the surface.
But, this ride has its drawbacks: pedaling becomes harder, as well as entering the turn. But you can easily go where other bikes can not do it.
If such a "superpower" is not required at the moment, you can increase the pressure in the tires, and then the wheels of the fatbike will behave in the same way as the wheels of a conventional bicycle, with standard inflation.
There are single speed fatbike models. As a rule, these bikes have a rigid fork. With such wide wheels, the ride is very smooth, so there is not much need for additional shock absorbers.
The weight of a fatbike ranges from 14 to 17 kg. The heaviest thing about a fatbike is the wheels. Rubber weighs 1300-1500 g, rims are about 1000 g each, the chamber is 450 g, the rim tape is 140 g. Together with the spokes, the bushing comes out to about 3300 g per wheel. Despite the large wheels, the ride of a fat bike is almost the same as a regular mountain bike, and thanks to the same transmission, it is easy to choose the right gear ratio for a comfortable ride.
As for the fenders, they are not made specifically for fat bikes. You can do it yourself by sawing an ordinary wing in half and installing a spacer in the middle. Or use wide DH fenders like the SKS GRAND D.A.D. and SKS GRAND M.O.M.
There are about 20 manufacturers of such bicycles and their accessories. Some of these firms are engaged in the individual manufacture of frames and forks according to the dimensions or drawings of the customer.
Here are the most popular ones:
The first company to mass-produce fat bikes. Located in the USA. The frames are made exclusively from chromium molybdenum, which ensures high strength and corrosion resistance. There is practically no fat bike from other manufacturers, wherever there is at least one spare part with the Surly logo.
The second major manufacturer of fat bikes, has 3 frame models in its arsenal, two made of aluminum - MUKLUK 2 and MUKLUK 3 and one model made of titanium - MUKLUK Ti.
This brand and Surly are owned by the same tire manufacturer Innova.
American manufacturer of good quality bicycles.
USA, Alaska. Manufactures bicycles and accessories for them. Frames are made of aluminum and are lightweight and durable.
The first European manufacturer of fatbikes. Sports products.
Fatbikes have appeared relatively recently in Russia. The main suppliers and manufacturers are Norco, Trek and Eltreco.
Eltreco differs from the rest in that the price of fat bikes is much lower compared to other manufacturers. In addition, in the Eltreko model range, there are also electric fat bikes - a completely new trend among bicycles of this type.
In recent years, major fatbike trips in Russia have become more frequent. In April 2013, three cyclists from St. Petersburg successfully rode fatbikes for 310 km in the snow along the Chukchi coast of the Arctic Ocean.
There are competitions for fatbike riders such as the "Pugsley World Championships" in Decorah, Iowa. The race is held in February, on a track covered with snow.
So, as we can see, fatbike is an independent type of bicycle. It can be considered as a subtype of mountain, with its own specific design and application features. As it was said at one forum - "an all-weather guide for unity with nature."
No matter what anyone says, but still a fatbike is not a very simple bike, and even on a relatively flat surface it requires effort to move on it, not to mention extreme situations when you have to drag it on yourself. On the other hand, a fatbike always leaves you a chance to continue riding where you need to be guaranteed to carry the notorious simple bike. All that is required of you, in order to enjoy riding a fat bike even in such conditions, is to shift into the right gear that will provide this opportunity.
