Did I just use the “f-word”? Yes I did and you need to keep reading if you cycle from the first sign of spring until the snow flies. What if I told you that you could keep riding throughout the winter and avoid those indoor training bikes? There may be a fat bike out there with your name on it. All it takes is a little more tire with a little less pressure and a bigger frame to hold it all together…so yes, in this case, size does matter!
A fat bike is a mountain bike with oversized tires and rims. This oversized off-road bike allows you to get better traction on surfaces previously considered difficult to traverse – surfaces including snow, mud, and sand. On a regular bike, tires sink into these “softer” terrains. But the fat bike, with wider tires and lower tire pressure, essentially floats along most surfaces allowing bikers to stay on the trails all year round. But don’t get me wrong…fat bikes still pack a punch in the cardio workout department. Some serious human power is still needed to get your bike through those trails.
Fat bikes originated in Alaska where the first Iditabike event was held in 1987 – a race across 200 miles of Alaskan backcountry snowmobile and dog sled trails. The first year of the race saw bikers struggling to manage their way through a lot of soft snow, pushing them to re-think their equipment for the next year. The re-designed bikes went from two rims welded together – even triple rims – before landing on a single, wide tire with wide rim and low tire pressure. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention and voilà…the fat bike was born.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the origins of the fat bike, check out this YouTube documentary by Carl Battreall from 2009. Another good one is 10 Years of Fat: The Past Present and Future of Fat Bikes published by GearJunkie.com.
If you are looking for a new adventure in the snow, you should most definitely give fat bikes a try. Winter can be very long if you stay inside waiting for the warmer weather. Or if you are an avid cycler, looking to extend your outdoor season, fat biking is an easy decision. What rider wouldn’t rather be outdoors on the trail than in the gym on a trainer?
Here are a few more reasons why you should give it a try:
Like most cool weather or winter sports, layering is the key. Here is a this quick list of what you need to wear so you don’t go home feeling like a popsicle:
Fat Bikes Canada has a three-part series called cold weather clothing and another on footwear to help you gear up for some enjoyable winter riding…because for me, nothing is enjoyable if I can’t feel my toes.
Fat biking trails are often shared with cross-country skiers and snowshoers. As a courtesy, there are a few rules that fat bikers are asked to respect:
This is a relatively new sport so represent it well.
This new way to bike is becoming a wildly popular way to hit the trails. Many ski resorts offer fat biking on cross country and snowshoe trails. To get you started, check out this ever-expanding list of trails across the country:
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Maritimes
A couple more resources to help you take your first spin on a fat bike:
Find, rate and review biking trails, local community offerings and businesses that will help you do your thing at the SeeWhatSheCanDo Athlete Advisor, our online athletic business directory.
Want to try fat biking? Find or start a winter cycling group or event on our SWSCD Hub.
Have you been out on a fat biking trail? Share highlights of your winter adventurea directly on our Discover blog or by using #seewhatshecando on social media and inspire others to get active.
Explore fresh thinking, inspiring articles and advice on our Cycling activity page.
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