Winter Fatbiking Tips for a Better Ride

Winter fatbiking has become more popular than ever over the last few years and has introduced many new cyclists to this cold weather sport.  Riding in the below freezing conditions is completely different than any other time of the year so I wanted to share some of what I have learned over the last eight seasons to make your ride experience better and more comfortable.  Whether your a seasoned winter rider or a newbie, there will be something in this post you can use.

There are a couple of things you can do to help your gloves keep hands warm on winter rides.  The cheapest of these is to get a pair of Sticky Fingers brake lever covers.  These silicone covers slide easily over the brake lever and can be cut for a custom fit.  With them in place there is no more grabbing an icy cold aluminum brake lever and they provide good sticky grip with gloves on.  Sticky Fingers are available in a variety of colors for $6.99/pair from Miles Wide Industries.

The second more expensive option is to swap out aluminum handlebars for the carbon fiber variety.  This was one of the first upgrades I made on my new Trek Farley this fall because of the cold weather that was fast approaching.  Carbon fiber is a poor conductor of heat and because of this lower conductivity those new carbon fiber bars won't be a heat sink on your hands.  The other plus is a smoother ride with the vibration damping they provide. 

Riding flat or clipless pedals in the winter has its pros and cons.  Some cyclists like the feeling of being connected to the pedals for better power transfer but clipless pedals can leave a rider unable to unclip in time to put a foot down in the event of a loss of traction.  Another issue common with clipless pedals is they can accumulate ice and snow making them difficult to clip in and out of.  This is why I like Crank Brothers Eggbeaters, there isn't a platform on these pedals for ice and snow to build up on making them very easy to clip and unclip from.  Others prefer flat, pinned pedals which make it really easy to put a foot down to stay upright and can be used with just about any pair of winter boots.  For those that prefer both, I recommend a hybrid pedal like Crank Brothers Double Shot.  I have been riding these pedals for several years now and really like having the choice of whether to clip in or ride the flat side.  I will switch back and forth depending on the terrain, presence of technical features and iciness of the trail.  This is also a great choice for those that want to learn to use clipless pedals without committing fully. 

My feet get cold easily due to poor circulation so I have spent a lot of time over the years working on the right boot/sock combinations for just about any temperature during a Minnesota winter.  It has led me accumulate a bin full of wool and synthetic sock and four pairs of cold weather cycling boots.    When getting ready for a ride I must consider  temperature, ride duration and weather conditions to best choose what I will be wearing.  For longer rides or during extreme cold my foot choices need a little help so I will opt for some chemical toe warmers to buy me some extra time and warmth.  These work great because they have an adhesive to keep them in place and actually help keep toes warm.  For more information on my footwear and sock choices see the "Foot" section of my post Dressing for Winter Riding: What Works For Me.

Keeping your head, neck and face warm without overheating can be a challenge but through some trial and error with different coverings and the proper helmet, this can be overcome.  Differing temperatures and the windchill index will dictate what coverings are needed to remain warm and dry.  For me, a snowboard helmet work better than a standard mountain bike helmet for regulating heat and keeping my ears warm.  I will combine this helmet with ski goggles, a beanie, balaclava or neck gaiter as the conditions demand to find the right balance of warmth without overheating.  Read the "Head" section of my article Dressing for Winter Riding: What Works For Me to learn more about my apparel and helmet choices.

There are a lot of tricks to keep drinking water from freezing on winter rides but the most effective method I have found is using vacuum insulated containers instead of water bottles.  I've been using vacuum insulated containers for four winters now and have never had the slightest issue with them beginning to slush up or freeze.  My container of choice is the Yeti Rambler 18 oz. because it fits so nicely into a standard water bottle cage and is easy to open with gloves on.  Read my article Ditch the Water Bottle and Go With Vacuum Insulated Containers for Winter Rides to see how they perform over extended periods of time in below freezing temperatures.

Winter trail conditions are constantly changing with the weather and your tire pressure should be adjusted to match for best traction, floatation and to prevent rutting of groomed trails.  Learning what pressures work best will take some trial and error but using a low pressure gauge like the one seen above is a great start.  A low pressure gauge will help familiarize you with how the tire feels (squish test) and floats at different low pressures and helps take the guess work out of it.  These can be found at local bike shops for around $15.  Visit my post Tire Gauges to Dial In the Right Pressure For Varying Riding Conditions to learn more about these gauges.

There has been a lot of discussion on social media of whether to drop the money on an expensive pair of studded tires or to just stick with unstudded ones and pressure down.  After eight seasons of winter riding in Minnesota and several bent derailleur hangers later, studded tires for me are worth every penny.  I have learned that if I want to ride all winter or venture out onto the lakes and streams, studded tires are a necessary part of fatbiking during Minnesota winters.  Temperature fluxuations and snowfall play a huge roll in how icy the trails can be and having studded tires will be a determining factor if you will be riding or not.  If you decide to go the studded tire route you can save a bunch of money by studding studable tires yourself.  This usually takes about 45 minutes a tire and gives you the option of installing flat, concave, crown or XL studs.  Visit your local bike shop or my sponsor, BIKESTUD.COM for more information and pricing.

When winter singletrack trails are closed due to warm temperatures or grooming efforts there are still plenty of opportunities to get in a ride.  Some of my favorite spots to hit include frozen bodies of water like lakes, backwaters, swamps and small creeks.  Other land based alternatives I like to ride bring me to beaches along rivers, following deer trails in the woods and on the local plowed, paved trails.  For more information on some of these read my article Alternative Winter Fatbike Riding Opportunities.

Before heading to the local singletrack you may want to check for closures and trail conditions.  Having this information can save you a trip if the trail is closed due to freeze/thaw cycles or grooming efforts. It will also help you make an informed decision on the right tire pressure for the conditions.  Freshly groomed trails may require you to pressure down significantly to prevent ruts or you may have to add some pressure to your tires for hard packed trails.  If the trails are icy you may want to ride with studded tires for increased traction.  For a listing of trail conditions resources visit my article Fatbike Trail Condition Resources for Freeze/Thaw Season.

Washing your bike in winter does present some challenges but is necessary to remove ice, mud and especially road salt that can wreak havoc on your components.  One trick I've learned over the years is to use a pressurizable weed sprayer and fill it with warm water to rinse off the bike.  On warmer days I will do this out in the driveway making sure I cover the area with salt after I'm done to prevent an ice patch.  When it is too cold to wash my bike outside I will bring it in the garage and use a tub or low profile washing machine tray to catch the water, mud and ice.  When my wife isn't home I have been known to remove the wheels and bring the bike inside to wash the frame and wheels separately in the bath tub.  Another good place to wash your bike indoors is in an unfinished utility room that has a floor drain to catch all the runoff.  Keeping your bike clean in the winter will not only make it look nicer but could potentially save you a bunch of money in replacement parts and labor.

Riding with a frame bag is a great option in the winter for carrying items you may need along the trail.  I will usually carry my tool kit, a spare pair of gloves or some other apparel items in the event of changing weather conditions.  To keep my bag firmly in place without sliding around and to prevent rub wear on my bike's paint job I use self-fusing silicone tape at all the strap points.  This stuff really works, is easily to install and available from Amazon for around $13 a roll.  

My Favorite Winter Fatbike Gear-Part 1

Winter is finally here and and that opens up a lot of new opportunities to ride fatbikes.  Some of these opportunities are made even better with the right gear.  This will be my fifth year of winter cycling and I have a few favorite items that help make fatbiking out on the snow and ice much more enjoyable. 

Crank Brothers Double Shot pedals

Riding in slippery or technical conditions while clipped in can be a bit unnerving for some whether you're a commuter or a fatbike enthusiast.  For those that want to clip in some or most of the time while having the option of a flat, there's the Crank Brothers Double Shot pedals.  This hybrid pedal is flat on one side with moulded pins and ribs for grip and clipless on the other side that can be set up with the included cleats for a 15 or 20 degree release angle.  This is my go-to pedal for winter because it gives me the confidence of a flat when I need it for technical or icy sections.  Clipping back in after using the flat side is as easy as rotating the crank arm one half revolution and stepping on until clipped.  Crank Brother Double Shot Pedals are available from Crank Brothers, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $89.

Bontrager Barbegazi Tires

For the big flotation of a high volume fatbike tire, I really like the Bontrager Barbegazi.  This beefy tire comes in two sizes, 26x4.7 and 27.5x4.5 depending on which wheel size you're running.  I have mine set up on a pair of 26x80mm Mulefut 80 SL wheels and even with their massive width, I still have enough chainline clearance on my Trek Farley.  For off the beaten path, adventure riding and deeper snow where flotation and lower pressures are key, the Barbegazi really excels and is my number one choice for these conditions.  Its wide footprint with aggressive tread pattern and Tubeless-ready design make it a perfect tire for snowy Minnesota winters.  Available from Trek, Penn Cycle and other Authorized Trek Retailers for $119.99 each.

Orange Seal Subzero

Going tubeless for winter riding allows you to run lower pressures for the conditions without the risk of pinch flats which can happen when using tubes.  If you're like me, riding in the extreme cold is common and I want a tubeless sealant that will still perform in sub-zero conditions.  With Orange Seal Subzero Tubeless Sealant in my TLR tires I don't worry about it freezing up and not working.  Orange Seal Subzero is available in 8 and 16 oz. bottles for $14.49 and $21.99 from Orange Seal, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Multiple Wheelsets

Swapping out tires can be a pain, especially if you have them set up tubeless.  For this reason I have built two extra wheelsets instead of buying another bike so I have the freedom of choosing the wheel/tire combo for the trail conditions.  For fast hardpack I have a pair of Bontrager Hodags (27.5x3.8) mounted on Mulefut 50 SL wheels, for deep snow and bushwhacking I'm ready with Bontrager Barbegazis (26x4.7) on Mulefut 80 SL wheels and for the icy stuff I will be mounting a pair of the new Bontrager Gnarwhal (27.5x4.5) studded tires on my Jackalope wheels as soon as they are available. Switching out wheelsets is easy and only takes about 5 minutes giving me the option of the right tire for the conditions.  Wheelsets can be expensive but you'll love the freedom of choice they give you not only in the winter, but year round.  Visit your local bike shop to discuss a wheel build that works within your budget.

My Favorite Winter Fatbike Gear-Part 3

Winter is my favorite time of the year to ride my fatbike, it opens a whole different world of exploration possibilities.  But, cold weather does present its own challenges that that can be overcome with the right gear.  I have tried a lot of products over the last four Winters and have come up with a new list of some of my favorite items that I use regularly.  This is part three of a three part series where I highlight my favorite Winter fatbike gear.

Garmin Edge 1000

After using a smartphone with Strava for the past few years I finally upgraded to a Garmin Edge 1000 for ride tracking and navigation.  Battery life was always an issue using a smartphone but with the Garmin Edge 1000 I don't worry about it anymore and it doesn't seem to be affected by very cold temperatures like other rechargeable battery devices.  It's full of functions for both road and off-road riding making it a great choice for cyclists that ride a little of everything.

This unit comes preloaded with Garmin Cycle Map and has a round-trip routing feature that allows the input of a ride distance and it will calculate three ride options to choose from.  Ride statistics are very accurate and after a ride they can be uploaded to Strava through a Bluetooth connection with my smartphone.  Incoming call, text and weather alerts are also displayed when connected to my smartphone.  The large 3" touchscreen display is easy to read and with an ambient light sensor I can view it in a variety of lighting conditions.  Creating routes on Garmin Connect is easy and they are synced with the Edge 1000 so I'll never miss a turn or get off course again.  

These are just a few of the many features the Edge 1000 has making it my every bike, every ride cycling computer.  Available from Garmin, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $499.99.  A bundle version (speed sensor, cadence sensor and heart rate monitor) is also available for $599.99.

45NRTH Wölvhammer Boots

45NRTH's Wölvhammer cycling boot is my choice of footwear during Winter fatbike season.  Redesigned for 2016, this boot is easy to get on and off with its new gusseted tongue lace-up drawstring that does away with zippers.  I pair the boot with the appropriate thickness of wool sock based on the outside temperature.  My toes tend to be the first to get cold so sock choice does help and with a larger toe box the Wölvhammer has room to wiggle my toes increasing blood flow.  This boot claims a 0°-25° F comfort rating and my feet stay warm for hours with just light to medium weight wool socks when temperatures are in the 20's° F.  When temperatures dip into the teens and single digits I will switch to a medium or heavy weight wool sock.  For longer rides, the addition of chemical toe warmers give that little bit of warmth to extend my time outside by hours.

This is a very comfortable boot that is waterproof and breathable.  200g of Primaloft ECO Gold insulation with a fleece lining wick away moisture keeping feet dry and warm.  It can be used with flat pedals or install 2-bolt cleats for use with clipless pedals.  The NASA approved Aerogel insulation of the footbed eliminates cold transfer from cleats.  A deep lug pattern Vibram sole provides plenty of grip on a variety of snow and ice covered surfaces.  Pair these boots with gaiters for extra warmth and to keep the snow out when bushwacking or making first tracks.

45NRTH Wölvhammer boots are now available in Mens extra wide 38–50 (no size 49), full sizes only at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $325.

Outdoor Tech Wired Chips

Universal Helmet Audio

I enjoy listening to podcasts and music while I ride but the use of earbuds can interfere with hearing approaching vehicles or passing cyclists.  I recently got a Smith Vantage helmet and like most snow helmets it has snap fit earpads with an audio drop in.  Immediately I purchased Outdoor Tech's Wired Chips snow helmet audio kit to take advantage of this feature.

The Wired Chips have 40mm drivers for great sound and plenty of volume.  They function fine in cold temperatures and the right ear chip button controls everything form playing/pausing a track, changing tracks and answering phone calls.  There is also a built in microphone, secondary control button and volume wheel control.  They even have Siri and Android voice activation.

I have really come to like the Wired Chips because of the great sound quality, the simple controls and they still allow me to hear outside sounds so I can be more aware of my surroundings.  If I receive a  phone call I can take it  while riding without having to stop and grab my phone or take my gloves off.  It's a simple design with great sound that is easy to use.

Outdoor Tech Wired Chips Universal Helmet Audio are compatible with Bern, Giro, Smith, Anon, Pro Tec, Bolle, and others that have slots for audio drop ins.  Available from Outdoor Tech and sporting goods retailers for $39.95.  A wireless version is also available for $129.95.

Crank Brothers Eggbeater 3 Pedals

This is my second Winter riding with Crank Brothers Eggbeater 3 pedals and I absolutely love them.  I never have any problems with them or my cleats packing up with snow where I have difficulty clipping in.  I like their minimalistic design that lets me unclip quickly if I need to put a foot down or perhaps misjudged a technical feature.  Made of stainless steel, I don't have to worry about corrosion or the occasional pedal strike.

Eggbeaters can be customized for angle of release (15° or 20°) and still allow some float while pedaling.  I have my cleats set to release at a 15° angle so I can get out of the pedal in a hurry if I need to.  They have become my year round choice for mountain biking in all kinds of weather and conditions.

Crank Brothers Eggbeater 3 pedals are available in four color choices from Crank Brothers, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $120 to $135.  For the more budget minded there is the Eggbeater 1 for $59.99 and the Eggbeater 2 for $94.99.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Cyclists-Part 1

Now that the holidays are almost here, I have put together a list of some cycling products that are sure to please the cyclist on your list.  Some of these items are new while others have been around for a while.  I will have more gift ideas coming up in part 2 of this post.

Banjo Brothers Large Frame Pack

$40

Banjo Brothers came out with their Large Frame Pack last Summer which gave gravel riders, commuters and bikepackers even more storage space than their small and medium frame packs.  This 200 cubic inch (5.75 H x 19 L x 2 W) frame pack gives the rider plenty of space for food and gear on those long rides.  It will also accommodate up to a 100 oz hydration bladder for those that prefer to carry water on the bike instead of their back.  Available from Banjo Brothers, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.  

Wolf Tooth Singletrack Pogies

$125

Wolf Tooth Components introduced its new Singletrack Pogies at Interbike and they are now available just in time for Winter.  These pogies are made from waterproof and durable rip-stop nylon and have three warmth settings (Warmest:  Cuff up, zipper closed, Warmer: Cuff up, zipper open, Warm (singletrack mode): Cuff folded down) to adapt to changing weather conditions.  Wolf Tooth's proprietary quarter-turn bar plug mounting system makes for easy attachment and removal.  Compatible with most flat bars with an inner diameter between 17.4mm and 20mm.  Additional sets of bar plugs are available to make switching them between bikes a breeze.  Available from Wolf Tooth Components and some fine bike shops.

Race Face Aeffect Pedals

$120

Race Face introduces their new Aeffect platform pedals which are perfect for the fatbiker, mountain biker or downhill enthusiast.  These lightweight, thin concave pedals have a 6061 T-6 aluminum body and chromoly steel axle with cartridge bearings and DU bushings.  The large platform (101x100mm) contains 20 SHCS hex traction pins per pedal for extra bite to keep feet positioned without slipping.  Weighs only 375gr and comes in Black, Blue or Red.  Available at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Sticky Pod

$15/$18

 

From MilesWide Industries, maker of cycling products designed by cyclists, comes the Sticky Pod.  This utility pack was first introduced in 2009 as a lightweight and water resistant pod for cyclists to store essential items like CO2 cartridges, tubes, tools, etc.  The Sticky Pod fits easily in a jersey pocket or hydration pack and the grippy surface on the back keeps it in place.  It even has a touchscreen pocket for your smartphone.  Large and Small Sticky Pods in Black and Camo are available from the MilesWide Industries website.

Saris Freedom SuperClamp

$430/$800

Saris has long been a leading manufacturer of all types of vehicle bike racks and with the introduction of the Freedom SuperClamp, they have one of the best tray racks on the market.  Available in 2-bike and 4-bike models, the SuperClamp holds bikes of any type and with the addition of Fat Tire Wheel Holders, can accommodate fatbikes with 5" tires.  This is by far the best rack I have ever owned and the most stable.  With its ratcheting arms, tire trays and no frame contact clamp design it is quick and easy to load and unload bikes.  Comes with a hitch pin lock to lock the rack securely to your vehicle.  Fits 1¼" and 2" receiver hitches.  Available from the Saris website, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Inspired to Ride Movie

$13-$25

Inspired To Ride is a documentary by Mike Dion about the inaugural year of the Trans Am Bike Race which takes a small group of unsupported cyclists from coast to coast across 10 states and 4233 miles.  This road trip along the TransAmerica Trail comes with many hardships, stories and beautiful scenery.  Available on DVD/BluRay + Digital Download and Digital Download with or without Extra Paks.  Also available on iTunes and Amazon.com.

Interbike 2015 Outdoor Demo Finds

I spent two days looking at all the new offerings from the bike industry and what a better place to see them first and test some of them out than at the Interbike Outdoor Demo.  While my posts concentrate on the fatbike and gravel scene, I came across some products for those that also share my interests.  Below are some of my finds.

Vee Tire Snowshoe XL

Vee Tire is introducing the Snowshoe XL Studded fatbike tire for 2016 with a 120 tpi folding bead (shown above) and a 72 tpi wire bead with a silica compound that is designed to hold traction at lower temperatures.  This 4.8 inch studable version has 240 carbide-tip studs and a Vee rep told me the folding bead will retail around $200 putting it more affordable than 45NRTH's folding bead Dillinger 5 and Bontrager's 3.8" Gnarwhal.

9:Zero:7 Whiteout Team

The 2016 9:Zero:7  Whiteout Team carbon limited edition frame/fork combo to build up was displayed at the Outdoor demo as a super lightweight build of 18 lbs. 15 oz.  $3100 price tag to start your build.  This bike was crazy light and is expected to be the fatbike racing choice coming into this Winter.  Get one before they are all gone.

Raleigh Roker

 

For the gravel enthusiast, Raleigh has taken the Tamland to the next level with two lightweight carbon choices.  The Raleigh Roker LTD is their top-notch carbon gravel/adventure bike with clearance for tires bigger than 40c, hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting.  MSRP on the Roker LTD is $5299.99.  For the budget-minded cyclist that wants the same lightweight carbon chassis there is the Raleigh Roker Comp.  This model features the new Shimano 105 shifter and hydraulic disc brakes with a price tag coming in at $3299.99.

Crank Brothers Candy 7

Crank Brothers introduced its new Candy 7 pedal for 2016.  Although not yet available, the Candy 7 is "competition-oriented with new integrated traction pad" with an all new body shape.  This pedal has upgraded the Candy 3's inner needle bearing with an igus LL-glide bearing and an enduro cartridge outer bearing that the rep told me would not have to be rebuilt as often as the Candy 3.  When available, the Candy 7 will retail for $165 a pair.

SKS Fatboard Fender Set

Coming in January from SKS is the Fatboard Fender Set.  The quick-release rear fender with an adjustable two-hinge arm to accommodate your bike's geometry and a downtube front fender with straps,  they quickly and easily attach to to the bike.  Made of rigid plastic, they have plenty of coverage to keep you dry on those messy Winter/Spring rides. MSRP is $54.99 for the set.

GoPro Hero4 Session

GoPro introduces their new Hero4 Session, which is their "smallest, lightest, most convenient camera yet".  It shoots video in 1080p60 and photos in 8MP.  This tiny camera weighs in at only 74 grams and has an easy one-button control to capture video or time-lapse photos.  Use it with the free GoPro app for your smartphone or the Smart Remote to access most of its modes.  It is compatible with all GoPro mounts, is waterproof to 10m and has Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity for remote app control and social media sharing.  Available now for $399.99.

Surly Wednesday

I had a chance to ride Surly's newest offering, the Wednesday fatbike.  It's a 100% Surly 4130 CroMoly steel frame bike who's geometry I felt really comfortable with.  I test rode a small frame and it felt really good out on the trails at Bootleg Canyon.  I don't have a chance to experience the elevation changes and climbing like Bootleg Canyon has to offer and this bike made me feel right at home on trails that are much more technical than those back in Minnesota. The Surly Nate tires grabbed the loose terrain nicely proving that they are not just a snow tire.

With its 2X10 drivetrain, I never felt the need to shift into the smallest chainring on some of the steeper climbs where converting the Wednesday to a 1X10 drivetrain is definitely an option.  This bike is Bluto-ready and comes with the new My Other Brother Darryl tubless-ready rims for the affordable price of $1499.

My Favorite Fatbike Accessories-Part One

Winter is here and to quote Guitar Ted, "White is the new dirt".  Cold weather brings on a whole different experience and there are a lot of fatbike accessories to make riding a little more comfortable and easier to carry the gear needed for those longer rides.  Below are some of my favorite items that I use regularly throughout the Winter.

Pogies and Heated Grips

Hands are usually the first to get cold and there are a couple of ways in addition to gloves to keep them warm.  Warm fingers are more dexterous for shifting and braking and using pogies (handlebar mitts) and/or heated handlebar grips do the trick nicely.  I have a pair of Stellar Bags pogies made by a local Twin Cities cyclist who no longer makes and sells them but there are plenty of others out there on the market.  Some of these include 45NRTH, Revelate Designs, Dogwood Designs, Bar Mitts and Gup Gum Gear.  Pogies do a great job of protecting your hands from the elements, especially the wind which can cool down hands fast and they let you ride wearing lighter gloves.

A'ME Ergo Tri Heated Mountain Bike Grips do a great job at keeping hands warm and toasty on very cold rides.  These grips feature bluPulse™ ‘Adaptive Thermal Regulation’ technology with six different temperature settings that can be selected by pushing a button.  They are powered by a rechargeable 11.1 volt Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery Pack that can be mounted to a frame tube or handlebar stem and have watertight connectors.  Battery life varies depending on the setting chosen, but I usually get about three hours using the lowest setting that keeps my hands comfortable.  For more information, read my full product review.  These grips in combination with gloves and a good set of pogies will keep hands warm for hours in bitter cold temperatures letting you ride longer and more comfortably.

Frame Bag

A frame bag allows me to carry gear, snacks and my tool kit for those times I want to travel light.  Access to bag contents can even be done while riding without having to stop.  I will sometimes stash my water bottle in the main compartment of the bag giving it a little protection from the cold so it doesn't freeze up as quickly.  A good bag should be made with fabrics that have a durable water-repellent finish to keep contents dry on rides in slushy or wet conditions.  Frame bags can be purchased for specific bike models, custom made for a perfect fit and some are universal fit.  I had mine custom made by a local cyclist (Gup Gum Gear) for my mountain bike but the triangle on my 9:Zero:7 was so similar that it fit perfectly. 

Pedals

Pinned flats or clipless for Winter riding?  I will use both depending on the trail conditions.  Most of the time I like to clip in for the increased pedaling efficiency and power transfer but when conditions turn icy I switch to flats in case I need to put a foot down in a hurry.  The flats I use are actually a downhill mountain bike pedal by Xpedo, the Face Off 18.  I chose this pedal for its large platform with an open cage that doesn't build up with snow and ice.  They also have 20 replaceable pins on each pedal that helps me maintain a firm grip even when they become icy.  I'm currently using a set of Crank Brothers Candy 3's which I like for the easy in and out clipping over SPD pedals.  I am thinking of  switching to Crank Brothers Eggbeaters to eliminate the platform that the Candy pedals have to prevent ice and snow build up. 

Boots

I have two pairs of boots for Winter riding, Columbia Bugaboot Plus II Omni-Heat and my newest addition, the 45NRTH Wölvhammer.  I rode with flat pinned pedals all last Winter and the Bugaboots gripped the flats really good and the Omni-Grip outsole grabbed nicely on a variety of ice and snow covered surfaces. They are very lightweight and flexible making them a good choice for cycling.  The Bugaboots kept my feet warm on rides which usually lasted two to four hours.  During extreme cold where temperatures were sub-zero, my feet would start to get cold and toe numbness would set in.  To help extend ride time I would pair the Bugaboot with Grabber Toe Warmers and Foot Warmers.  For More information on the Columbia Bugaboot Plus II Omni-Heat, read my full product review.

The Wölvhammers, though a bit spendy are very well insulated, waterproof and breathable, three things I want in a Winter cycling boot.  When riding clipless, which is most of the time now, these are my go to boots.  I bought the next size up from what I normally wear to accommodate thicker wool socks for when it really gets cold.  These boots are new for me but I already love the comfort, feel and warmth they provide and would recommend them for cold weather fatbiking.

I will continue with more of my Faviorite Fatbike Accessories in two more upcoming posts.

Gift Guide for the Fatbike Cyclist

With the ever-growing popularity of fatbikes and snow biking, I have compiled a list of great gift ideas for the wide-tire enthusiast on your shopping list.  If you're a fatbiker, you may even want to get one or several of these products as a gift for yourself. 

Banjo Brothers Waterproof Saddle Trunk
$49.99

This bag has 400 cubic inches (12.5” L x 7” H x 8.5” W) of carrying capacity for those times when you need space for your gear.  It has a waterproof liner to keep your items dry, an outside pocket for small things like keys and money and a webbing loop on top for strapping on a jacket.  With the capacity of a trunk bag and no need for a rack, it installs securely with four point strapping to virtually any bike.  I've loaded it up with gear for long rides and it holds in place without moving around when riding bumpy terrain.  Available from Banjo Brothers, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Portland Design Works Dave's Mud Shovel-Front
$20

This fatbike specific front fender does an excellent job at blocking snow, mud, water and sand from being flung upward onto you and your frame.  It's lightweight design installs quickly and it has the length and width to keep you dry when riding through the muck.  Available from Portland Design Works, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops. 

Portland Design Works Dave's Mud Shovel-Rear
$28

This rear fender is also fatbike specific with its wide, extra long design.  It also does does an excellent job at blocking snow, mud, water and sand and keeps it from ending up on your backside.  It's very lightweight and installs in seconds.  Available from Portland Design Works, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Columbia Bugaboot Plus II Omni-Heat Boot
$120

This boot is a more cost effective option to those higher priced winter cycling boots.  It's a seam sealed, insulated (rated to -25° F), waterproof boot with Columbia's patented thermal reflective Omni-Heat insulation that retains and reflects body heat while dissipating moisture.  It is very lightweight (size 9, ½ pair = 24 oz) and flexible making it a great choice to pair up with a good set of pinned, flat pedals for winter riding.  The Omni-Grip rubber outsole will provide greater traction on all types of winter terrain.  Available from Columbia and numerous retailers.   

G.H. Meiser & Co. Low Pressure Presta Valve Dial Gauge

$16

When running very low air pressure that fatbike tires are known for, you will want to be able to dial them in to the proper inflation.  G.H. Meiser's Low Pressure Presta Valve Dial Gauge will help do just that.  Whether riding hard-packed singletrack, snow-packed trails or fresh powder, this gauge will make sure you know you are at the right pressure for for the conditions.  Simply press onto the Presta valve and hold until you get a reading and remove.  The needle will indicate the pressure and stay there until the button is pressed resetting it to zero.  Over time you will get a feel for what psi works best for differing conditions.  Available from Penn Cycle, Fatbikes.com and other online retailers.

Bar Mitts

$64.95

Riding fatbikes in winter presents many challenges due to the weather and keeping your fingers warm is one of them.  A set of Bar Mitts greatly improves keeping your hands warm and maintaining finger dexterity for shifting and braking.  Made from Neoprene, they protect from rain, snow, wind and cold.  Installation takes seconds and they can be used with fingered gloves or lobster claws for extra warmth.  Available from Bar Mitts, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

ColdAvenger Pro Softshell
$59.95

The ColdAvenger Pro Softshell half facemask will protect your face and lungs in the most extreme conditions.  It has fleece insulation with a water-repellent/breathable, windproof shell that covers your neck, ears and face.  The ColdAvenger ventilator warms and humidifies cold, dry outside air and does not impede breathing during rigorous activity.  It has been designed to work with goggles and helps prevent fogging when wearing them.  I have spent up to five hours in sub-zero temperatures wearing it and having a cold face and neck was never an issue.  Available from ColdAvenger, REI, Amazon and other online retailers.   

Lone Peak Pfeifferhorn Handle Bar Pack
$39.95

The Pfeifferhorn Handle Bar Pack has 330 cubic inches of storage space with an external pocket for small items.  An internal full length polyethylene stiffener maintains the pack's shape and provides stability.  Its three-point suspension system fits almost any handle bar type.  This pack is a great add-on for carrying gear on longer rides or a spacious alternative to a seat bag.  It comes in handy for carrying a tool kit, gloves, goggles or snacks for out on the trail.  Comes in four colors: Black, Blue, Red, Steel.  Available from Lone Peak and online retailers.

Light & Motion Stella 500
$199

The Stella 500 is a compact, lightweight, high-output LED headlamp with long run times.  Powered by a Li-ion rechargeable battery pack, it has six light modes:  High (500 lumens), Medium (275 lumens), Low (140 lumens), Pulse (140 lumens), RaceHi (500 lumens) and RaceLo (275 lumens) with run times of 2¾ to 12 hours (24 hrs. on Pulse mode).  With power like that, you'll be ready for those long rides between dusk and dawn.  Mounts without tools to your helmet or handle bars and the external battery pack can be placed in a pocket or strapped to your bike frame.  Use the Pulse mode to get you seen in the daytime on snowmobile trails or in town.  Available from Light & Motion, Penn Cycle and online retailers.  

Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiter
$75

These gaiters are tough.  They have a breathable/waterproof Gore-Tex Nylon upper and a lower panel of Cordura-coated Nylon lined with packcloth.  The two inch wide hook and loop fastener runs the full length of the gaiter to allow it to be easily put on and adjusted to many different boot styles.  The BioThane webbing instep strap keeps them securely in place and the boot lace hook keeps them from shifting.  Designed for snowshoeing, cross county skiing and glacial climbing, they will provide that extra protection needed from the knee down when riding in in wet or snowy conditions.  Available in Men's and Women's sizes from Outdoor Research, REI, Amazon and other online retailers.

Xpedo Face Off 18 Pedal
$99

This low profile, large platform pedal has 20 replaceable pins that provide excellent grip in all weather conditions.  The large openings on each side of the spindle keep snow and ice from building up and interfering with foot to pedal contact.  It has a cromoly spindle with cartridge bearings, DU bushing and a 6061 CNC Aluminum body that weighs in at only 385 grams.  Available in three color choices (Black/Silver, Red/Pearl White, Gold/Navy Blue) and comes with extra pins and wrench.  Available from Xpedo, Penn Cycle (call for availability) and other fine bike shops.