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.  

Field Tested Cycling Gifts-Part 1

When it comes to cycling gear and accessories I'm always looking for something new that is functional and improves my ride.  I have field tested a lot of products over the years and found items that worked great and others that didn't.  In this two part post I will highlight some products that met or exceeded my expectations and would make great gifts for the cyclist (or yourself) on your holiday shopping list.

Upstand

The Upstand is not your normal kickstand.  It's made from carbon fiber, is lightweight, compact and fully detachable.  It has a strong neodymium axial magnet that keeps it attached to the metal tab that installs on a quick release skewer or thru axle.  I recommend purchasing it with the Upclip so it can be attached to the water bottle boss bolts on the bike's frame for storage when not in use.  With the Upstand you no longer have to lean your expensive bike up against something or lay it down risking scuffs and scratches.

The Upstand is available for bikes with standard 26"/700, 29" and 20" wheels with either thru axles or standard quick release skewers.  Available from The Upstanding Bicycle Company for $34.95.

Hot Sockee

The Hot Sockee is a product I came across at Interbike '17 where I bought a pair to try out because the first thing to get cold on close to or below freezing rides is my toes.  These 1.5mm thermal neoprene toe warmers slide on directly over socks to give that little bit of extra insulation to keep phalanges from getting cold.  I primarily use them in the Winter with a cold weather cycling boot but have also opted for them in the Fall and Spring with my cyclocross boots or mtb shoes.

The Hot Sockee buys me some extra time out on the road or trail to enjoy the ride and because I roll with clipless pedals year round, they provide one more layer of warmth from the cold conducted through the sole from metal cleats. Pair them with wool socks to wick away any moisture if feet get a little too warm.  Available from TraxFactory in sizes S/M, L and XL in a two pack for $27 or a four pack for $50.

G.H. Meiser Accu-Guage

For accurate tire pressure readings in any temperature, you can't beat the G.H. Meiser Presta Valve Dial Gauges.  These gauges have bronze bourdon tube precision movement that is not affected by temperature, altitude or humidity giving the most accurate reading possible.  These easy to read dial gauges come in a variety of psi readings for everyone from the low pressure winter fatbike rider to the high pressure roadie.

I have two of these gauges, one for my fatbike tires (0-30psi) and one for my gravel bike tires (0-60 psi).  Meiser gauges really let you dial in that perfect ride feel/traction and they are all I ever use when checking my tire pressures.  These gauges make a perfect gift for any cyclist whether they are an avid rider or just get out for a ride occasionally on the weekends.  Available from local bike shops and Amazon for around $15.

Bontrager Ion Pro RT/Flare RT

The picture above is a very common sight on my desk. I use these two lights on every ride whether it is to be seen by motorists on the road during the day or lighting up the trail while mountain biking at night.  The Bontrager Ion Pro RT and Flare RT definitely are my favorite, and I have a bunch of different lights.  Both units have nice battery life and are extremely bright.

Pair them with your Garmin GPS device using the Bontrager Connect IQ app to control them and see the remaining battery life.  The Ion Pro RT has five modes (1300LM-1.5hrs, 800LM-3hrs, 400LM-6hrs, night flash-26hrs, day flash 22hrs) for daytime and night riding.  The Flare RT has five modes (Flash: 90LM-6hrs, 45LM-12hrs, 5LM-15hrs Steady: 25LM-4.5hrs, 5LM-13.5hrs) and is daytime visible from up to 2km away.


Available from Trek and Trek Authorized Dealer bike shops as a pair for $154.99 or individually, $99.99 for the front light and $59.99 for the rear light.

Look for part two of this post soon with four more of my field tested gifts for the cyclist on your list (or yourself).

My Favorite Fatbike Accessories-Part Two

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.

Gaiters

Gaiters are a great way to keep legs from the knees down warm, dry and boots from taking on snow.  I like the Crocodile Gaiter from Outdoor Research because they are extremely durable, waterproof and breathable.  Breathability allows transfer of vapor keeping my tights and baselayer dry underneath, which is key on long rides in the cold.  Blocking the wind and providing a little extra thermal protection are added bonuses to keeping the snow from working its way into my boots.  For deeper snow and frigid temperatures gaiters make a great addition to your fatbike riding apparel.

Tire Gauge

Keeping your tires properly inflated is key to speed, control and traction.  Colder temperatures can cause tire pressure to decrease as much as 2% for every 10° F drop, so checking your tires to ensure proper inflation should be done before each ride.  A change of as little as a pound or two of psi can make a huge difference to how a fatbike tire reacts to the conditions you are riding.

I carry a G.H. Meiser Low Pressure Presta Valve Dial Gauge to give me accurate readings at very low pressures that regular gauges might not be able read.  This model reads tire pressure from 0 to 30 psi and is not affected by cold temperatures unlike some digital tire gauges.  This gauge is an excellent choice for fatbikers looking to dial in that that precise inflation for the conditions, whether they be soft/hard pack snow, "mash potatoes" or fresh powder.  With a little experimentation you will learn to set tire pressures exactly to your liking.

Frame Pump

I carry a small frame pump with me on rides to modify tire pressure giving me the ability to adjust for changing trail conditions.  It gives me the freedom to let some air out of my tires to gain traction with the ability to increase tire pressure if the riding conditions require me to do so.  Adjusting tire pressure up or down by a pound or two can make a big difference.  I like the Bontrager Air Support HP Pro (short model) for its compact size and the flexible hidden hose that threads onto Presta valves making inflation easy.

Fenders

When temperatures get above freezing riding a fatbike can get a little messy.  Mud, sand, slush and puddles can get a rider all wet.  To combat this and keep riding dry and comfortable, Portland Design Works has made Dave's Mud Shovels.  These lightweight, quick-install fenders are wide enough to keep water, mud and muck from being flung all over your legs and backside from those big tires.

The front and rear models install quickly and accommodate a wide variety of tube diameters.  They are reasonably priced, lightweight and really do keep you dry, even when splashing through big puddles.  If you're an all-weather rider like me, you'll come to rely on Dave's Mud Shovels for those messier rides.

I will continue with more of my Faviorite Fatbike Accessories in one more upcoming post.

Tire Gauges to Dial In the Right Pressure For Varying Riding Conditions

Keeping your tires properly inflated is key to speed, control, traction and avoiding pinch flats.  Colder temperatures can cause tire pressure to decrease as much as 2% for every 10° F drop, so checking your tires to ensure proper inflation should be done before each ride, especially in winter.  Fatbike tires with their large air volume are designed to run very low pressure and need to be adjusted depending on the riding conditions.  A change of as little as a pound or two of psi can make a huge difference to how a fatbike tire reacts to the conditions you are riding.  I had a chance to test two gauges recently that will do the trick for fatbike tires and one works with any bike tire.

 The SKS Airchecker Digital Pressure Gauge is so compact, it is easy to carry with you in a tool pack, seat bag or jersey pocket.  It weighs only 45 grams and works with Schrader and Presta valves so it can be used on everything from road bikes to fatbikes.  After using it for both my mountain bike and fatbike tires, I have come to like the handy features of this little device.  The head swivels to get into a variety of positions for an easy reading. The large backlit display is easily seen in low light conditions.  Bleeding off a few pounds of air pressure to achieve a desired reading is done by simply pushing the orange deflate button on the head.  It automatically shuts off after each use and even with the low psi of my Hüsker Dü tires, the Airchecker had no problem reading single digit air pressures.

The only negative that I came across when using the Airchecker was during extreme cold conditions.  I brought it along in my frame bag on a below zero day and later tried to get a reading on my fatbike tires and could not get a result.  This can be avoided by keeping it in a jacket or pants pocket to protect it from the cold.   Other than that, it's a convenient gauge that works with all bike tires to get a quick and accurate reading.

The SKS Airchecker Digital Gauge comes with a carrying pouch and is available from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $24.99.

The G.H. Meiser Low Pressure Presta Valve Dial Gauge reads tire pressures from 0 to 30 psi and is tested for accuracy to within .25% of the scale. This gauge is an excellent choice for fatbikers looking to dial in that that precise inflation psi for the conditions, whether they be soft or hard pack snow, trail or on-road/urban riding.   It will give very accurate readings for fatbike tires which typically have very low inflation psi.  Most fatbike riders will run 6-8 psi for softer conditions, 10-15 psi for trail riding and 20-25 psi for on-road/urban riding.  With this gauge and a little experimentation you will be able to set the pressure exactly to your liking.  I found running 6 psi in the front and 8 psi in the back for snow pack and 10-12 psi for dirt singletrack works best for me.  This gauge helps me "tune in" my tires to find that perfect balance between float and bounce.

Because it is made with a Bourdon tube movement, it is not affected by temperature, humidity or altitude changes making it a great choice for winter riders.  What I like most about this gauge is the large easy to read 2" dial that holds a reading until the button is pressed and its ability to bleed air from a tire by holding the button.  Once the button is released after an air bleed, the gauge will display the pressure.  With temperature changes and differing riding conditions, I really like this gauge for fine tuning my fatbike tire pressure before or during a ride.  It definitely helps me achieve the proper roll.

The G.H. Meiser Low Pressure Presta Valve Dial Gauge is available from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $19.99.

Disclosure:  SKS USA and G.H. Meiser provided the review samples for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review.