Cold Weather Biking & Fat Bike Tips
Are you new to cold weather biking? Looking for a few tips, where to ride or and idea of what this whole fat bike thing is about? Read on for our take on how to have the most fun on two wheels this winter!
Want to explore winter riding but don't have the right bike? Contact us to reserve a Fat Bike Rental!
What to Wear
Staying comfortable is the name of the game for winter biking! Check out our tips to stay in the Goldilocks zone (not too cold, not too warm) this winter!
Its all about the layers!
It is a good idea to dress a little “cooler” than you think. Once you get out and start biking your body will heat up in 10-15 minutes and you won’t want to be overdressed and sweaty. Stick to synthetic clothing or wool (no cotton!) that will wick sweat away from your body, same with socks, stick to wool or a good quality synthetic. Once you get wet and sweaty it becomes hard to stay warm on the trail unless you really keep moving! Throwing a thick, dry pair of socks in the car to change into after your ride is a pro move.
Choose a jacket that matches your conditions. Soft-shell jackets are great if it is windy and not too cold, but for really cold days don’t be afraid to wear a puffy coat. We like to layer with a base layer (long undies) that are synthetic or wool, a fleece vest then a coat. Then if you get warm you can ditch the vest and unzip your coat and that’s usually good enough to vent your body heat.
Footwear
Warm winter boots work best for fat bikes. Try to choose a boot that is tall enough on the ankle that when you step off the bike you don’t fill your boots with snow each time, or choose snow pants with a good elastic cuff on the bottom. If you’re more serious, consider a bike-specific winter boot like the ones from 45Nrth. They have a stiffer sole for pedaling, SPD cleat compatibility and there are few options depending on the temps when you plan to ride.
Gloves
Figuring out the right gloves is key, as nobody likes cold fingers. Mittens are the warmest choice but they can make shifting and braking difficult. Try a pair of “lobster” gloves where two fingers are together and two are separate (index and middle) for a good combination of dexterity to shift and brake but also keep your hands warm.
Headwear & Helmet
If you’re wearing a standard bike helmet you’ll likely want to wear a thin beanie or a headband as well. Downhill ski/snowboard helmets work great too and they often already have warm ear flaps built in. Ski/Snowboard goggles are the best for eye protection but regular sunglasses work fine as long as you don’t have a gaiter because they’ll fog up, that’s why the goggles are handy.
What to Bring
Be prepared for wintery conditions
Fluids
Even though it is cold outside, you’ll still be sweating and burning calories. In the winter it can be nice to bring an insulated bottle with a warm beverage to stay hydrated and have a nice warm up when you stop and take a break. Check out our Bivo insulated bottles - they’re great for both warm and cool liquids, they’re super easy to clean and they come in lots of fun colors and sizes.
Nutrition ( aka SNACKS!)
Be sure to bring snacks, because you never want to be stuck without one! You’ll likely find when you fat bike you’re not moving as quickly as other styles of biking, so making sure you have some food if you end up out a little longer than usual you don’t bonk (that is, get really hangry).
Hand and Foot Warmers
Since you’ll have a bag (or just extra pockets in your jacket), throw in a couple instant hand warmers and toe warmers to stick to your socks. They’re small and great to have in a pinch if your hands get cold. Stop in the shop and grab a few hand and toe warmers before your adventures.
Bike Bags
Fat bikes are great for strapping on bike packs - they’re already heavy and you’re definitely not going to be concerned about being “aero” so why not bring a nice big handlebar bag and stuff it full of snacks? You can also try a fanny pack, just avoid a backpack as you’ll end up with a sweaty back which can make you cold.
Tire/Inflation Tools
It can take a little bit of practice to get your tire pressure dialed in. When you’re biking in snow you want to run tire pressures low enough to not leave ruts on the trail - sometimes as low as just a couple PSI of pressure depending on your rubber set up! We like to carry a digital tire pressure gauge and a frame pump so we can make adjustments on the fly if conditions change or we didn’t get our pressure quite right before we left home. While you’re at it, carry your usual fix-it kit: a multi-tool plus a way to deal with a flat tire (spare tube, plugs, patches, levers, inflation…whatever matches your setup). Flats are less likely in the snow but they can happen and pushing a fat bike out in the snow is no fun!
Where to Ride
Rice Lake and the surrounding areas have fantastic fat biking! You can ride a fat bike most places you can ride a regular bike but watch for special rules (minimum tire sizes, where you can’t bike on ski trails, etc). Here are a few of our favorite spots to bike and to hang out!
Rice Lake Area
Hiawatha and River Doc are great beginner trails and are kept well groomed in the winter. While biking is allowed on the Tuscobia Trail we don’t recommend it with all the snowmobile traffic, if you do go make sure to wear lots of lights! Of course you’ll want to stop by Woodland Coffee, our in-store coffee shop for a warm drink and a baked treat before you head out!
Cumberland Area
Timberland Hills has been our go-to for mountain biking. Check them out in the winter, and be sure to pay attention to where bikes are and aren’t allowed (stay off their lovely XC ski deck!). Don’t forget to stop in to Louie’s Finer Meats to grab something delicious on your way home!
Spooner
The Wildcat Trail system is wild, remote and fun to bike in the winter! Check the Washburn Co. Tourism site for latest conditions, and bring a map. When you’re finished with your ride swing into Spooner for a bite and a beverage at Round Man Brewing Co. or grab a cocktail at Perlick’s Distillery just on the south end of the trail system.
Bloomer Area
Hickory Ridge is beautiful in the winter and has plenty of trails to explore! Check trail conditions before you go on Trailbot or their website.
Hayward Area
The Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association trails are legendary in the summer and the winter. Our favorite spot is to start from the new lodge at the OO Trailhead and head out south on Makwa for a ride through varied forest types that crosses the Birkie trail a handful of times. Bring a cooler with some beverages and snacks for when you get back to the trailhead or hit up the Sawmill Saloon in Seeley or the Angry Minnow in Hayward!
Tackle Snow & Slush on the Right Bike
Winter doesn’t need to be months of sitting on the couch or plugging away on a trainer - get out and enjoy colder temps and delightfully messy conditions on a bike built for winter. Once you find the right bike, gear up with insulated gloves and winter-repellent outerwear.
