Anybody Fat Biking?
12-01-19, 05:50 PM
#1
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Anybody Fat Biking?
As in ‘using a fat bike’, not as in.... well, you get my drift! 
So last year when the snow wasn’t prime for skiing I broke down and got a used Surly Moonlander. I took it out about 10 times, skiing improved and I haven’t used it since. But serious skiing hasn’t started here yet and the trails are pretty packed - and I bought fenders since getting snow kicked up in my face wasn’t on my ‘good times’ list - which means I’m going to get out and ride it on the lower angle mountain bike trails around here. I learned a valuable lesson last year about going off trail (don’t do it!).
Maybe I’ll even ride up Mt. Crowe instead of snow shoeing up like I did Friday.
Crowe Summit 2150 m.
Or maybe I’ll just ride around on the trails on the slopes below!
Anybody else into Fat biking? I’m find getting the right clothing combo the biggest challenge.
So last year when the snow wasn’t prime for skiing I broke down and got a used Surly Moonlander. I took it out about 10 times, skiing improved and I haven’t used it since. But serious skiing hasn’t started here yet and the trails are pretty packed - and I bought fenders since getting snow kicked up in my face wasn’t on my ‘good times’ list - which means I’m going to get out and ride it on the lower angle mountain bike trails around here. I learned a valuable lesson last year about going off trail (don’t do it!).
Maybe I’ll even ride up Mt. Crowe instead of snow shoeing up like I did Friday.
Crowe Summit 2150 m.
Or maybe I’ll just ride around on the trails on the slopes below!
Anybody else into Fat biking? I’m find getting the right clothing combo the biggest challenge.
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12-01-19, 10:32 PM
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Not yet. But maybe this winter I may find a fat bike...
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12-02-19, 09:11 AM
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Never had a fat bike but I did a lot of snow riding on mountain bikes when I lived in the mountains. I actually liked the snow flying up when I hit bumps. I found the type of snow was important. If it snowed and stayed cold it was easy to ride on and traction was good. If it warmed up and got slushy it sucked to ride on. Light, fluffy snow was also a challenge. And then there's ice, the only time I ever saw my ex wife fall was when she rode onto a frozen puddle.
Riding while it's snowing is another thing. One day we were climbing a trail and I noticed the snow was sticking to us and I couldn't read the logos on people's jerseys. Looking down the trail the snow was covering our tracks so we turned back. Sleet is the worst. Freezing rain blowing in your face means time to go home.
Riding while it's snowing is another thing. One day we were climbing a trail and I noticed the snow was sticking to us and I couldn't read the logos on people's jerseys. Looking down the trail the snow was covering our tracks so we turned back. Sleet is the worst. Freezing rain blowing in your face means time to go home.
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12-03-19, 10:37 AM
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Obviously hasn’t caught on with many on this board!
Around here we we have an extensive trail system used by skiers, snowshoers and fat bikers. There are warm up huts a few kilometres apart. Most bikers own their bikes but many first timers rent. It’ll never replace mountain biking but I’ve never gone fat biking without returning with a big smile on my face. How can you not when you’re riding a bike on wheels called ‘clown shoes’?
Ice can be a hazard but fortunately we don’t get much on the trails. If you are riding on roads or expect ice you can get studded tires - but they are expensive!
Around here we we have an extensive trail system used by skiers, snowshoers and fat bikers. There are warm up huts a few kilometres apart. Most bikers own their bikes but many first timers rent. It’ll never replace mountain biking but I’ve never gone fat biking without returning with a big smile on my face. How can you not when you’re riding a bike on wheels called ‘clown shoes’?
Ice can be a hazard but fortunately we don’t get much on the trails. If you are riding on roads or expect ice you can get studded tires - but they are expensive!
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12-03-19, 12:38 PM
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Yeah, I am considerably overweight but still like to ride .... oh. Never mind.
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12-03-19, 01:26 PM
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Looks like fun. Around here by the time I get dressed, check tire pressure, set my Strava, tighten my helmet straps, the snow has melted.
Be safe and enjoy, Frank.
Be safe and enjoy, Frank.
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12-07-19, 09:07 PM
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I’ve not had a try on one yet but they are fairly popular here. My winter riding is on a mountain bike and just for training, not casual or fun riding per se.
They look like a beast to handle.
They look like a beast to handle.
12-08-19, 01:24 AM
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But this has my curiosity up. My fork on my 29er can accommodate wider than the 2.25 and 2.35 rubber I use. The rear might get a 2.5 in there. Just curious how the 29er would fare with wider rubber. Bike is a 2010 or so Performance Access XCL 9r.
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12-09-19, 08:38 AM
#11
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I thought that too. I rode one a couple weeks ago, though just near the bike shop, pavement only. Despite weighing more than my 29er, it was easier to pedal than I expected, and soaked up the bumps and imperfections in the road. I want one.
But this has my curiosity up. My fork on my 29er can accommodate wider than the 2.25 and 2.35 rubber I use. The rear might get a 2.5 in there. Just curious how the 29er would fare with wider rubber. Bike is a 2010 or so Performance Access XCL 9r.
But this has my curiosity up. My fork on my 29er can accommodate wider than the 2.25 and 2.35 rubber I use. The rear might get a 2.5 in there. Just curious how the 29er would fare with wider rubber. Bike is a 2010 or so Performance Access XCL 9r.
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12-09-19, 09:24 AM
#12
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RIDE ON.
winter seems more humbling each year...only thing physically tougher than riding on snow covered single track trails is skinning up the resort mtn.
winter seems more humbling each year...only thing physically tougher than riding on snow covered single track trails is skinning up the resort mtn.
12-09-19, 04:22 PM
#13
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In Europe they have cars with smaller tires than yours. 
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
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