Commuting in the Snow on a Fat Bike in Idaho
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 มิ.ย. 2024
- I've been commuting to work for over 6 years. The last 3 years I've been riding a fat tire bike or a fat bike. Come along as I show you how I ride to work in sub-freezing temps.
My bike: www.bicyclebluebook.com/value...
Bar Mitts: amzn.to/38dy0lx
Head Gloves: amzn.to/2KA643c
Music:
Come on Out by Dan Lebowitz (youtube Audio Library)
![[MIRRORED] LISA - ROCKSTAR 🎸 MV version #LISA #BLACKPINK #ROCKSTAR](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-U58DuCCtZk/mqdefault.jpg)
Get that man a Go-Pro
Yay, fellow winter bike commuter! So much joy riding a bike in the snow! And it's not the big deal people seem to think it is. I never really understand that when they call me brave or crazy (or anything else). I'm just riding a bike for heaven's sake. Plus they don't seem to realize that as you ride, you're creating heat. After the first couple of cold minutes, I'm often too warm. I've bike commuted year round for many years - in Michigan, in San Francisco and in NYC. Currently that would be a ride of about 8 miles each way. Instead of a fat tire bike, I have studded winter tires that I switch out on my hybrid street bike. Your gear choices look good. One thing, though: I love my basket and bunjee cords on the back. That way I don't have something strapped around me and it feels much more free and easy (and is good for grocery shopping). I also really like to have fenders as I ride in the rain as well as snow. One tip that may sound goofy, but that has saved my toes more than once: when it gets truly cold (wind chill below zero): plastic bags over your socks and tucked inside your boots will help. Do you have any issues with drivers shouting obscenities at you, purposefully blocking your path, throwing things at you, etc.? I've had quite a bit of that, especially in Michigan. I've been punched and spit on, as well. Maybe guys don't have as much of that? Who knows? (And still we ride.) But we always get the best parking spots and as I ride by a traffic jam, I often say out loud, "Traffic jam? What traffic jam?" Oh, and please treat yourself to a better lock or at least convince your building manager to let you bring your bike into your office. Happy, happy riding!
Cyclists (in your area) must be equipped with front and rear dashcams. After any act of insult, violence, accident on road, you go to Police with all evidents in one video file (time, place, car driver aggression and his car number). In my town Bike population slowly grow up for long years, some people commute even in winter, but its total extreem, and car drivers hate them like anywhere on Earth, but I have never met that awfull things, that you are talk about.
Let me ask you .. where in Michigan that happened ? What you told us is crazy .
Indeed, I bike to work too. Only 2.5 miles/ 4 km (yes, I am not an American, but I am from the Netherlands/ Holland). It only takes me between 14 and 16 minutes, depending on bike I am using (Dutch city bike vs. trike; HP Velotechnik Gekko FX).
Cycling in the winter is no problem either, I use one of my 2 fat trikes (ICE Full Fat Trikes). One is E-assist and the other is 100 % muscle power. Snow is very rare, due to oceanic temperate climate. But night frost with black ice is a regular problem. That is why I cycle on a trike = stability.
And you are right not to take your car on short ride, the wear and tear on your engine is great. And you will be colder in your car, then on your bike too. The heating does not work the first 2 miles. Great video to promote cycling to work.
Wow, you are much braver than I! I can’t even fathom biking in 30 degree weather. I’m a big baby about the cold.
I know that this was posted a while ago but I'm new to bike commuting and this really opened my eyes to winter cycling
I have been bicyckle cummuting for 13 years. I have about 8 km (around 4,9 miles) to work. I do it in all kinds of weather. It takes me about 25 minutes in the summer, and 30 to even 45 minutes in the winter, depending on how good the road has been plowed (?) after a snowfall. For clothes in the winter i dress in layers. Usually Craft undergarments, a fleece jacket and a windbreaker on top. I add a layer of microfleece if it gets really cold. And for my bicycle, a Trek X Caliber 8.
You are a brave man to ride in weather like that, one way to get your morning & evening work-outs.
I bike commuted for a few years but drove during winter. Fenders and a bike basket were always saviors for me, no wet clothes and extra storage space if you needed it certain days. Thanks for showing your set up. 👍🏻
Not dumb, committed.
Thats awesome F.D.
I do the same thing in our area up here in the North...
Short day trips to stay mobile...
I should of bought a fat tire years ago...
And now its all season riding for us...
Life in the slow lane ,,, take in the sigths and sounds...
Thanks for sharing...
Cheer from the North
Hello I enjoy your and your wife’s videos. I can’t get out and do much because of my health. But I love watching bike rides and a good haul of clearance food. Be safe and God bless.
I'm in practice riding to get ready to commute 25km to work this winter. Uphill both ways. I ride a RSD Mayor fatbike with a Lauf carbonara front fork, and 1x11 SRAM. Looking at putting on the Vee studded tires, and going tubeless, as we get alot of ice on the roads here in Calgary , Alberta, Canada, and it's hilly. Average temp -10C, but can get as cold as -38C. Someday I may add a Bafang mid-drive motor and 58V battery. So I happened upon your channel, as I look to see what other riders do for setups. I rode to and from university classes, in the past, instead of waiting for buses that never came, and had to walk home.
Love your videos! Christine’s also. We just got 30 inches of snow last night and today in NH. I am not a winter person anymore!
Oh wow!
Thanks for sharing this video on saving money by doing something you enjoy. I'm not into riding bikes but have a couple in case it's absolutely necessary. I was hit by a car while riding several years ago, so I think that impacted my joy for that sport. Love hiking, jet skiing, and boating though, not really commuting activities, but I retired 6 years ago and rarely drive anywhere anymore.
Good for you!
We have belts on our bikes. That makes it easier.
In the Netherlands you were very normal by communting by bike to your work. I have even two bikes one for groceries and biking to my work and one for vacations (the one with the belt. and my husband the same.
Thank you for covering temperature from F to C
Rock on. It’s not dumb to ride in winter. Night time is awesome. Fatbiking in northern Minnesota, even fatbiking on a frozen lake, is a dream. Experiencing the outdoors in a bike in winter is incomparable. I haven’t commuted due to long distance to work but take every chance I get to be out on the bike. 45nrth tires with studs are great on the constant freeze/thaw.
I’ve heard that Minnesota has done of the best fat biking in the US.
@@FrugalFitDad It is awesome here and very cold. Many of the trails are groomed for xc skiing only but there are some groomed multiuse trails. Getting off-road or on snowmobile trails is best. Last winter, it was surreal being the only one riding around town because cars could not get out in the deep snow. It’s been the highlight of cycling for me and one of the reasons I moved up here.
Before I retired, my commute, here in Anchorage, was about 5-6 miles each way, mostly on a separated bike path, but also on and crossing major roads. Studded front tire & and an after-market, removable, electric wheel made the winter bike commute a 4 day/week possibility, even in fresh snow & I'd arrive w/o being sweaty (as long as I took off my Frogg Toggs right away.)
So there's your gear recommendation you asked for.
Ride On.
Electric wheel? Where did u get that from? How was it installed? Front or back?
I'll be doing this in Blizzard's.
Add a sidecar and I also built a durable complete enclosed box with heat and a windshield with a whiper.
So much fun 😊 love it
Don't have a bike so I walk to work. Half hour there and back. I dress according to the weather. It's good excercise. Great video
I'd be riding that commute right along side of you in the winter. ND winters are absolutely BRUTALLY cold and windy virtually all the time, and I ride all year around here. Have since I was in my teenage years, and I'm now pushing 43. My commute just for work, from my sister and brother in laws, is 4.5 miles. From my apartment it's 10.2 miles. Always a nice ride, until it's real windy. Love every minute of my rides, short the horrid winds and brutally cold temps we get. Pogies were definitely one of the better investments for my bike. Grabbed mine on Amazon for 40-45$ and so far this winter, I haven't worn gloves once yet with the pogies. It also hasn't been super cold yet either. So, we will see when we get our regular cold snaps.
We share the same love for cycling. I live in Billings Montana and ride 5000+ miles a year. Including winter with a Rocky Mountain Blizzard.
Gear you could use is studded tires other than your ride is just a mile. My coldest rides have been in the -20 to -25 range with wind chills in the -50s. Gotta cover your face for that stuff. Motocross goggles work decently when needed.
My uncle always dove back and forth to work maybe 4 km one way at 75 he still bikes and swims laps , he is never sick and doesn't have any health problems. Just saying take care of your self today and the future is brighter and less painfully. Good job riding to work .
Those are life-goals right there.
Drove
I enjoy your channel..thank you for sharing your thoughts on things
Loved this I ride my bike year round and to work
Wow...kuddos to you. Saves money and you get you exercise and quiet time.
You (and your wife) are INsane.
I love it!
Thanks for the inspiration and work put into making content.
LOVED your post! I commute right 3 days outta the week now during the nicer days on a road bike and have recently purchased some Rambo 750W E fat tire hunting bikes that I plan on commuting on in the winter months as well as let much year round!
Thank you for the really informative video!
WOW! Dave, you're crazy, but admire you for what you are doing.
Awesome to share your winter fat bike commute. I do it every day here in Anchorage AK. But here, I'm not unusual. At -5 degrees F a week or so ago, I even passed by an old guy out riding his adult trike. Keep up the inspirational commuting!
I don't commute in the winter yet, but I am doing my research. That's how I found your video. Thanks for helping me learn.
God Bless you, you are a trooper. I wish I could get my tush back on my bike.
thank you so much,
That was really super super helpful,
You literally just helped me to take a huge decision in my life,
I really liked your video thanx 😁
Here in Colorado quite a few people commute via bike in all weather, not that I've done it, yet! Great video and really cool you went over your gear!!
The snow sometimes reaches the middle of my wheels. It makes pedaling difficult. And I slow down to about 2 mph sometimes. But it keeps me happy!
Great video!
Amazing video!
I'm on my 4th Ryan Holiday book so I chuckled when I saw you pull that up. Great read!
Have you read his new one “Courage is Calling?”
Bontreager has really nice 5 inch wide flat fenders. they are perfect for those sloppy days where it's snow, slush and water.
absolute inspiration.
You’re crazy 😜 but I love it. Brave man great cardio I just subbed like to see more
Nice. I want to find a job closer to home so I can ride my fatbike to work...lol. Here in Canada we were - 37c last week. Hard to bike to long in that kind if cold. Thanks for the inspiring vid!
Living in Georgia and seeing you commute in this weather..... I can't even!
Great stuff! I love riding in wintertime, just got a Gravity Monster5 fat bike for that purpose.
I'd never heard of a fat bike...very interesting! I'm glad you protect your skin and it's helpful to see all the safety systems you use. Happy holidays!
They are less common than normal mountain bikes, but they are cool for special circumstances like this, and they can also be driven on loose ground like sand (at beaches or through deserts etc) without sinking in.
They are a little bit harder to pedal on dry asphalt, but it's not that much than it is usually expected.
Thank you for posting this. I live in Utah and once there is a little bit more public transportation, I'm looking forward to getting rid of my car and saving on all those expenses.
Oh wow. Those handle bar coverings are awesome. You gotta wonder, who was riding in the snow and came up with these? Good job. And good job not letting the weather keep you down. Good going Dave. Love Bev from Oklahoma
Nice video, glad to have stopped by and watched it till the end. I also recently purchased a fat tire ebike. It's got 500 watt rear hub bafang motor 48V and so far it's been fun riding. I rode yesterday in our first snowfall of the year. I've got heated gloves to keep my hands warm, and a set of heated socks. I got both items from Amazon. I strongy recommend getting a fat tire ebike. If you don't have major hills, then a 48V 500 watt motor will be good enough for your size. I have a Thule Coaster XT on the back of mine, and take my children throughout some really nice trails (4 season weather), and one of the trail leads to the beach from my place. So, it's a lot of fun for myself and the little munchkins. Well, there's something about riding a fat tire bike in the snow that really does make it theraputic. I was out riding yesterday afternoon for about an hour an half before I decided to grab some food and head home. Currently, I'm looking at getting studded fat tires on rims so that way I can easily swap between summer and winter tires on my ebike. I don't commute to work using an ebike, so it's more of just pleasure riding for me, but I don't think I'd have an issue commuting to work any season of year on an ebike if I had to. I knew this one partner at our law firm, he would ride every single day to work, rain or shine, or snow, he didn't care. He'd also bring his own homemade lunch and would never buy food from outside. When you spoke about riding and saving wear and tear on car expenses, I totally get it. Btw I recommend you getting front and rear lights for your ebike so you're a lot more visable outdoors to people driving. Also, get an approved helmet as I didn't see you put one on. Well, stay safe out there!
I biked to work in Montana for about 8 years (but now I’m retired). I just had a mountain bike, but I had studded tires for the winter. They worked well. I only biked about 3 miles to work, but if you figure that my car would just be starting to warm up by the time I got there, biking made sense. It was also an adventure every day. The coldest I biked in, was -10F. People at work looked at me as if they were seeing me for the last time, but it wasn’t that bad, because you stay somewhat warm because you are working. The worst part was after the snow got compacted and cars made ruts in the snow. I had to take care to cross those ruts at a 90 degree angle, otherwise I’d fall. I was fortunate, because I could take mostly residential streets to work, with only a small portion that a “main drag”.
I had that packed rut experience on my 700x40c studded tires in Wisconsin. Switched to a fat bike and never felt those packed ruts again. 💪
It's crazy, I like it.😁
The only thing that scares me is getting hit by a car slipping in snow.
Just this year I found a bike path that I can ride to work, but it's 5 miles. I don't have the right bike for it for winter, but it's on my wish list :)
First time seeing one of your videos. As a geology grad I am way too familiar with that building. lol. Also, my husband and I saw someone riding a bike on our street just a day or 2 ago, so you're apparently not the only one crazy enough to ride a bike in this weather.
Way to go! I haven’t biked to work yet (~4-5 miles), but hope to try at least once! I often bike to the grocery stores, which are either 1 or 2.5 miles away from me. I’ve “braved” the Texas cold when it’s been in the high 30s/ low 40s and misty, but only to my closer grocery store. I hope to still go out when it’s colder, but I’m not sure I’ll have the motivation to 😂
You can dress up for the cold, so dress yourself with real winter clothes. Fashion clothes and winter do not go well.
On winter slippery roads you have to lower the saddle (to sit like on motorcycle), to have extra leg support if your wheels grip instantly lost. Ride twise faster than you walk on foot, no more.
On winter slippery roads you have to lower the saddle (to sit like on motorcycle), to have extra leg support if your wheels grip instantly lost. Ride twise faster than you walk on foot, no more.
I have the exact same bar mitts ha! haven't had a chance to use em yet cause here in mid southern Idaho it doesn't seem to get that cold lately. Hey love the fat bike and video thanks for sharing!
Having a front shock on a mtb is really important in the winter. I keeps your front tire from jumping sideways when you run over a lump or bump.
The bar mitts are cool!
I built out a 80’s MTB into a winter specific utility bike. 2.1 studded 45 North’s, internal 8 speed hub, dynamo with light. Yep, pogies, or bar mitts, too. We have some crazies in Alaska to thank for fat tire bikes. Wyoming, BTW.
Much respect biking in that weather. 🤜🤛 I would highly recommend a neck gaiter!
This sounds crazy. But you make it look like fun.....
I like the idea of riding a bike to work and getting a workout at the same time.
That's awesome!
What are you missing? You've got your bar mitts. You've got basic winter cloths. The two things that I use pretty much every day that I don't see you use are studded tires and a buff to cover my neck and face as needed. Studded tires are a must on hard icy surfaces. If you don't have to ride on hard ice, studs aren't a big deal. A longer commute would give you a chance to get warmed up. Groomed off-street trails would improve the joy, ease, and safety of your commute. When it drops below about 5 degrees, warmer shoes are helpful. When it drops below about -5, it's nice to have a face mask (or buff pulled up over your face) which then requires goggles to keep your eyewear from fogging up.
Man that is DEDICATION! Respect lol
I don't like to bike much because I feel unsteady. But I think it's cool if anyone else does it. If I lived that close to work I would probably just walk. I like walking. My brother used to bike to work (until he got laid off). He lives in vegas though so he never has to worry about the snow. I also think your bike is so cool!
You know you live in a small quiet town if you even consider a cable lock, much less use one. I just kept thinking "No way that bike gonna be there after a full day at work." I don't know how, but it was still there...
Im so jealous that you can commute to work on a bike. I am about 7 miles from work and even though it isn't that impossible by bike. I live in a dense city area with no bike routes so it wouldn't work. I live near NYC and there is a guy that I read a few years back that kayaked to work. Never heard that before but anything is possible around here. lol
Good for you man! Loved the content!! Ride On @Frugal Fit Dad, ride on :-)
Much appreciated!
I've done it for three years before retiring. I think it's crazy to drive in the snow, especially when the authorities tell you not to.
You don't need to scrape your windows or ask for help when you're stuck in the snow.
You do need snow tires, dress warmly and give more time- just like driving.
I would get a couple good U locks or chains, a yellow shaded ski goggle. I have only been doing it 1 yr. Im upgrading to a ebike with shocks. My commute is 3x longer now and has rough roads/ & lots of sidewalk jumping.
I'm such a knucklehead! I thought it was a flat tire for the snow ❄️haha. I live in southern Ca and truly have no understanding. So brave. Wow 😮
THANK YOU! I pedal out from just north of Idaho Falls to work near the airport on my spiked fat tire bike during winter. When snow and ice isn't on the ground, I pedal a red Rotovelo velomobile.
Thanks!
Spiked fat tire bike commute in snow and ice:
6.5 miles
70 minutes
5.6 mph average speed
Velomobile commute on a good day:
8.6 miles
40 minutes
13 mph average speed
My coworker mentioned that I pedal slowly in the snow. She also thought my velomobile was a road cone. It is festooned with cable Christmas lights, reflectors, two intense front and rear lights, and a six foot pole with an American flag on it. Not a road cone...
Awesomeness
I started riding to work 4 mi. each way in early June, my only regret is that I had not been doing it since '92 when I started working there. Only times I drove was when there was too much rain. No, I'm NOT saving lots of money, my car gets almost 30 mpg but I love the fresh air and peaceful atmosphere, and of course I'm burning 500 calories every time I ride to work and back. I need to lose weight so like they say at McDonalds "I'm loving it". I'm in a northern climate so I'm researching this to get ready for it. I've only got one bike and that is a road bike but I can get another bike for winter. I don't think I need a "fat tire" bike to do so, maybe a Trek FX with 35mm wide tires?
As a citizen of the Netherlands, I wonder why you would chose anything else than a bike to commute these distances😁. I agree, we don't have harsh winters, but we keep on biking when it freezes or snows or rains or whatever weather.
Keep on enjoying your ride!
If it were me, I wouldn't drive that distance either. But I also wouldn't bike it. I would probably walk it, even in the winter. I just like to walk. I fear falling over on a bike, I'm not the steadiest rider.
@@leannepayne4081 Try a tricycle
Thanks for this video. Our family has biked to work and school for years. Our son loves biking over the fresh snow and even avoids the plowed bike path.
Biking in to Boston every morning, we have enjoyed many snowy commutes. For the super cold mornings, we prefer to wear a moisture wicking balaclava. We prefer the lighter weight materials to the thick neoprene style. My husband also likes to use a neck gator to cover his mouth.
I like the mitts. Those seem to be a great idea. For most cold and wet days, my husband uses paddling gloves. I use a double glove we found at Costco a few years back.
We ride mountain bikes with fenders to keep the slush and dirt from getting on everything.
Enjoy your ride!
I've been considering fenders. That would sure speed up the wet commutes.
I was riding in the snow yesterday, I guess I am crazier than you as I am not going to work, just out having fun. I try to do 13-30 miles a day. The biggest thing I have learned is to wait an hour after the ride before you shower as it is hard to judge the water temp with cold hands and feet ; )
I’m excited to ride my aventon e-bike this winter in Coeur D’Alene
all love to you from Iraq💖💖
Hey another fatbiker in town!
I'm a year round bike commuter. This was excellent to see. Hmmm, what gear are you missing? Well, do you feel like you're missing something? You have everything that works for you. Maybe to keep your face warmer, consider wearing a balaclava. Oh, and I have fenders on my bike, helps keep all components cleaner.
I have been doing all my errands on my bike but I have only been doing it when there is no snow or ice outside. I don't have a fat bike so I might try my mountain bike with 2.5 inch tire during the next snow.
I commuted to work in Denver, a face covering neck gaiter.
Wow you are just to cool.
I’m jealous men 😁have fun dude
It would be driving a bike on the ice that would stop me from that! And my age. Lol. I fell hard, in ice once, when I was about your age and I was bruised for many months. It hurt!!! Be careful!! 😊
If it gets into the negative, get the snowboarding jacket/pants out, ez.
same with the gloves get ticcer ones with the mits.
This is standard for me in Sweden and I just got a EMTB just for the winter
so I'm in manitoba and I use a radrunner ebike, I commute to university with my bike, coldest I've been in is -20C and some decent wind for 3km, and that was, not amazing. but I'll do -20C no wind all the time and if it's not windy I'll do even colder. I find that if I have to deal with slush the throttle of the ebike lets me get more control just like it is when you're driving a car. I think if you wanted to up the cold game a full-face helmet is going to be king.
The savings is huge and for me I just don't have a car at all, bike, bus when it's cold(free with uni) and then if I really want a cab is 10-15 bucks in my town of 50 thousand so, when you compare that to the depreciating asset that is a car like. For me a car doesn't make sense.
I bike commute. It winds up being 5.5 miles (it is closer to 10 when I drive because I am able to use a rail trail when I bike). I usually stop in the winter because the rail trail is closed. I am thinking about biking to my bus stop (it is one mile away) and taking the bus to work this winter .
-10 Celsius, OMFG I would die! I hate cold weather, even though we have 4 seasons here in my country in Europe, winters have been really warm lately and we rarely get any snow anymore. But damn, I die even if the weather goes below 0 Celsius. :D Even though I bike everywhere in the city, I stop doing it when the weather turns cold. Not bcs of the cold per se, but bcs of the slippery roads. I don't want to buy a second bike for that, so I currently use public transport during those few months. But all in all I still save on ticket fees and all that during the nice weather with riding my bike.
I wish more people would use the bike instead of the car in the US. But even in my country, people are so comfortable and they don't understand how much easier it is to park a bike and sometimes, as you said, it is also faster than using public transport or a car.
This was very interesting, thanks! It's kinda cool with those fat wheels! And you don't seem to have a lot of traffic, so that's good as well! Stay safe!
p.s.: That bike lock is really funny for me, if you use that in my city, your bike will be stolen in 5 minutes. :) I have two bike locks that I use, which are really heavy duty. I don't even want them to think about trying to steal my bike. But here they try to move anything off your bike, just to get something out of it, so I see a lot of bikes locked with the wheels missing or the seat missing...I hate it.
I can’t stand bike locks. They are either so heavy duty that they are a pain to take with you or so portable that they don’t protect your bike. Fortunately my town has very little theft.
I agree that more people should ride bikes. It’s ridiculous the short distances people in my town drive their cars.
@@FrugalFitDad Yes, my locks are super heavy. But you do what you gotta do just to protect your stuff. I don't like theft either, especially bike theft, bcs life should at least reward me for trying to keep Earth less polluted, not let someone steal my bike! :D
Nice😉
“It’ll all work out”
Me in all aspects of life lol.
Be careful out there
I don't ride my Fat tire bike to work because the Road and Bridges are too narrow, but I have rode my Fat bike year round on Bike trails.
I ride my bike every day to work & ride for fun
tbh it saves you more money then mentioned at the end because you do sports and stay fit and healthy! Thats saves a lot of medical bill for you :D
BRRRRRRR!
I suggest you use a U-Lock and to lock your front tire too.
I can't figure out what to do with the chain in the winter. My thought is put a cheap 1x system (8 or 9 speed microshift or something?) on the bike and then grease the chain up. If it's lathered in oil, it shouldn't rust. Do a cleaning every once in a while and then grease it up again. In the spring, take it all off and put the entire drivetrain in an ultrasonic cleaner. Edit: I fluid filmed the heck out of my old Trek 700 (including the drivetrain) about 4 years ago and I haven't cleaned in since. Granted, I probably only put about 50 miles on it during the winter but I'm shocking that the road salt didn't get to it. I haven't cleaned or maintained that bike in 4 years and use it as a spare bike for vacations, etc. Dry chain vs wet in winter... Ongoing debate.
Damn thats a thin wire lock. I have a motorcycle chain 😆 left it at work.