I’m 73 a lifelong cyclist from Northern Saskatchewan. This is by far the best video presentation that I have learned so much from in a short period of time. No music. No ego. Let’s go winter fat biking.
Looks similar to here in Whitehorse! I ride my fatty to work and back 5 days a week on sweet trails. Weekends, we ride on the many groomed trails, and explore snowmobile trails. It's epic! Mountains make it fun, and keeps you fit. I got my first fat bike more than 10 years ago. Wish these were a thing when I was a kid. Better late than never!
Regarding geometry, we now carry Krutch Ton Ton fatbikes (Custom made in Calgary!), and our freeride loving staffers love them. But, I still prefer traditional fatbike geometry. My old Pugsley is a surprisingly good shredder, for what it is. And I want good uphill performance as much as down and flats. My first bike was a first gen RSD Mayor. I snapped a frame, a carbon steer tube, and grenaded my freehub. The old 135mm qr on my Pugs is going strong after 15 years (Shimano...). Getting a new Giant Yukon, and will likely rebuild the rear wheel around a DT Swiss hub.
Great video! Love the ride and talking aspect. Maybe show some demos of braking in different situations with a lot of explorations. Love the style of your content. Keep up the great work!
Looks pretty great! Just bought a Blizzard and hope to ride Canmore this winter. Looking for studded 26inch tires and want that confidence of not going down every time. I’ll admit this was the most informative FB videos yet.
Just found this - thanks so much for the great video! I've been riding my old Salsa Mukluk (3.8" tires) for 9 years now in southwestern Colorado - for the first 6 years, it was my year-round bike. Now I still ride it all winter, and ride it about 25% of the time in the summer, while riding my other MTB the rest of the time. I've found that "rut riding" in snow has REALLY improved my balance (very important to me - I'm 71), and made riding much more enjoyable. Many of the places I ride aren't groomed for fat bikes, so most of the time I end up on snowmobile trails or snowshoe or ski packed trails, so it's really essential to be able to ride ruts, they're the most compacted area of the trail. Fat BIking is my favorite sport - lots of solitude, fresh air and great scenery (I can't get into staring at a wall in a gym), a lot like the absolutely beautiful area in your video. Thanks again!
That looks like so much fun on a “fat bike”. The mountains in the back ground are amazing. We don’t have that here in Ontario. Great video thx for sharing
I live in Calgary. I had no idea there were such great trails for fat bikes at the Canmore Nordic centre. I’m surprised that I never saw any skiers on this video. I’m new to fat biking. I just bought my first fat bike yesterday. I’m impressed with the way you could comfortably talk while you ride. I used to teach mountaineering and the way I could tell that I was setting a good pace by how much people were talking.
Hi Gerald, yup great trails at the Canmore Nordic Centre. The two systems (bike and ski) are kept separated as a way to try to keep fatbikers off the ski trails.
Im just jealous of the trail. Nice casual ride 😍 trail builders round here just want jumps and drops and bs you can kill yourself riding, kind of a downer when youre more of a XC rider. Even fatbike trails get jumps here, and people wonder why I prefer riding skidoo and quad trails here in Northern Ontario. Been riding a hardtail mtb in the snow for 20+ years then got a ebike that happens to be fat this summer, cant wait to try it in the snow.
I loved your video.. keep all your content the same. I’m in Vernon and about to buy a blizzard 30 and I am very excited. I originally lived in the in the 80s laugh out loud best arriving.
I ride a 27.5x3.0 plus size tire in the winter and summer. I find that situations where you’d need more foat than what a plus tire can offer are very rare.it allows me to use one bike for all riding conditions, and is a bit less draggy than a fat bike tire would be. Of course this means I have to avoid the super soft stuff, but I learned that fat bikes also can’t deal with super soft snow! Not bashing fat bikes, it just is my opinion that a 4 inch tire is only necessary in a rarity of edge cases. When trails in Canmore are packed you can ride them with a 2 inch tire. I’ve seen people doing it on the Highline trail in the middle of winter.
I agree. Much of the time plus or normal studded tires are all that is needed. I also experience a fair number of days (5 or 10 days each winter) that regular and plus tires mess the trail up for fatbikes because the conditions can't support the narrow tires. The grooves left over on those days makes for a miserable experience for fatbikers. Also, it is usually the fatbike traffic that help the trails set up firmly enough for all those days when narrower tires work out well so in a sense, fatbikes are kind of necessary in the winter so narrow tires can have some fun trails. I also love riding the Canmore Nordic Center and Bragg Creek Trails in winter where they either require or request minimum of 3.8" tires which I respect. Though unlike some people who have a hissy fit when narrower tires are used, I say, If the conditions work for narrower tires then go for it.
@@BikeBrosBikeShop Good points. I do not ride my bike with narrower tires on the trails unless the conditions allow for it, and there are certainly days where I pick up my skis instead of a bike. I also dont ride at the nordic centre in the winter as it is clearly not allowed and I respect that (though I assumed it was more to protect the ski trails that you cross than the bike trails). I do think fat bikes make sense for the true enthusiast that wants to be out a lot or on a consistent basis.
Shopping for a FAT EBIKE now. This video really inspired me to get off the fence and make it happen. I will seldom ride in snow. I will ride mostly ride deep sand on the beach and mud in the mountains. I was also wondering, what would you do if a bear or wolf stepped out of the woods?
If possible, see if you can rent a fatbike before buying to make sure it gives you the experience you're hoping for. No worries about bears in the winter: they're hibernating. I Never think about wolves. Cougars are the only thing we think of in winter but the chance of that sort of encounter are pretty slim.
great video. you could discuss clothing also. i think i have everything figured out except my top core area. I find myself overheating most of the time.
Hi, there actually is a winter riding clothing video however the core is probably the least touched on subject ( partially because it seems the least cycling specific) I think overheating is the most common issue and the trade off is starting the ride feeling chilled. I think the best solution is making sure you have the couple thickest layers with zippers and using them to let air in when you first start feeling the heat. I also strategize to ride multiple 1 hour or less loops from home/car and switch out sweaty clothing each loop.
I am new to fat bike riding. Even though I rode dirt bikes growing up and into adult I never took to the snow. I couldn’t get over how my Specialized and other fat bikes as well have such a lean forward factor to the handle bars. I have been road an small trail riding this fall. Can I put a riser on my Carbon Comb without severely effecting the bikes wash out???
Hi Mark bought a Yukon 2 from you guys in 2019 and it is still running great. Giant did the recall on the rear hub and it is still fine. How did others make out with the upgrade? Great vid by the way, take care.
I'm currently using some Northface boots that I'm quite happy with though we have some staff using Adidas Terrex boots which have the 5ten stealth rubber on the sole. I struggle a bit to recommend anything in particular because fit and sizing is so crucial.
Just a small point re the low pressure settings: there is no way you can generate enough force on your tires to rip them off the bead. Just try removing a fat bike tire of its wheel, it’s not easy at all. Feel free to drop the pressure, your tire will stay on.
Hi Steve, thanks for watching. I might be overly cautious but here's my thinking: a)I don't enjoy the feeling of tires when they're too soft, b)when conditions are prime and good ruts develop in corners, I have seen signs of sealant on the tire at the rim when below about 5 psi, c)I am concerned about hitting rocks or roots at speed and getting a rim-ding or sliced sidewall, d)One thing I am very conscious of on a fatbike is that a mechanical could be dangerous - given the amount of sweat that builds up and clothing to match, a substantial mechanical (flat tire) far away from the trailhead could be a dangerous situation if I had to walk back to the car, temps dropping, in soaking clothing. e)From my experience I haven't had days where I feel like other riders (with softer tires) are able to get traction where I'm not, my fitness is the biggest factor, so going lower in tire pressure just hasn't been that appealing. I had an awesome ride a couple days ago: hope you have lately too - that is the important part.
@@BikeBrosBikeShop Ya, the super low pressure thing is applicable to very soft snow which is coincidental so ridiculously difficult that we often don’t feel the benefits because we’re sliding off the trail anyway, like last weekend. Btw I took my gravel tires off my bike yesterday and could barely do it. I needed extra help. The point being, modern tire beads really hold on well so you have nothing to worry about there.
Hi Go Riders. Welcome ;) At one point I took a huge CO2 cartridge and a 29er tube. The reality is that I find it smarter to plan my rides to be shorter loops from the parking lot (in most cases) rather than huge loops. In most conditions I think it isn't practical to consider doing serious tire repairs on the trail - dexterity with gloves on is limited, fingers would be too cold to do anything with gloves off. So I have given up on even taking tire repair stuff with me. If something were to happen I'd be off the bike and quickly walking my bike out. I take a pack with a dry thin long sleeved shirt and warm gloves in my pack to quickly change if something does happen and I have to push my bike out. The short loops are also practical because I find I'm so sweaty after a 1 hour loop that if I want a longer ride I quickly change gloves and shirt in the car at the trailhead and head out for another loop. I find I spend a bit more time checking my bike and tires before every ride to mitigate on-trail issues.
Hey Graham! Just curious if you have experimented with stem length to help weight the front wheel. Have you tried a 50mm stem on the Blizzard? I was lucky enough to get my hands on a C50, but am unsure about that 40mm stem!
Hi Marc, no temptation to lengthen the stem. I find the seated reach feels a bit stretched. if anything I've thought of shortening the stem for seated comfort. This is a bike that could use a bit steeper seat tube - it would be less comfortable by putting weight on the hands but would improve the seated reach and help with seated front wheel traction.
@@BikeBrosBikeShop I also thought the seated position was great with the 40mm stem. I think you are right in that it would be too stretched out too. The long chain stays help a lot with this bike and a steeper seat tube would be awesome. Thanks for the insight! I did increase the stack with a 35mm rise OneUp bar as the front end was low on the large. I could not go to an XL for increased stack with how big the rest of the bike got!
In reference to what? Should I change the video title to Kilobiking? 😉 The units I mention reflect the units the majority of my customers understand and relate to.
I somehow got the camera in that mode... not intentional... I'm still more of a bike guy than a camera guy. Sorry. Once I got back to editing I realized and have switched the camera back.
Misconceptuons about Fatbikes: It's not about show. I had my other bikes needing some service so I rodé my Canyon Dude for 1.5 years, mud, snow, heat & global heating, riverbeds, sand, alps, Woods, ice, frozen puddles of Water. It's à scream.. If you''redingote in perfect conditions with élite raiders on top brands you might be a bit slower, you might suffit, but you have more fun. Fatbikes are for everywhere any condition, anytime. I enjoy more my Canyon Dude than my Canyon Lux. So drop the crap about winter etc, please. Your vidéo is gréât, but It's à misconception
I made this video a while back and have made a bunch since, so don't recall if I said anything negative about non-winter use of fat bikes. If so, that wasn't the intention. Anyone riding any type of bike is good in my books. Yes, I know there are people who enjoy fat bikes year-round. That is great. For many, however, including myself, it is a winter thing and I wanted to teach others about riding fat bikes in the winter.
I’m 73 a lifelong cyclist from Northern Saskatchewan. This is by far the best video presentation that I have learned so much from in a short period of time. No music. No ego. Let’s go winter fat biking.
thanks for the feedback. cheers!
Wow, what a cool trail and bike. That looks like so much fun.
Fat biking is AWESOME I love my 2 fat tire bike's!! 👍👍👍🚴♂️😎
I Luv the Format
I really enjoyed this video. What I’d like to see are guides to trails that are good for fat bikes in the Calgary and Canmore area.
Красивая тропа! Я тоже купил фэтбайк и радуюсь зимнему катанию! Спасибо за видео!
Looks similar to here in Whitehorse! I ride my fatty to work and back 5 days a week on sweet trails. Weekends, we ride on the many groomed trails, and explore snowmobile trails. It's epic! Mountains make it fun, and keeps you fit.
I got my first fat bike more than 10 years ago. Wish these were a thing when I was a kid. Better late than never!
Regarding geometry, we now carry Krutch Ton Ton fatbikes (Custom made in Calgary!), and our freeride loving staffers love them. But, I still prefer traditional fatbike geometry. My old Pugsley is a surprisingly good shredder, for what it is. And I want good uphill performance as much as down and flats. My first bike was a first gen RSD Mayor. I snapped a frame, a carbon steer tube, and grenaded my freehub. The old 135mm qr on my Pugs is going strong after 15 years (Shimano...). Getting a new Giant Yukon, and will likely rebuild the rear wheel around a DT Swiss hub.
Great video! Love the ride and talking aspect. Maybe show some demos of braking in different situations with a lot of explorations. Love the style of your content. Keep up the great work!
Looks pretty great! Just bought a Blizzard and hope to ride Canmore this winter. Looking for studded 26inch tires and want that confidence of not going down every time. I’ll admit this was the most informative FB videos yet.
Thank u so much. Words I've always wanted to put out to the public. You are a Fatbike Prophet... the Chosen One. Anointed for Fatness.
Wow, thanks for the kind words! I'm curious which particular words resonated with you so much.
Learned a lot from this, thanks!
Just found this - thanks so much for the great video! I've been riding my old Salsa Mukluk (3.8" tires) for 9 years now in southwestern Colorado - for the first 6 years, it was my year-round bike. Now I still ride it all winter, and ride it about 25% of the time in the summer, while riding my other MTB the rest of the time. I've found that "rut riding" in snow has REALLY improved my balance (very important to me - I'm 71), and made riding much more enjoyable. Many of the places I ride aren't groomed for fat bikes, so most of the time I end up on snowmobile trails or snowshoe or ski packed trails, so it's really essential to be able to ride ruts, they're the most compacted area of the trail. Fat BIking is my favorite sport - lots of solitude, fresh air and great scenery (I can't get into staring at a wall in a gym), a lot like the absolutely beautiful area in your video. Thanks again!
Thanks so much for the feedback!
Really very informative! Thanx for the video!
You organise information quite well so please continue!
Finally the video ive been waiting for. Thank you so much for your knowledge and explanations. very well done!
GREAT and THOUGHTFUL VID!
Great video. Format is awesome, I am a fan of the talk n ride way. Loving my yukon 1
All excellent tips, just picked up my first fat bike, a Trek Farley, 9.6, can’t wait for the first snowfall here in Pa, nice job & safe riding!
That looks like so much fun on a “fat bike”. The mountains in the back ground are amazing. We don’t have that here in Ontario. Great video thx for sharing
Thank you 🤗 It really is an incredible part of the world for summer and winter riding.
Thanks for the video. I just bought a fat tire bike and will use some of the techniques you’ve covered when the snow flies. Cheers!
Thanks for the feedback. Let us know your experience after the first couple rides. Hope you have some great rides!
Awesome video! I like the format as well. I did a good amount of fat biking last winter but it’s something I want to do more of
I live in Calgary. I had no idea there were such great trails for fat bikes at the Canmore Nordic centre. I’m surprised that I never saw any skiers on this video. I’m new to fat biking. I just bought my first fat bike yesterday. I’m impressed with the way you could comfortably talk while you ride. I used to teach mountaineering and the way I could tell that I was setting a good pace by how much people were talking.
Hi Gerald, yup great trails at the Canmore Nordic Centre. The two systems (bike and ski) are kept separated as a way to try to keep fatbikers off the ski trails.
Im just jealous of the trail. Nice casual ride 😍 trail builders round here just want jumps and drops and bs you can kill yourself riding, kind of a downer when youre more of a XC rider. Even fatbike trails get jumps here, and people wonder why I prefer riding skidoo and quad trails here in Northern Ontario. Been riding a hardtail mtb in the snow for 20+ years then got a ebike that happens to be fat this summer, cant wait to try it in the snow.
I loved your video.. keep all your content the same. I’m in Vernon and about to buy a blizzard 30 and I am very excited. I originally lived in the in the 80s laugh out loud best arriving.
In Banff
Nice looking bike buddy. With a good setup!
Thanks 👍
I need a fatbike! Thanks for this video!!
This video is awesome. Thank you!!
Glad you liked it! Thanks
Great tips, thank you.
Beautiful day !
Amazing video, the roller-coaster is appreciable.
thanks and thanks for watching
I ride a 27.5x3.0 plus size tire in the winter and summer. I find that situations where you’d need more foat than what a plus tire can offer are very rare.it allows me to use one bike for all riding conditions, and is a bit less draggy than a fat bike tire would be.
Of course this means I have to avoid the super soft stuff, but I learned that fat bikes also can’t deal with super soft snow!
Not bashing fat bikes, it just is my opinion that a 4 inch tire is only necessary in a rarity of edge cases. When trails in Canmore are packed you can ride them with a 2 inch tire. I’ve seen people doing it on the Highline trail in the middle of winter.
I agree. Much of the time plus or normal studded tires are all that is needed. I also experience a fair number of days (5 or 10 days each winter) that regular and plus tires mess the trail up for fatbikes because the conditions can't support the narrow tires. The grooves left over on those days makes for a miserable experience for fatbikers. Also, it is usually the fatbike traffic that help the trails set up firmly enough for all those days when narrower tires work out well so in a sense, fatbikes are kind of necessary in the winter so narrow tires can have some fun trails. I also love riding the Canmore Nordic Center and Bragg Creek Trails in winter where they either require or request minimum of 3.8" tires which I respect. Though unlike some people who have a hissy fit when narrower tires are used, I say, If the conditions work for narrower tires then go for it.
@@BikeBrosBikeShop Good points. I do not ride my bike with narrower tires on the trails unless the conditions allow for it, and there are certainly days where I pick up my skis instead of a bike. I also dont ride at the nordic centre in the winter as it is clearly not allowed and I respect that (though I assumed it was more to protect the ski trails that you cross than the bike trails).
I do think fat bikes make sense for the true enthusiast that wants to be out a lot or on a consistent basis.
Had studded 2.35 ice spikers for the last few yrs before this Blizzard and you could absolutely fly in the right hard pack conditions last yr.
Shopping for a FAT EBIKE now. This video really inspired me to get off the fence and make it happen. I will seldom ride in snow. I will ride mostly ride deep sand on the beach and mud in the mountains. I was also wondering, what would you do if a bear or wolf stepped out of the woods?
If possible, see if you can rent a fatbike before buying to make sure it gives you the experience you're hoping for. No worries about bears in the winter: they're hibernating. I Never think about wolves. Cougars are the only thing we think of in winter but the chance of that sort of encounter are pretty slim.
great video. you could discuss clothing also. i think i have everything figured out except my top core area. I find myself overheating most of the time.
Hi, there actually is a winter riding clothing video however the core is probably the least touched on subject ( partially because it seems the least cycling specific) I think overheating is the most common issue and the trade off is starting the ride feeling chilled. I think the best solution is making sure you have the couple thickest layers with zippers and using them to let air in when you first start feeling the heat. I also strategize to ride multiple 1 hour or less loops from home/car and switch out sweaty clothing each loop.
Look at mesh/fishnet base layers. Like those from Wiggy's, Aclima, Brynje, etc.
I am new to fat bike riding. Even though I rode dirt bikes growing up and into adult I never took to the snow. I couldn’t get over how my Specialized and other fat bikes as well have such a lean forward factor to the handle bars. I have been road an small trail riding this fall. Can I put a riser on my Carbon Comb without severely effecting the bikes wash out???
Hi Mark bought a Yukon 2 from you guys in 2019 and it is still running great. Giant did the recall on the rear hub and it is still fine. How did others make out with the upgrade? Great vid by the way, take care.
Outside of a fat bike which of the affordable marin bike's would be best this kind of winter weather
What trails were you riding in this video? What month was it recorded?
Just found your video. Great info. Just curious, what kind of shoes do you use with flat pedals that keep your toes warm?
I'm currently using some Northface boots that I'm quite happy with though we have some staff using Adidas Terrex boots which have the 5ten stealth rubber on the sole. I struggle a bit to recommend anything in particular because fit and sizing is so crucial.
Just a small point re the low pressure settings: there is no way you can generate enough force on your tires to rip them off the bead. Just try removing a fat bike tire of its wheel, it’s not easy at all. Feel free to drop the pressure, your tire will stay on.
Hi Steve, thanks for watching. I might be overly cautious but here's my thinking: a)I don't enjoy the feeling of tires when they're too soft, b)when conditions are prime and good ruts develop in corners, I have seen signs of sealant on the tire at the rim when below about 5 psi, c)I am concerned about hitting rocks or roots at speed and getting a rim-ding or sliced sidewall, d)One thing I am very conscious of on a fatbike is that a mechanical could be dangerous - given the amount of sweat that builds up and clothing to match, a substantial mechanical (flat tire) far away from the trailhead could be a dangerous situation if I had to walk back to the car, temps dropping, in soaking clothing. e)From my experience I haven't had days where I feel like other riders (with softer tires) are able to get traction where I'm not, my fitness is the biggest factor, so going lower in tire pressure just hasn't been that appealing. I had an awesome ride a couple days ago: hope you have lately too - that is the important part.
@@BikeBrosBikeShop Ya, the super low pressure thing is applicable to very soft snow which is coincidental so ridiculously difficult that we often don’t feel the benefits because we’re sliding off the trail anyway, like last weekend. Btw I took my gravel tires off my bike yesterday and could barely do it. I needed extra help. The point being, modern tire beads really hold on well so you have nothing to worry about there.
What do you do to prepare for flat tires? Are you carrying a spare or do you walk it out if you flat?
Hi Go Riders. Welcome ;) At one point I took a huge CO2 cartridge and a 29er tube. The reality is that I find it smarter to plan my rides to be shorter loops from the parking lot (in most cases) rather than huge loops. In most conditions I think it isn't practical to consider doing serious tire repairs on the trail - dexterity with gloves on is limited, fingers would be too cold to do anything with gloves off. So I have given up on even taking tire repair stuff with me. If something were to happen I'd be off the bike and quickly walking my bike out. I take a pack with a dry thin long sleeved shirt and warm gloves in my pack to quickly change if something does happen and I have to push my bike out. The short loops are also practical because I find I'm so sweaty after a 1 hour loop that if I want a longer ride I quickly change gloves and shirt in the car at the trailhead and head out for another loop. I find I spend a bit more time checking my bike and tires before every ride to mitigate on-trail issues.
Hey Graham! Just curious if you have experimented with stem length to help weight the front wheel. Have you tried a 50mm stem on the Blizzard? I was lucky enough to get my hands on a C50, but am unsure about that 40mm stem!
Hi Marc, no temptation to lengthen the stem. I find the seated reach feels a bit stretched. if anything I've thought of shortening the stem for seated comfort. This is a bike that could use a bit steeper seat tube - it would be less comfortable by putting weight on the hands but would improve the seated reach and help with seated front wheel traction.
@@BikeBrosBikeShop I also thought the seated position was great with the 40mm stem. I think you are right in that it would be too stretched out too. The long chain stays help a lot with this bike and a steeper seat tube would be awesome. Thanks for the insight! I did increase the stack with a 35mm rise OneUp bar as the front end was low on the large. I could not go to an XL for increased stack with how big the rest of the bike got!
🚴🏼🚴🏼🚴🏼🫡
And which rear hubs are the best for fat biking? 🤷🏼♂️?
DT Swiss is the brand we turn to for people needing to upgrade their rear hub.
Even snow machines sink given deep enough powder snow.
Clipless pedals are a lie right out of the dictionary.
It's too bad you did not bring your Malamute along, dog make outdoor adventures many times X better.
use metric system please.
In reference to what? Should I change the video title to Kilobiking? 😉 The units I mention reflect the units the majority of my customers understand and relate to.
First time I've watched someone MTB in snow. Nice vid but why is it in 4:3?
I somehow got the camera in that mode... not intentional... I'm still more of a bike guy than a camera guy. Sorry. Once I got back to editing I realized and have switched the camera back.
Bang a Motor Onn IT
Misconceptuons about Fatbikes:
It's not about show. I had my other bikes needing some service so I rodé my Canyon Dude for 1.5 years, mud, snow, heat & global heating, riverbeds, sand, alps, Woods, ice, frozen puddles of Water. It's à scream..
If you''redingote in perfect conditions with élite raiders on top brands you might be a bit slower, you might suffit, but you have more fun.
Fatbikes are for everywhere any condition, anytime.
I enjoy more my Canyon Dude than my Canyon Lux.
So drop the crap about winter etc, please.
Your vidéo is gréât, but It's à misconception
I made this video a while back and have made a bunch since, so don't recall if I said anything negative about non-winter use of fat bikes. If so, that wasn't the intention. Anyone riding any type of bike is good in my books. Yes, I know there are people who enjoy fat bikes year-round. That is great. For many, however, including myself, it is a winter thing and I wanted to teach others about riding fat bikes in the winter.