Get frosty with winter cycling on a fat bike

Trade hibernation for exhilaration during the frosty Canadian winter by venturing into the snowy landscapes on a fat bike.

These robust two-wheelers are specifically designed to conquer a variety of terrains, from snow and ice to sand and mud. As fat biking gains momentum, riders are seizing the opportunity to explore local trails while fully embracing this eco-friendly mode of transportation.

Discover the thrill of winter cycling and join the growing community of adventurers who are turning the cold season into a playground for their fat bikes!

Kevin Weymouth is a mechanic at Frontenac Cycle in Kingston. He says fat biking is a niche market but is becoming more popular. He describes them as “mountain bikes that are meant for looser conditions like snow or sand,” especially when travelling over various surfaces.

“It won’t change resistance so much as you change between the different types of surfaces,” he says.

Fat bikes have mountain bike technology with extra clearance for those wide tires. They also have wider handlebars. Studded tires are preferred for riding in the winter for that extra grip on snow and ice. Studded tires run with lower air pressure giving the rider more control to tackle just about any surface. This makes the fat bike a popular choice for winter excursions.

Bike prices start at about $1,300, or you can spend many thousands of dollars on the perfect fit.

“I would say if you’re looking at something that is under $1,000, it’s probably not going to last very long,” Weymouth cautions.

Fat bike riding is increasing in popularity because technology has gotten better – at least, that’s half the reason, Weymouth says. “I think it’s just more visible now. More people are doing it, and it’s reached that tipping point.”

People of all ages and sizes with various — or no — fitness levels are hopping on these burley beasts to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful local trails, not just during the snowless seasons. Riding a fat bike can provide an excellent cardiovascular workout. The resistance offered by challenging terrains and the effort required to maneuver the bike can contribute to improved fitness levels over time.

Ed Kraus is the owner/operator of Ideal Bike locations in Belleville and Wellington. He said he will have fat bikes to rent next winter, as they are in the middle of moving their Wellington bike shop to 27 West St. He offered some great trail ideas for the bike enthusiast.

In Quinte Conservation, there’s Potter’s Creek, a small, basic trail that’s nice if you want to get some miles outside.  “People ride on the bay when the ice is thick enough,” Kraus says. Just like a snowmobile trail, fat biking trails also need to be groomed for use.

Kraus says they do have a lot of fat bike users in the area who run with studded tires because of the variation in temperatures. “You’ll often get freeze-thaw, freeze-thaw which leads to a lot of ice. Those who have purchased fat bikes from us are all running studded tires now.”

The fat biking community is known for its inclusivity and friendliness. Many regions have fat biking events and group rides, providing beginners with opportunities to connect with other cyclists and learn from more experienced riders.

Fat biking might seem quite demanding for a newbie. Start gradually with shorter rides, allowing time to familiarize yourself with what may feel like a brand-new sport. It’s perfectly OK to walk occasionally, so don’t feel discouraged if you need to take a break.

For a fat bike trail near you, visit OntarioTrails.on.ca.

RENTALS

There are 20 kilometres of Summerstown Trails located at 6150 County Rd 27, Williamstown, where fat bikes are welcome. Rentals are available at $15 per hour for a bike and helmet. The trails are looked after by the Friends of Summerstown Trails, and are located on gentle rolling terrain, protected from the winds in the forest. Rent a bike and helmet for $15 per hour. There is a Facebook group for up to date trail information, or email summerstowntrails@gmail.com. 

• Frontenac Cycle in Kingston Frontenac Cycle is located at 336 Barrie St., Kingston, and is the city’s oldest bike shop, selling new and used bikes and providing service. They rent fat bikes, but only for use at the private members’ club – MTB Kingston: $50 a day, or $100 for the weekend. For studded tire fat bikes, the rate is $60 a day, or $120 for the weekend. MTB Kingston offers 40 kilometres of trails that are exclusive to members only as it’s located on private property.
• Ideal Bike: They will have fat bike rentals for the 2024/2025 season. With locations in Wellington and Belleville, visit this bike store for a variety of other types of rentals and services. Located at 225 Front St, Belleville, and 27 West St., Wellington.
   

TRAILS

• Kingston’s rural portion of the K&P Trail. This nearly 200-kilometre trail is a multi-part, mixed-use recreational trail between Kingston and Renfrew, Ont. It follows the old Kingston and Pembroke Railway line, where you can climb bluffs, an escarpment, traverse wetlands and ravines, and pass farm fields and even a historic mill.
•  Potter’s Creek Conservation Area in Belleville. This is part of Quinte Conservation and contains an assortment of tree-lined, mixed trails – great for beginners. 
• Millennium Rail Trail: 49 kilometres from Trenton to Picton.
• Ontario Bike Trails has a host of groomed fat bike trails across the province.

As winter enthusiasts are increasingly turning to fat biking, travellers have the chance to immerse themselves in the thrill of the season, forging unforgettable memories. Why settle for the ordinary when you can pedal into the extraordinary? Try fat biking and redefine your travel adventures, one snowy trail at a time!  

The information provided here is current at the time of publication and is subject to change. Please check the links for trail conditions before heading out. Enjoy the ride!