Gearing Up for Winter Bike Riding with Fat Bike Asinine
Stoked to ride snow, ice and everything in between!
Hey there, fellow riders! It's that time of year again. I live for the crunch of the first snow under those big, chunky tires each winter. Welcome back seasoned fat tire bike riders. If you’re new to winter riding (or just new to riding in general), good news: you’ve picked an awesome time to start. Winters on a fat bike (or any bike) are truely magical. The trails and roads quiet, the world goes white… and when you're set up right, it's some of the most fun you’ll ever have on two wheels.
Let’s dive into how to get you ready for winter—layering up, staying warm and dry, and making sure your ride rocks. Whether it’s a traditional fat bike or electric I’ll point out some top gear from Fat Bike Asinine’s online store Fat Bike Asinine so you can click through, gear up, and hit the snow and cold with confidence.
Why Layering Matters (and how to do it right)
Winter riding is all about managing heat, moisture and wind. When you pedal through snowy winter roads and trails, your body’s working in a different zone than summer rides (even if you don't get a lot of snow where you ride, it still probably gets cold). If you overheat, you’ll sweat—and that’s bad in freezing air because the moisture turns to cold against your skin. If you under-dress, you’ll freeze! Layering is your friend.
The three-layer system:
1. Base layer (next to skin): moisture-wicking, breathable.
2. Mid layer (insulation): retains heat but still allows ventilation.
3. Outer layer (shell): windproof, water/snow resistant, lets heat escape if needed.
Fat Bike Asinine’s Winter Apparel & Accessories will help you stay warm and dry this winter with moisture-wicking base layers, heat retaining mid layers and weatherproof outer jackets.” Fat Bike Asinine So, when you see pieces like a quarter-zip base layer and a weather-proof soft-shell jacket in the store, think of how they slot into this layering system.
Highlighted Gear and How It Fits In
Here are some gear picks from Fat Bike Asinine that I recommend for winter fat-biking, paired with how I personally use them out on the snow.
1. Jackets & Outer Shells
They’re your shield from cold wind blasting across a glacier-flat trail, or snow blowing sideways on a chilly day. Choose something with a bit of insulation + weather resistance. Items like the Mens Winter Cycling Weatherproof Tech Soft-Shell Jacket and Weatherproof Fleece Lined Jacket With Hood.
Mens Winter Cycling Weatherproof Tech Soft-Shell Jacket
Weatherproof Fleece Lined Jacket With Hood
Tip: If you’re riding an ebike (more on that soon) you’ll be going a bit faster at times and wind chill ramps up—so a good outer shell is even more critical.
Pro tip: Start with your base + mid when you begin your ride and also put the outer shell jacket on. It’s all about flexibility. If you get too hot you can partially unzip your out shell jacket without fully taking it off so you're still protected from moisture if you take a tumble.
2. Base Layers
Fat Bike Asinine has moisture wicking base layers and jerseys: e.g., Mens FADYCAKE Quarter Zip Base Layer and Womens FADYCAKE Quarter Zip Base Layer. That's right ladies... FBA has Winter women specific apparel for a better fit and ride.
Mens FADYCAKE Quarter Zip Base Layer
Womens FADYCAKE Quarter Zip Base Layer
Why these matter: Your base layer keeps you dry and comfortable on your winter rides. When you’re cruising snow-packed roads and trails, you’ll generate heat. A base layer that wicks sweat away prevents chafing and keeps that sweat from staying on your skin and chilling you down.
Tip: Even if you’re riding an e-fat bike vs. traditional fat bike, you’ll still work hard. Especially if you're climbing, so don’t skip this.
3. Gloves & Hand Protection
Must have accessories: Lobster Winter Cycling Gloves and Weatherproof Fat Biking Gloves with Pocket for Hand Warmer.
Weatherproof Fat Biking Gloves with Pocket for Hand Warmer
Your hands are far more vulnerable than you realize. Freezing fingers = no fun. And, when your fingers get cold it becomes harder if not impossible to operate breaks and shifters. Good gloves give insulation + wind protection, and extra features like a hand-warmer pocket are next level.
Tip: If you ride an electric fat bike and you coast or glide more, you may have more exposure to cold air (less constant pedaling—less body‐heat). So hand protection is very important.
4. Beanies & Headwear
For winter cycling I can't shout out this product enough! It's a beanie that can fit under your regular bike helmet. Plus, it has slits in the sides for sunglasses to slide into. Winter Helmet Beanie.
Heat escapes from your head, ears get cold very fast, especially when you’re moving. A thin fleece beanie that fits under your helmet is perfect.
Tip: If you ride in very cold temps or lots of freezing wind, cover your ears plus use a neck / face gaiter too.
5. Handlebar Mittens (Pogies)
Winter fat biking 101. Handlebar Mittens for Winter Cycling, Fat Bikes and Mountain Bikes.
Handlebar Mittens for Winter Cycling, Fat Bikes and Mountain Bikes
These are often overlooked but they’re gold. When you ride in snow, your handlebars are exposed and fingers get hit by wind, snow spray, and cold. Handlebar mittens protect your hands and gloves by creating a shelter on each side of the bars.
Tip: If you ride an e-fat bike and you sometimes coast or rely on throttle/assist, those hands may get even colder—so handlebar mittens help maintain warmth when you’re moving fast or gliding. Don't be intimidated, they are very easy to get used to riding with.
Tips and Tricks for Winter Fat Biking (Traditional & E-Fat Bikes)
Now that you’ve got the gear, here are some practical tips—especially for those new to riding in the cold.
Tire pressure & traction matter
On snow, you typically lower your tire pressure on a fat bike to increase surface contact and grip. If you have an e-fat bike (with electric assist), you may hit speeds where the snow layer is thin and icy—consider studded tires or at least be cautious.
Visibility counts
Shorter daylight hours and often grey skies: wear bright or reflective gear, use lights, and make sure your outer layer has reflective accents (some of the winter jackets list that feature).
Warm-up and cool-down smart
On traditional fat bike rides, you generate a ton of heat on climbs and then maybe cool off on descents. On an e-fat bike your assist might reduce the warm-up, but you’ll still cool down quickly. Pro Tip: Start layered, pedal a few minutes, then adjust. After finishing, have a warm change of clothes ready—once you stop, you’ll chill fast. A packable puffy coat can be taken along and used if you stop for an extended period of time while out riding.
Watch the wind chill
It’s not just the ambient temperature that matters: riding speed creates wind chill. Even if it’s “only” 20 °F, if you’re moving at 15+ mph you feel colder. Good outer layers and wind-protection gear become even more critical for e-fat riders because you’ll potentially have more speed.
Keep your battery warm (for e-fat bikes)
If you ride an electric fat bike, your battery performance drops in very cold temps. Try adding the Weatherproof eBike Battery Cover. You’ll help protect the battery from cold and moisture. Tip: Keep your battery inside until just before your ride, store in a warm place, and consider a short warm-up ride to “wake it up”.
Mind your braking and shifting
In snow and ice, things are slick. On a traditional fat bike you may shift less aggressively. On an e-fat bike with a boost, you’ll get extra power—be smooth with throttle or pedal-assist. Tip: Start with smaller pedals strokes, lower your center of gravity, and don’t assume you have the same traction you do on dry ground. Breaking slowly before turns will help keep you from sliding and on the trail.
Stay hydrated & fueled
Cold air manages to trick you—just because you’re not sweating like summer doesn’t mean you’re not losing fluids. Make sure you’ve got water (insulated bottle helps) and food/snacks. Riding in snow takes energy.
Have a plan and tell someone
Winter trails can change fast. Ice layers, snow drifts, tree limbs. Whether on a traditional fat or an e-fat bike, let someone know your route, bring a phone plus small tool kit and maybe an emergency blanket.
Ride Confident, Ride Happy
Whether you’re new to fat bikes or brand-new to winter riding, picking up a fat bike (or e-fat bike) opens up a whole new playground of snowy trails, forested ridgelines and crisp frosty mornings. And with the right gear from Fat Bike Asinine and layering strategy, you’ll stay warm, look good and stay safe.
So, gear up: grab the base layer, grab the gloves, handlebar mittens, beanie, outer shell and get ready. Click through to the gear at Fat Bike Asinine and build your winter fat‐bike wardrobe. www.fatbikeasinine.com
Here’s to the snow crunching under your tires, the wind in your face (on purpose, not by accident), and many miles of winter trail bliss. See you out there—happy fat biking!
Ride hard, stay warm, and ride safe!