Beginner’s Fatbike FAQ – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know more about fatbike riding? Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions from our customers who want to get started in this sport.
Is fat biking different from mountain biking?
Fat bikes are very similar to mountain bikes, only bigger and a little less responsive. Riding on snow isn’t as precise as riding on dirt, so it takes a while to get used to, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll love it.
In the winter, when the snow is soft or your tire pressure isn’t optimal, the effort required to ride a fatbike is greater than on a mountain bike in the summer. Steering is also more difficult as the bike sinks into the snow. When conditions are firm, the opposite is true. The effort is less because the trail is smooth and the bike’s tires offer less resistance. Riding is easier because the trail is not blocked by rocks or roots as it is in summer.
In general, after a short period of adjustment, all types of cyclists, even those with little experience, enjoy winter fatbike riding. It’s a relaxing activity at a slower pace than summer road or mountain biking.
Where can I ride my fat bike in winter in Quebec?
Quebec stands out from the rest of the world with its exceptional variety of trails. More than 70 centres throughout the province offer this activity. Check out Vélo-Québec’s interactive map to find a centre near you. You can also have fun on unofficial snowshoe or snowmobile trails, where you’ll share the trails with other users.
When can I ride my fatbike in winter?
Since you’re riding on snow, it’s best to give new snow time to compact. It’s best not to go out when a fresh snow flurry has just fallen, because your tires will create ruts in the trails and you’ll have trouble finding traction. Nor should you go out when the machines have just groomed the trails, to give them time to freeze properly overnight. You should also avoid going out after it rains, when the trails are icy. In April, don’t go out after 11 a.m. or noon, as the sun quickly turns the snow to coarse salt.
The best conditions come after a few snow-free days and cold nights. Trails are then well groomed and very fast. Plan your outings by checking the Facebook pages or websites of your favorite resorts, where conditions (and sometimes even recommended tire pressures) are posted daily.
Since the temperature drops as the sun goes down, conditions are often best in the evening. Nothing beats a night out with friends, illuminated by a headlamp or handlebar light, which don’t have to be powerful, given the whiteness of the snow.
Can I use my fatbike in the summer?
In Quebec, the snow biking season generally begins in late November with the first snow and ends in mid-April. Most riders are back on their mountain or road bikes by then, but many use their fatbikes year-round for commuting or trail riding, where low tire pressure compensates for the lack of suspension.
The fatbike is more efficient than a mountain bike on sandy, unpaved, wet or muddy trails. If you plan to ride your fatbike on trails year-round, consider adding a suspension fork like the Mastodon, which is available as an option with the purchase of a Spherik SFC fatbike.
Can my child ride a fatbike?
Kids love fat bikes, they are more fun than other types of bikes. But to have fun, they need a bike that’s the right size for them, and that’s not always easy to find. First, you need to make sure that the crotch clearance is appropriate for their leg height and that the bike isn’t too long for their little arms. The child needs to be well positioned, comfortable and able to maneuver this large machine.
Spherik designed the SF2 specifically for children and small people from 4 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 1 inch. With 26″ wheels, the geometry of these bikes is designed to keep the standover height as low as possible, ensuring centered positioning as well as safe and confident starts and stops.
Are tires important?
Tires are probably the most important component on a fatbike. To enjoy a ride, it’s important to ride with tires that provide good traction. Look for a tread pattern with knobs that stick out into the snow and are well spaced so they do not get “stuck” in wet snow. In the 26″ format, Maxxis’ Minion or Terrene’s Johnny Five are good choices, while in the 27.5″ format, Terrene’s Cake Eater, among others, perform very well. If your new bike isn’t equipped with this type of tire, expect to spend between $300 and $600 (depending on whether the tire is studded) to get it properly mounted.
Is tire pressure important?
It’s critical! And you need to adjust it every time you go out, depending on the snow conditions. With experience, you’ll find that the ideal pressure is usually between 5 and 8 psi on very hard ground, and between 2 and 5 psi on fresher snow. This is because in order to “grip” properly, the tire needs to deform slightly under your weight, increasing its contact patch with the ground.
The ideal pressure is far from absolute, as many factors influence it. These include
– Combined weight of bike and rider: the higher the combined weight, the more air you’ll need.
– Snow texture: The drier and more granular the snow, the lower the inflation pressure. If it’s wet and compacted, you can inflate at higher pressures.
– Outside temperature, which affects pressure through the law of gas pressure. The colder it is, the lower the pressure. For example, a tire inflated to 10 psi in the comfort of your home will drop to 7 psi when it’s -15°C outside.
Will I need additional equipment when I buy a fatbike?
You’ll need a few accessories:
• First, a digital tire gauge to accurately check tire pressure.
• A headlight or handlebar light is required if you plan to ride at night.
• Studded tires are recommended for icy conditions. You can also add studs to your tires yourself if they allow it. It’s less expensive and allows you to create custom patterns by choosing where to place the studs according to your riding style. Keep in mind that the front tire should have the most studs to prevent unexpected skidding.
• An insulated water bottle holder is essential, or better yet, an insulated frame bag that can hold a bottle of liquid without freezing, as well as extra clothing, snacks or tools.
• A ski helmet or a thin balaclava under your summer helmet will keep your head warm.
• You also need to keep your hands warm. Thick gloves will do the job, but handlebar muffs (pogies) are the best solution. They block the wind and keep you warm even with thin gloves, making it easier to grip the handlebars, shift and brake.
Does a fatbike require a lot of maintenance?
Riding on snow has the great advantage of keeping washing and maintenance requirements to a minimum. Without the erosion of mud and sand, drivetrain and components wear much slower. Shock absorber worries are non-existent because fatbike frames have no suspension. Tires don’t wear at all unless you ride on pavement or ride year-round.
Avoid exposing your bike to road salt when transporting it, just lubricate your chain and check its wear regularly, and you can ride carefree and maintenance-free all winter long!
Are there any electric fatbikes?
Of course there are! For health reasons or to keep up with a partner, electric assistance lets you go faster, farther and without breaking a sweat! Depending on your needs, you can choose the Spherik SEF4 with its 80Nm Bafang motor and 500Wh battery, or the better-equipped Spherik SEF6 with 95Nm torque and a 696Wh battery.
In both cases, you can expect thrills both uphill and downhill!
Is it possible to rent a Spherik Fatbike?
Of course you can! A dozen centers in Quebec rely on the reliability of Spherik bikes to equip their rental fleets. It’s the perfect opportunity to test our models. Consult the map of Spherik rental centers.
Will I be able to use my Spherik fatbike at all fatbike centers?
To minimize trail erosion, more and more winter centers are refusing access to fatbikes with tires less than four inches wide. Electric bikes with a wheel motor or handlebar-mounted throttle are also prohibited year-round. Rest assured that Spherik fatbikes, whether muscular or electric, meet the standards required by the centers.
Are there any resources available to help me learn more about fatbike riding?
If you’d like to learn more, check out Vélo Québec’s Guide du fatbike, available at your local library, bookstore or online. For a ridiculously low price, you’ll find a wealth of tips and information to help you enjoy your rides.
How do I choose the right fatbike for my needs?
Making the right choice isn’t always easy. Spherik has put together a buying guide to help you find the right fatbike for your needs. Take the time to consult it to find the winter bike that will give you the most pleasure.