Tag Archives: fat bike

Comfort Tips for Chilly Cycling – a Video Podcast

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 6:04 — 8.3MB)

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This week’s FitLabPGH Podcast release is a video podcast: Comfort Tips for Chilly Cycling.

Yes, Spring is coming, but in Western PA, there is still plenty of chilly weather ahead before we start talking about Summer Survival Tips. We encourage you to find movement activities you enjoy, then take steps so you can enjoy those activities year-round.

Listen to the audio, or watch the video below to check out Ben’s Tōwmak drop bar fat bike from Bearclaw Bicycle Co.

Our first tip for cold weather cycling: choose a route that’s out of the wind if possible. Our ideal cold-weather ride is in the woods…BUT if the trails are muddy, we stay clear to preserve future trail conditions.

Next tip: Keep your hands and feet warm. Ben uses flat pedals and wears mountain bike shoes (these are from Ride Concepts) on his fat bike in the winter; if he gets TOO cold, he can jog and push the bike! He wears wool socks and toe caps from Aero Tech Designs. For hands, Ben wears 45nrth insulated gloves for colder conditions, and swaps them for lighter gloves from Handup or Aero Tech Designs when he warms up. Side note: If it’s below 40 degrees, Lisa wears the warmest gloves that 45nrth makes. When it drops below 30 degrees, we put pogies (bar mitts) on the bikes for extra hand comfort.

Final tip: LAYERS, ideally wool layers. On the day of the video, Ben wore Pearl Izumi soft shell tights over Pearl Izumi bib shorts. On top, Ben wore a wool baselayer from Rapha; a wool jersey from Pearl Izumi; a vest; and the 45nrth Naughtvind cycling jacket (check out our review of the jacket, released 2-23-22).

Bonus tip: Don’t forget the head and neck! Ben likes the neck gaiters from Buff, and a Smartwool 2-layer wool hat under his bike helmet. Take home message: if you adapt your route, and dress for conditions, you can enjoy moving outside in rain, snow, or summer sun.

So get outside…and move more. Then visit www.FitLabPGH.com for tips, hacks, and podcasts to help you keep moving throughout 2022.

Fat Bikes…They’re Not Just for Winter – FitLabPGH Video Podcast

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 6:05 — 5.1MB)

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This week’s FitLabPGH Podcast release is a video podcast: Fat Bikes…They’re Not Just for Winter. Perhaps you’ve seen someone riding a fat bike in the snow…or an electric fat bike (eBike) on a local trail…today we’re sharing a few pros and cons of fat bikes to help you decide if a fat bike would be a good addition to your bicycle line-up.

Listen to the audio, or watch the video and check out our Mukluk fat bikes from Salsa Cycles.

Starting with the disadvantages…1) Fat bikes are heavy…this is especially noticeable when loading them on to a bike rack. 2) Fat bikes are slower than your other bike(s)…big, knobby tires = plenty of rolling resistance. 3) Climbing hills is more challenging on a heavier bike…this is true whether you’re riding or pushing your bike up a hill.

Now for the advantages…1) Fat bikes are fun! 2) You can ride them on almost any terrain (just check local laws and trail rules to be sure bikes are allowed) from paved paths, to rails-to-trails, to mountain bike trails, to gravel or rutted roads. 3) Large, knobby tires provide traction, cushioning…and confidence, allowing riders of varying abilities to enjoy riding together. Note: a fat bike gave Lisa the confidence to venture off the rails-to-trails and into the woods with Ben.

Take home message: fat bikes allow you to ride almost anywhere…at almost any time of the year. If you have a chance to try one, take it! And if you’re looking for a fun cycling experience, and you’re not too concerned with speed, perhaps there’s a fat bike in your future.

So be safe, move more, and get on your bike and ride. Then visit www.FitLabPGH.com for tips, hacks, and podcasts to help you keep moving throughout 2021.

Check out the FitLabPGH Movement Tips and Lifestyle Hacks videos every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for tips and hacks to help you, and your dog(s) move more…move better…and stay safe…throughout 2021.

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