Time to get fat, on a bike that is
Night riding makes for an exhilarating experience
Bill Steer, Special to The Nugget
More from Bill Steer, Special to The Nugget
Published on: March 24, 2019 | Last Updated: March 24, 2019 2:00 PM EDT
The advantage of the fat bike is that it can be ridden year-round in almost all conditions. The low pressure of the tire also provides a degree of comfort in all terrains. File Photo
Despite the comical proportions of a 'fat bike,' it takes only one ride to understand the category's appeal. Speed isn't the point, floatation is.
A fat bike is an off-road bicycle with oversized tires, typically 3.8 in (97 mm) or larger and rims 2.16 in (55 mm) or wider, designed to allow riding on soft, unstable terrain, such as snow, sand, bogs and mud. The massive volume of the tires allows you to run air pressures so low they barely register on a normal pump's gauge. And the activity is gaining traction in the Near North.
Barry Klus, owner Cheapskates on Main St. in North Bay, says the 'fat tire' trend started more than 10 years ago.
"The bike not only proved to be a great winter trail bike, crushing it in the snow, but is also beneficial for rough trail riding," Klus says. "The benefit of tire volume lends to accessibility and comfort so its popularity continues to appeal to a wider range of riders.
"Most companies now have a fat bike lineup, with Norco coming out with a pedal assist Bigfoot fat bike in 2020 season."
Larry Lanctot, a principal with the Near North District School Board, is an avid fat tire rider.
"For me, the advantage of the fat tire is its versatility in that it can be ridden year-round in almost all conditions. The low pressure of the tire also provides a degree of comfort when riding," he explains.
"For example, if I'm riding on fresh snow I'll keep my tire pressure low, say from 3-5 psi, which also aids with better traction. If the trails are hard-packed, I'll increase my tire pressure to 5-7 psi. Alternatively, if I were riding on the road, I'd go with a bit higher pressure, 10-ish probably.
"On some rides, I may even change pressure on the trail, depending on weather and immediate trail conditions. The versatility lends itself to multiple opportunities to be outdoors in any type of weather during any season."
Many fat bike riders enjoy the groomed Nipssing/Canadore trails. Lanctot says the majority of riders access trails adjacent to Laurentian Ski Hill.
"Many also access these same trails at the end of Pearce Street. These trails are groomed by a dedicated group of fat bike riders who are in part supported by Cycle Works with gear and equipment," he says. "I've spent many hours riding these trails and enjoying them so much that an afternoon ride often turns into an evening ride."
Night riding is a thrill.
'While riding during the day has its attractions, there is a certain thrill to riding at night," Lanctot says. "With only a cone of light extending in front of the rider, the rider's field and depth of view is restricted dramatically compared to daytime riding. This limitation, which has the consequence of limiting sensory information, is what heightens the rider's awareness and makes for, arguably, an even more exhilarating ride than compared to a daytime ride.' Ever the optimist, Lanctot says don't put your fat tire away.
"A quick look at the long-range forecast predicts that there may still be a few good rides left on the winter trails."
Back Roads Bill explores the back roads and back waters of Northern Ontario in The Nugget, Nugget Extra and nugget.ca. He is the founder of the Canadian Ecology Centre and teaches part time at Nipissing University and Canadore College. wilstonsteer@gmail.com or www.steerto.com
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