The beginner's guide to fatbike
The Fatbike wave has taken Quebec by storm! More than just a fad, the Fatbike has a number of special features that make it unique and useful in certain conditions. Thanks to its tires, which are twice as wide as those on a normal bike, and the absence of suspension, it can "float" on surfaces with difficult textures, such as snow or sand. It's the ideal way to keep riding, with the added bonus of a good dose of fun for the months to come!
What are the origins of Fatbike?
The Fatbike was invented in Alaska in the 1980s, when a group of cyclists decided to transform mountain biking into a four-season sport. By attaching three mountain bike rims together, they achieved the desired result: thanks to wider wheels, the bike could ride on snow rather than sink into it. The Fatbike was born.
Why is Fatbike so popular in Quebec?
Fatbikes, also known as bicycles with oversized tires (VPS), arrived here in the 2000s. Their very thick tires grip the snow perfectly, making them ideal for winter riding in our regions. With more and more dedicated trails in our mountains and forests, Fatbikes are becoming more and more a winter sport in their own right, appealing to more than just the cycling world!
Where are the Fatbike paths?
The first fatbike users stuck to cross-country ski trails with dug-out tracks to ensure that their wheels didn't trash the cross-country skiers' trails. But as the number of riders grew, grooming techniques were developed to give fatbikes their own trails. In recent years, more and more trails have been set aside for fatbikes: outdoor centers that usually cater for cross-country skiers and snowshoers are the main creators of trails open to fatbikes. When weather conditions don't lend themselves to skiing or snowshoeing, these centers are more than happy to attract winter cyclists. What's more, the attraction of the new leads the curious and tourists to rent bikes and try them out.
In recent years, more and more trails have been set aside for Fatbike, for example in Mirabel's Parc du Domaine Vert , in the Sentiers de l'Abbaye d'Oka , in Mont Tremblant, in Mont Sainte-Anne, in Bromont... Today, according to the Vélo Québec website , nearly a hundred Quebec organizations offer more than 1,300 km of trails open to Fatbike.
What is the price of a Fatbike?
Bicycles Quilicot offers a range of bikes to suit all budgets . On average, a Fatbike costs between $2,300 and $2,600. Although mainly used in winter, it can also be ridden in summer, being equally at home in the forest and on sand.
What are the essential components of a Fatbike?
The technical components of a Fatbike make all the difference. Fatbike materials are made for winter riding in harsh conditions, in the desert or on a beach. A single front chainring, no derailleur, a rear system attached to a large wheel, hydraulic disc brakes: everything is adapted for little-traveled trails! There are usually only six gears on a Fatbike, so you ride more slowly on slopes, but more easily on rough surfaces.
Does e-fatbike exist?
If the Fatbike has sporty origins, it's now within reach of cyclists who appreciate the reinforcement of an electric motor: there's now a fairly varied choice of
electric Fatbikes
.
Which accessories are right for fatbikes?
As Fatbikes gain in popularity, companies are developing accessories specifically for them. Such is the case with Blivet , a Quebec-based company offering top-of-the-range products for Fatbikes: warm gloves, bottle covers, winter helmets and SPD-compatible insulated boots for bike pedals are all available from Bicycles Quilicot.
So, are you tempted by the Fatbike? Increasingly popular in Quebec and around the world, you're sure to enjoy riding your fat tires on snow-covered trails this winter.
Shop now our specialized Fatbike equipment from Blivet and 45NRTH on our online store! Still haven't got your bike for winter adventures? No time to lose, discover our range of classic Fatbikes as well as electric Fatbikes !
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