Controlling a bike that can easily slide around on snow is a constant core and bike stability workout. Another reason a fat tire bike makes you a stronger rider.
A few years back I did an Enduro race in Penticton. The route had wet, slippery muddy sections. These had to be navigated during practice laps, and the day of the race itself. They didn’t go away. Â
I was better at controlling a squirrelly bike through the slippery mud than most of the people I was riding with.
But they were better bikers than me. WAY better bikers. North Shore pedigree.Â
The difference? My theory is they were from areas that do not have much fat biking.
It was apparent how much handling a fat tire bike on slippery snow directly translated to keeping the bike under me in the similar condition of slippery mud.
This type of bike control–side to side stability at slow speeds–depends heavily on core strength. All those little micro-movements, some that happen so quick you barely notice them, are a trial in body stability.
Ask any exercise expert: the key to stability is a strong core. Even if you aren’t doing planks every day, the simple act of fat biking will work your core in a way that normal summer biking never will.
Another similar factor is body positioning.Â
Heavier, slower turning fat tire bikes require more direct, deliberate input than summer bikes. Anytime you move your bike around you are using your entire body. Traction depends on it. If your weight isn’t balanced while climbing, descending, or cornering, you’ll start sliding.
You gain better body awareness. These bigger movements lend themselves to improved summer biking efficiency where less input is needed.
Another reason fat biking makes you a stronger rider.
Practicing these moves all winter make them second nature come summer. You’ll whip your summer bike around without a care, becoming more efficient while you climb, corner, and brake.
Big snowy berms force you to stay dialed over top of your bike and precisely lean in–in summer you’ll use those same moves at higher speeds with more traction.
Your improved core strength and body positioning will be noticeable. There’ll be plenty of Strava gold on your first summer rides after riding a fat bike all winter!