Fat Biking + Winter Cycling Gear Guide

February 27th, 2015 • BY Erinn Morgan

We love winter cycling. Fat biking on snow-covered trails, with over-sized tires crunching across the fluff, is pure, unadulterated fun. And, getting out for those first cold-weather-but-nearly-spring road rides is pretty invigorating, too. Unless we’re freezing.

Which is why we dug into testing—and finding the best—women’s winter cycling gear. After numerous days on the bike, we nailed down the 5 pieces that will keep you truly warm and dry for the remainder of the colder months.

[And, if you’re still in need of the bike to get out there, as well, check out our review of the highly affordable, surprisingly high-quality, women’s-specific Framed Bikes Minnesota 2.0.]

Pearl Izumi Women’s ELITE Softshell 180 Jacket ($180)

This jacket boasts a water-resistant, windproof front and warm, breathable back. This strategic placement of fabrics in all the right places maintains movement when you’re on the bike while also delivering optimal protection from the cold. It employs Pearl Izumi’s ELITE Softshell fabric, which we found to offer excellent wind and water protection, plus warmth and odor-resistance (it only required a wash after every other wear).

On the inside, this winter cycling jacket uses Pearl’s ELITE Thermal Fleece fabric, which offered lots of warmth in a lightweight package. It also efficiently wicked away sweat to leave us mostly dry and definitely warm.  

Other features include a full length internal draft flap with zipper garage, one zippered back pocket with two inside dividers, and reflective elements for low-light visibility.

 

Smith Forefront Women’s Helmet ($220)

This award-winning women’s helmet is spot on for fat biking and winter cycling, as well as your warmer weather rides. We popped on a fleece-lined headband under the Forefront and felt totally warm (while allowing sweat and heat to have a route of escape).

This helmet has Smith’s AEROCORE™ construction featuring Koroyd®, which delivers a full-coverage, lightweight helmet with ventilated protection. Pretty sweet. The Forefront also fully integrates with your sunglasses, goggles, light, or POV camera.

 

The North Face Women’s Winter Warm Tights ($85)

This supportive, fitted tight kept us extra warm and comfy on cold days on the trail and the road. Slide a cycling chamois liner or short underneath and you’ve got the magic combo for fat biking or road riding.

These tights feature stretch elastane in the fabric to promote movement and knit panels on the sides and behind the knee increase breathability where we needed it most. A mini zip pocket at the center of the back is a perfect spot for keys, credit cards, or an energy bar or gel.

We also tested The North Face Animagi Jacket ($150) and loved it for slightly warmer winter days. Designed for endurance runners, the lightly insulated Animagi also works well for fat biking. It pairs a windproof core with breathable stretch-knit sleeves. A knit panel with The North Face’s wicking FlashDry™ fibers runs down the center back for improved breathability and mobility.

 

Ahnu Northridge Waterproof Boot ($180)

Because this boot looks so darn good, we had our doubts as to whether it would perform on the fat biking trails. No problem there—the notably lightweight (18 ounces) Northridge was incredibly warm, dry, and comfortable. Even after two hours of fat biking on powder-dusted trails, we remained warm and dry.

This mid-calf boot hold up to the elements—it’s lined with Ahnu’s moisture-wicking bootie system and armed with 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation. We love the waterproof side zipper entry combined with front lace-up option, which allows for easy access and a custom fit. The Northridge’s Vibram® rubber outsole delivered the traction and stability we needed to brave the snow-packed trails on a bike.

 

Pearl Izumi Women’s P.R.O. Softshell Glove ($75)

Our fingers get cold in a snap, so we were impressed with Peal Izumi’s women’s P.R.O. Softshell cycling glove, which boasts Primaloft® insulation for maximum warmth without the bulk. This fleece-lined winter cycling glove also has a new Pittards® genuine leather palm construction that offered excellent grip and feel on the handlebars.

Pearl Izumi’s P.R.O. Softshell worked well to block wind and keep our digits dry. A waterproof insert provides an extra degree of warmth and weather protection   In addition, this glove’s anatomic fit maximizes finger movement for shifting and braking, a key function for winter cycling.

 

 

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