Get Ready to Ride FAT 

January 30, 2020

In just over 3 weeks, the Third Annual Staunton Blizzard, the Front Range Fat Bike Race & Ride, will kick-off. No doubt it is a big, fat, fun day of racing and riding for a great cause. But, it’s an even BETTER day when you are riding a new fat bike!

So consider this your official excuse to purchase a fat bike and all the fat bike, bike parts and cycling accessories you need. And, you have over 3 weeks to get it in. Are you ready? 

First, if you are fat bike curious, schedule a demo with us and check it out. You’ll be surprised to learn how easy they handle and the wide variety of riding conditions they easily tackle. We’re especially fond of the Specialized Fatboy. We have found it to be a highly rated, mid-range fat bike that is usable for a wide range of ages and skill levels. 

Once you have your bike, you’re going to have fat bike specific questions. A good first question asked is about tires and tire pressure. What kind of tires should I use? How wide? What pressure do I run? Tube vs. Tubeless?  Here’s what we suggest. You have to match tire pressure with conditions. Softer snow conditions: 6psi. Harder conditions: 8-10psi. (much lower than the normal bike). Fat-bike tires are typically marked as 26 x 4.0 though most are really more like 26 x 3.7 or 3.8. The actual size of the mounted tire will vary depending on the rim width used for the wheel.  Many riders prefer tubeless because they reduce over a point of rotation weight and they provide better traction.

You might be wondering how to dress when fat biking. Obviously, if you are going to be riding out in the cold, you’ll want to dress warm and dress appropriately.  But what does that mean exactly? You have to think a little bit harder before and during your fat bike rides in the cold. Generally, the most important tip for keeping warm is to layer and to carry a pack to put your extra layers away. Some people prefer to wear ski goggles and a ski helmet, and lots of people wear winter boots.  Poagies, insulated hand covers that slip over your handlebars, are also very useful for keeping your hands warm.   Keeping your feet warm is key. Wearing boots, preferably waterproof, with thick socks on flat pedals or clipless boots with multiple pairs of socks works. 

And don’t forget to cover your head! You can wear a buff or a cap and headgear. Buffs are really good for neck protection as well. Another option is balaclavas – especially so if you want to keep almost your entire face warm.  Remember to wear appropriate eye protection too! The glare from the snow can be blinding.  While not as stylish as some of the cycling eyewear we carry on BikeParts.com, you could consider wearing goggles to help protect our eyes and face in snowy conditions.

Now, all you have to do is ride your new fat bike and register for the Staunton Blizzard on February 23rd.

Get in on the fat bike action!  Take your cycling to another level of fun in 2020! See you at the Staunton Blizzard on your new fat bike! 

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Posted by staffwriter8

Staunton Blizzard: The 2nd Annual Front Range Fat Bike Race – January 20, 2019

January 17, 2019

At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we love fat biking and we want others to love it too!

Because we know great trail conditions can make a good day into an awesome day, all of us at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop and Big Ring Cycles have partnered with 285 Nordic and Staunton State Park to raise money for grooming equipment at Staunton. Join us in building a great location for fat bike riders for years to come, right here in the front range. Here’s what you can expect. 

The event is this Sunday, January 20th at Staunton State Park. So, register today and you’re all set to join in the fun for the Second Annual Staunton Blizzard, the Front Range Fat Bike Race! There are two courses to choose from.

Amateur course: A beautiful 12.1-mile loop that includes the following trails: Staunton Ranch – Borderline – Mason Creek. Fatties rollout at 8,100 feet for a route that includes 2,000 feet of breathtaking elevation gain
Elite Course: A challenging 18-mile route. Trails to be announced.

The race categories:
• Masters Men’s (age 46 and above)
• Masters Women’s (age 46 and above)
• Senior Men’s (age 21-45)
• Senior Women’s (age 21-45)
• Junior Men’s (age 20 and under)
• Junior Women’s (age 20 and under)
• Elite course

The schedule:
Check-in begins at 8:15.
Races begin at 9:00

What if you are interested but not racing? After the race categories, join a “Smiles and Miles” group to ride this beautiful course.

Great! You’re IN! Now what? 

Well, get prepared! In our post, Fat Bike Essentials for First Time Fat Bike Riders, we give you the lay of the land of what you need to know. The quick rundown is to have the right cycling apparel! Stay warm and you will ride in comfort. Generally, the most important tip for keeping warm is to layer and to carry a pack to put your extra layers away. Some people prefer to wear ski goggles and a ski helmet, and lots of people wear winter boots. Poagies, insulated hand covers that slip over your handlebars, are also very useful for keeping your hands warm. Keeping your feet warm is key. Wearing boots, preferably waterproof, with thick socks on flat pedals or clipless boots with multiple pairs of socks works.

Are you wondering about drinking, and staying hydrated in the cold? Well, we have a few tips for you. First off, even though you might not feel the urge to drink as much when racing or riding your fat bike in the cold, it is still important to drink fluids. During the shorter race, you may opt to carry an insulated water bottle and start with really warm water. You can also add electrolytes or other ingredients to change the freezing point of the fluid but may find limited success if you think you’ll be out there riding for a while. When using a CamelBak or something similar, stick the bite valve in your jacket and blow out all the water in your hose. You can also buy neoprene insulators for the hydration hose to help keep the water as a liquid substance. 

What about pedals? There is the clipless/flat pedals debate for fat bikes. Ultimately, it’s your choice! The biggest problems people have making this decision is deciding how to best keep their feet warm. Having flat pedals will allow you to wear thick winter boots, which are more conducive to keeping your feet warm. However, you can buy clipless boots that are designed to handle colder temperatures. Using a clipless pedal could prove annoying in snowy terrain if you have to dismount and remount frequently during your ride. 

Finally, there’s tire preparation. What kind of tires is recommended? How wide? What pressure? Tube vs. Tubeless? It’s no different than the usual configuration – you have to match tire pressure with conditions. Softer snow conditions: 6psi. Harder conditions: 8-10psi. (much lower than the normal bike). Fat-bike tires are typically marked as 26 x 4.0 though most are really more like 26 x 3.7 or 3.8. The actual size of the mounted tire will vary depending on the rim width used for the wheel.  Many riders prefer tubeless because they reduce over a point of rotation weight and they provide better traction.

At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we are all big fans of fat bike riding. We sure hope you are feeling the urge to take on this fun fat bike phenomenon and join us this Sunday, January 20th at Staunton State Park, 12102 South Elk Creek Road, Pine, CO 80470 for the Staunton Blizzard: The 2nd Annual Front Range Fat Bike Race

Stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop to get ready for the race.  Check out our fat bike selections, cycling apparel, hydration strategies, fat bike bike parts, and cycling accessories.  Plus, get even more of your questions answered in person!  Be sure to register for the event and we’ll see you on Sunday! 

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Posted by staffwriter8

Registration and Prep Tips for the STAUNTON BLIZZARD Fat Bike Race

February 22, 2018

STAUNTON BLIZZARD FAT BIKE RACE

If you’re a winter cyclist, you are tough. You’re love of cycle overcomes any inhibitions to stay inside during cold, windy, and snowy winter weather. And while it’s not always easy to be outside in winter, you love the chill on your face and the wind whipping through your helmet holes. And that is why you want to race a fat bike this weekend at the first ever STAUNTON BLIZZARD!

The Staunton Blizzard is the first ever Front Range fat bike race! Be a part of history and join us Sunday, February 25th at Staunton State Park in Pine, Colorado to ride along a beautiful 12.1 mile loop that includes the following trails: Staunton Ranch – Borderline – Mason Creek. The views and the course will take your breath away! Fatties roll out at 8,100 feet for a route that includes 2,000 feet of breathtaking elevation gain.

If you are new to fat bikes, you might be wondering how to prepare for fat bike riding. In our post, Fat Bike Essentials for First Time Fat Bike Riders, we give you the lay of land and basically, this is what you need to know.

PEDALS & SHOES
Many new fat bike riders wonder if they should use clipless or flat pedals on a fat bike? Guess what? It’s your choice! The biggest problems people have making this decision is deciding how to best keep their feet warm. Having flat pedals will allow you to wear thick winter boots, which are more conducive to keeping your feet warm. However you can buy clipless boots that are designed to handle colder temperatures. Using a clipless pedal could prove annoying in snowy terrain if you have to dismount and remount frequently during your ride.

SMART CLOTHING CHOICES AND POGIES & GLOVES
Obviously, if you are going to be riding out in the cold, you’ll want to dress warm and dress appropriately. But what does that mean exactly? You have to think a little bit harder before and during your fat bike rides in the cold. Generally the most important tip for keeping warm is to layer, and to carry a pack to put your extra layers away. Some people prefer to wear ski goggles and a ski helmet, and lots of people wear winter boots. Poagies, insulated hand covers that slip over your handle bars, are also very useful for keeping your hands warm. Keeping your feet warm is key. Wearing boots, preferably water proof, with thick socks on flat pedals or clipless boots with multiple pairs of socks works.

FACE AND EYE PROTECTION
Obviously, cover your head! You can wear a buff or a cap and headgear. Buffs are really good for neck protection as well. Another option are balaclavas – especially so if you want to keep almost your entire face warm. Remember to wear appropriate eye protection too! The glare from the snow can be blinding. While not as stylish as some of the cycling eyewear we carry on BikeParts.com, you could consider wearing goggles to help protect our eyes and face in snowy conditions.

TIRES AND TIRE PRESSURE
Hmmmm, decisions here – What kind of tires should I use? How wide? What pressure do I run? Tube vs. Tubeless? Here’s what we suggest. You have to match tire pressure with conditions. Softer snow conditions: 6psi. Harder conditions: 8-10psi. (much lower than the normal bike). Fat-bike tires are typically marked as 26 x 4.0 though most are really more like 26 x 3.7 or 3.8. The actual size of the mounted tire will vary depending on the rim width used for the wheel. Many riders prefer tubeless because they reduce over a point of rotation weight and they provide better traction.

A FAT BIKE
You have to have a fat bike to ride one! Finding the fat bike that works for you will depend on the type of riding that you do and, more importantly, your budget. At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we are all big fans of fat bike riding. Stop by to buy a fat bike or demo one. And if you want even more fat bike ideas, or need for cycling apparel, bike parts, and cycling accessories, stop in the shop for that too! We’ve got all the gear and cycling accessories for you riding needs!

So what is stopping you? Get in on the fat bike action! Register today for the STAUNTON BLIZZARD and we’ll see you this Sunday!

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Posted by staffwriter8

Fat Bike Essentials for First Time Fat Bike Riders 

February 2, 2017

Demo a Fat Bike at BikeParts.comLess daylight, cold weather and difficulty planning winter workouts all contribute to less time on the bike.  But, if you want to get fitter, faster, and more efficient on the bike, then guess what? You got to put your time in.  So what do you do? Ride a fat bike!  First time fat bike riders may question the bike parts and cycling apparel needed to ride comfortably, so below are our fat bike essentials to make fat biking work for you. 

PEDALS & SHOES 

Many new fat bike riders wonder if they should use clipless or flat pedals on a fat bike?  Guess what? It’s your choice! The biggest problems people have making this decision is deciding how to best keep their feet warm. Having flat pedals will allow you to wear thick winter boots, which are more conducive to keeping your feet warm. However you can buy clipless boots that are designed to handle colder temperatures. Using a clipless pedal could prove annoying in snowy terrain if you have to dismount and remount frequently during your ride.

SMART CLOTHING CHOICES AND POGIES & GLOVES

Obviously, if you are going to be riding out in the cold, you’ll want to dress warm and dress appropriately.  But what does that mean exactly? You have to think a little bit harder before and during your fat bike rides in the cold. Generally the most important tip for keeping warm is to layer, and to carry a pack to put your extra layers away. Some people prefer to wear ski goggles and a ski helmet, and lots of people wear winter boots.  Poagies, insulated hand covers that slip over your handle bars, are also very useful for keeping your hands warm.   Keeping your feet warm is key. Wearing boots, preferably water proof, with thick socks on flat pedals or clipless boots with multiple pairs of socks works.

FACE AND EYE PROTECTION 

Obviously, cover your head!  You can wear a buff or a cap and headgear. Buffs are really good for neck protection as well. Another option are balaclavas – especially so if you want to keep almost your entire face warm.  Remember to wear appropriate eye protection too! The glare from the snow can be blinding.  While not as stylish as some of the cycling eyewear we carry on BikeParts.com, you could consider wearing goggles to help protect our eyes and face in snowy conditions.

TIRES AND TIRE PRESSURE

Hmmmm, decisions here – What kind of tires should I use? How wide? What pressure do I run? Tube vs. Tubeless?  Here’s what we suggest. You have to match tire pressure with conditions. Softer snow conditions: 6psi. Harder conditions: 8-10psi. (much lower than the normal bike). Fat-bike tires are typically marked as 26 x 4.0 though most are really more like 26 x 3.7 or 3.8. The actual size of the mounted tire will vary depending on the rim width used for the wheel.  Many riders prefer tubeless because they reduce over a point of rotation weight and they provide better traction.

A FAT BIKE 

You have to have a fat bike to ride one!  Finding the fat bike that works for you will depend on the type of riding that you do and, more importantly, your budget.  At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we are all big fans of fat bike riding. Stop by to buy a fat bike or demo one.  And if you want even more fat bike ideas, or need for cycling apparel, bike parts, and cycling accessories, stop in the shop for that too! We’ve got all the gear and cycling accessories for you riding needs! 

Get in on the fat bike action!  Take your cycling to another level of fun and sign up for one of the upcoming fat bike races. Check out our  2017 Colorado Fat Bike Racing Calendar.  Stop by the shop for bike parts, cycling apparel, and get all your fat bike questions answered!   

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Posted by staffwriter8

You Want to Get Fat this Thanksgiving. Here’s Why!

November 24, 2016
Fat Bikes at BikeParts.com

Fat Bikes at BikeParts.com

Thanksgiving is prefect for celebrating and sharing gratitude for the blessings in our lives.  Yet, it isn’t exactly an ideal day for healthy eating and staying fit. Fortunately, you can make it through Thanksgiving with your figure and fitness intact. How to do it? It’s no mystery! Get a fat bike!  

This may sound like a trick, but it’s not.  Simply enjoy all the food you want during Thanksgiving while also splurging a bit by riding a fat bike.  Riding a fat bike is so much crazy fun!  

Imagine floating over snow and sand. Gliding over familiar trails discovering how your fat bike handles twists, turns, bumps, and jumps. You can practically ride a fat bike anywhere. And, riding a fat bike brings out your inner kid making you feel like an 8 year-old again, bouncing  gleefully all over the trails.  Maybe the idea of riding a fat bike is new to you. Following are common asked questions and answers about fat bikes.

How are fat bikes different than other mountain bikes?  Many fat bike models today are similar to “normal” mountain bikes, which have slacker head tube angles, lower stand-over heights, thru axles, and tapered head tubes.  The main difference is the tires. The wider ties have more traction in both dirt and snow. They climb better than almost any mountain bike and the fit tires provide greater cushion that feels like extra suspension.  But what makes them special is they entice you to ride outside when it’s cold! According to the post, Fat Biking 101: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Biking in the Snow, most people do not ride when it is cold because, well, it’s cold. Fat bikes offer a unique experience and allow you to explore familiar trails in a new light. Fat biking lifts the winter doldrums by giving you a new freedom to ride off-road.

In what kind of conditions can I ride my fat bike? Fat bikes can ride pretty much anywhere. They do really well on dirt but they are also very capable in the snow. Packed snow will feel very much like riding on dirt. Pushing through heaps of freshly fallen snow will provide more of a challenge and there will be some days when riding is simply impossible. Remember, while sliding around on ice may be fun, ice is ice. The bike will still go down if you are not careful riding on slippery substances.

How do I stay warm on my fat bike in the winter?  You have to think a little bit harder before and during your fat bike rides in the cold. Generally the most important tip for keeping warm is to layer, and to carry a pack to put your extra layers away. Some people prefer to wear ski goggles and a ski helmet, and lots of people wear winter boots.  Poagies, insulated hand covers that slip over your handle bars, are also very useful for keeping your hands warm.   Keeping your feet warm is key. Wearing arm boots, preferably water proof, with thick socks on flat pedals or clipless boots with multiple pairs of socks will help to keep your feet comfortable.

How do I keep my water from freezing?  Even though you might not feel the urge to drink as much when riding your fat bike in the cold, it is still important to drink fluids. There are a couple of tricks your water from freezing. During shorter rides, carry an insulated water bottle and start with really warm water. You can also add electrolytes or other ingredients to change the freezing point of the fluid, but may find limited success. When using a CamelBak or something similar, stick the bite valve in your jacket and blow out all the water in your hose. You can also buy neoprene insulators for the hydration hose to help keep water as a liquid substance.

Should I use clipless or flat pedals on a fat bike?  It’s your choice! The biggest problems people have making this decision is deciding how to best keep their feet warm. Having flat pedals will allow you to wear thick winter boots, which are more conducive to keeping your feet warm. However you can buy clipless boots that are designed to handle colder temperatures. Using a clipless pedal could prove annoying in snowy terrain if you have to dismount and remount frequently during your ride.

What kind of tires should I use? How wide? What pressure do I run? Tube vs. Tubeless?  You have to match tire pressure with conditions. Softer snow conditions: 6psi. Harder conditions: 8-10psi. (much lower than the normal bike). Fat-bike tires are typically marked as 26 x 4.0 though most are really more like 26 x 3.7 or 3.8. The actual size of the mounted tire will vary depending on the rim width used for the wheel.  Many riders prefer tubeless because they reduce over a point of rotation weight and they provide better traction.

What kind of fat bikes are on the market?  The fat bike market has exploded in recent years. Brands include Specialized, Mongoose, Polaris, Kona, Gravity, Kawasaki, Borealis and more! Manufacturers are creating frames out of tons of different materials including aluminum, carbon, titanium, bamboo, real steel, and Wal-Mart steel. Most fat-bikes that you will come across have a fully rigid frame. However fat bikes with front fork suspension and full-body suspension have started to emerge.  Finding the fat bike that works for you will depend on the type of riding that you do and, more importantly, your budget.  However, at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we are all big fans of the Specialized Fatboy Bike. We have found the Specialized Fatboy to be a highly rated, mid-range fat bike that is usable for a wide range of ages and skill-levels.   

Where can I ride my fat bike? Fat biking is abuzz in Colorado. Colorado is already a favorite state for cyclists due to the mountainous terrain, rugged trails, scenic views, and outdoorsy population. But now, Colorado is a hot destination for the fat bike phenomenon.  There are also a ton of really fun fatbike events across the nation.

Whew! Lots of questions but one final one.  Are you feeling the urge to splurge this Thanksgiving?  Enjoy mass quantities of food and take on this fun fat bike phenomenon! Demo a fat bike at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado.  Check out our fat bike bike selections, cycling apparel, hydration strategies, fat bike bike parts, and accessories.  Plus, get even more of your questions answered in person! Happy Thanksgiving!  

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Posted by staffwriter8