Once an outlier just a few years ago, fat bikes are now the nom de rigueur these days. It seems that everyone either owns one, is planning on buying one, or wants one. Makes sense too, they are perfect for our changing trail conditions here in Colorado. Instead of hanging up your bike when the snow gets deep, or the mud to sloppy, you can instead grab your fatty and blast down the trails 365 days a year. But, with the rapid rise in popularity of these bikes one basic problem has emerged… the lack of decent gear for riding in winter conditions.
Specialized and 686 have decided to solve that problem with their new gear designed specifically for winter off road riding (either on a fat bike or regular mountain bike). Drawing from their combined decades of designing winter outerwear and bike gear, they have recently put out their first line of winter bike gear.
The three part system starts with a technical bib that is both water resistant and breathable. The integrated leg gaiter and bootlace hook will ensure your feet stay dry as your power through the powder, and the side vents will enable you to release some excess steam after a long climb. Over this goes their tech insulator jacket with adjustable hood, wrist gaiters, and fold out spray skirt to keep the warmth in and the cold out. Topping out the kit is their 3L Tech Jacket with powder skirt, RECCO Advanced Avalanche Rescue Technology, large hood, and internal pocket to stash your tunes.
Once you put all three of these together the chances of you ever getting cold again on another ride are slim. The gear is not cheap—$1,200 combined—but considering it will keep you warm, and should last forever, it should hang in the closet of any fat bike enthusiast.
Go shopping here.
