Fat Biking in a winter wonderland

North American cycling in the snowy mountains

Whilst most European cyclists are retreating indoors now that winter is here, over in the snowy mountains and forested lake areas of North America, the Fat Bikes are coming out to play in the winter wonderland. Yes, with tire widths ranging from 80mm to 120mm, it’s not about aerodynamics or speed – it’s all about comfort, traction and staying upright on the soft stuff!

Lake Cycling Shoes were borne on the shores of Lake Michigan, and it’s in this region of North America that fat biking is most popular. Marquette, in Michigan is situated some 380 miles north of our Chicago office; and this small town on the shores of the lake is regarded by many as the Fat Biking capital of the midwest. Marquette’s ‘Noquemanon Trail Network’ (NTN) is a mecca that draws Fat Bike enthusiasts for all over the region, with its meticulously groomed snow trails that twist and wind their way to adventure through seemingly endless pristine forests. Better still, there are dedicated trails marked out for Fat Biking, helping to keep skiers and cyclists apart, as both get to enjoy adventure in this winter wonderland.  

Rocky Mountain rides in Colorado

Crested Butte winter resort in the mountains of Colorado is home to the famous Borealis Fat Bike World Championships, attracting global riders with challenging races and festive parties. The community at Crested Butte have developed the area for all winter sports, and it now boasts over 60km of groomed snowy Fat Biking trails in the North Valley, providing the perfect location for a winter sow bike adventure.

Only 3 hours away at Breckenridge in Colorado, the Copper Mountain resort offers snow bikers the chance to ride groomed trails at the Gold Run Nordic Center, alongside the other winter sports activities on offer this Christmas and into the New Year. All that you need is a sense of adventure and a pair of winter cycling boots from the world’s most comfortable cycling shoe brand.

Conquer the cold with Lake

MXZ305

In 1997, Lake invented the first true winter-specific cycling shoe, the MXZ300. Continuing this legacy with our MXZ305, the unique boot shape and construction allow us to trap warm air, which is the best insulator for any type of footwear. The pattern is designed so it doesn't restrict blood flow to the foot, as it is your foot that creates the heat the boot is designed to trap. Keeping that trapped heat in as air allows two things to occur: your foot stays warm and dry.

We’ve always looked to innovate and to use our experience from over 40 years of cycling shoe expertise. Because the MXZ305 uses a highly breathable leather upper and temperature-regulating, wicking lining, sweat is transferred away from the foot so that it does not freeze against it, keeping your foot comfortable. The MXZ305 continues to be the best of the best as the top winter-specific cycling shoe of choice, and is ideal for Fat Biking fun, helping you to conquer the cold!

MXZ21

The MXZ21 is designed to be a lighter-weight and more athletic-fitting high-performance inclement weather cycling shoe. Built on a carbon fiber and real rubber sole, it maintains incredible power transfer to the pedal, along with grip and stability on slippery ground conditions. The MXZ21 combines this high-performance sole with a windproof and highly water-resistant upper for foot comfort, while unlimited adjustable speed laces lock your feet in for fast-paced pedal stroke stability.

MX146

Our MX146 winter boot is developed for fall, spring, mild winters and damp weather, the MX146 is just the right shoe for those days when your race shoes are too cold, or full-on winter boots are just too warm. When the winter sun is shining across the Great Lakes region, the Lake MX146 could be the perfect fit for you. Add it to your letter to Saint Nicholas this Christmas time.

Finding your own Fat Bike adventure

Back with Chris, Hutch, Jake and the team at Lake Cycling Shoes USA, the Great Lakes region of the Upper Midwestern United States is filled with endless opportunities for you to explore the wilds of winter, in one of the snowiest places in the USA. Fat Biking is increasingly popular at places such as Palos Forest Preserve (part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Illinois) on its extensive trail network such as the regionally renowned Kettle Moraine Trails system, offering riders a great off-road exploration opportunity throughout the Christmas period.

Nearby Minnesota is also a haven for Fat Bike adventure seekers, heading for Christmas trail time at legendary Fat Biking spots like Cuyuna and Duluth. Bikes with wide and super-light studded tires help you to float across the snowy groomed trails at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area in central Minnesota.

Don’t let winter snows keep you away from riding into adventure. Fat Biking is the ultimate in Christmas cycling fun, and with a great range of Lake winter cycling shoes and boots for you choose from, why not add a pair to your Christmas wish list, and explore the beautiful snow filled landscapes of North America, on two very wide wheels, made for the ultimate in winter cycling comfort – just like our Lake cycling shoes!