What to Wear in Winter

Keep in mind the body in an engine that produces heat. Lots of it. By dressing in layers, you can better regulate your temp and avoid overheating which is the biggest problem for beginners.

Baselayer: A next to skin layer that wicks sweat off the body and dries quickly. It keeps the wearer dry and therefore warm. The best ones are merino wool or synthetic. Cotton is the worst. It absorbs sweat and does not dry. The wearer feels cold, clammy, and wet.

Mid layer: A light sweater, vest, or fleece.

Shell: Jackets and pants made of a “soft shell” material breathe well, offer some water and wind resistance. Insulated or down jackets are most often too hot. 

Footwear: All rentals have platform pedals. Any sort of winter boot will work. A pair of Xtra-Tuffs are a fine choice. A trail running shoe will work too, although you don’t want a shoe with lots of vents in lower temps.

15-30 Degrees

Long sleeve wool or polyester base layer. A mid-layer with a zipper so you can vent easily. Finally a breathable wind blocking layer (eg Windstopper fleece, soft shell or goretex jacket) At this temp it is easy to overheat.

Extremities: A very thin stocking hat, mid to heavyweight gloves and wool socks. If wearing SPD shoes, have over-booties and maybe a waterproof sock.

Zero to 15 Degrees

Baselayer, midwieght layer, windproof shell.

Extremities: A balaclava, especially in windy conditions. Mittens or poggios with thin gloves. Wool socks, maybe a thin liner, with insulated boots.

Below Zero

It doesn’t get that cold in Seward very often. No kidding!  But when it does, a rider really needs to protect their feet and hands as well as exposed skin. Poggies, or bar mitts, are a must. Insulated winter boots and at least 2 pairs of socks, but never wear boots that are too tight. Insulating leggings with a wind-blocking layer over that. Exposed skin is at risk of frostbite.

Other stuff: Sunglasses with a lot of coverage are really nice to have. Even ski goggles are popular.

Very Frequently Asked Questions

(Pre-ride)

Q: What the heck is that thing?!?!

A: It’s called a “Fat Bike” and its basically a mt. bike with really, really fat tires.

Q: Why?

A: Because it is SO much fun. The huge tires make it easy to ride on snow, sand, mud, and loose rocks. Plus it’s more stable and has more traction on all the stuff you already ride on.

Q: Aren’t they too heavy, slow, and hard to pedal?

A: No way! That one you tried to lift up at Walmart notwithstanding, quality fat bikes are actually comparable to an average mt. bike. The huge tires are mostly air and replace the need for heavy suspension forks. They just ROLL.

Q: Too bad they don’t make one of these for kids.

A: Technically that’s not a question, but I’ll answer anyway. They DO! We have bikes that are extra small, and super extra small to fit riders as young as 8.

Q: A bike ride in Alaska mid-winter...

Won’t I freeze to death?

A: Unfortunately, yes. Just kidding! You won’t at all. The biggest problem for beginners is often overdressing and overheating. In fact, if you are not comfortable, you are not doing it right.

Q: Are you sure about all this?

A: Yes! You really just need to ride one already.

Frequently Asked Questions

(Post ride)

Q: Can I put these huge tires on my mt. bike?

A: Nope. They are waaaaay too fat. These are specially made frames and wheels.

Q: Where can I buy a fat bike immediately?

A: See! What did I tell you? Every shop in Alaska is now selling these. Shops in the lower 48 are really catching on, and are seeing this is not a “fad” but a whole new part of the sport much like mt. biking in the 70’s.