Hey fat-bikers, Greg here. Winter is officially “on” across big chunks of the globe, and the fat-bike world is answering the call: new groomed networks, community rides, growing race calendars, and some e-fat rigs that might tempt even the purists. Plus, would Santa picked a fat bike as his snow weapon of choice? Feels like cosmic validation. Let’s get into it.

Saskatoon’s new winter fat-bike network
The City of Saskatoon has flipped the switch on its winter rec offerings, including a dedicated fat-bike network at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, groomed in partnership with the Fatlanders Fat Tire Brigade. If you’re nearby, this is your go-to spot for legal, groomed winter laps instead of poaching ski trails.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/saskatoon/article/saskatoon-ski-trails-skating-ponds-now-good-to-go-city-says/

BC Interior: Kamloops & Okanagan fat-biking all winter
iNFOnews showcased fat bikers cruising groomed and natural winter trails around Kamloops and the Okanagan: machined singletrack at Isobel Lake, huge networks at Kenna Cartwright and Myra-Bellevue, plus options around Penticton, Vernon, and nearby ski resorts. It’s basically a winter trail buffet for fat bikes.
https://infonews.ca/news/7466370/in-photos-fat-bikers-float-on-snowy-trails-in-kamloops-okanagan/?region_refresh=1766630419419

Montpelier, VT’s groomed fat-bike web
Montpelier’s parks crew, MAMBA, and local clubs are grooming a network that includes dedicated fat-bike trails connected to the North Branch Trail. They’re even leaving loaner snowshoes at certain trailheads to keep walkers from post-holing the groomed bike routes! That is a great idea!
https://thebridgevt.org/2025/12/montpelier-trail-grooming-underway-for-the-winter-outdoors/

Santa chooses… a fat bike
In a fun holiday piece, WeLoveCycling breaks down what Santa would ride if he ditched the sleigh. After roasting fixies and race bikes, they land on the fatbike as “king of snow,” thanks to wide tires, grip on ice, and load-hauling comfort. Somewhere out there, Santa is running 4.8s at 4 psi.https://www.welovecycling.com/wide/2025/12/24/santa-on-a-bike-instead-of-a-sleigh-what-if-santa-claus-rode-on-two-wheels/

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Old Man Mountain Divide Fat Rack
A proven favorite for fat-bike cargo: front or rear mount, thru-axle compatible, and happy with 26x5" tires. Perfect for winter grocery runs, lake-ice firewood, or snow-camping loads. Get it at Old Man Mountain. (AvantLink Affiliate) Note: This rack often sells out in peak season.

Maxxis Minion 26x4 front/rear combo
Not “new,” just extremely right. The Minion FBF/FBR combo is still one of the most confidence-inspiring tire sets for winter trail riding, with big side knobs and paddle treads that turn sketch into hero dirt… uh, hero snow.
https://shop.maxxis.com/products/minion-fbf

45NRTH winter boots
If someone you love is still riding winter in summer shoes, this is your sign. Wölvhammer and Ragnarök boots, plus winter-specific apparel, make the difference between “epic” and “why do my toes hurt for three days.
https://www.45nrth.com/collections/footwear

Outbound Lighting Hangover
Great gift that ships fast (usually) and turns night rides into “why don’t we do this all the time?”
https://www.outboundlighting.com/products/hangover-bike-helmet-light

Northern Michigan’s 2026 winter fat-bike slate
The Northern Express winter race calendar highlights multiple fat-bike events—Dogman Challenge, Fat & Flurrious, the North American Vasa Fat Bike 25K, and the Fatty Caddy Winter Fat Bike Race alongside runs, skis, and snowshoe events. If you’ve been looking for a reason to visit northern Michigan, here are four.
https://www.traverseticker.com/amp/news/your-2026-winter-race-calendar/
https://www.northernexpress.com/news/feature/2026-winter-race-calendar/

Bloomington, MN – Winter Fat Bike Ride (Jan 25)
Guided naturalist-led fat-bike ride on the Minnesota River Bottoms, 1:30 - 3 p.m., with a limited fleet of fats and helmets available and a very friendly $7.50 registration fee. Bring a friend who’s fat-bike-curious and let the river bottom do the convincing.
https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/events/naturalist-program-winter-fat-bike-ride-2026-01-25

Fat Bike Worlds 2026 – Leadville, CO
Worlds returns to Leadville with racing, costumes, and Sauna Fest nonsense on the side. Mark your calendar, start your altitude training (or your costume planning), and watch the official site for registration details.
https://fatbikeworlds.org/

Aventon Aventure 3 – snow-capable SUV bike
We’ll say it again: 26x4.0" tires, solid range, and commuter-friendly touches make this a great “one and done” e-fat for folks who want both winter fun and daily transport.
Get it from Aventon (AvantLink Affiliate)

Himiway D5/Zebra – full-suspension e-fat with Maxxis Minions
Highlighted in Himiway’s own holiday gift guide, the D5 ST 2 is a step-thru eFat that runs Maxxis Minion 26x4.0" tires (remember those from above?), a 750W hub motor, and a big battery for winter adventures. It’s pitched as a do-everything winter e-fat platform.
https://himiwaybike.com/products/himiway-d5-st

Panorama Chic-Chocs 3 review bike for sale
Our own tested Chic-Chocs 3 fat-bike is up for grabs, ready for its next chapter under someone who appreciates a well-broken-in winter rig.

https://fat-bike.com/2025/12/for-sale-panorama-cycles-chic-chocs-3-review-bike-2500-us/

Weekly Dose of Fat is moving
If you missed the announcement, Weekly Dose is getting a new home, a cleaner layout, and… you’re reading the result right now! Every Thursday in your Inbox.
https://fat-bike.com/2025/12/weekly-dose-of-fat-is-moving/

Fat bikes in grad school research
Somewhere out there, a grad student is using their fat bike as part of a Master’s research project. The r/fatbike post is short but sweet: a reminder that big tires aren’t just toys, they’re tools that get you and your gear into weird places, year-round.
https://www.reddit.com/r/fatbike/comments/1p1w0ib/using_my_fatbike_for_my_masters_research/

Thanks for reading this week’s Dose. I know there are a million things competing for your time and attention, so the fact that you’re choosing to share a few minutes of it with our strange little corner of the bike world honestly means a lot.

If you smiled, found a new trail to ride, or added something to your wish list, please forward this to a riding buddy who might dig it too. And if someone forwarded this to you, you can hop on the list here:
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See you next Thursday.

— Greg