Greg here, and it is time for the Weekly Dose of Fat! The weather around here is doing its best to keep us guessing, 70 degrees one day and 45 the next. Some days still feel like winter, while others have us thinking about sand, salt, and whether our tires are too firm for beach duty. This week we’ve got a major Alaska expedition milestone, a couple of trade stories worth watching, fresh gear from Wolf Tooth, and a handful of events that prove fat-bike season is not done yet.

[UPDATE] Rozell & Wagner Reach Kaltag, Leaving the Yukon Behind
Significant milestone for the 700-mile Alaska expedition previously covered in the April 2 and April 9 issues.

As of April 7, Ned Rozell and Forest Wagner reached Kaltag after completing a 265-mile stretch on the frozen Yukon River. This segment, which Rozell noted was the most mentally taxing portion of the trip, is now behind them as they begin the final push toward the Bering Sea coast and Nome. Current forecasts indicate rain may impact the final legs of the journey.
https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/science/2026/04/10/finally-off-the-big-frozen-river-on-the-long-trip-to-nome/
Live Tracker: https://share.garmin.com/NedRozell

IEEPA Tariff Refunds: Automated Process Begins April 20
New industry development regarding the legal battle over bicycle import duties.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced it will begin accepting IEEPA tariff refund requests through the new automated CAPE process starting April 20, 2026. This follows the Supreme Court ruling that certain IEEPA tariffs were unlawful. Importers with valid unliquidated entries may apply, with expected processing times of 60-90 days. PeopleForBikes notes this is a partial solution and legal deadlines for protests remain critical for businesses seeking full recovery of duties.

I don’t see this helping individuals with refunds for tariff surcharges but you never know. If any of you have insight on this, let me know!
https://www.peopleforbikes.org/news/2026-bike-industry-tariff-updates

Section 301 Comment Period Closes; Industry Awaits Next Steps
Contextual update on the broad trade investigation affecting bike manufacturing.

The USTR investigation into structural excess capacity across 16 trading partners (including China, Vietnam, and the EU) closed its public comment window on April 15. While the Section 232 tariffs were successfully defeated by the industry earlier this month, the Section 301 investigation is a long-term process. Public hearings are scheduled for May 5-8, with potential implications for future component and frame pricing.
https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2026/march/ustr-initiates-section-301-investigations-relating-structural-excess-capacity-and-production

The Kona Unity: A 29+ Mullet Cargo Mule
New product launch from April 9 with high overlap for the fat-bike and bikepacking community.

Kona has introduced the Unity, a chromoly steel utility bike featuring a massive main triangle and a proprietary headtube-mounted rack. The bike uses a "mullet" tire setup (29x3.0" front and 27.5x3.0" rear) and features 43 threaded bosses for maximum gear-carrying capacity. While not a traditional fat-bike, its design for heavy-duty off-road touring is aimed directly at the adventure-cycling market.

So, yeah, not really a fat-bike, per se, but it is among the most interesting bikes I’ve seen come out this year! Where are those 43 bosses you ask? Here you go:
> Frame: 20 mounting points
> Fork: 11 mounting points
> Front rack: 12 mounting points
https://konaworld.com/pages/unity

Wolf Tooth SHIFT Gravity Clipless Pedals
New high-performance pedal launch from April 7, 2026.

Wolf Tooth has entered the clipless pedal market with the SHIFT Gravity, designed for technical terrain with an adjustable Q-factor. The pedals are fully serviceable, with every internal component available as a replacement part to ensure longevity.

Marketed to Downhillers and Enduro riders these look like they should be marketing them to fat-bikers too!
Get them at Wolf Tooth Components (Affiliate Link)

Wolf Tooth MARKZERØ Collection
Premium component release featuring specialized materials.

Launched in late March, this collection includes bottom brackets and pedals utilizing X-Pac HyperTEC materials. It is positioned as a premium, durable option for riders facing harsh spring conditions.
Check it out at Wolf Tooth Components (Affiliate Link)

PNW Components Loam Grip — $29
Currently part of a 25% off "top sellers" sale, these grips are an affordable way to refresh a cockpit for the transition to dirt and sand.
Check them out at PNW Components (Affiliate Link)

Fat-bike.com Amazon Storefront
A curated collection of tools, lighting, and accessories for the year-round fat-bike lifestyle.
https://www.amazon.com/shop/fatbikedotcom

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Happy Spring Thaw (April 18, 2026 — THIS WEEKEND)
Located in Hugo, MN, this event serves as the final seasonal transition race for many in the Midwest.
https://www.bikemn.org/events/fat-happy-spring-thaw-2026/

Bloomington Naturalist Spring Fat Bike Ride (April 26, 2026 — COMING UP)
A guided 2-hour ride through the Minnesota River Bottoms led by a city naturalist. Extremely limited capacity.
https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/events/naturalist-program-spring-fat-bike-ride-2026-04-26

Cannon Beach Fat Bike Festival (May 15-17, 2026)
The premier beach-racing event on the Oregon Coast, featuring a poker run and beach challenge.
https://www.cannonbeach.org/events-and-festivals/fat-bike-festival/

Aventon Aventure 3 - Stealth
The Aventure 3 remains a top-tier recommendation for those seeking a 26x4" e-fatbike. With a 750W motor and hydraulic disc brakes, it is built to handle the varied terrain of spring shoulder season.
Visit Aventon to check it out (Affiliate Link)

That’s it for this week’s Dose. Go ride whatever thawed out first, keep an eye on the Alaska tracker, and try not to spend your entire weekend convincing yourself you “need” new pedals because you read this one newsletter.

Greg

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