Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission on products or services you purchase through them. There is no extra cost to you, and your support helps keep this website active.

The Bike, Gear, and Upgrades I Trust for Ontario’s Coldest Riding Season

Let the good times roll. Fat biking in Ontario is demanding, in the best possible way. Cold starts, frozen fingers, soft snow, rock-hard corduroy, and everything in between. The proper setup makes riding it possible and more comfortable.

For the 2025/26 season, my goal is simple: ride as many groomed fat bike trails across Ontario as possible. From local club networks to destination trail systems, I need a bike-and-gear setup that’s reliable, warm, and adaptable.

It's funny how sometimes you see something for the first time, and you know that's it. The Surly Ice Cream Truck was my “that's it” for the steel frame (I love steel bikes), the colour, and the possibilities. The bike was ready to roll right out of the box, but you know you have to tweak a few things to make it your own.

The Bike: Surly Ice Cream Truck

At the heart of my winter setup is the Surly Ice Cream Truck, a bike that feels purpose-built for Ontario winters. While plenty of fat bikes can handle snow, the Ice Cream Truck thrives in it.

First, the geometry. Surly got it right with a stable, confidence-inspiring platform that feels planted on groomed trails and predictable when conditions deteriorate. The Ice Cream Truck never feels twitchy or nervous. It tracks straight, climbs confidently, and descends with a reassuring sense of control.

Then there’s clearance. Wide tires are non-negotiable for winter riding here, and the Ice Cream Truck has room to spare. That clearance means fewer issues with snow buildup, better float in soft conditions, and the flexibility to fine-tune tire choice and pressure as conditions change throughout the season.

Durability is another big reason this bike works so well in Ontario. Winter riding is hard on equipment. Salt, grit, moisture, and sub-zero starts expose every weakness in a bike. The Ice Cream Truck’s simple, rugged design and steel frame are perfect for this environment. It’s not precious. It’s dependable. It’s the bike you want when you’re heading out into -15°C temperatures, knowing you might be the only rider on the trail.

Most importantly, the fun factor. Fat biking should feel playful, not punishing. The Ice Cream Truck delivers that floaty, grin-inducing ride that keeps me coming back, even on days when the weather says I should stay inside.

Parts Added to the Build

Over the years, I’ve learned that small contact-point upgrades make the biggest difference in winter. This season’s additions reflect that philosophy.

Blivet Mund Grips

Cold hands can ruin a ride faster than almost anything else. The Blivet Mund Grips strike a great balance between cushioning and control. They dampen trail chatter without feeling spongy and provide excellent grip even with winter gloves.

On long rides, especially on firm trails where vibration adds up, these grips reduce fatigue. They’re understated, comfortable, and exactly what I want between my hands and the bars in winter conditions.

Shop - Fat Bikes Canada

PNW Loam Aluminum Pedals

Reliable flat pedals are critical for fat biking, and the **PNW Loam Aluminum Pedals** deliver. Large platform, excellent pin placement, and solid construction.
They shed snow well and provide consistent traction, even when things get icy. Paired with the right winter boot, they create a secure, confidence-inspiring connection that makes technical winter riding feel controlled rather than sketchy.
Shop - Fat Bikes Canada

Related reading - Q&A: 10 Questions About Fat Biking

Chromag Trail Master Saddle

Winter rides often mean longer efforts at lower speeds, and comfort matters. The **Chromag Trail Master Saddle** has become a favorite for a reason. Its shape supports long seated climbs without pressure points, and the durable cover handles winter abuse without complaint.
It’s one of those saddles you stop thinking about, and that’s exactly what you want.
Shop - Fat Bikes Canada

PRO Discover Framepack

Winter riding demands layers, tools, food, and sometimes emergency gear. The **PRO Discover Framepack** keeps everything organized and accessible without interfering with pedalling.
It’s well-constructed, weather-resistant, and perfectly sized for winter essentials. I appreciate being able to stash extra gloves, snacks, and repair gear without resorting to bulky backpacks.
Shop - Fat Bikes Canada

RevoLoop Ultra Light TPU Inner Tubes

I have always run tubeless on my fat bikes, so this is a newer addition to my setup. The RevoLoop Ultra Light TPU Inner Tubes save weight and pack down incredibly small, perfect as spares on winter rides where space is at a premium.

They also roll well and hold air consistently, even in cold conditions. While many fat bikers run tubeless, having a reliable, lightweight tube option is invaluable, especially when temperatures drop and trails are far from the trailhead.

Shop - Fat Bikes Canada

New Gear for the 2025/26 Season

This winter marks a shift in my setup philosophy, particularly when it comes to footwear.

Blivet QUILO FLT X4 Winter Cycling Boots

For the past couple of seasons, I’ve been riding flat pedals with Keen winter boots. It worked. This year, I’m making a full commitment to flats with the **Blivet QUILO FLT X4 Winter Cycling Boot**.
First impressions are excellent. These boots are surprisingly light, comfortable straight out of the box, and, most importantly, warm. The insulation is spot-on for active winter riding, and the sole strikes a great balance between stiffness for power transfer and flexibility for walking on snow-covered trails.
Pedal contact is outstanding. Paired with the PNW Loam pedals, the grip feels locked in without being restrictive. This setup gives me confidence in the technical sections and reduces foot fatigue on longer rides. It’s a noticeable upgrade from repurposed winter boots and one I’m excited to ride all season.
Shop - Fat Bikes Canada

45NRTH Naughtvind Vest

I picked up the 45NRTH Naughtvind Vest on sale and wasn’t sure how much I’d actually use it. After a few rides, I’m convinced it’ll be a staple.

The quality is immediately apparent, excellent materials, thoughtful design, and a perfect balance of wind protection and breathability. In Ontario winters, managing temperature is everything. This vest adds core warmth without overheating and layers beautifully over a thermal jersey or under a shell.

It’s ideal for high-output rides on groomed trails where wind chill can be brutal, but full jackets feel like overkill.

Shop - Fat Bikes Canada

Blivet Vok Pogies

This season will also be my first with pogies, specifically the **Blivet Vok Pogies**. I’ve resisted them for years, relying on heavier gloves instead, but I’m finally ready to try something new.
The appeal is obvious: warmer hands, lighter gloves, and better control. For long rides and colder days, pogies could be a game-changer. I’m looking forward to seeing how they perform on sub-zero rides and whether they earn a permanent place in my winter kit.
Shop - Fat Bikes Canada

Riding Plans for 2025/26

This winter is all about exploration. Ontario has an incredible and growing network of groomed fat bike trails, and I want to experience as many as possible. From local club-maintained loops to destination trail systems worth travelling for, the plan is to ride widely, often, and in most conditions. I don’t have stud tires, so icy days are off days.

This setup is designed for precisely that: dependable, adaptable, and comfortable enough to keep me riding through the heart of winter.

Fat biking has become one of my favourite ways to stay active and engaged outdoors when most people are hibernating. With the right bike, thoughtful gear choices, and a willingness to embrace the cold, winter riding in Ontario isn’t just manageable, it’s something to look forward to.

Here’s to a snowy season, well-groomed trails, and plenty of frozen smiles.