That depends on how you’re using the bike. If you’re using your bike for icy conditions, especially commuting on streets, you’ll want to use studded tires. If you primarily want to use the bike for riding on softer snow trails, then a snow bike is a better choice. A good option for many riders is a standard mountain bike with SnowCat rims and 2.3 studded tires.
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What are SnowCats?
SnowCat is a brand of rims designed in Fairbanks, AK. The rims are 44 mm wide giving you a wider footprint and allowing you to run a lower tire pressure to get better control in softer conditions. We also stock Echo rims, which are 46 mm wide. We have wheels built and ready to go, or we can custom build the wheels with your favorite hubs.
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Will SnowCats or Echo rims work on any mountain bike?
No. Your bike must have enough clearance in the fork and on the rear stays to accommodate the wider rims and tires. If you’re not sure, bring your bike to the shop and we’ll check for clearance. If you run the wider rims without enough clearance, you will damage your frame, possibly causing the frame to fail.
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What are the best studded tires to use?
More studs are better and carbide studs are the best. They are more durable than cheaper steel studs so you won’t have to replace them after just one season.
Can I get studded tires for a Twenty-niner?
Yes. In 1997 Nokian introduced a 29x2.1 studded tire with 294 studs.
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How do I keep my feet warm?
Not in your summer shoes. Summer biking shoes are designed to ventilate. Plus, there’s no insulation between your foot and the cleat. People can end up with frostbite after only a short ride.
We stock winter biking shoes from Lake. The shoes are insulated and come in standard and wide so you can size up and use thicker socks. From Sidi, we carry the Toasters, rechargeable heated insoles that automatically control the temperature of your feet.
We also keep in stock chemical toe warmers and foot beds.
Some people forgo their clipless pedals in the winter in favor of platform pedals and warm boots. Insulated hiking or snowshoe boots can work. Some people use Sorrels. Some use insulated NEOS (New England Overshoes). You may have to try a few things before you decide what’s best for you.
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What are those things on your handlebar?
Those are handlebar poagies. Made in Two Rivers, AK, they provide the ultimate in hand warmth on a mountain bike. You have easy access to your shifters and brakes, and can use lighter weight gloves or mittens, giving you more dexterity.
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What lights should I use?
If you’re riding on the road, remember that you are a vehicle and by law must use a headlight and taillight. A flashing red light should be on the back of the bike. For the headlight, you can use lights on the handlebar or on your helmet. A helmet-mounted rechargeable light works best when in or near traffic since you can aim the light toward vehicles to let drivers know you’re there. You can also use a white light on the handlebar for visibility or trail riding went you want an extra light.
Rechargeable light systems will put out more light than AA or AAA lights and are very reliable. Check out the models here at Paramount.
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How do I know where to ride?
You can pick up a copy of Mountain Bike Anchorage which lists routes that are available for winter cycling, or purchase a map published by the Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage (NSAA). The map shows most routes that are multi-use and open for bicycling. Both are available at Paramount.
For more information, stop by Paramount Cycles.
