Gloves, boots, and glasses: the key fatbike gear
Because in winter, everything comes down to your extremities
On a fat bike, the cold isn’t enemy number one. Poorly protected hands, feet and eyes are what cut rides short. You can have the best bike in the world—if your fingers freeze or you can’t see clearly anymore, the fun disappears fast.
That’s why at Lessard Bicycles, we always emphasize three essentials: gloves, boots, and glasses. Here’s how to choose them well—and why it makes all the difference.
🧤 Gloves: warmth and control
🧤 Gloves and mitts designed for winter cycling
🔹 Thinner models for -5 to -15 °C
🔹 Insulated mitts for deep cold
🔹 Liners to fine-tune warmth
👉 Personalized advice based on your type of rides
On a fatbike, the right gloves need to keep your hands warm without compromising control. You’re looking for effective insulation that still lets you brake and shift easily, windproof protection to block out the cold, good breathability to prevent moisture build-up, and above all natural dexterity on the bars so you can ride with confidence, even in the depths of winter.
- Down to -15 °C: winter cycling gloves
- Below -15 / -20 °C: mittens often become more effective
- Extreme cold: mittens + thin liner gloves, with handlebar covers added if needed
👉 Workshop tip: gloves that are too tight cut off circulation. A bit of room means more warmth.
🥾 Boots: the most important investment
🥾 Winter boots for fatbiking
🔹 Compatible with flat or clipless pedals
🔹 Insulation suited to long rides
🔹 Soles designed for snow
👉 Fitting in store (key to comfort)
Cold feet are a deal-breaker: once they’re cold, the ride is over. Boots specifically designed for fatbiking are built with insulation adapted to limited movement, so they retain heat longer. They offer effective protection against wind and moisture, which is essential in winter conditions. Their soles are stiff yet insulating, ensuring good power transfer while blocking out the cold from the ground. Finally, they leave enough room to trap warm air, a key factor in keeping your feet comfortable for the entire ride.
👉 Lessard tip: a good pair of boots + a single pair of wool socks = warmer than several tight layers.
🕶️ Glasses: protection and visibility
🕶️ Winter cycling glasses
🔹 Clear or lightly tinted lenses
🔹 Anti-fog models
🔹 Compatible with helmet and balaclava
👉 Fit tested in real-world conditions
In winter, glasses aren’t just for sun protection. They’re essential for blocking icy wind, preventing cold-induced tearing, shielding your eyes from flying snow, and ensuring clear, safe vision throughout your ride, whatever the conditions.
👉 Pro tip: too closed = fogging. Too open = frozen eyes. Balance is key.
❄️ Adjust according to the temperature
- -10 °C: winter gloves, moderately insulated boots, simple goggles
- -20 °C: very warm mitts or gloves, serious winter boots, anti-fog glasses
- -30 °C: thick mittens, highly insulated boots, fully enclosed goggles + balaclava
