A fat bike outing this winter

Mountain bikes are renowned for being all-terrain bikes, but fatbikes can be ridden in terrain that is even more difficult to access. It can cross snowy, sandy and slippery trails much more easily than a mountain bike. Of course, fat bikes are distinguished by the size of their wheels. While mountain bikes have wheels 1.8" to 2.4" wide, fat bike wheels can be 3.8" and up to 5". So they're twice as big for twice as much grip on difficult terrain. The frame and brakes are also quite distinctive on a fat bike. There are currently three types of fat bike:

• The muscular fatbike: it has no electric assistance.
• The electric fatbike: it has a motor and a battery. Heavier than a muscle bike, it will allow you to cover more kilometres during your bike rides and can of course also be used when the battery is flat, like any other fatbike.
• The folding fatbike: you can take it everywhere in your daily life or on holiday. Folding fatbikes are often electric. However, they often weigh more than 25 kg, so they'll take up less space in the boot, but they're not a bike you'll be able to carry on your shoulder for long.

• With a fat bike, you can pedal all year round, even on snow in winter - a great way to enjoy your favourite sport all year round.
• With a fat bike, you'll have more grip to take on paths that are less passable with a mountain bike. Snow, mud, sand, roots - nothing can scare you with this machine.
• The ride is much more comfortable thanks to the large tyres, which are less inflated than on a mountain bike.
• If you're not looking for speed, riding a fat bike is about enjoying the scenery. It's a bike for adventure, not for breaking speed records.
• Its tyres are ultra-resistant, so there's little chance of a puncture like with any other bike.
• It's easy to maintain, with a fixed fork, a rigid, solid frame and disc brakes.
• It's a fun bike, so you won't go unnoticed.
• Even in the city, it's easy to ride and avoid crashing over holes in the roads, tram tracks, etc.

It's for everyone, especially those who feel more comfortable with more stability. Fat biking in Serre Chevalier is a great way to enjoy the mountains. It's also important to know how to ride a bike if you want to go on a fat bike outing in Serre Chevalier.

With Julien Barreteau, a qualified mountain bike guide who offers three types of outings:

• Family outings ranging from 2 hours to a full day, with a ride along the Guisane at Serre Chevalier, a return trip to the Col du Lautaret, as well as rides in the Clarée valley or on the Col de l'Echelle and the Col de l'Izoard.
• Sports outing with the same routes, but also downhill runs on the Serre Chevalier ski area.
• A night outing using headlamps, for example to climb the Col de l'Izoard with a meal in the refuge.

👛 Prices from €49 per person including bike and helmet hire.

With the Bureau des Guides Serre Chevalier, which offers electric fat bike outings for all levels from 14 years upwards:

• Half-day group outings in the Serre Chevalier and Col de l'Izoard areas
• Half-day outings with a private guide for your family, in the sector of your choice.
• By night, to discover new sensations

👛 Prices from €65 per person.

It's essential to bring warm clothes and waterproof hiking boots to avoid getting your feet wet, as well as ski or mountain trousers, a jumper or fleece, a waterproof jacket, warm gloves so you can still brake and a hat so you can wear your helmet, and a rucksack with water and food. Sunglasses and sun cream are essential for day outings.