The fat bike world keeps spinning, and this weekend's Winterbike Expo at Freewheel Bike's Midtown shop in Minneapolis will reflect that with more models and related gear.
"You'll see more [bikes] with all the brands. … These bikes can function with all different rim sizes. A lot of bikes have come out as transition bikes. They are getting people on a wider tire, so people are realizing how stable and grippy they are in the summertime. Take that bike into the winter, and put a couple of more inches on the tires, and you are good to go," said Jake Helmbrecht, Freewheel Bike general manager, on the offerings Saturday and Sunday. The expo is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Vendors include Salsa, Surly, Trek, Relevate, 45NRTH, Bontrager, Lazer, Club Ride and Louis Garneau.
There are seminars, too: Trek, on fat tire philosophy and development; how-to session on suspension tuning tips for cold weather; winter commuting; winter bike camping and more.
Also, The Superfat Crit on Saturday is more ride than race for most, and the entry is casual, too, said Helmbrecht: Bring a six-pack of something to share (beer, other beverages, brats?) The event, which runs about 35 minutes on the demo area parallel to the Midtown Greenway, is open class (no age groups or experience levels). Of course, there are a range of fat bikes to demo, too.
Helmbrecht suggested an alternative event, too, for the less-interested: The No Coast Craft-o-Rama craft fair happens in the Midtown Market commons area.
Find more information on the expo at winterbikexpo.com.
