Yes, Fat Bikes are popular in my area as winter bikes. Certainly, using a fat bike on trails and well frozen lakes is more interesting than trying to share the road during winter. When riding during winter I have correct clothing and equipment. As a commuter is Chicago I built a monstercross bike and installed studded tires. However, I discovered that temperatures below 25f were unpleasant due to perspiration and damp layers. Rides longer than an hour were not enjoyable for me. I also found studded tires to be painfully slow going. I do enjoy a sunny day with mostly dry pavement when temperatures are above 25f, and I'll ride during winter on ideal days. I keep a Cyclocross bike with gravel tires and fenders just for wet, salty and gritty conditions, but I use discretion.




I actually like the trainer. Structuring a plan and getting all the benefits from the technology is interesting to me. Once or twice a week I'll load a virtual ride using data I saved. I can recreate the outdoor experience with enough realism to be very satisfying. The interval training and sessions that provide base miles are less enjoyable, but are an improvement over inactivity.