Category: riding tips

Snowbiking opens up a whole new world of riding opportunities, turning your dirtbike into a winter warrior capable of tackling deep snow, icy trails, and alpine terrain. But to make the most of your snowbike experience, you need the right gear and accessories. Whether you’re a seasoned snowbike rider or gearing up for your first winter adventure, having the right essentials will enhance both your performance and safety.

In this guide, we’ll cover the snowbike essentials that every rider should consider, from conversion kits to protective gear and snowbike-specific accessories. Additionally, you can easily order parts and accessories online with Cascade Snow Bike, your go-to dealer for top-quality snowbike parts, accessories, and services to help you gear up for the season.

1. Snowbike Conversion Kit

The most important piece of gear for any snowbiker is the snowbike conversion kit itself. These kits transform your dirtbike into a snow-capable machine by replacing the front wheel with a ski and the rear wheel with a track system. Choosing the right conversion kit depends on your riding style and the terrain you plan to tackle.

• MTNTop Snowbike Kit: Ideal for all-around performance, the MTNTop Snowbike Kit provides great flotation in deep snow while maintaining agility on trails.
• Yeti Snow MX: Lightweight and high-performance, the Yeti Snow MX is designed for riders who demand quick handling and advanced maneuverability.

When selecting a snowbike conversion kit, make sure it’s compatible with your dirtbike model and consider the terrain you’ll be riding in. Cascade Snow Bike offers a range of conversion kits, including MTNTop and Yeti Snow MX along with expert installation services.

2. Track System

The track is the backbone of your snowbike setup. It replaces the rear wheel and is responsible for providing the traction you need in snow and icy conditions. Different track lengths and designs cater to various riding styles:

• Short Tracks (120 – 126 – 129 inches): These tracks offer better maneuverability and are ideal for trail riding or technical terrain.
• Long Tracks (137): Longer tracks provide more flotation in deep powder, making them the best choice for backcountry riders who need to stay on top of soft snow.

A high-quality track system is essential for snowbike performance, and brands like MTN Top, and Yeti Snow MX offer some of the best options on the market.

3. Snowbike Skis

Your snowbike’s ski plays a crucial role in steering and stability. A wider ski provides better flotation, helping you glide over deep snow, while narrower skis offer more precise control for technical riding.

The MTNTop Snowbike Ski is a popular option for all-purpose snowbiking, while the Yeti Ski is designed for lightweight, competitive performance.

Choosing the right ski depends on the type of riding you plan to do, but for most riders, a wider ski offers better versatility. Cascade Snow Bike can order a variety of skis from top brands to match your riding needs.

4. Heated Handlebars

Cold hands can quickly ruin your snowbike adventure. Heated handlebars, like the C3 Coolant Heated Handlebars, keep your hands warm, ensuring better grip and control during cold rides. Unlike heated gloves, which can feel bulky, heated handlebars provide direct warmth without sacrificing dexterity.

C3’s coolant-based system distributes heat evenly across the handlebars, making it one of the best choices for extreme cold weather conditions. Cascade Snow Bike offers C3 heated handlebars along with installation services to keep you riding comfortably throughout the winter.

5. Protective Gear

Riding in winter conditions presents unique challenges, so having the right protective gear is essential. Some key items include:

• Snowbike Helmet: A helmet with proper insulation, vents, and a face shield is critical for keeping your head warm and protected. Look for helmets designed specifically for snow conditions, such as those from Klim.
• X2D Goggles: When it comes to eye protection, X2D goggles are the ultimate choice for snowbikers. With a wide field of vision, anti-fog lenses, and excellent UV protection, X2D goggles ensure you maintain clear visibility in snowy and challenging conditions. Their comfortable fit and durable construction make them perfect for all-day rides, allowing you to focus on the trail ahead without worrying about your vision.
• Riding Jacket and Pants: Waterproof and insulated jackets and pants designed for snowmobiling or snowbiking are essential. These should be breathable, flexible, and designed to handle extreme weather conditions. Klim has created some purpose snowbike specific clothing that works very well.
• Gloves: Warm, waterproof gloves are crucial for keeping your hands dry and nimble. For an added layer of warmth, use heated gloves in combination with your heated handlebars. We like these gloves from Klim.
• Boots: Insulated and waterproof boots with excellent traction are essential for snowbike riding. Look for snowmobile boots with a high level of insulation and grip, like those from Klim or Alpinestar Enduro Tech 7 with Drystar.

6. Spare Parts and Tools

When you’re miles into the backcountry, having spare parts and tools can save your ride in case something goes wrong. Consider carrying the following:

• Extra Drive Chain or Belt: The drive chain is a critical component, and having a spare on hand can get you back on track if yours snaps mid-ride.
• Basic Tool Kit: A small tool kit with essentials like wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers is useful for on-the-go adjustments or repairs.
• Tow Rope: A strong tow rope can be a lifesaver if you or a friend gets stuck. MtnTop makes a purpose built snowbike tow kit that is great.
• Emergency Kit: Pack essentials like a first aid kit, fire-starting tools, and extra layers in case of an emergency.

7. Avalanche Safety Gear

If you’re planning on riding in the backcountry, having avalanche safety gear is non-negotiable. You should always carry:

• Avalanche Beacon: A transceiver that allows you to locate others or be located in case of an avalanche.
• Shovel: A compact, durable snow shovel is essential for digging out in an emergency, and needs to be carried on the rider at all times. An additional shovel can be carried on the snowbike itself for convenience.
• Probe: Use a probe to search for people or items buried in the snow.

Additionally, take the time to learn about avalanche safety, including how to read terrain and recognize potential hazards.

Final Thoughts: Gear Up at Cascade Snow Bike

Snowbike riding is a thrilling way to enjoy winter, but having the right gear is essential for performance, safety, and comfort. From snowbike conversion kits to heated handlebars and X2D goggles, these essentials ensure you’re prepared for any winter adventure.

For snowbike riders in Bend, OR, Cascade Snow Bike is your one-stop shop for everything snowbike-related. Whether you need a new snowbike kit, heated handlebars, or protective gear like X2D goggles, Cascade Snow Bike has the expertise and top-quality products to get you set up for the season. We even offer snowbike rentals and installation services, making it easier than ever to hit the trails in style.

Riding a snowbike in freezing temperatures can be exhilarating, but one of the biggest challenges riders face is keeping their hands warm. Cold, numb fingers can not only ruin the fun but also impact your control over the bike, making your ride less safe. The solution? Heated handlebars. Whether you’re cruising through deep powder or hitting the trails in frigid weather, heated handlebars are essential for keeping your hands toasty and maintaining control.

When it comes to heated handlebars, the C3 Coolant Heated Handlebars stand out as the top choice. Designed specifically for snowbike riders, these handlebars offer superior heat distribution and comfort, ensuring you can ride longer and with more confidence, no matter the temperature. And if you’re in Bend, OR, or nearby, Cascade Snow Bike is your trusted dealer for C3 handlebars and all snowbike accessories.

Why Heated Handlebars are a Must for Snowbike Riders

Winter riding presents unique challenges, and cold hands are one of the most common issues. Heated handlebars can make a world of difference, providing:

• Consistent Warmth: Unlike bulky heated gloves that can limit your dexterity, heated handlebars directly warm your hands without getting in the way of controlling your snowbike.
• Improved Control: Cold fingers can lead to slower reactions and reduced grip strength, which is dangerous when riding in icy or challenging conditions. Heated handlebars help maintain optimal hand function for better control.
• Enhanced Comfort: The warmth generated by heated handlebars keeps you more comfortable, allowing you to focus on enjoying the ride rather than battling the cold.
• Extended Riding Time: With warm hands, you’ll be able to stay out on the trails longer without discomfort, maximizing your winter riding experience.

C3 Coolant Heated Handlebars: The Best in Heated Technology

Among the many options available, C3 Coolant Heated Handlebars are the top choice for snowbike enthusiasts. These handlebars are designed to provide superior heating performance, ensuring your hands stay warm even in the coldest conditions.

What makes C3 handlebars so effective?

• Coolant Heating System: C3 Coolant Heated Handlebars use a unique coolant-based heating system that provides even, consistent warmth across the entire handlebar. This advanced design outperforms standard electric heating elements, delivering quicker heat and maintaining warmth throughout your ride.
• Durable and Lightweight: Made from high-quality materials, C3 handlebars are built to withstand the harshest winter conditions without adding unnecessary weight to your bike. They’re durable enough to handle snow, ice, and cold while still being lightweight for optimal performance.
• Easy Installation: C3 handlebars are designed for easy installation, making it simple to upgrade your snowbike with this essential accessory. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, you’ll appreciate the straightforward setup.
• Perfect for Extreme Cold: Whether you’re riding in sub-zero temperatures or just chilly conditions, C3 Coolant Heated Handlebars will keep your hands warm and functional, allowing you to maintain precise control and enjoy a comfortable ride.

Order C3 Heated Handlebars from Cascade Snow Bike

Ready to upgrade your snowbike with the best heated handlebars on the market? Cascade Snow Bike, located in Bend, OR, is your premier dealer for C3 Coolant Heated Handlebars, as well as a full range of snowbike parts, accessories, and conversion kits. When you order from Cascade Snow Bike, you get access to expert advice, installation services, and high-quality gear designed to enhance your winter riding experience.

• Why Cascade Snow Bike?
  • Expert Knowledge: Cascade Snow Bike specializes in snowbikes, so you can trust their team to help you find the right parts and accessories for your needs.
  • Full Range of Products: In addition to C3 heated handlebars, Cascade offers snowbike kits, parts, accessories, and even snowbike rentals.
  • Top-Notch Service: Whether you need installation help or advice on maintaining your gear, Cascade Snow Bike is here to support you throughout your snowbike journey.

Final Thoughts: Stay Warm, Ride Longer with C3 Heated Handlebars

If you’re serious about snowbike riding in winter conditions, heated handlebars are an absolute must. And when it comes to the best heated handlebars on the market, the C3 Coolant Heated Handlebars are the clear leader. With their innovative heating system, durability, and easy installation, they provide everything you need to keep your hands warm and in control.

For snowbike riders in Bend, OR, or anywhere else looking for top-quality parts and expert service, Cascade Snow Bike is your go-to shop for C3 heated handlebars and all your snowbike needs. Order now, and make your winter rides more comfortable and enjoyable.

Some people ask us what a day of riding snowbikes entails. We’ve made a rundown of what a typical day  looks like when you rent a timbersled or go on a guided snow moto tour near the Broken Top backcountry and Dutchman Flat Snowmobile areas.

For full day rentals, reservations will typically take place in advance through the website.  Hourly rentals which are available most weekends  in two hour time segments can be setup over the phone, & paid for in person Check our Instagram & Facebook for weekend operating plans.

Once your booking is confirmed we will plan our meetup time and place.  For clients making their own riding plans, arrangements can be made to pick up the bikes on the way to a snowpark.  For clients who hire a guide, first time renters,  or folks doing hourly rentals, we will meet you in a pre-determined snow park that we are allowed to operate out of.

Upon meeting up the day of the rental, the client will fill out release of liability waivers, pay the $1500 refundable damage deposit, and go over a gear, and bike checklist.

Now on to the fun stuff.  Bike, gear, safety, avy, and trip planning!

Snow Bikes are fairly complicated machines, and we need to give you a run down on what makes them tick.  We go over cold start procedure, starting and turning off the machine, and how to jump start them if a battery goes dead. We show you that there is only one brake on a snow bike and that is on the right handlebar side.  There are hand warmers, and light switches to be aware of, and the most important gauge, the temperature gauge!

We constantly remind clients to keep an eye on the temperature gauge as it is a good indicator if something is not running properly on the machine. Typical operating temps are between 120-200, any higher than 205, the machine needs to be stopped and snow placed on the radiators.  Overheating a bike is very bad for it, please keep it within a safe range.

After the snow bike operating introduction, we show you some first aid/safety supplies on each machine, spare gas, along with some fire starting and survival gear.

We move into explaining your avalanche survival tools that you carry in the supplied backpack.  These tools include a beacon, probe, & shovel.  We demonstrate how to use each tool, but what is most important is that we teach you how to avoid avalanche terrain in the first place.

Trip planning and group dynamics are one of the most important aspects to having an awesome and safe day in the backcountry.  We discuss how the dynamics of snow bikes can present challenges for sticking together as a group.  We always recommend clients bring two way radios, and fully charged phones for the day.  The backcountry is vast, and getting separated happens quickly in low light, challenging terrain, or if someone tips over. A good leader and guide helps keep the group together. Hire a guide!

Now it’s about time to ride, we discuss some riding techniques, do a gear, food, water, beacon check and we’re off.

For first time riders we will practice starting and stopping a fair number of times until the client is able to consistently start and stop without tipping over. Check out our first timers guide blog post for some in depth techniques to practice.  After 15-25 minutes of basic skills development, we may travel over some groomed snowmobile trails to a few powdery meadows to practice turning and bike handling.  As the day progresses we will search for the ideal combination of snow conditions and terrain that is best suited for all clients to enjoy.

Throughout the tour we can focus on whatever type of riding the client is interested in, traveling through terrain, setting up a practice turn track, or riding powdery meadows.

We always plan to be back to the snowpark at least 45 minutes before sunset.  Once back to the snowpark, the client returns the backpack with beacon, probe, and shovel, and Cascade Snow Bike inspects the snow bike for any damage or items lost.

Most likely we had an awesome and smooth day.  Our goal is to make your day in the backcountry a memorable and safe one, so we can always ride another day.  The backcountry can be a challenging place with adversity, with that comes the adventure, and the rewards are the experiences and places you will see and learn about.

We know this sounds like a lot of things to go over before the fun starts, but we feel it’s best to take the time up front and create a solid foundation for venturing into the winter backcountry, rather than struggle from adversity due to lack of understanding or un-preparedness.

Cascade Snow Bike seeks to be your guide to enlightenment if you choose the path of one ski, track, and throttle!  Our goal is to offer the needed guidance, advice, & support to pull off some amazing days riding snow mx. We hope this was informative,  and look forward to riding with you!