Next up is Melting Man, in March. Ugh. That's three months on my trainer. No, I don't have a fatty to get out on. Prices have really gone up on them and supply is non-existent. I have Zwift and Rouvy for the winter. It's ok but gets boring. What's everyone else doing?
Winter is 5-6 months here. My wife and I hammered out nearly 5K miles on Zwift between us last winter. We have no outdoor winter sport (lol.... live where it's winter half the year) and cannot bear the thought of spending that much time in the basement again this winter... even as good as Zwift is. So yes... we succumbed to the Fat Bike thing and yes... you are correct. Nearly impossible to find in stock. I called every bike store from Great Falls. MT to Spokane WA and found 2 XL's and 1 SM.
Here by the San Francisco Bay we don't have an actual winter - just a mild, dry May-Oct and a mild, less dry Nov-Apr.
Anyway I used to do a lot of rowing and I highly recommend the Concept II rowing machines. I found rowing gave me a more complete workout than cycling. It does require developing decent technique, especially if you ever decide to try it in a boat.
Here in the Mid-Atlantic we do have some winter training series groups/events that can be joined virtually or in person, but focus on individual challenges. Maybe you have something local like that? Of have interest in joining one (virtually) that is not local? Having a group that puts on stay-together social rides is great. Our winters aren't snowy enough for fatbikes but mountain biking is a great winter activity here once ground is proper frozen. Much warmer than road riding!
I'm addition to a fully organized winter activity system, we have had a lot of fun seeing up virtual (Zwift) rides and races with the group of us that are typically riding on the road together. A big part of the motivation last year was COVID, but it was successful enough that we'll do something similar again this year.
And finally, studded tires for street riding. I have some 45NRTH 38mm studded tires that go on my cx wheelset when the (cx) season is over for commutes or rides when the roads/trails are icy.
You can probably get into XC skiing for about what you're looking at for 2 fatbikes. I'd go classic with skin skis so you don't have to worry about kick waxing or go with skate skis so you don't have to worry about kick waxing at all. Skating translates more directly to riding than classic, but they're both really fun. Years that I do a ski half marathon I'm flying in the spring because of ski fitness.
If you want to stick with bikes, get a plus bike, if you can find one. If you're not riding a groomed area, 3" tires will probably float you okay until the snow gets really deep. You might be able to ride snowmobile tracks (legal where I live in PA) all winter as they get pretty packed.
