FAT bikes

[CNY rider]

Fall is here, winter just around the corner, and there hasn't been a fatbike thread yet.
What are you riding, would you buy it again, and what would you buy if you were just getting started?
And how about some sizing help: I'm 5 foot 6, ride a standard 53 or 54 cm road bike. Would a "small" Pugsley be the right size?

[David Kirk]

What type of riding do you envision? Snow one would assume if you are from CNY. Trails? Snow covered roads? XC ski trails?

dave

[William]

:)

[CNY rider]

Two main tasks for this beast:
1. 7.5 mile commute to work, hilly. The road near my house is usually a compressed snow surface. On the rest of the ride it will see salted pavement. I have been doing it on a beater cyclocross bike with studded Nokians used as needed.

2. I have some nice dirt roads around me. Often in winter they are a semi-frozen gravel surface. Usually have good traction, sometimes with a little powder on top.

[JAGI410]

I'd say a small/16" Pugsley/Mukluk/9Zero7 should fit you fine.

Here's my latest fatbike:
Steel Fatback with Sram/Avid drivetrain, Surly/Hope wheelset, and 45Nrth Husker Du tires.
http://i1035.photobucket.com/albums/a434/JAGI410/fatback_zps943d461a.jpg (http://s1035.photobucket.com/user/JAGI410/media/fatback_zps943d461a.jpg.html)

[David Kirk]

Two main tasks for this beast:
1. 7.5 mile commute to work, hilly. The road near my house is usually a compressed snow surface. On the rest of the ride it will see salted pavement. I have been doing it on a beater cyclocross bike with studded Nokians used as needed.

2. I have some nice dirt roads around me. Often in winter they are a semi-frozen gravel surface. Usually have good traction, sometimes with a little powder on top.


I have a Moonlander with the 4.7" tires and ride it on snow covered hiking/skiing trails/single track and it works very well. I've even ridden it up the ski area on green runs and if the snow is groomed it will go right up. Crazy stuff. Where is is overkill in on a plowed road or clear pavement..........then it can feel silly. I ride with a friend who has a bike with the 3.7" tires and his feels better on firm stuff and less silly but it has much less float than the 4.7's.

One place neither tire size does any better than a standard MTB tire is on ice.....they have no grip at all on ice. In my case I really don't care but you might and it might be worth looking at a fat studded tire.

I can see no reason why the huge tires would benefit you on packed snow road so I might look at the 3.7's and maybe with studs if you see much ice.


Dave

[dogdriver]

Yeah, to echo Mr. Kirk, you might be better off with an mtb with studded tires. Nokian makes the best-- kind of spendy, but a lifetime purchase. A possible alternative is an old, beater, rigid mtb (thinking $50 on Craigslist) with wide tire clearance. If you can fit a 2.5 (WTB Weirwolf is a good one) tire and run them with low psi, they might give you enough float if the snow isn't too fluffy. Of course, A Pugsley, Mukluk, or the like is simply the chubbiest, coolest thing on the winter trails. Speaking to Surly, the TT doesn't change much with sizes, so the biggest difference is seat tube (duh) and HT. With the current slanted TT, you just might be able to get away with a medium and avoid a ton of stack on the steer tube to achieve the desired "beach cruiser" posture. Check the Surly geo chart.

JMIICBR, Chris

[makmadoosel]

I ride a 57 square and I found the medium Pug to be just a little small for me.

[JAGI410]

I use my fatbike for 80% of my winter commuting, the other 20% is on my Surly Troll with studded tires. I can tell which bike is better suited for the job by the time I'm down my driveway. They do make studded fatbike tires now, but they are $500/pair! 2 bikes is a much better solution for me. Most of the winter I run fat tires at 9psi, on fresh snow I'll go down to 6psi.

[fourflys]

Here is my current bike...
http://threeflys.smugmug.com/Cycling/Riding-in-Kodiak/i-jGZR2jH/0/L/P1000469-L.jpg

The Mukluk is an awesome bike, BUT... if I was to do it again, I'd be all over a FatBack! After visiting the shop in Anchorage I think they are worth the extra $$ over the Salsa and definitely over the Surly IMHO... the steel frame pictured above is a beautiful machine, the aluminum bikes are very nice as well! And I believe they offer a "budget build" that's under $2k now that they didn't last year... however, I'd go for the regular build of the aluminum bike that's around $2500... if you want one though, get your order in now!

Chris

[fourflys]

They do make studded fatbike tires now, but they are $500/pair!

I'm hoping now that everybody and their brother is making a fat bike now, tires, and especially studded, will come down in price... The Dillingers (sp?) are pretty awesome though and crazy light for a fat tire...

[DfCas]

The big fat news this winter is Bikes Direct having 3 bikes under $1000. Lots of talk about this on the fat bike forum.

[CNY rider]

Thanks, lots of good stuff to think about from this thread.
I do have my old rigid MTB sitting in the basement untouched for at least the last 5 years.........

[xjoex]

Fat bikes are a blast. It is not what I'd call "cycling". It is just having a ton of fun in the snow.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xxOZLCgOi-M/UU-zQddyeDI/AAAAAAAAMFg/eKNL8bm1-Vg/s912/IMG_1502.jpg

I have Surly Neckromancer and my wife has a mukluk. Way more fun then putting in base miles on your road bike in the winter!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WhoPIhwOjiQ/UR_vpmAt66I/AAAAAAAALYc/zIucPLMe4lE/s912/IMG_1174.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5vWw0fVxqP0/URbVuqsBPNI/AAAAAAAALFg/pxi0ZRLwy4E/s912/P2090109.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-25Qoy8YTixo/UQXgsXzl7gI/AAAAAAAAKko/0xgPkFqdEOM/s640/P1270423.jpg

-Joe

[binxnyrwarrsoul]

As someone who utterly despises snow and winter, I must say that looks like a hoot.

[xjoex]

You know who else loves snow bikes? Dogs.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5GSDpPJqvTQ/UXR9BT9a_PI/AAAAAAAAMT4/LIIj3ki6Wnw/s640/IMG_1979.jpg

-Joe

[makmadoosel]

My dog and I can hardly wait for the snow to fall!

[maxn]

Not as fat, but any thoughts on the Krampus?

[weisan]

Highest fun/$ ratio ....

http://mobile.walmart.com/m/phoenix;jsessionid=068116483872892830C286C3C913BE5 5#ip/26-Mongoose-Beast-Men-s-Oversized-All-Terrain-Bike/22861845

http://vanscyoc.net/blog/uploads/Our_Bikes/Mongoose_Beast/P1200394.JPG

[makmadoosel]

Anybody know the rear spacing on that bike from Walmart?

My housemate tried to dress up a Sun fat cruiser but ran into trouble with the rear spacing (he wanted to use an 8 speed IGH). Now he'd like to unload it.

[fourflys]

^^^ you get what you pay for... I have no idea on the Bikes Direct bikes, but I'd rather spend a bit more for something that actually has some research behind it like a FatBack, Salsa, or Surly than one of the Johnny come lately bikes that would appear to be thrown on the market because they don't want to be left behind (Felt, Spec., etc).... kind of like the gravel bike scene, I'd buy a Salsa over most of the other big name one because they've got years of research and r&d there in the midwest trying different iterations compared to something like a Kona which is not in a location that is "gravel-centric"...

BTW- I only own two Salsa bikes currently so I'm not a total Salsa shill...

just my .02...

[makmadoosel]

I've got a salsa on the way. I just have a sick curiosity about these things!

[fourflys]

I've got a salsa on the way. I just have a sick curiosity about these things!

as Joe alluded to, they are FUN! I realized when I first took mine out for a ride, it's not about the speed, distance or anything we usually associate our rides with... I felt like I was 12 and on my BMX bike again just having fun....

also, looking down and seeing those massive tires is just cool.... :D

[blessthismess]

Man, Those fat bikes look like a lot of fun. If I ever move to a place that snows it will be the first thing I buy!

[mtb_frk]

It's snowing here and my thoughts keep turning to a fat bike. I haven't thought about one all year but seeing a few white flakes gets me thinking maybe it would be nice to have one.

[gomango]

I'm spoiled.

My neighbor bought a Mukluk a year ago and has ridden it four times.

The good news is he let's me take it out whenever I like.

I spent four hours out this morning down at the Mississippi/Minnesota river bottoms.

Let's face it, our winter here in Minnesota last year was absolutely brutal and this one is making a very similar entrance.

I take it on and ski, snowshoe and ice fish up at our cabin.

I am seriously thinking about buying a used fat bike for the cabin just to haul out my fishing sled.

This Cogburn might be cool.

http://www.cogburnoutdoors.com/images/bike_cb4.png

[93legendti]

Just brought home my Access Bravo Fat Bike today. The right price with my Performance employee discount...Looking forward to riding it Sunday.

[malcolm]

For the non snow places what do you do with a fat bike??

[linger]

I have a carver ti o'beast that I bought for what I thought would be my winter mtb. I ride it all year and love it. Forrest at bikeman.com is an incredible resource. Fat is not just for snow.

[Tyler Evans]

My lady and I just shredded pretty hard on the fatties today. There wasn't any snow yet, but I got her one for her birthday in preparation for the inevitable. We couldn't resist.

#fatties #atleasttheyhaveeachother

http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfp1/t51.2885-15/10809817_742442012487755_463892760_n.jpg

[mtb_frk]

Just brought home my Access Bravo Fat Bike today. The right price with my Performance employee discount...Looking forward to riding it Sunday.

Google is letting me down, do you have a link to the bike?

[onekgguy]

Fatbikes are where it's at in the winter around here (Minnesota). As Gomango said, this is looking a lot like last winter and you have to have some way to cope.

Here's from a few days ago (https://vimeo.com/111711894) down along the Minnesota River bottoms.

Kevin g

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/10381483653_bc61ef4fb0_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/gPnPpt)

Colorful backdrop by onekgguy (https://www.flickr.com/people/26753494@N00/), on Flickr

[93legendti]

Google is letting me down, do you have a link to the bike?

Nope. Oddly, it isn't even on Performance's website yet. A few boxes of these bikes showed up at the store on Thursday. I will post a pic on Sunday.

I stand corrected, just found this thru yahoo's search engine:

http://www.performancebike.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/mProduct4_10551_10052_1153305_-1_catNav+Full+Site+-+Sign+In+-+Sign+Up+%253F%253F%253F%253F%253F%253F%253F%253F

Performance must have update the website yesterday or today.

[mtb_frk]

Thanks. Interested in seeing pictures, however it is out of my price range.

[93legendti]

Thanks. Interested in seeing pictures, however it is out of my price range.

I think the one I bought is selling for $799 now...

[cetuximab]

carbon fork
Aluminum frame. With all the salt, I do want the steel of the salsa or surly frames.
4.8 in wide tires
The Motobecane (bikesdirect) will only fit 4in tires. That performance bike is also only 4in tires.
The Walmart mongoose bike is heavy. Just shy of 50#. It only has a rear coaster brake.
I commute on my Motobecane fatbike. It is overkill but fun.
If we got more snow I would get the spec Fatboy. I like the motobecane. It was only $800, instead of north of $2000

[gomango]

If I could afford it, I would order a 44 Big Boy this morning.

Especially after hearing that the estimated build weight of this one sits at 27 pounds.

Now that's tempting.

After 4 hours on the Mukluk yesterday, weight does become a factor.

Not a joy killer, but a factor.

http://theradavist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/2014_NAHBS_44Bikes_Fat-1.jpg

[oldpotatoe]

My lady and I just shredded pretty hard on the fatties today. There wasn't any snow yet, but I got her one for her birthday in preparation for the inevitable. We couldn't resist.

#fatties #atleasttheyhaveeachother

http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfp1/t51.2885-15/10809817_742442012487755_463892760_n.jpg

No FF fat bike??

[binxnyrwarrsoul]

Neighbor has a Fatboy Pro, the screaming neon green one with a RockShox. Thing felt pretty light (rumored to be 31 lbs, sick light for what it is) and nimble, tires are damn noisy on pavement, and fixing a flat doesn't seem easy or fun. It kinda felt like i was driving a clown car, just a major attention magnet. I'll try it out in the inevitable ton of snow on the horizon. Fun bike, but I didn't run out and get one, which says something. $4200 for a Spesh, meh.

[stien]

For the guy who asked about fatties when there isn't any snow: they rip! Unlimited traction. The only issue I had was going over heavily rooted sections in my local woods. Also my local trails aren't too rock garden heavy. You'd have the same issues with any full rigid bike. The bigger tires do help but I couldn't do it as my only mountain bike.

And in the snow my studded tires did better. On the beach the fattie was unbeatable but I can't do that to my bikes.

So I sold mine.

And I ride a 13 y/o specialized rockhopper with 2.5s wedged in for dry, studded for winter. On the market for a FS for harder trails.

[JAGI410]

28.9 lbs of ride wherever, whenever, whatever, monster truck noise makin' fun. 4.7" tubeless tires at 6psi is really something amazing to experience.

http://i1035.photobucket.com/albums/a434/JAGI410/AA53605D-4B31-48FF-85E2-B2C3C463CF30_zpsxvoiungw.jpg (http://s1035.photobucket.com/user/JAGI410/media/AA53605D-4B31-48FF-85E2-B2C3C463CF30_zpsxvoiungw.jpg.html)

[gomango]

28.9 lbs of ride wherever, whenever, whatever, monster truck noise makin' fun. 4.7" tubeless tires at 6psi is really something amazing to experience.

http://i1035.photobucket.com/albums/a434/JAGI410/AA53605D-4B31-48FF-85E2-B2C3C463CF30_zpsxvoiungw.jpg (http://s1035.photobucket.com/user/JAGI410/media/AA53605D-4B31-48FF-85E2-B2C3C463CF30_zpsxvoiungw.jpg.html)
That's super hot. :)

Lovin' that color. Looks similar to the Bucksaw 2.

[93legendti]

http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab27/adambaker29/dc35e56ff5fd34496c2fc0b0e0673149_zpsb8eeb7b7.jpg

Still have to lower the stem...went out for about 2 hrs...so much better to ride in 30 degree weather than a road or cross bike..

[mtb_frk]

How did it ride?

[Clydesdale]

On hardpack snow, loose stuff less than 6", and snowmobile trails, the fatbike rocks. Mine is a basic Pugsley and it works great around here, though I would pick a bike with wider tires if buying one right now. They are not quick, don't climb well, bounce on any hard surface, heavy, and handle pretty slow, but they get you out on tough days and you work your butt off with a smile on your face. There is something stupid fun about slogging along with big flat tires. It's truly the most fun I have on a bike all year and the closest feeling to being a kid again.

Yes, you can ride them on dry trails and single track, but they are not MTBs and will be a compromise. They are designed for stuff other bikes don't work well in, and that's where they shine imo. For me, the fatbike is loud and uninspiring on trails or roads and I rarely feel drawn to it until winter... but when the snow starts flying I can't wait to get the thing out! As noted above, on ice they are just like everything else - sketchy, and for lake riding or icy roads I use a cross bike with studded tires.

I'm not sure that a fatbike could replace a trainer for guys who care about form and "training?" I think it's kind of hard to spin on the fatbike because you are usually in conditions that call for some power and it could just be me but I think they tend to bounce at high rpms. I think they are perfect for people who just want to ride bikes and don't mind being cold.

PS - when in doubt let air out (of the tires)

[93legendti]

How did it ride?

I rode on pavement. At slow speeds turning was sluggish. I need a longer stem and probably a few more psi in the tires.


Other than that it was PLUSH-it is an awesome change of pace to aim for potholes and broken pavement and not worry about a pinch flat or shock reverberating they my wrists, shoulders and back.
I had to struggle to stay above 20mph going downhill (into the wind)

Going out again Monday.

[d_douglas]

Fat bikes are a blast. It is not what I'd call "cycling". It is just having a ton of fun in the snow.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xxOZLCgOi-M/UU-zQddyeDI/AAAAAAAAMFg/eKNL8bm1-Vg/s912/IMG_1502.jpg

I have Surly Neckromancer and my wife has a mukluk. Way more fun then putting in base miles on your road bike in the winter!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WhoPIhwOjiQ/UR_vpmAt66I/AAAAAAAALYc/zIucPLMe4lE/s912/IMG_1174.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5vWw0fVxqP0/URbVuqsBPNI/AAAAAAAALFg/pxi0ZRLwy4E/s912/P2090109.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-25Qoy8YTixo/UQXgsXzl7gI/AAAAAAAAKko/0xgPkFqdEOM/s640/P1270423.jpg

-Joe


Those photos make FATting look like fun. I live in a mostly snowless, insanely wet winter climate, so this would not be a worthy purchase for me. It makes me want to rent one and take it to a nearby ski resort!

[mtb_frk]

I don't remember if these videos have been posted or but they are worth a watch.
Cold rolled 1 & 3. There are 5 total.

http://vimeo.com/m/80375092

http://vimeo.com/m/80379079

[FierteTi52]

I built up a 907 a few years ago. It's a blast and definitely make winter more tolerable!

[p nut]

I'm really getting an itch for a fat bike. For more of a touring bike on various terrain, like snow, sand and dirt, would a Pug be a good choice? I like all of the braze ons and the track ends out back. I like the looks of the Mukluk as well.

Not sure if this has been posted, but here is an Akrigg video:

https://vimeo.com/107826210

[spiderman]

Still my go to winter ride
(Best 1k I ever put down)
Super simple and does everything I need
The dobeboy loves it, too
The white industries drivetrain is awesome!
...although I'm thinking of turning it over
To my daughter who bike commutes
Year round in the twin cities.
Maybe 44 could put a nice replacement
Together for me;)

[linger]

^ I really like this picture and this simple bike that started a revolution.

[Tyler Evans]

Some places you just can't get to on any other kind of bike ::

http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfp1/t51.2885-15/10616993_1585027051718143_623767077_n.jpg

http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/10818020_1516548078613487_1585879018_n.jpg

http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/924054_658664020921248_1752711655_n.jpg

http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/10818014_806838982714154_1678200071_n.jpg

http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/1741741_412469088901642_603472826_n.jpg

http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpf1/t51.2885-15/10802945_394891647343061_756029569_n.jpg

http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10838851_1579574758945578_1200742830_n.jpg

[p nut]

Are you guys seeing a big difference between 4" and 5" tires? (to those that have had both). Looks like the Pug can fit both, although the clearance is pretty tight.

[JAGI410]

I've run Larrys, Big Fat Larries, and Husker Du's on my old Pugsley. Currently have 4.7 Bulldozers on my Mukluk. They seem to be doing well in the snow, but obviously a lot more work on pavement. There are trade offs either way. I'm thinking the new Van Helgas from 45nrth are the ones to get for a "do it all" tire, and that'll for most fat frames, where the Bulldozers won't.

[morrisericd]

I've spent some time the last few weeks riding what's available around here and in my price range ($2,000 +/-). Please be aware these are my thoughts only and some of these bikes I only rode for 15-20 minutes - this is just a first stab at narrowing down the field.

So far Surly Pugsley (liked it although I'm thinking I would be better served on a 5" bike), Moonlander (again - liked it but thought the steering was too slow and the bike itself was a bit sluggish. It's a pretty heavy bike and although I'm in the market for 5" (I think) I don't think this is the bike for me), Salsa Mukluk 3 (really nice bike and a pretty good deal for what you get - but 4" tires. Not sure if they can be switched out), stared longingly at the Beargrease but way out of my price range, Trek Farley (my number 2 choice at this point. Great handling, not slow up front, nice bike although I'd like to try an XL), and the Specialized Fatboy (number 1 choice so far. Component pick especially the grip shift and the brakes is terrible but the frame, fork and the wheels are awesome. I'm waiting to ride a L although the XL fit me pretty well. I normally ride a L mountain bike and a 60 cm road bike so I'm sort of in between.

This will be my in between seasons and winter bike. I have a cross bike with studded tires I Dirt Road Ride most of the winter but when it's really cold and windy the speed kills me. I also raced against a guy locally who rode a Farley and was pretty damn fast so that got me thinking about some trail riding as well.

I thought this would be helpful to those thinking of a fat bike. If any one has others I should try I can do some driving.

[gomango]

I've spent some time the last few weeks riding what's available around here and in my price range ($2,000 +/-). Please be aware these are my thoughts only and some of these bikes I only rode for 15-20 minutes - this is just a first stab at narrowing down the field.

So far Surly Pugsley (liked it although I'm thinking I would be better served on a 5" bike), Moonlander (again - liked it but thought the steering was too slow and the bike itself was a bit sluggish. It's a pretty heavy bike and although I'm in the market for 5" (I think) I don't think this is the bike for me), Salsa Mukluk 3 (really nice bike and a pretty good deal for what you get - but 4" tires. Not sure if they can be switched out), stared longingly at the Beargrease but way out of my price range, Trek Farley (my number 2 choice at this point. Great handling, not slow up front, nice bike although I'd like to try an XL), and the Specialized Fatboy (number 1 choice so far. Component pick especially the grip shift and the brakes is terrible but the frame, fork and the wheels are awesome. I'm waiting to ride a L although the XL fit me pretty well. I normally ride a L mountain bike and a 60 cm road bike so I'm sort of in between.

This will be my in between seasons and winter bike. I have a cross bike with studded tires I Dirt Road Ride most of the winter but when it's really cold and windy the speed kills me. I also raced against a guy locally who rode a Farley and was pretty damn fast so that got me thinking about some trail riding as well.

I thought this would be helpful to those thinking of a fat bike. If any one has others I should try I can do some driving.

Not sure where you live, but watch the Mpls. CL. There isn't a week that goes by without a half dozen fat bikes listed in the used section.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/search/bik?query=mukluk

I'm personally breathing heavy over a Salsa Blackborow.

http://salsacycles.com/culture/2015_introducing_blackborow

[JAGI410]

Mukluks with the alternator dropouts can do a slightly bigger tire. I'm running 4.7's in mine, which measure closer to 4.5", plenty of room, but I'm also running a 1x10 drivetrain.

The Fatboy and Blackborow are of zero interest to me. Why? Pressfit bottom brackets. I'm not a fan of them, especially on a bike that will see horrific conditions.

The best bang for the buck right now is probably the RSD Mayor. Playful geometry, 5" tires, threaded BB, and $1850! http://rsdbikes.com/portfolios/the-mayor

[morrisericd]

Wow - lots of fat bikes in Minnesota!

Any experience with RSD? On paper it looks pretty good. I'll look more into the geometry compared to the Fatboy tonight.

[gomango]

Mukluks with the alternator dropouts can do a slightly bigger tire. I'm running 4.7's in mine, which measure closer to 4.5", plenty of room, but I'm also running a 1x10 drivetrain.

The Fatboy and Blackborow are of zero interest to me. Why? Pressfit bottom brackets. I'm not a fan of them, especially on a bike that will see horrific conditions.

The best bang for the buck right now is probably the RSD Mayor. Playful geometry, 5" tires, threaded BB, and $1850! http://rsdbikes.com/portfolios/the-mayor

Yes, thanks for the heads up on the Blackborow. The good news is I don't need to buy any of these for the next winter or two. My neighbor bought a Mukluk and it just sits there. He lets me ride it anytime I choose.

Fwiw Any fat tire bike I eventually buy is going to be used all summer as a utility bike. I'll need racks on the front and rear to carry chainsaws and other tools around our land. The utility aspect will come first, so I won't have to fire up the four wheeler constantly.

[William]

Going Fat in Livigno...

http://vimeo.com/112674400








William

[mtb_frk]

So I went to the bike shop with my wife yesterday to get our niece & nephew bikes for Christmas. As we were looking at the bikes for the kids and trying to figure out what to get them I see a rather large Farley 6 sitting amongst a moonlander and framed Minnesota bikes. So I wander over to look at and it is a XL, which is my size and hard to find. So I figure taking it for a spin in the parking lot was in order, just to see what it rode like. I was quite surprised that it rode like a mountain bike. My wife laughed at me because I have always thought they were a fad and I got the usual response, the dreaded you don't need anymore bikes line. We looked around some more, got two kids bikes and as we were leaving I walked over by it again to take another look at it. My wife walks up and says why don't you do something spontaneous for once in your life and just buy it. I am not sure what changed but I got my Christmas present early, and will have to forgo my wahoo kickr a bit longer. Took it out for short spin today, and am looking forward to making a few fit tweaks and taking it for a longer ride.

[Tyler Evans]

So I went to the bike shop with my wife yesterday to get our niece & nephew bikes for Christmas. As we were looking at the bikes for the kids and trying to figure out what to get them I see a rather large Farley 6 sitting amongst a moonlander and framed Minnesota bikes. So I wander over to look at and it is a XL, which is my size and hard to find. So I figure taking it for a spin in the parking lot was in order, just to see what it rode like. I was quite surprised that it rode like a mountain bike. My wife laughed at me because I have always thought they were a fad and I got the usual response, the dreaded you don't need anymore bikes line. We looked around some more, got two kids bikes and as we were leaving I walked over by it again to take another look at it. My wife walks up and says why don't you do something spontaneous for once in your life and just buy it. I am not sure what changed but I got my Christmas present early, and will have to forgo my wahoo kickr a bit longer. Took it out for short spin today, and am looking forward to making a few fit tweaks and taking it for a longer ride.

Congrats!! That is so rad! Fat bikes are actually quite capable mountainbikes. At least the ones that have some decent parts and geometry. They are not a fad. People who say that usually haven't actually ridden one, or are not experienced mountain bikers to begin with, so they have no actual point of reference.

from this weekend ::

http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/10838318_783097405096039_1325186780_n.jpg

http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/10843787_321235071410612_1628511697_n.jpg

http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10755784_391672557665000_1806783918_n.jpg

[mtb_frk]

A few pictures of my farley here:

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?p=1674000&posted=1#post1674000

[p nut]

Yep, pulled the trigger on a new Pugsley. What I really wanted was an Ice Cream Truck, but the price tag difference was $1,200. Figured I'd try this fat thing out with the Pug first, then sell it and get the ICT if I end up liking it. Now, just waiting for some snow.

[mtb_frk]

First time on a groomed trail today. It was a blast. First lap I had too much air pressure in the tires, figured I would try a bit lower on lap#2. That made a huge difference. I can't wait to get it out on the trails again.

[Richard]

I hope you stayed out of the trackset if it was groomed for diagonal cross country skiing. It really sucks when riders and hikers ef the track up. It looks like it screws up the skate ski grooming too, but I'll let skate skiers, if any are on this site, comment.

[mtb_frk]

No this was on a groomed fat bike trail. I XC ski myself so I understand. It seems however hikers do the most damage to the trails, also including fat bike groomed trails. thry groomed yesterday morning, and by noon there was already plenty of foot traffic damage. Why people feel the need to walk in middle of a set classic track is beyond me as well.
We are quite lucky we have a fair amount of trails here that are grooming for fat bikes while others are grooming for skiers. Of course not everyone follows the rules and stays off, not much you can do when you have multiple user groups I suppose.

[Tyler Evans]

http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/e15/10848122_788064277915567_390370187_n.jpg

http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e15/10898961_703230699774734_1815354363_n.jpg

http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e15/10914250_602564859877197_1525855886_n.jpg

http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/e15/10890830_1539033539711152_312707753_n.jpg

http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e15/10946634_790951240971129_1224526481_n.jpg

http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e15/10950511_1692327790993945_817723310_n.jpg

http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/e15/10948778_852226438152483_748593069_n.jpg

[David Kirk]

They really are wicked fun.

dave

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t31.0-8/10930209_897359083649393_6482855298223526891_o.jpg

[gomango]

No this was on a groomed fat bike trail. I XC ski myself so I understand. It seems however hikers do the most damage to the trails, also including fat bike groomed trails. thry groomed yesterday morning, and by noon there was already plenty of foot traffic damage. Why people feel the need to walk in middle of a set classic track is beyond me as well.
We are quite lucky we have a fair amount of trails here that are grooming for fat bikes while others are grooming for skiers. Of course not everyone follows the rules and stays off, not much you can do when you have multiple user groups I suppose.

We are very lucky. A buddy has 1,300 acres near Scandia, Mn. We rode there yesterday afternoon and finished up the day with a bonfire.

No need to worry about the public wrecking anything, as it's private land.

Now if it would just snow here again someday. :)

[Ti Designs]

I thought about getting a fat bike this winter, but I set a goal that was unrealistic - 800 miles in one month. The gearing on those things is tiny - I did think about putting drop bars and Dura-Ace 9-speed like all my other bikes... I'm still on my fixed gear and still riding all the time. I thought I would see more fat bikes out there now. Most of the trails are unridable, with 3' of snow - I snow shoe so I know they're not out in the woods. I did see a couple of riders on fat bikes trying to ride up a parking lot snow mountain - that looked like fun.

[dogdriver]

Happy dogs, happy rider. Making the most of a pretty weak winter.

[93legendti]

They really are wicked fun.

dave

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t31.0-8/10930209_897359083649393_6482855298223526891_o.jpg

Gorgeous bike.

[mtb_frk]

I ended up selling my Trek and picked up a fatboy. I really liked the Trek but decided I wanted to go with bigger tires. I'm working on getting my XT brakes swapped over to start with.