Fat Bikes

[204guy]

Going to pick up 2 mountain bikes for the wife and myself here shortly. Went to a local shop this weekend and rode a couple bikes and got a good idea of what frame size we both need. Started looking at bikesdirect when we got home and it looks like I can get a whole lot more bike for the money there. Then started looking at their fat bikes and it got me to thinking. Was originally thinking a hardtail 29er for myself and a hardtail 26 for my wife. For a little more money we could both get fatbikes with similar brakes, shifters ext. Budget only allows for 2 bikes right now. The main goal is to just use the bikes for exercise. Secondary will be to access hunting areas(I have some waterholes in mind that are a couple miles back for antelope). We live in the high desert area of WY so a lot of the riding will be nice gravel 2 tracks all the way to cow trails. Also some riding in the mountains. No technical riding with drops or anything like that. I'm thinking the fatbike could really help extend my riding season and that I could use it hunting coyotes in the winter and also would be able to ride the softer conditions much earlier in the spring and later into the fall. So after all that, would a fatbike be adequate as an all around do all bike. Or would a standard hardtail be the better choice.

 

[Floorguy]

the-house.com has Framed Minnesota 2.0's that come with an additional 29'er or slim wheel set so you can have use the same bike in the summer without the harder pedaling with the fat tires.

 

[DaveC]

Two things.

First, don't buy form Bikes Direct unless you're at least a decent bike mechanic. They're notorious for shipping things incorrectly assembled, out of alignment, etc.

Second, fat bikes are awesome but the weight penalty is significant. The added weight over a conventional mountain bike is in the tires and wheels, ie the place you'll feel the most. Cheaper fat bikes also tend to have the heaviest rims and tires. Tires are also expensive to replace.

If you'll be riding much pavement, or doing a lot of climbing on steep dirt roads up into the mountains, a normal 29er would be a better call. It you think you'll ride a lot of cow singletrack, sandy roads and washes, and melting out snowmachine trails in the spring, a fat bike might be worth while. They are fun as hell and will make you feel like you're 8 again.

 

[Roy68]

2x on the bike direct idea, avoid them unless you are willing to deal with the issues you will need to address when it arrives. If you are considering a trailer to haul your gear behind the bike, Burley trailers are a solid consideration.

I have no experience with the fat bikes, other than eye balling them at the local bike shop.

Also, I sent you a PM

 

[204guy]

Floorguy, those Minnesota's look really interesting, too bad they don't have hydraulic brakes.

I doubt we'll ride pavement ever. Our soil can be pretty soft and sandy in some places. A trailer is something I'd probably get, would the increased traction of a fat bike be an advantage with a trailer?

As far as buying bikes online, I get that there are some concessions, and not having a local shop for support and setup is the main one. I've never set a bike up before, but I can turn a wrench and i didn't envision it being too difficult. Brakes are straightforward enough, derailleur alignment, and chain tension. Maybe there is a whole lot more to it than that? If so please let me know. I would love to support a local shop, but neither of them had a fat bike in stock, they carry trek and specialized. I'm guessing if they could get one in it'd be double my budget.

 

[DaveC]

Soft soils are where fatbikes shine. You can cruise along and not even realize the conditions are bad until you realize your friends on 2.2s are no longer in sight.

Rear wheel traction is rarely an issue with a trailer, as you have that extra weight on the back wheel. What might be an issue with some fatbikes and some trailers is mounting. Make sure the axle type and rear frame spacing work with the trailer you want. Tire clearance might also be an issue.

In addition to assembly issues, if you go Bikes Direct you'll want to make sure the fork and rear triangle are aligned properly, the headset and bottom bracket are pressed in properly, wheels are trued well enough, etc. If you're handy and do a bit of reading you can probably sort it out without much issue. Working on bikes is not particularly complex.

 

[Lawnboi]

Hydraulic disc breaks are seen on a lot of fat bikes because they are ridden in winter, sometimes on snow a lot. Hydraulics can get finicky in really cold temps.

Also I'd rather have a quality mech brake than a cheap hydraulic.

Iv been wanting to get a fat bike for winter riding but haven't brought myself to do it yet. They must be getting really popular as every shop here is now carrying way too many of them.

 

[jcodyc40]

There are lots of youtube videos for setting up your bike. I recently purchased a bike from bikes direct after a buddy suggested it and I'm very pleased with the service and price.

 

[Curtis C]

A full on fatbike will be great for winter riding but tough the rest of the year. You need to decide when the bike will be used most and buy a bike that will be more useful during that time. On dry trail, gravel, pavement the fatbikes have lots of rolling resistance which requires more energy to keep a good pace. The non fatbikes struggle in snow because the tires sink where the fatbikes float. There is a middle of the road option(Surly Krampus) that uses 3 inch 29er tires. The have less rolling resistance but still do good on a snowpacked trail or ok in 3-5 inches of powder snow. Off the shelf they are full rigid bikes but could be made with front suspension with a little research. IMO this would be one of the better choices for a bike setup to be used for hunting.

I am curious about your thought to get your wife a 26er?

 

[204guy]

Curtis, when we tried some bikes at the lbs she felt more comfortable on a 26er. The first bike she tried was a 29er and it felt awkward to her. Granted it was probably the first time she'd riden a bike in 8 years. She also felt like the back of the tire was to close to her toes when turning.


Thanks for the good info guys.