Who's Fatbiking?

[AustinL911]

Those tires look like a bitch to get rolling. Maybe they're lighter than they look, but they don't look like they'd be much fun to pedal up a hill.

 

[D_Eightch]

Those tires look like a bitch to get rolling. Maybe they're lighter than they look, but they don't look like they'd be much fun to pedal up a hill.

We had a guy come cruising past us on the river last winter while we were out ice fishing. Looked effortless and no way in hell you were riding a regular bike out there like that

 

[Idaho Sandman]

Awesome video, poor dog.

Need one of these bikes for sure, just wonder how hard it would be to pack a caribou out on one.

Why poor dog? I watched the video and didn't see anything.

 

[Poser]

Those tires look like a bitch to get rolling. Maybe they're lighter than they look, but they don't look like they'd be much fun to pedal up a hill.

The wheels have come a LONG ways during the last 2-3 years. Early generation fatbikes had very heavy wheels. Though machining and various alloy combinations, they have dropped significantly. For example, the bike pictured is a 2017 Salsa Mukluk. The weight difference between the 2016 and the 2017 model is 5 pounds, mostly in the wheels. The 2017 version comes in at 29 pounds.

But, yes, climbing hills is SLOW and a workout. However, What you lose in speed and power, you gain in stability and floatation. I rode to the bar earlier to watch the playoff game -came down a hill at a pretty good speed, probably 20 MPH, hit a stretch of shaded plowed road that was pure ice. By the time I realized how icey it was, it was too late to slow down. The tires never wavered or lost the least bit of traction despite the speed. Got a fresh batch of powder while watching the game and rode back home in pure bliss. So long as the snow is not too deep, or, if it is and there are some tire ruts or the trail has been used by Nordic skiers, you can pretty much roll through any type of winter conditions with confidence. You do have to adjust the PSI for the exact conditions and, with that much space to fill up with air, adjusting by 1/4th to 1/2 a pound can make a significant difference in terms of traction.

We have been pretty dry the last 2 weeks, so I got my roadbike out last week and it felt like I was riding a pencil

 

[Lukem]

Those tires look like a bitch to get rolling. Maybe they're lighter than they look, but they don't look like they'd be much fun to pedal up a hill.

They aren't as bad as one would think, they are heavier but it's all a matter of context. We do a lot of gravel riding and racing and with the sandy roads that we have, a lot of us have switched from cyclocross bikes to fats. It's not hard to average 14-16 mph over a few hour ride. A lot smoother ride too.

 

[Poser]

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[les welch]

To answer the non-motorized question. No they are not legal, anywhere it is non-motorized. I'm not talking just wilderness, anywhere that is off limits or gated, these are out.

They are lots of fun and a great hunting and training tool. Anyone that averages 16 mph, on one of these off-road, is a stud. They are definitely a lot more work than any road or TT bike period.

I use mine whenever I can and would recommend one to just about anyone.

 

[Lukem]

Just so there's no confusion, that's on gravel, not off road, just off pavement.

 

[Whisky]

The fat tires are amazing off trail. I couldn't believe it on an early season hunt in mud we were riding cattle trails in and out if some hunting grounds and the difference in my fat tire vs my buddies regular tire was no comparison. It was flat easy for me compared to him. On the way out once he wanted to try it so I suffered very briefly with his bike until I almost bit the mud real good. I was use the the stability of my fat tire and git a rude wakeup call on his bike...

Only time I've ever wished for a regular tire instead of the fat tire was the 12 mile loop at Cades Cove in the Smoky Mtns. It was all asphalt and you definitely work harder there with the fat tires.

 

[Lukem]

While I may not fit the typical snow fat biker mold (ours doesn't last long enough) it's roads like these that led me to going fat. And it's not like I have any 2000' climbs that I have to do in Nebraska. Not all of our roads are like this but patches like this occur frequently enough that pedaling the fat on the rest of it is worth it.

 

[Lukem]

[
It does see some snow.

 

[jb79]

I've been kicking the idea of a fatty around for awhile, watching guys ride them at the coast here in Oregon really got me thinking!!! While I am parking my bike to head over the dunes to get to the beach they just ride on by like it's no sweat. Looks fun!

 

[veganhunter]

Another option if you're not wanting to go the full fat bike route is 27.5+. The + is for the tire width as most of these bikes are running 2.8-3.0 inch wide tires. These are becoming more and more popular, especially because most of these frames will also let you run a standard 29er wheelset too.

I recently picked up a new Salsa Timberjack (the 27.5+ version) for bikepacking/hunting and so far am really impressed with it.

 

[Poser]

Another option if you're not wanting to go the full fat bike route is 27.5+. The + is for the tire width as most of these bikes are running 2.8-3.0 inch wide tires. These are becoming more and more popular, especially because most of these frames will also let you run a standard 29er wheelset too.

I recently picked up a new Salsa Timberjack (the 27.5+ version) for bikepacking/hunting and so far am really impressed with it.

Yeah, I'm thinking I'll buy a set of 27.5s for my Mukluk (pictured above) for bikepacking trips this summer.


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[Poser]

 

[gdog]

My new ride...

 

[JDeanP]

If you're getting one for packing/hunting, you definitely want a relaxed, upright frame geometry as opposed to an aggressive design. Being upright allows you to comfortably wear a pack with a little bit of weight in it.

This is very true. I ride to hunting spots on my Fuji road bike while wearing a 26" Duplex. I do it because that's what it takes/what I've got on hand, not because it's very enjoyable.

 

[Travis Bertrand]

I want one! Mtb season is too short around here for me. I picked up a diamondback el oso for my daughter and she digs it. Coolest bike in school.

 

[Poser]

Started at 10,900 feet yesterday and had about a 3 hour window where it was basically Backcountry skiing -going anywhere and everywhere and descending natural lines. The snow was crisp and firm until it started to warm up turn to slop. At that point, it became impossibly difficult, but it was fun while it lasted.

 

[mtnbiker208]

I like my pugsley, very versatile bike.
I have probably brought 10 bulls out on bikes.
electric assist is still motorized and motorized rules still apply.