[Closed] Fatbikes

A fair chunk of weight is in the wheels, tubes and tyres. Folk have bought these and upgraded and shed a lot of weight but may have done better getting a low milage more expensive model, s/h.to start with.

Carbon fork,
Reverb,
Carbon bars,
Tubeless,
1x10
Foam grips

Ok the X5 chainset isn't going to win any awards, but it does it's job well and the weight saved upgrading isn't worthwhile.

Couple that with the fact there isn't really a s/h fatbike market yet. You can't just go on Ebay and find a specific bike in the size/spec you want. And O-O, by being later to the game, got to tweek the geometry, there's a world of difference between a s/h Pugsley frame and a Fatty, it's taken till now for Surly to come back with the Wednesday. So again, you're probably a year or two off seeing those 2nd hand.

I dunno, I think the Voodoo and the Calibre and a couple of others are making some of the existing options look pretty ill, now that you can get a quality fatbike for £600 or thereabouts... Once the Wazoo's back in stock (end of month apparently) and the Dune gets its other sizes (early next year) anyway. People are still trying to sell Fattys for more than those 2 cost new and frankly I'd rather have either. We've already seen some price slashing with that Verenti in response.

The Trail's pretty impressive though.

and the Dune gets its other sizes (early next year)

Interesting to hear the Wazoo will be back in stock and Calibre sorting out sizing (i'm too tall for a current one). I've got plenty of parts waiting to instantly upgrade something like that...

Interesting to hear the Wazoo will be back in stock and Calibre sorting out sizing (i'm too tall for a current one). I've got plenty of parts waiting to instantly upgrade something like that...

So they say anyway. And for the Wazoo, Halfords have "late november" on the website though no guarantee the spec'll be the same.

Good news. I'll wait for a Dune.

what tyres for the current uk claggy slop?

Bud/Lou or Nates was the advice I got though Buds seem to be mostly out of stock. Ordered one from Triton but I reckon they might find they can't get it from the distributor...

Very pleased with my Genesis Caribou. Bought it in August as a second bike to my 160/140mm Trance SX.
It covers 3 bases really well, as a pub / towpath bike, a bike to "go places on ( longer not overly technical rides ) maybe a bit of bike packing thrown in, it has more bottle cage bolts than Halfords. Lastly as a winter bike, for just getting out and churning some muddy miles locally, when some of the more technical trails are best leat til Spring when the mud is drying again.
Love the gangly simplicity of its steel, 1 1/8 headset, frame.
TRP Spyke mech disc brakes are very good.
All I have done to change the spec ( and apart from going to investigate tubeless properly , intend to do) is to put a flat 760mm bar on it, as I really couldn't get on with the slightly back swept one and pop an expander 42 cog on the cassette for those real steep " damnit, I ain't pushing " climbs.
Paid a shade over £800 and seen them at about this price in a few places , I think list was about £1100.

Whilst you're all here...

Any tyre recommendations for something that rolls better than a Nate (pretty much everything)? I know fatbikes are never ideal on tarmac, but I'm looking for something that strikes a better balance for tarmac/sand/trail.

I wonder if sticking a Knard on the back would do.

Lots more choice on the market this year and I've not kept up.

Ive never had a Nate, but what about a Floater?
When I do road rides with mates on their road bikes, I was using V8's, but A few times I couldn't be bothered swapping tyres and just left the floaters on, put them up to 20psi and found they weren't that much harder to pedal.

Nothing to compare it to by my floaters seem Ok as far as rolling goes.

I'd like to try something else but at £95 for a Bud or £25 for a floater the floater is more than good enough.

Floaters for summer and trails, Nates for Winter and snow.

another waiting for the Wazoo to come back in stock. If it's the same rrp as it was then BC 10% discount makes it a bargain "oh go on then" toe dip, and my unused unloved hardtail has lots of decent kit that could be swapped over.

I've just got this

[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/687/22613847696_3e55052865_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/687/22613847696_3e55052865_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/AsiT4N ]2015-10-31_03-10-55[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/47933770@N07/ ]Allan[/url], on Flickr

to replace my trusty O-O Fatty. Just so I can run 5" tyres (for all this snow we're due).

So the Fatty will have to go shortly, its been great, I've never had such a capable and adaptable bike which has given so much fun!

[url= https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8895/17636955051_5b7086de67_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8895/17636955051_5b7086de67_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/sSw1gV ]IMG_20150512_201710441_HDR[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/47933770@N07/ ]Allan[/url], on Flickr

Had the first ride on my Fatty Trail last night, swapped over a few components, 1x10 and tubeless and it weighs 14.4kg which isn't too bad.
Didn't notice any self steer, which I did with my Fatty, although the new tyres probably helped.
The ElGuapo wheels go up tubeless easy, the tyre is a tighter fit on the rim, and they don't suffer from the tyre seating/wobble issue that the original did.
However my back tyre went flat during the ride, it would appear that the join in the rim is poor and allowed air to escape, going to put Gorilla tape up the edges of the sidewall to try and fix it.

[quote=vorlich ]Whilst you're all here...
Any tyre recommendations for something that rolls better than a Nate (pretty much everything)? I know fatbikes are never ideal on tarmac, but I'm looking for something that strikes a better balance for tarmac/sand/trail. HuDus

Got a pair of lightly used Panaracer Fat B Nimbles for sale if anyone wants some light and fast rolling tyres

40mpg - I got a Fatboy Expert in the sales, and it's a hoot.

I ditched the standard Spesh tubes as they weighed nearly a pound each! I hope the newer models have a lighter version.

Mind you, there's not many bikes you can knock 1lb off the weight for less than £20!

Loving my new nates. Love the slop. Still found them a handful on wet roots. But not found a tyre on any bike that makes up for lack of skill and speed! The Nates grip well, roll reasonably. Great all round tyre.

Some nice machines on here ....are you using specific chainsets or special bottom brackets with tapered crank arms to the desired Q factor ?

[quote=russyh ]Loving my new nates. Love the slop. Still found them a handful on wet roots. But not found a tyre on any bike that makes up for lack of skill and speed! The Nates grip well, roll reasonably. Great all round tyre.
There is also a massive difference between the 27tpi version and the 120tpi version.

[img] [/img]

few more upgrades to mine since! Just waiting for Smokstone bikes to release their 'Henderson' Frame! to upgrade to!

as a slight aside, anyone transporting these on Thule 591's and how do you fit and secure the wheels into the tyre trays ?

ScottChegg - Member
I ditched the standard Spesh tubes as they weighed nearly a pound each! I hope the newer models have a lighter version.

Cheers, I'll have a look into that. It weighed up half a pound lighter than my (slightly skinnied) Fatty on the bathroom scales despite the bigger tyres. Would be good to drop a bit more (cheaply) 😀

My mate used a couple of sections of profiled guttering cut to size and shape to accept his 4.6 tyres then fitted them and bolted them all to his carriers.....I know it's devalued the carrier but he's not getting rid of his fat bike ever....
For me I just throw it in the back of the van......

Aiston rack with fat tyre racks.

#smugface

[img] [/img]
(later figured out there's no need for the bungee's if you adjust it right, should have read the instructions)

Bog standard 591 roof rack and old-skool toe straps to go round the tyres. Nothing going nowhere with that.

[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/770/22252861716_b4d17dc509_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/770/22252861716_b4d17dc509_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/zUpJvA ]2015-10-18_05-48-54[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/47933770@N07/ ]Allan[/url], on Flickr

ScottChegg - Member

I ditched the standard Spesh tubes as they weighed nearly a pound each! I hope the newer models have a lighter version.

Ironic really considering that specialized's 3.0 dh tyres used to be a popular lightweight fatbike option. (maybe still are?)

Maybe they are, but the 4.6" version is bloody heavy. I keep them as spares and I can tell when it's in my pack.

Charlie the Bikemonger sorted me some lightweight tubes in a trice.

I use the Specialized 3.0, but that's in 4" tyres.

Damn, my fat curiosity has now piqued.

Ok, so I have a few questions..

A concern for me has been standards chaging constantly whilst fats find their feet. So bearings/seals/bb's etc, all the bits that usually hate mud and grit - how much trouble do you have sourcing them, seeing as these bikes are largely used in such conditons?

what kind of average speeds are you managing on your usual trail runs? much up or down on your normal 26/27.5/29 runs?

do you feel more tired after a given distance riding these?

can you take steep drops and hit tabletops etc (given the opportunity) just as you would a standard bike? I'd imagine you'd have to think twice about the 'gnar' jumps as surely gravity takes over sooner on a fat?

How many of you ride fat and easily keep up with non-fat mates on a ride, or find you are beating them?

oh yeah, fat fatty riders - how low do you go with PSI before your tyres burp constantly? I've always assumed that fat tyres at low pressures dont mix well with lardy types?

I'm really keen, plus I love the perceived value of the OO Trail, but I prefer to ride steel if possible. Can't help feel that i'd prefer to run a Bluto, though. Almost want to buy the OO Trial just to drop all that weight in going tubeless too!

Postierich's pic on Pg1 is where I want to be. If I can add silly amounts of grip to loose lines then i'd imagine a grin inducing ride is never far away.

There is also a massive difference between the 27tpi version and the 120tpi version.

How so? 120tpi use a different compound? Or just due to the more supple carcass? Mine are 27s.

bearings/seals/bb's etc, all the bits that usually hate mud and grit - how much trouble do you have sourcing them, seeing as these bikes are largely used in such conditons?

All standard stuff. Even BB bearings. Its just the axle which is longer (and the plastic tube inside which you can re-use). Hub bearings are normal too, its the hubs which are wider. I've done a lot of beach riding, just hose off with clean water as soon as poss after. Its no worse than anything else and I've not had shorter lifespans on anything.

what kind of average speeds are you managing on your usual trail runs? much up or down on your normal 26/27.5/29 runs?

Its only different to hardtail / singlespeed because I can venture into much more interesting terrain 😀

do you feel more tired after a given distance riding these?

Only if there's a lot of gates to lift over. Otherwise no, its a very comfy ride.

can you take steep drops and hit tabletops etc (given the opportunity) just as you would a standard bike? I'd imagine you'd have to think twice about the 'gnar' jumps as surely gravity takes over sooner on a fat?

Yes, the geometry (head tube angle etc) is similar so drops are no problem. The tyres give extra confidence. I was getting more air on the Fatty on the tabletops at the bottom of the Swinley DH run than on my full susser 😀

How many of you ride fat and easily keep up with non-fat mates on a ride, or find you are beating them?

I may be trying a little harder at times, but at other times (soft mud, sand etc) its easier. Example last Thursday night ride I was the only fatty, had a section along the back of the beach. I dropped onto the sand/gravel and stayed ahead of the others on the dirt track above.

I'm really keen, plus I love the perceived value of the OO Trail, but I prefer to ride steel if possible. Can't help feel that i'd prefer to run a Bluto, though. Almost want to buy the OO Trial just to drop all that weight in going tubeless too!

I cant help thinking tube materials make a lot less difference when you've got all that floaty rubber and air. Also I'd suggest a bluto is only necessary if you have a lot of fast rocky stuff to contend with. You do generate a bit of bounce (think spacehopper) hitting repetitive lumps at speed (no damping!). I've not felt the need, but plan to get one next spring for Wales trips.

Edit have another photo just 'cos 😀

[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/451/19334072450_37e5fd7874_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/451/19334072450_37e5fd7874_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/vsub9J ]60729088-DHP_6290[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/47933770@N07/ ]Allan[/url], on Flickr

Sweet, cheers 40mpg.

Frame material is more a case of habit than anything else, plus I dont like the look of the OO so much. Angles look good, tubing, meh.

VFM.. both standard and trail version are beckoning me. Bloody credit card company just offered me 2 years 0% on balance transfers too..

The cheap aspect is also what made me go with the Calibre Dune.....it's got a decent light tyre/wheel combination and sly frame and forks, the drivetrain is only 8 speed so basically ride it like a SS until I need a different gear.....plus when it's trashed it's mega cheap to replace.
I was always told it was a eureka biking experience and it really is......the lack of rolling resistance on surfaces that your brain tells you is going to be super draggy is the complete opposite. I honestly didn't feel any slower and on the beaches it's definitely faster than a standard tyre MTB.

40mpg - Member
Bog standard 591 roof rack and old-skool toe straps to go round the tyres. Nothing going nowhere with that.

hard to see from pic - are they sitting in the sliding tyre trays, or straight on the allow carrier bit ? cheers

Damn, my fat curiosity has now piqued.

Ok, so I have a few questions..

A concern for me has been standards chaging constantly whilst fats find their feet. So bearings/seals/bb's etc, all the bits that usually hate mud and grit - how much trouble do you have sourcing them, seeing as these bikes are largely used in such conditons?

Front hubs are a bit of a minefield, but I suspect the Bluto will become the default in future. Don't rule out rigid bikes with 135mm hubs, it's not like you'll be swapping rigid forks or upgrading hubs in a hurry anyway.

what kind of average speeds are you managing on your usual trail runs? much up or down on your normal 26/27.5/29 runs?

do you feel more tired after a given distance riding these?

can you take steep drops and hit tabletops etc (given the opportunity) just as you would a standard bike? I'd imagine you'd have to think twice about the 'gnar' jumps as surely gravity takes over sooner on a fat?

How many of you ride fat and easily keep up with non-fat mates on a ride, or find you are beating them?

oh yeah, fat fatty riders - how low do you go with PSI before your tyres burp constantly? I've always assumed that fat tyres at low pressures dont mix well with lardy types?

I'm really keen, plus I love the perceived value of the OO Trail, but I prefer to ride steel if possible. Can't help feel that i'd prefer to run a Bluto, though. Almost want to buy the OO Trial just to drop all that weight in going tubeless too!

Postierich's pic on Pg1 is where I want to be. If I can add silly amounts of grip to loose lines then i'd imagine a grin inducing ride is never far away.

hard to see from pic - are they sitting in the sliding tyre trays, or straight on the allow carrier bit ? cheers

Sitting on the tyre trays. I take the short Thule straps off and just wrap the toestraps round the whole lot. Thats a 4.8 Bud/Lou on the left.

Fatbike meet in livigno
https://www.flickr.com/photos/musselburghbikers/albums/72157648510039455/page1

Just picking up on some points:

Thule 591 roof carrier - I simply use webbing straps.

Hub sizes - likely to standardise on 150 x15mm for front, but 135 x 15mm - will accommodate the biggest tyre sizes available. i.e. Snowshoe XXL at 5.05"

Rear is likely to settle on 190/197mm with 120mm BB - again will accommodate biggest tyres with 1x drivetrain.

Tyre pressures - been down to 3psi due to a slow puncture, never burped, just bouncy.

Decent tyres running tubeless and light wheels make a huge difference and provide the best performance upgrade. HuDus are awesome for summer and Dillinger 5 for winter. I'm less convinced for the need for sus-forks.

Speed differential - top 10 overall race finishes for me. I also set-off on a SDW Double at the same time from Winchester with a guy riding a carbon-everything 29er - differing ride strategies meant we didn't meet again at Eastbourne - he'd gained 40 minutes in 11hrs hours - a 5% advantage.

Tired at the end of a ride? Yes, but I'd feel the same at the end of any offroad 200-miler 🙂

Standards never settle, they just evolve.

Recently went back from silly clearances frame and100mm rims to a much more usable and all round fun 3.8 on 48mm rim in a regular 135 slidy drop out frame.

Much more versatile bike. I wont be riding the iditarod anytime soon.

I also set-off on a SDW Double at the same time from Winchester with a guy riding a carbon-everything 29er - differing ride strategies meant we didn't meet again at Eastbourne - he'd gained 40 minutes in 11hrs hours - a 5% advantage.

That's not worth much, is it? I'd rather hear about how much faster YOU were on whichever bike.

Had/got 3 Fat Bikes

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Mark 1 Salsa Mukluk 2010, a great long ride and beach riding Fat Bike

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On One Fatty 2013, a fantastic trail Fat Bike, but not as good on the beach

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Travers Bat Bastard with Lauf Carbonara forks 2015, the best all round Fat Bike great on trail, beach and long distance.

Buy a Fat Bike