charlie the bikemonger – Member
Five foot ten puts you spot on for an 18″…
If you are going to ride in snow it’s worth considering a size down. I am 5’10” and usually ride an 18″, but I got a 16″ Pug and still had TTTI*.
What happens is the bike doesn’t sink into the snow as far as a person on foot, so if you’re riding over thick stuff and come to a stop your foot goes much further into the snow than the bike’s tyres have sunk.
(*Top Tube Testicle Interface)
moose2008 – Member
…Most people measure fatbikes by the surly pugsley which is the cheapest and heaviest bike…
This is a valid point. The closest comparison would be a 1×1 with basic componentry, and having both, I’d put the Pug in front. The only snag is the weight, which is not obvious when riding but is a real nuisance when trying to lift it over a deer fence.
Mine is 38.8lbs with an Alfine. As a dedicated single speeder, I had to admit defeat with the Pug because the resistance of the riding surfaces in snow varies so much that the only viable SS ratio for me was a 22/22 which is of course hopeless if you get a section of clear track. Thus the Alfine.
Coastkid may be able to fill us in on the requirements for sand.
Once all the snow has gone it can shed some weight and go back to SS.