Bicycles , More Bicycles And All Things Bicycles

Can you not ride as fast with fat tires? I noticed a couple of folks with the fatboy bikes saying that speed isn't everything.

 

Really depends on the rider and the type of drive-train it has, but for the most part, they're not made for speed. The one I'm getting is geared pretty low, so it's not going to be fast, but it will be quick and awesome for climbing, especially in slick conditions.

 

That's what I'm looking for as well. I'm looking to ride trails with steep hills more than over the road biking. I already have a big stick to carry with me while riding too!

 

You can definitely climb some steep hills with a standard hard tail mountain bike. Most have a pretty wide gearing range, so they're good for climbing and for speed.

 

Krampus was #2 on my list, but the ECR won out due to its packing capacity --- it's designed specifically as a bikepacker.

DH, congrats on the fattie acquisition.

Bravo, DH is right: the main point of fat tires is flotation and traction, especially on sand and snow, which you probably have little of down there, but also on mud, which you do. However, I'd also add comfort -- they're super spongy (mostly turns a hardtail into a springy ride) and -- with 29" wheels -- you can literally ride over curbs, logs and rocks like they're not there. When I test drove the ECR, I was amazed at how easy that was. If I'd have hit those curbs on my 26", I'd have gone over the bars.

Here's a good review of the ECR fattire in action, and one of the articles that sold me on the concept. This guy did a 1000 km in the S. African outback. Check out the amount of gear he hauls on this mule. More than I ever will at my age and size, but it'll work for me, too.

 

Here s mine....

 

Mine is an XL too, it's the largest they make.
I ride it with the seat topped out at max height though, fits me well that way.

 

Thanks, Nem! Can I still call you that?

I'm actually looking forward to the winter!

 

After this hot summer downeast, and the last hot winter in FL, so am I.

 

I think the Fatboy will serve you well DH.
I bought the Pugsley to ride in less than ideal conditions which is where fat bikes shine. Here in So Cal, we can pretty much ride year round, snd I have the option to chose my bike to fit my mood, lately it's been my gravel bike, so the Pug comes out to play only in special conditions. BTW, it really does float over the sand and snow and riding with a smile on my face is SOP.
I do like fall rides the best, and all day winter excursions up the coast.
Enjoy your new ride!

 

Yeah, I think it's going to be great! I also have a Crosstrail which is great for around town and on some of my local trails, but I've always wanted something more rugged and that I could ride in the winter and along the beach.

Now I'll have to look into some cold weather riding gear.

 

Picked up the Fatboy this morning. Rode it around in my yard for a bit and man is it fun! Can't wait to ride some trails this weekend.

 

Might as well post my trusty Crosstrail here, as well. This has been an awesome bike for me, for the last 4 years.

 

^ Doesn't that sled thing fastened to the bottom of the rear wheel slow you down?

 

Clean machine bud!

 

Thanks!

This thing is a lot easier to ride than a lot of the "haters" claim, and easier than I expected. Sure, there is some extra rolling resistance, but it's not that bad. The way it rolls over obstacles with ease more than makes up for it. The gearing makes it pretty quick and it's plenty fast in the top gear. Haven't had this much fun on a bike since I was a kid. I'm really glad that I finally pulled the trigger on one!

 

You echo my thoughts on the Fatboy precisely.
It is indeed the most fun I've had on a bike in ages too.

 

Not rocking anything fancy.. Just picked up a similar bike last week. Cant find much about it BUT it looks like a HL brand Shimano equipped Hybrid city bike. For $15 bucks i cannot complain!

 

Damn that's sweet, way out of my price range.

 

The price is definitely a tough pill to swallow, but I'm glad I finally got one.