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Fat Bike fans...what to buy?

Dawn CassDawn Cass
in General Training Discussions
Hello Fat Bike fans....thinking Santa may bring me a new one for Xmas.

Considering the Surly Ice Cream Truck or the Specialized Fat Boy.

Any opinions? Good/bad?

I already have a nice 29'er mountain bike so this would be primarily for the Ohio / Midwest snow fun.

Appreciate thoughts!

Comments

  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    Like most bikes, it really depends on how much you want to spend... You can't go wrong with either of those as they're both great bikes. The Surly is the "original" and is very classic (but maybe a bit long in the tooth). The Specialized is a great bike and a more "modern" fat bike. For my dollars, I'd really consider the Framed Alaskan, I think you get more bang for your buck and can buy them new online (from the-house). Alloy or Carbon depends on your budget. http://www.framedbikes.com/ak-sram-series/

    Also check eBay as there are finally some fat bikes listed on there.

    You should try get a 1x11 (or 1x10) instead of a 2x10. Plenty of gears, cheaper, and less moving parts to get clogged up in the mud/snow/ice. You do NOT need a front shock (unless you plan to make it your dedicated bike to do mostly mountain bike trail riding on).

    So how much $$ does Santa have to spend?
  • Dawn CassDawn Cass
    Thanks John, great information. Out of curiosity what model(s) do you ride? I hadn't heard of Framed Bikes before
  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    I have the Salsa Beargrease XX1 build. http://salsacycles.com/bikes/archive/2015_beargrease_carbon_xx1

    It's an awesome bike (and shockingly light), but I paid $5k for it...
  • Dawn CassDawn Cass
    Thanks John...sweet bike! Worth the price looking at the performance you had! Santa (Mr and Mrs Claus actually) continue to shop around...will keep you posted. ;-)
  • Mark StahlkopfMark Stahlkopf

    Agree with everything John said above. I have a Framed Minnesota 3.0 & its a great bike. Mine has a 2 x10 drive train but I rarely use the big chain ring.

  • Dave TalloDave Tallo
    I kept reading the title of the tread and thinking "finally, something I can weigh in on."

    Then I realized that you weren't calling me fat.

  • JeremyBehlerJeremyBehler
    +1 on Framed. I have the same bike as Mark. The value for the money is huge. I didn't know how much time I'l have for one so getting into a nice, XT spec'd carbon forked Fat Bike for $1300 was a no brainer. If I really enjoy it I'll keep this as a spare and go the JW route with a Beargrease
  • Dawn CassDawn Cass
    Mark/Jeremy, thanks for the thoughts....Santa and Mrs Claus still shopping (and currently lack snow in Ohio but that's a different problem!)

    Dave, know what you mean...the holidays have not been kind in the "lb department"!
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