So last week I ordered a used fat bike off ebay and it was the Specialized Hellga. It was listed for $999 OBO so I submitted an offer for $800 and got a counteroffer for $825. After a lot of research I decided to pick it up and it arrived on the 14th, however I didn't get to ride it until yesterday.
One thing that definitely was a point of concern before purchasing was that this bike was designed as a "women's specific" bike. I don't know what people's opinions are regarding bike like that, nor do I care to start up some debate, but a few things that I noticed when looking at the geo of this bike were it's "short" top tube length and stack height. Compared to my drop bar Giant Toughroad GX, the Hellga has a 1mm shorter stack height and a 14mm longer effective top tube (albeit with a 26mm longer overall reach.... how does that work again) so it overall had geo that was close to a bike that I already liked albeit comparing a drop bar adventure bike to a flat bar fat bike.
I had a chance to ride the bike yesterday to dial in all the parts and after my 2 mile loop I realized I didn't have a few thing properly set (angle of the bars, shifting, rear brake rub), however I still had fun riding it. After dialing those things in I went one a short ride around the park today and I felt much more at home on the bike. I did take it to my LBS to get tuned up a bit just to make sure everything is as good as it can be.
I wanted an aluminum fat bike under $1000 that I liked and was well built that I could use during the winter when things were too sketchy for my Toughroad. What I got was a well priced (in my opinion) used fat bike that is playful, somehow fits me, and something that motivates me to get out and ride (again).
Next stop: Drop bar Fat Bike
