Moose

The shop where I've worked at for 12 years has been stocking fat tire bikes for around 6-8 years... Not a bunch of them but there's usually at least a few floating around in the system.

When I started and in recent years prior to that, we had Bike-E, Vision and Linear recumbents, all well engineered and supported by decent marketing. However, all three brands went under and there was no rush to find an alternative brand to fill the void because they were just not selling.

We know that there is a reasonably solid base for recumbent use and those sales have probably migrated to internet vendors for the most part.

Fat bikes however seem to be stocked at every bike shop and even the big box stores. Not to mention I am sure there's plenty of internet sales as well. I don't ever recall the big box folks getting into recumbents at all.

So the question is, are fat bikes currently outselling recumbents?

This is obviously a trend but I think it's hanging around alot longer than most expected.

rgconner

Are apples outselling oranges?

Ironfish653

Well, Fatbikes are easier to build, and easier to ride than 'bents.

From a mfgr standpoint, other than the big wheels and wider forks and frames, a fatbike builds just like a regular bike. Controls, drive line, and most other components are the same as 'standard' bikes.
Bents have unique frames, and while they use off-the-shelf wheels, gearing, an shift/brakes, things like extra-long or multiple chainlines and control cables, plus non-standard seats, and custom handle bar / steering systems that are unique to particular models. Harder to build, and cost more than 'standard' bikes.

For a rider, the learning curve for a 'bend is a little intimidating, especially the racier under-seat-steer models. The foot-forward small-wheel bents are pretty easy to ride, but they are, frankly, dorky looking. (The Giant 'Revive' has so many plastic panels on it, it looks like a mobility scooter) The little orange flag doesn't help, either.

Fatbikes are basically the bike version of all the trucks and SUV's with oversized all-terrain tires you see at the mall.

There's a Bike-E near me that's selling for ~$100. It's a really neat little bike, but I don't see what use i'd have for it, and my wife would probably make me sleep in the garage if I bring home another bike this week

General Geoff

Recumbents are more intimidating to learn how to mount and ride. While they are more ergonomic and comfortable once riding, the mounting/dismounting is much trickier. And recumbent trikes are bigger and harder to fit in a car.

MarcusT

I believe that fat bikes for the next 5 yrs will continue to grow, especially when people start to use them as MTBs. Then, when plus-sized tire MTBs start to become more reasonably priced, it will swing the other way.
I cannot say that I have seen more fat bikes on the road than recumbents, but I can say I have never seen a recumbent on the trail, beach or slope.

Flip Flop Rider

in a word yes

cheaper, easier to build, more demand

Honusms 

Hmmm ... I saw two recumbents on a local bike trail last Saturday.

fietsbob

Location dependent, of course, but here , not only are the fat bikes selling , and Mid drive motor conversions for area hunters done ,

but one of the friends of the shop who worked here till the USCG transferred him to Kodiak base, is getting fat bikes shipped in

from here for the other Coasties to buy..

there is some sales of trikes and recumbents , we get bundles of the tandem & recumbent magazine ,
but the higher end ones typically come in, boxed, and the touring rider comes in later to ride the machine they sent ahead
to be assembled ride ready..




....

DMC707

Yes, by a very large margin id say

ksryder

Also, statistically insignificant sample size.

(eta: the guy you were replying to. I agree with you.)

I-Like-To-Bike

I think everything outsells recumbents!😎

indyfabz

As the population continues to age, the number of smug, self-aggrandizing retro grouch-couchers should increase proportionally, causing a spike in recumbent sales.

indyfabz

Depends on "who" you ask; the apples or the oranges.

ksryder

But can the supply of white socks, sandals, and jorts keep pace?

indyfabz

Good question. Don't know the answer, but I will offer this piece of advice: Dump all your razor company stocks and invest in companies that make beard trimmers and club cut jerseys.

Moose

Nice to see this thread delivering on so many levels so far. Equal amounts of snark and seriousness.

I was inspired by the recent poll probing for interest in a new dedicated fat bike forum...

It occurred to me that there really isn't a sub-niche that is more popular right now than fat bikes except maybe gravel grinders which are basically the drop-bar roadie equivalent to a fat bike.

Since the fixed gear/single speed road bike craze has died down, fat bikes seem to have stepped into that role. Retro cruisers seem to be maintaining while tandems and recumbents are really on a low swing.

These are just my personal observations, I am sure plenty will step in to tell me I am full of baloney. Nevertheless, I believe that there is enough interest and credibility to the fat bike trend to warrant a separate listing on these forums. I am not sure why not given the current list of headings which include some pretty obscure niches that are now being eclipsed by the interest in fat tires.

Cyclist0108

It would take me 6 or 8 months to grow the thick grey beard required for recumbent ownership, so a fat-bike purchase is more likely upon impulse.

ddub

What's a jort? Fat bikes are popular here in the middle of nowhere US. Loads of sandy gravel is ideal for fat tire bikes. Even seen a fat tire tandem in a gravel race last summer.

Lazyass

If you've worked at a shop for 12 years you ought to know better than the rest of us.

Leebo

Jean Shorts. Cut off jeans, usually with ragged edges. See also, saggy white tube socks and either blown out high tops or the same socks stuffed into sandals. No way related to the awesome daisy dukes. At all.

Moose

I know the answer for my shop/region...and I think I more or less articulated that fat bikes are outperforming recumbent bikes in brick and mortar retail in my area.

I've put this out for opinions and experiences from my BF brethren, shop dogs and others around the globe.

Moose

Fat tire tandem! Not something I've seen, sounds hot!

I did come accross fat tire recumbents when digging around before posting this thread.

We need pictures in this thread I think...

Fat 'bent trike:



Tandem...WOW!

General Geoff

That thing looks like so much fun!

ORrecumbentEZ3

Seems to me that the fat tire bikes would require more of a work out as there is much more rubber meeting he road. I'm new biking as an adult but, think I would rather stick with the traditional tire dimensions.

rangie

It's not really as big a difference in rolling resistance as you would think by looking at it. The difference between a Noby Nic mountain tire and a Jumbo Jim is like 10watts.