TRIBUNAL

Hello,
I'm looking at possibly buying a Surley Moonlander for sale, used, looks in good condition though I know nothing. Its being sold for $1,000 firm. I weigh about 360 and im not looking to "shread" I just want to explore off road where others arent. Im planing to use it in the Rockies as I have moved here for the season. I also bought a bafang 750 mid drive that ill be installing. $1,000 is more than i wanted to spend but it llooks like maybe this bike is worth it.
Any advice is appriciated.
Thank you

tyrion

Bike prices are up right now (they're selling out because of pandemic lockdowns) so I think that's a decent price, if it's in good shape. But make sure it fits.

It should be plenty strong enough for your weight, but I'd take the wheels to a bike shop and have them tuned up - when spoke tension is uneven they break easier.

Fatbike tires are expensive ($100+) so if the tires are worn out take that into consideration.

squirtdad

the question is whether you really need a fat tire bike vs regular mtn bike I get that fat tires are cool and great in snow and sand but there is the added weight cost and effort to ride just things to think about

TRIBUNAL

Thanks very much for the comments. From the reviews I read that the fat tires make is more resistant to getting holes from rocks which theres a ton of. Ive also read that fat tires are better able to hold up heavy people. Is a 3in tire just as good or a better middle of the road option with weight vs durability? Are fat tires not really necessary? Beach and sand or water, I dont see as something I would be incountering so those attributes dont really appeal to me, though you never know where i may want to use it in the future i guess.
The trails im walking on now have sharp rocks and Ive seen a lot of bikes speeding down the trails without a problem, but 360lbs is a lot more than many of the 200lb people im seeing. Id like to avoid having issues when im out on a mountain.
I was thinking the motor should be able to make up for the diference in dificulty with the weight.
Thoughts?

c_m_shooter

Fat bikes are slitely less "rigid" than a rigid mountain bike. You are still the suspension though, those tires have no dampening. On fast downhills it can be like dribbling 2 basketballs at once. Fat tires get twice the flats of normal bike tires just because of the surface area. If you set them up tubeless ( i use "ghetto tubeless" on my fatbike), you just need a plug kit and a pump with you. Don't bother with CO2 inflaters, they won't do. Different fat tires need different pressures depending on conditions. I used to use 8-10 psi in Big Fat Larry's for normal trails, down to 3 or4 psi on sand dunes. I have been running Panaracer Fat B Nimbles for a few years and they like 15-18 psi for normal trails. Under inflated the front will self steer, especially when on the brakes. Over inflated they bounce off obstacles rather than conforming and rolling over.

TRIBUNAL

Thanks for the advice. I guess fat tires arent that great of an option for me. Back to searching the limited options.