This was the first winter fat-biking for me, I probably seen a a half dozen or so out riding, and a lot of fat tire tracks on the trails. I have less than $400 invested in my rig, and am pretty happy with the performance, and where it has been able to comfortably take me. I did x-country skiing and it was fun, but the fat tire is just more convenient , just jump on and tool around the neighborhood, or hit one of the many trails a few miles from me.