The long, slow twilight of fat bikes
01-13-23, 10:41 AM
#101
Senior Member
Silly 'merika ... stuck in the distance past with imperial UOM!!
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01-14-23, 11:49 AM
#102
Senior Member
Would you please furnish a metric example, that way I'll understand when it's fun to ride a fatbike ;-)
I had such a laugh on mine this summer, plus I just love the Jones bars, they make me smile, sorta like the whole fatbike.
Smiles and fun and on two wheels, keeps me happy and sane.
I had such a laugh on mine this summer, plus I just love the Jones bars, they make me smile, sorta like the whole fatbike.
Smiles and fun and on two wheels, keeps me happy and sane.
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01-14-23, 01:38 PM
#103
Senior Member
ya, but other than 0c = 32f and 20c = 68f, I still have to think Fahrenheit numbers through slowly to try to figure it out in celcius
I can do the mph to kph easily in my brain, but the temp thing and the human height thing can be muddled--although we still tend to use feet and inches for peoples height here, colloquially anyway, as with peoples weight. A very Canadian thing, as we live with lots of crossover between metric and imperial. The temp thing less though as you really don't hear temps in F much anymore, maybe more with old folks.
I can do the mph to kph easily in my brain, but the temp thing and the human height thing can be muddled--although we still tend to use feet and inches for peoples height here, colloquially anyway, as with peoples weight. A very Canadian thing, as we live with lots of crossover between metric and imperial. The temp thing less though as you really don't hear temps in F much anymore, maybe more with old folks.
01-14-23, 03:54 PM
#104
Senior Member
ya, but other than 0c = 32f and 20c = 68f, i still have to think fahrenheit numbers through slowly to try to figure it out in celcius
i can do the mph to kph easily in my brain, but the temp thing and the human height thing can be muddled--although we still tend to use feet and inches for peoples height here, colloquially anyway, as with peoples weight. A very canadian thing, as we live with lots of crossover between metric and imperial. The temp thing less though as you really don't hear temps in f much anymore, maybe more with old folks.
i can do the mph to kph easily in my brain, but the temp thing and the human height thing can be muddled--although we still tend to use feet and inches for peoples height here, colloquially anyway, as with peoples weight. A very canadian thing, as we live with lots of crossover between metric and imperial. The temp thing less though as you really don't hear temps in f much anymore, maybe more with old folks.
-40 -40
-20 -29
0 -18
20 +7
40 +4
60 +16
80 +27
100 +38
120 +49
140 +60
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01-17-23, 03:46 PM
#106
Senior Member
Fat bikes use is obviously geographically limited - here in Central/Eastern Canada, there are more and more people riding them as the season goes on, and more people this year than last. The main hesitation people have seems to be that most of us are super psyched for XC ski season and there are only so many hours in the day and days in the week. I made the decision last year to leave my skiis in dry dock and focus on fat biking and I am enjoying myself. For people like me (avid cyclists, slightly less avid skiiers) fat bikes were the invention we were waiting for. Snowshoe trails and well-worn foot paths through the snow are now challenging and fun biking trails.
Living near a beach is also an opportunity to get the fatty out, but if you live somewhere with a year-round un-frozen beach, there are likely other non-fatbike riding opportunities that have a better reward:effort ratio.
It's admittedly pretty niche, but so are downhill bikes and track bikes - if you don't have a lift-assisted bike park or a velodrome nearby, these seem like pretty pointless machines too.
As the old saying goes, for those who like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing they like.
Living near a beach is also an opportunity to get the fatty out, but if you live somewhere with a year-round un-frozen beach, there are likely other non-fatbike riding opportunities that have a better reward:effort ratio.
It's admittedly pretty niche, but so are downhill bikes and track bikes - if you don't have a lift-assisted bike park or a velodrome nearby, these seem like pretty pointless machines too.
As the old saying goes, for those who like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing they like.
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01-26-23, 12:23 AM
#107
Junior Member
I was wondering about that, because "ski bikes" exist.* Turns out that fat bike skis exist too, which is a cross between concepts. Looks like a lot of fun, and a little of both.
Review of the fat bike ski.
*
Review of the fat bike ski.
*
Last edited by dragoonO1; 01-26-23 at 12:46 AM. Reason: Ski bike TNGNT
01-26-23, 08:29 PM
#108
Senior Member
Most people I know locally use their fat bikes exclusively in the winter, and the numbers keep gradually increasing. The growth isn't explosive anymore, but it certainly isn't a fad. Since the people I know only use it part of the year, they tend to buy one bike and use it for years without the temptation to upgrade. I'm still using the Moonlander I got in 2013, though I did convert it to 1x11.
IMO this subforum probably shouldn't even exist. I hardly ever check here because to me fat bikes are just bikes, if you use it on Mountain Bike trails talk about it in the Mountain Bike sub, if you commute talk about it in Commuting, if you ride in the winter talk about it in the Winter sub.
IMO this subforum probably shouldn't even exist. I hardly ever check here because to me fat bikes are just bikes, if you use it on Mountain Bike trails talk about it in the Mountain Bike sub, if you commute talk about it in Commuting, if you ride in the winter talk about it in the Winter sub.
01-27-23, 12:41 PM
#109
Senior Member
I don't visit the Winter forum until it's winter and I'm cycling.
I don't visit the Advocacy forum unless I have an issue or like to contribute to somebody else's. In fact, someone last year (or earlier) was also complaining about that forum too.
And of course, because I'm riding my fat bike again, I'm in this forum to check what else is going on with other fat bikers.
I don't visit the Advocacy forum unless I have an issue or like to contribute to somebody else's. In fact, someone last year (or earlier) was also complaining about that forum too.
And of course, because I'm riding my fat bike again, I'm in this forum to check what else is going on with other fat bikers.
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02-05-23, 01:32 PM
#111
Senior Member
First Fat ride of the season today. Rent from a guy at the trail head. I really wish our weather was conducive to winter riding more than what fees like a handful of ideal times, it is so much fun.
Last edited by Noonievut; 02-05-23 at 02:07 PM.
02-05-23, 01:39 PM
#112
Senior Member
Good for you. Late in the season no? Although I just assumed you're in Nunavut.
last week I was out trying out some different tires after a snow storm, and met a couple who had rented fatbikes for the first time, but the poor saps were having a hell of a time because the bikes had way too much pressure for the day's conditions.
last week I was out trying out some different tires after a snow storm, and met a couple who had rented fatbikes for the first time, but the poor saps were having a hell of a time because the bikes had way too much pressure for the day's conditions.
02-05-23, 03:02 PM
#113
Senior Member
Good for you. Late in the season no? Although I just assumed you're in Nunavut.
last week I was out trying out some different tires after a snow storm, and met a couple who had rented fatbikes for the first time, but the poor saps were having a hell of a time because the bikes had way too much pressure for the day's conditions.
last week I was out trying out some different tires after a snow storm, and met a couple who had rented fatbikes for the first time, but the poor saps were having a hell of a time because the bikes had way too much pressure for the day's conditions.
10-21-23, 08:49 AM
#114
Newbie
e Fat Bikes
I Completely Agree With This Observation - Around N. E. PA. They Are Flying Out Of The Stores - Usually Need To Place A Deposit And Wait For A Delivery
Unless You Decide To Get An Amazon Model And There Is Still A Long Wait Time...
10-25-23, 10:28 AM
#115
Dirt Bomb
06-17-24, 11:51 PM
#116
Senior Member
Yes I know I'm dragging up an old thread . I can't sleep and I hurt and I am just getting started riding this year because I just got released from the doctor to ride because of foot surgery.
I just don't ride off road enough to justify the cost of the Surlys that I would like to have. Back a few years ago I ordered a single speed fat bike from bikesdirect. It was fun but really didn't get much use. I got the chance to sell it for most of my money back. I took that and ordered another bike from bikesdirect that I love but they are really dying one of the 29 plus bikes geared 3x7 or maybe 3x8 only 2 of my Surlys see more use. I will ride over stuff none of my other bike will come close to it moves better than the fat bike did. It's my exploring bike fishing bike. I've took it hunting small game a couple times.
As far as Surly I'm beginning to wonder if they will make it too the have discontinued everything that doesn't have disc breaks. Even the cross check . At 62 my Cross Check,LHT and Steamroller should out last me
I just don't ride off road enough to justify the cost of the Surlys that I would like to have. Back a few years ago I ordered a single speed fat bike from bikesdirect. It was fun but really didn't get much use. I got the chance to sell it for most of my money back. I took that and ordered another bike from bikesdirect that I love but they are really dying one of the 29 plus bikes geared 3x7 or maybe 3x8 only 2 of my Surlys see more use. I will ride over stuff none of my other bike will come close to it moves better than the fat bike did. It's my exploring bike fishing bike. I've took it hunting small game a couple times.
As far as Surly I'm beginning to wonder if they will make it too the have discontinued everything that doesn't have disc breaks. Even the cross check . At 62 my Cross Check,LHT and Steamroller should out last me
07-17-24, 12:11 AM
#117
Wide tire will always be wide tire. There is no decline. The only decline can be in sales and marketing of fat bikes but wide tire is still wide tire. Why people like to always refer to "season" when it comes to cycling, biking or fat biking? There is no season for fat tire. It rolls over every kind of terrain. It is the king of off road. If I want to reach from A to B, I go in straight line and don't care be it sand, field, tall grass, forest, mud, agricultural land, swamp, big loose rocks, etc. Regular mountain bike is less capable. When people talk about mountain bikes I regularly read about speed (as if racing and going fast means anything - that's kids' phrase), trails, bike parks and other man made and maintained paths. Honestly, I find that against the true ethos of free biking. With fat tire I don't need man made and maintained anything. Except the tires of course. Fat bike is truly a free bike. How can something which is free can be in decline? Freedom is limitless until people start thinking of limits (speed, trails and season).
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08-03-24, 09:16 AM
#118
Dirt Bomb
Yes I know I'm dragging up an old thread . I can't sleep and I hurt and I am just getting started riding this year because I just got released from the doctor to ride because of foot surgery.
I just don't ride off road enough to justify the cost of the Surlys that I would like to have. Back a few years ago I ordered a single speed fat bike from bikesdirect. It was fun but really didn't get much use. I got the chance to sell it for most of my money back. I took that and ordered another bike from bikesdirect that I love but they are really dying one of the 29 plus bikes geared 3x7 or maybe 3x8 only 2 of my Surlys see more use. I will ride over stuff none of my other bike will come close to it moves better than the fat bike did. It's my exploring bike fishing bike. I've took it hunting small game a couple times.
As far as Surly I'm beginning to wonder if they will make it too the have discontinued everything that doesn't have disc breaks. Even the cross check . At 62 my Cross Check,LHT and Steamroller should out last me
I just don't ride off road enough to justify the cost of the Surlys that I would like to have. Back a few years ago I ordered a single speed fat bike from bikesdirect. It was fun but really didn't get much use. I got the chance to sell it for most of my money back. I took that and ordered another bike from bikesdirect that I love but they are really dying one of the 29 plus bikes geared 3x7 or maybe 3x8 only 2 of my Surlys see more use. I will ride over stuff none of my other bike will come close to it moves better than the fat bike did. It's my exploring bike fishing bike. I've took it hunting small game a couple times.
As far as Surly I'm beginning to wonder if they will make it too the have discontinued everything that doesn't have disc breaks. Even the cross check . At 62 my Cross Check,LHT and Steamroller should out last me
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08-05-24, 01:03 PM
#119
Randomhead
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Fat tires are popular among ebikers. So even if the fatbike retreats to just being a niche product, there will still parts.
08-05-24, 01:16 PM
#120
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To further illustrate:
This subforum, in the years of its existence, is only 8 pages deep. The second oldest post is by me, in 2016, shortly after it started, right when I was beginning to detect the moment of "peak fat" and the eventual downturn, yet when I was also contemplating building up a winter ride of my own.
After that thread, I did build one, and now live in a cycling environment of diminishing parts and tire choices. I feel like the 6 years I've had this bike have been the long, slow, twilight. When the tire manufacturers (tires being the raison d'etre of the fatbike frame) are largely taking a pass, I think maybe it really is dead.
This subforum, in the years of its existence, is only 8 pages deep. The second oldest post is by me, in 2016, shortly after it started, right when I was beginning to detect the moment of "peak fat" and the eventual downturn, yet when I was also contemplating building up a winter ride of my own.
After that thread, I did build one, and now live in a cycling environment of diminishing parts and tire choices. I feel like the 6 years I've had this bike have been the long, slow, twilight. When the tire manufacturers (tires being the raison d'etre of the fatbike frame) are largely taking a pass, I think maybe it really is dead.
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I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi 
"However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
08-05-24, 01:26 PM
#121
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You mention gravel bikes. I think they sit in kind of a sweet spot between fat tire and road bikes. Far more versatile that fatties, and suited to a wider set of conditions than road bikes. I recently bought a gravel bike and sure, it's still a new bike and all but I think it's by far the best bike I've ever owned. I can ride on the roads, various kinds of trails, and pop a curb now and then. I think people going for all out speed will go for road bikes but I think there will be a strong market for gravel bikes for some time as well.
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I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
08-05-24, 01:27 PM
#122
You gonna eat that?
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I love bicycles of every kind and have more than a dozen in my fleet. I'm always looking for different kinds of bikes that might serve a purpose or role my current bikes don't. However, the conditions that would require me to have a fatbike are conditions that I just won't ride in. My fatbike is a set of smart rollers in front of a TV.
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I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
08-05-24, 01:30 PM
#123
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I remember when “gravel” bikes were called touring bikes or cyclocross bikes, depending on the details. Those were the days!
The other day I stumbled upon some article in which the author had a revelation or epiphany that “gravel” rides could even be done on a cyclocross bike, and I rolled my eyes so hard I think I strained something.
The other day I stumbled upon some article in which the author had a revelation or epiphany that “gravel” rides could even be done on a cyclocross bike, and I rolled my eyes so hard I think I strained something.
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I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
08-05-24, 01:38 PM
#124
You gonna eat that?
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I tend to agree. At one time a Surly would have been my preferred bike if I bought something new. I never did until recently and now I didn't even consider Surly which nowadays seems "quaint." That ship has sailed in my opinion.
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
08-06-24, 12:33 AM
#125
Senior Member
