So now we have a dedicated thread where we can find links to the handful of fatbike frame manufacturers out there...but I have yet to see any analysis of how those frames compare. What are the characteristics of the fatbikes frames available?
Mostly the lack of reply is a show of respect to the other designers. All of us believe we have the best product, so what can you do. I can tell you why I think the Fatback is the best design, but I'm not going to do it here. Looks like most things got listed though. I will say the ride characteristics are much different on a Fatback than on a Pugs-no disrespect to the Pugs, just two different animals. Maybe that matters to you, maybe it doesn't.bighit said:here is my take on the lack of replies. most people are on their first snow bike at this time. think about it. a pugsley at 550. for a frameset is a deal. there is not much you can do on a pug that you can do better on a high end snow bike.
I almost made a similar speculation in the original post...and the fact that no one talks in such terms on this forum raises the posted question.thirstywork said:
Mostly the lack of reply is a show of respect to the other designers.
Ebay of all places, if you know of any other source for those skinwalls, let me know - I want a pair for my own fat bike to be. Much nicer than the black walled version if you want my opinion.bighit said:old school skin walls. where did you get them.
That frame looks nice! Do you have contact info for the manufacturer? If so, please post. Thx.caminoloco said:Ebay of all places, if you know of any other source for those skinwalls, let me know - I want a pair for my own fat bike to be. Much nicer than the black walled version if you want my opinion.
I just ordered their top of the line anodised, hydroformed XL frame with a steel fork and with all their special hubs and BB.
I think I'll give the Maverick fork a pass, I'm pretty big and could feel the fork twist sideways when braking (Avid Code's with 180mm disks mounted). I forgot after a while but it didn't inspire too much confidence...
They promised me I would have the frame in about 4 weeks time - will keep you posted how it turns out. I'm gonna go to try to mount it with full gears but "light" as an XC and sand rig, for the moment
Will do as soon as I can and they let me, they want to come out with the finished products (choice of tubing, forks, hubs and BB) and the options (like anodising, integrated or normal headset, horizontal or vertical dropouts, 70mm rims) all at the same time.Stroganof said:That frame looks nice! Do you have contact info for the manufacturer? If so, please post. Thx.
Aluminum isn't my favorite frame material, but for a winter bike here in the salt belt, it makes more sense than steel. Ti seems like the best investment with all the salt around here in the winter. Dunno, I suppose it will be a matter of how the economy treats me.EndUser said:I've been winter biking for 20 years now and I'm happy report I've finally joined the fat tire club!! I've been winter biking for a long time on SnowCats and big tires, but the new dedicated snow bike offerings have now surpassed my expectations by a mile. They just work and work well. To be clear, I have limited amounts of time on fat bikes, but all I can say is they make the marginal snow conditions a blast to ride. I would typically go XC skiing in those conditions, but the snow bike makes the riding possible if not more fun than XC skiing. I dropped some coin on a Ti frameset and it should be ready for next winter. I haven't been this excited about a new bike for a long time.
Like you, I was unwilling to get into the market early on because I recognized the technology and designs were far too fluid. I first saw a pugsly about 5-6 years ago and thought "there's an interesting idea", but was unwilling to commit give how new it was. But, standards are now being set and the bar has been set with creation the original Fatback a couple of year ago and now the new 907; 100mm BB, 160 mm rear hubs (symmetrical rear ends), 135mm front hubs (Pauls and Phil Woods), Cranks with X-type BB (Surly), 80-mm single wall rims, slacker headtube angles, longer chainstays, and compact geometries for a more up-right riding position. It's all come together this past season and it makes sense to me to jump in. Plus, AK seems to be the nexsus for this new development and I'm glad to be apart of it.
I predict the popularity curve will accelerate with a production AL fat bike version with these new standards. I hope to see as many fat bikers as skiers in the next few years here in Anchorage!!
Regards,
EndUser
The designers knew I was going to the Hoggar desert (south rim of the Sahara, Algeria) to prepare a mtb raid and asked to take the prototype along and give it a beating - which I didUN-COG-KNEE-TOE said:Nice looking Terrain Camino - where was this Bike Test Ridden and photo taken?