FatBoy with Bluto?

[Jisch]

I got a Bluto and built a new front wheel with a used rim for about $820. 15% coupon off at universal cycles.

[jeepnpr]

Bluto with remote lockout $711.00 wheel build with FAT-SNO hub, about $275.00. Now just waiting for bike to arrive in the next 2 weeks.

[hans2vt]

I took it on a lap on the pump track it felt good, though a bit stiff at 100psi, I dropped some air to 90psi, we'll see how that goes. I'm 170 or so without my pack on.

I took my first ride at 80psi, below the recommendation on the fork. I'm 155lbs plus gear... and with 80psi felt like i could go lower still.

[hans2vt]

Bluto $643 plus salsa hub $125 (minus discounts). Luckily salsa hub has very similar dimensions to original hub flange so I could rebuild wheel with original spokes and nipples. Oh and a few bucks for a longer brake line, don't forget that or project will have delay.

[alshead]

This is on ebay this morning. Hub included for $643

[Jisch]

I took my Fatboy with Bluto out on a "real" ride today - up until now I've only taken it out on solo rides at the local place that's mostly non-technical. Today I went to a place that's highly technical on a ride with one other guy who rides pretty fast. In the past with the Fatboy I had to slow down on the technical stuff, today it felt a lot more like riding any other mountain bike, I charged into rock gardens, boosted air and generally had a great time. Definitely a game changer - it was a blast and I had no problem keeping this guy behind me today. I don't have any problem keeping him behind me on my Niner, but I honestly think I was riding about as fast as I can on my RIP9.

I have a bash guard on the bike and had to take off the front derailleur for it to fit, I need fix that - I dropped my chain to the granny 4 or 5 times throughout the ride. I guess that's not so bad, but I think I'm going to put a narrow/wide ring on so I don't drop the chain.

[Father Guzzi Obrian]

I don't want to spam, my local LBS in Anaheim Hills is installing a Bluto 80mm for me, and scheduling a setup time to dial it it. It includes all the other bits back, and it becomes part of the lifetime warranty on my Fatboy. it's $900, but after buying 3 bikes from these boys, I know they will take care of everything until it is where I want it. 900 may be more than some want to pay, but for turn key in socal, it may be what you want. If you want any info, PM me. Cheers,
FGO

[matto6]

I just ordered a 100mm bluto + salsa hub for my fatboy. Damn, someone stop the bleeding!

I'm still having a hard time tearing down the original wheel. Does anyone anticipate going back to the rigid fork periodically? In the winter maybe? Are suspensions still desirable in snow riding?

I could see using the rigid fork + 90mm stock wheels with bud and lou in the winter. Then build up some 80mm darryls for summer + bluto. But I'm not sure I have budget or space for an extra set of fat wheels.

Is the bluto lockout a true lockout? Maybe that's enough should I desire to rid myself of bounce?

[bdundee]

I am going to put my rigid for for winter and long gravel rides, I find Blutos lock out not to be real solid.

[hans2vt]

I just ordered a 100mm bluto + salsa hub for my fatboy. Damn, someone stop the bleeding!

I'm still having a hard time tearing down the original wheel. Does anyone anticipate going back to the rigid fork periodically? In the winter maybe? Are suspensions still desirable in snow riding?

I could see using the rigid fork + 90mm stock wheels with bud and lou in the winter. Then build up some 80mm darryls for summer + bluto. But I'm not sure I have budget or space for an extra set of fat wheels.

Is the bluto lockout a true lockout? Maybe that's enough should I desire to rid myself of bounce?

I thought long and hard about the wheel and decision on doing a new wheel or rebuilding old rim. It came down to 1):cost and 2) deciding I wouldn't go back to rigid. If I decide to go back to rigid some day I'll build another wheel with old stock hub.

With salsa hub I reused spokes and nipples and rim and fit perfectly. A new surly wheel was going to be too much money and what the heck was I going to do with the other old wheel besides let it just sit in my basement. I also didn't like mixing rim widths. The spec rim is 90mm and I'd have to switch to 80 or 100 with other rims.

That was decision to just reuse rim and save a few bucks. I won't go back to rigid after riding bluto! Even last winter on some boot pack that was bumpy I was longing for a shock!

[matto6]

Thanks bdundee and Hans.

I really have no space for extra wheels and don't want to pump more money into this so I'm going to go with Hans strategy and tear the old one down. I have a feeling I'll appreciate the squish in the snow too.

[Jisch]

I built a new wheel, figuring I'd swap back for winter. Who knows if that will be the case. I found a used rim locally (an mtbrer).

[bdundee]

That's why I went with a Hope hub and my special conversion kit so I could use the same wheel on both types of forks. I wouldn't want an extra wheel or the cost either.

[Mr. Lynch]

I also converted the stock wheel. After 5 minutes with a Bluto no way I will ever go back to rigid. I havent measured the HT angle yet, but with the 120mm fork it feels really nice. More like a trail bike than a slow cruiser bike.

[Jisch]

Dang, I woke up last night and realized I should have thought this through better. I was thinking that I needed a new wheel since my Specialized hub couldn't be converted. I should have just bought a Hope hub and bought those end caps. I could have done everything with one wheel. doh! I was thinking since I didn't have a Hope hub, I might as well build a new wheel.

[Mr. Lynch]

The specialized hub cant be converted. I should have said that I swapped the hub put used the stock rim. I went with the Origin 8 hub. It's the cheapest option out I've found.

[Jisch]

Right. I could have just swapped the Specialized hub for a Hope and bought the end caps, one wheel, both configurations, instead I bought a Salsa hub, used rim and new spokes. Oh well, live and learn. I guess if I end up not wanting to go back to rigid, I can sell the fork and the wheel together as a set.

[Mr. Lynch]

or buy a cheap frame and build a second bike for your lady friend!

[Jisch]

hmmm, or a second super light bike for me (my wife won't ride if the temps get below freezing), but hmmm.

[Father Guzzi Obrian]

How much for the Bluto? How much for a wheel?

My LBS did the Bluto, Salsa Hub, wheel build and provided all the bits for $900. You can do it a bit cheaper, but they did it turn key including setting up the suspension with me. It also is now part of my long term warranty, so I am very pleased, and once you ride a fatboy with FS, you will be amazed at how well they work, cant believe they did not start this way.

[matto6]

Dang, I woke up last night and realized I should have thought this through better. I was thinking that I needed a new wheel since my Specialized hub couldn't be converted. I should have just bought a Hope hub and bought those end caps. I could have done everything with one wheel. doh! I was thinking since I didn't have a Hope hub, I might as well build a new wheel.

Oh now I get it!!

I discounted the hope hub because I don't have a thru axle fork on the Fatboy. But the frigging hope hub can do it all with end caps can't it. Hmmmmmmm!

How much of a pain is it to take the wheel on and off with those extenders and a thru axle? It's a long story but I have to put the wheel on and off 3 times each time I ride. (between fitting it in the car and also storage.)

[matto6]

Right. I could have just swapped the Specialized hub for a Hope and bought the end caps, one wheel, both configurations, instead I bought a Salsa hub, used rim and new spokes. Oh well, live and learn. I guess if I end up not wanting to go back to rigid, I can sell the fork and the wheel together as a set.

I don't know. I haven't built yet and I'm torn. On one hand, it might be nice to be able to go back and forth quickly.

But unless you plan on doing that, do you really want spacers in there? The simplicity of purpose-built parts is fun too. The spacers must make it less stiff, and possibly put more stresses on the hub/axle, I'd think? And also be a little more of a pain every time you take the wheel on and off.

What are the odds I'm really going to switch back and forth between the bluto and a rigid fork? Hmmmm.

[bdundee]

I don't know. I haven't built yet and I'm torn. On one hand, it might be nice to be able to go back and forth quickly.

But unless you plan on doing that, do you really want spacers in there? The simplicity of purpose-built parts is fun too. The spacers must make it less stiff, and possibly put more stresses on the hub/axle, I'd think? And also be a little more of a pain every time you take the wheel on and off.

What are the odds I'm really going to switch back and forth between the bluto and a rigid fork? Hmmmm.

They are not really spacers but new end caps all together and it makes no difference when changing a wheels. The spacing difference is only 7.5mm on each side if you go with the Hauck stolen idea spacers (still bitter over that) which is only .29 inches and I doubt you will feel any flex in that.

[matto6]

it makes no difference when changing a wheels.

The spacers stick in the hub nicely? You're getting close to convincing me!

Hauck stolen idea spacers (still bitter over that)

Hah. Did they really get the idea from you, or was it "co-invented"?

[hans2vt]

They are not really spacers but new end caps all together and it makes no difference when changing a wheels. The spacing difference is only 7.5mm on each side if you go with the Hauck stolen idea spacers (still bitter over that) which is only .29 inches and I doubt you will feel any flex in that.

How does it handle the disk brake location when you swap? Doesn't the disk have to move outwards relative to center of the hub? Or do you put spacers on caliper to move it inwards?

[bdundee]

The spacers stick in the hub nicely? You're getting close to convincing me!



Hah. Did they really get the idea from you, or was it "co-invented"?

Yes they go in the hub and you can't tell them from the factory ones once installed except for being a little longer.
No it was my idea and mine alone. I started this the day Bluto was announced
150mm Hub Standard?
Bluto + Hope 135 Hub hack.
Plus there is a bunch of other threads where I discussed it in here and on Facebook. Actually I am honored he used my idea I am just pissed he totally ignored me on Facebook and he used the word booya, who even says that anymore

How does it handle the disk brake location when you swap? Doesn't the disk have to move outwards relative to center of the hub? Or do you put spacers on caliper to move it inwards?

I used the White Brothers adapter and so do they, it moves it over about 5mm and with a little file work you can get a couple more mm. The Hauck kit comes with the adapter and the holes are already made longer. You do need to run a 180mm rotor with the WB adapter though.

[alshead]

I guess if I end up not wanting to go back to rigid, I can sell the fork and the wheel together as a set.

This was my thinking. I wanted to trial the Bluto with as little cash commitment as possible, so the Origin8 hub was the ticket. Used HRD rim, new spokes. I figured if I keep the bluto, I could sell the fork and front wheel together, or if I sell the FatBoy, I'd be able to keep the bluto and wheel and build up around another frame. Building the wheel cost less than $200 and created the most options down the line for the least amount of money.

[Jisch]

Building the wheel cost less than $200 and created the most options down the line for the least amount of money.

Ok, now I feel better.

[NYrr496]

bdundee, is there a caliper adapter that will allow me to run a 200mm rotor and a 9Zero7 front hub? I can whip up axle spacers.

[Mr. Lynch]

Anyone sell the stock carbon fork? I'm curious what the going rate on them is. It is a beautiful fork but i there is no way I'l swap back to it.

[Father Guzzi Obrian]

I took my fatboy out for its tuning run today, first off, it is a game changer for the trails I ride, and I have barely got the setup scoped out. I have sag and basic rebound done, but their is more to do, but it is very different and on the rougher trails adds much confidence that I used to rely on the tires alone to provide. I ran a bit more pressure as I had suspension and liked the rolling improvement. There are many trails along the Santa Ana River, also some "cultural opportunities" shown here, still a very good ride, with a mix of just about everything you want.
Cheers,
FGO

[Oldgt]

Will someone please tell me the bluto sucks and save my money! I now have a full XT fatboy with 1x10 race face/wolftooth, carbon bars, seat post, seat. The last piece to the puzzle BLUTO!!!!! But the $$$$$ do I really want to have a $3500 fatboy? The reviews are killing me!!! Come on christmas bonus! If I charge that my wife is really going to flip! She did just buy a $400 blender?hummm? $650 for suspension fork seems like a good deal.

[bdundee]

Will someone please tell me the bluto sucks

A year ago I was swearing up and down fat bikes don't need suspension for myself anyways and was wrong. I really like having it but will be taking it off as soon as the snow flies. Oh and $3500 is nothing to have in a fat bike

[Father Guzzi Obrian]

Sorry,
The bluto makes a different bike out of the fatboy and opens up its capabilities substantially.... Of course, I only have two days and ~60 miles on mine, but over my same trails and climbs, it is a different bike...
YMMV
Cheers,
FGO

[matto6]

I really like having it but will be taking it off as soon as the snow flies.

Why?

[bdundee]

Why?

I don't really want to deal with the extreme cold and a suspension fork plus all the winter slop. That and I have a beautiful carbon fork just waiting for some playing time.
<iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/85144286@N02/14617392794/player/" width="281" height="500" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe>

[matto6]

I don't really want to deal with the extreme cold and a suspension fork plus all the winter slop. That and I have a beautiful carbon fork just waiting for some playing time.
<iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/85144286@N02/14617392794/player/" width="281" height="500" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe>

Got it. Man I keep changing my mind on my wheel plan. Now I'm debating carbon summer rims. Noooooo!

[hans2vt]

I don't really want to deal with the extreme cold and a suspension fork plus all the winter slop. That and I have a beautiful carbon fork just waiting for some playing time.
<iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/85144286@N02/14617392794/player/" width="281" height="500" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe>

Yeah, winter slop is no good. I usually only ride in the winter when things are frozen solid, my fat boy was clean all winter thru april, when things thawed I didn't ride mostly because it would destroy the snow pack single track. Vermont winters are cold enough and no big elevation factor on things being warm low and cold up high.

I am wondering about the cold impact on the fork, but last winter I wished for suspension to soak up the frozen bumps from boot tracks.

Bluto and no looking back to rigid. Unless I change my mind and build up a wheel on the old hub. Ha!

[Mr. Lynch]

Out here we ride in the wet/mud 8 months out of the year here and I've never had any suspension issues do to the mud or cold. As long as you change your seals/oil every 6-12 months your fine.

When I first got my Fatboy I was amazed by the front wheel traction in all conditions. With the Bluto that traction is on a whole other level. There is no bouncing of the tire, just crazy grip as the fork eats up the bumps and the tire follows the terrain. It has taken my fatboy from occasional cruiser to the bike I'm starting to choose for most rides.

[Lu-Max]

I got my 100mm Bluto, 1.5" bearing race, and Salsa 15mm thru-axle hub here ready to be installed.
Now I am thinking that being able to swap between the 15mm and QR could really come in handy. Dammit you guys!

Does anyone happen to have the Hope hub and adapter part numbers handy? Thanks!

If I can't return it I might have a brand-new still in the box Salsa hub for sale soon.

[Mr. Lynch]

I just found OUT the Black 32mm bottomless tokens wont be available until the of August. Sucks we have to wait so long!

[NYrr496]

I just found OUT the Black 32mm bottomless tokens wont be available until the of August. Sucks we have to wait so long!

Dude... It's like three weeks.

[mxer]

Dude... It's like three weeks.

LOL I agree these guys are out of control!Never mind tokens...I haven't even ordered my fork yet!LOL

[Mr. Lynch]

3 weeks is like 6 months in bike years during the summer! That's atleast 8 rides!

[Oldgt]

Well, you guys got me! Just ordered the bluto along with new XT breaks. Hope hub. Race. Thanks to all the helpful posts and thanks to Jenson for the 20% off. Can't wait!

[bobkorn]

3 weeks is like 6 months in bike years during the summer! That's atleast 8 rides!

More like 18 rides

[Father Guzzi Obrian]

$28 from Universal

Hi, are you saying the air shaft can be had for $28 from universal, I went 80mm and want to go 100mm. I have don't many motorcycle forks so these don't bother me, just identifying the parts to take my 80mm Bluto to 100mm, if you have any input it is truly appreciated.
Cheers,
FGO

[matto6]

The spacers must make it less stiff, and possibly put more stresses on the hub/axle, I'd think? And also be a little more of a pain every time you take the wheel on and off.

After receiving my Bluto and seeing how stiff the axle is, I'm less concerned about the spacers and flex. That thing is solid!

And for what it's worth, I'm might return my Salsa hub pending the feedback I receive in this thread about the strange spoke line.

[bdundee]

Hi, are you saying the air shaft can be had for $28 from universal, I went 80mm and want to go 100mm. I have don't many motorcycle forks so these don't bother me, just identifying the parts to take my 80mm Bluto to 100mm, if you have any input it is truly appreciated.
Cheers,
FGO

Universal Cycles -- Rock Shox SoloAir Travel Adjustment Air Shafts

[Burnt-Orange]

I'm right here bOb

[tommillermn]

My Bluto and accompanying parts are somewhere between A and B and you all have me stoked on my choices.
I did want to interject that if anyone is running a Small frame, Specialized has a "crown race for non-SBC long taper forks" which they recommend. It has just a bit of rise to guarantee a good fit with Bluto. I actually opted to build the wheel with Marge Lite to give the Ground Control a rounder profile which should eliminate auto-steer and let me run 4" hard pack tires in our dry summer months. If I like it, I'll build a matching rear for my summer treads.
I plan on going back to the rigid fork once the snow flies and I'm hoping to snag a new pair of Dillinger 5's for when the ice man cometh (gotta love the Northwest).
I appreciate in these posts how few 80mm forks there are. Specialized is pretty adamant that is the right choice, but the only reason given is to keep from changing the geometry. I want the geometry changed with the suspension fork. Taller and slacker usually equals faster in the rough stuff.
I'll send pictures once it's up and running. Cheers,
Tom Miller
The Bike Shop at Hughes Ace
St. Maries, ID

[gravitylover]

Hey, give us a tire size measurement after you put the GC on a Marge Lite please.

[matto6]

I actually opted to build the wheel with Marge Lite to give the Ground Control a rounder profile which should eliminate auto-steer and let me run 4" hard pack tires in our dry summer months. If I like it, I'll build a matching rear for my summer treads.

I considered this as well, and am still intrigued by the idea. Please keep us posted on how it works out for you.

One of the things I like about the Fatboy tires is how much stability they have in nasty rock sections. Even when you hit a rock with only part of the tire, it just wraps around and holds. No picking lines - just plow straight through. I think width helps here quite a bit and wonder whether a taller, narrower tire would start reducing this ability.

I appreciate in these posts how few 80mm forks there are. Specialized is pretty adamant that is the right choice, but the only reason given is to keep from changing the geometry. I want the geometry changed with the suspension fork. Taller and slacker usually equals faster in the rough stuff.

I also wanted a little extra pedal clearance for the rocky North east. If I lived somewhere smoother I might have gone 80.

[tommillermn]

No problem. After a ride or two I'll put on my pair of Knards and measure the difference as well.

[Jisch]

My second "real" ride on the Bluto. I put a Command Post on it and a 30T narrow/wide chainring up front. I did a longish ride with the regular Sunday group today at a place with lots of climbing and some really technical sections. The Fatboy with the Bluto is awesome, it's really hard to say exactly, but it seems like I am not losing any speed compared to my Niner RIP9.

Anyway so far, I'm really happy, no regrets putting it on my bike.

[Oldgt]

Happy to hear another positive review now that I have everything ordered. I am really happy with the proformane of my fatboy in its current condition. Wednesday I went for a ride on a trail/ srava segment, relatively smooth with lost of quick turns one short climb and I ended up 2mph faster than the KOM and am now the new king with a substantial time lead. If the bluto makes my bike faster I am going to be in heaven!

[Jisch]

IMHO the only way it makes the bike faster is in technical stuff, other than that, its just extra weight.

[Mr. Lynch]

I also feel the Bluto makes the bike faster. You air up the tire up front so it rolls a little quicker and the bounce you might normally get at higher tire pressures is negated by the Bluto. I also feel you have more control as your not being bounced around by that big tire and rigid fork.

[Jisch]

I am amazed at how well the fork controls the bounce.

I don't feel it going through it's travel and that front wheel sticks to the ground. As I've said many times I ride in extremely technical terrain, I hate riding a hardtail around here and I was wondering if just a front shock on the Fatboy was going to do it.

I have certainly had my share of "soft hits" on the rear rim, but I don't miss suspension out back at all. I am not much of a hucker, but I'll get two or three feet of air without thinking about it. On yesterday's ride, I found myself hitting stuff and just kind of forgetting I was on the fat bike - the cushion from the rear tire is plenty.

I added a little air to the back tire before yesterday's ride (I didn't measure it), but I think I actually went a little too far - it seems that 8-9PSI is good for the rear with the Bluto. The front I have at 10PSI and that seems about right.

[Mr. Lynch]

With the Bluto the bike really does ride like a 100mm 29er. It reminds me a lot of riding a camber and that big rear tires feels more place than any Epic I've rode!

[shiggy]

You can much a little more pretty up front in the tire so it rolls a little quicker...

Might want to edit this line.

[Mr. Lynch]

My bad. Still half asleep from a long weekend at Whistler.
The Bluto is sweet, but I wouldnt take it up there!

[Nash04]

You do know that Specialized is coming out with a Fatboy Pro which will have the Bluto and XT components for $4100.00 Should be coming out soon.

[tommillermn]

I got an hour and a half on Bluto last night on our local trails. Xmas Hills is multi use, most of it being motorized. Bluto floated through the rough stuff and I couldn't believe how much of a difference it makes. I actually found I liked it active for seated climbing as well.
For those who wanted to know about how the Marge Lite wheel shaped up, here's the statistics.

Original wheel with QR, no disc - 3lb,1oz
Hope Fatsno with Marge Lite and Maxle - 3lb, 1oz
Original width at widest knobs - 1100mm
New wheel at widest knobs - 1070mm
Original wheel height, rim bead to tallest knob - 800
New wheel height, rim bead to tallest knob - 800

So really numbers-wise not a big difference, but the shape of the tire on the rim is very different. It almost looks egg-shaped with the narrow part running down the centerline. The picture doesn't do it justice. I noticed no hesitation in whipping the front end around in tight switchbacks. No weight savings unless you want to go carbon.

Just a reminder, I have a 2014 Large Fatboy on the sales floor if anyone wants it. Happy trails!!!

Tom Miller
The Bike Shop at Hughes Ace
St. Maries, ID
208-245-6544

[Jisch]

A short video from today, sorry I didn't put a lot of time into capturing it, just stuck the contour to the bike and let it run. I put it in a place where I could see the fork moving. There's a short section of asphalt in the middle of this ride and I locked the fork out, it was really noticeable when I got back in the woods and forgot to turn it back on. This didn't capture the technical nature of the trails very well, but trust me this is a technical ride!

Oh and I think its funny you can see my reflection in the top tube so you kind of see me moving around as I go through/over stuff.

<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/102955034" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/102955034">Bigelow 8 8</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user875701">Jisch</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

[matto6]

Finally got to ride my fatboy w/ bluto. It was really great. For the first 5 minutes. Then a stick went through my rear tire (GC) and left a hole. Turned around and went back home.

So full report still pending... But I know I'm gonna love it.

[Jisch]

I did a 12 mile ride on technical trails with a faster group today, the Fatboy with Bluto worked awesome - my co-riders mentioned that they didn't think I was any bit slower than when I'm on my Niner. Regardless, it was a good ride, with lots of smiles end to end. At this point I'm boosting rocks and catching air just like when I'm on my RIP9.

One of the riders (who does a fair amount of road biking and racing) was surprised that I was riding this bike and not the Niner. She asked me why I picked this bike to ride today rather than the Niner, I had to think about it for a second, my answer "because it's fun".

The 30T with the 11/36 out back appears to be fine, I'll be taking the granny ring off, as I don't think I need it.

[Father Guzzi Obrian]

Universal Cycles -- Rock Shox SoloAir Travel Adjustment Air Shafts

Thanks, that helps alot

[Oldgt]

Well I did it and I got to ride it today. Bluto makes the front really stick. It's great and I am super happy with it. Thanks for all the advice and info on what to get and how to do it. Current set up is
XT cassette
XT derailleur
XT Shifter
XT breaks
Race face 30T
Wolftooth 42 on the back
FSA Carbonbars
FSA seat post
Thud buster seat post (bad back days)
2 wtb seats
Split tube tubeless setup
Lizards skin grips.
Wellgo pedals
And the bluto with a Hope hub!
Really happy with the setup. Extremely fun bike to ride and pretty fast aswell. Nothing like smoking people with a fat bike. Now what crank to get? Hummmm!

[matto6]

Well I did it and I got to ride it today. Bluto makes the front really stick. It's great and I am super happy with it. Thanks for all the advice and info on what to get and how to do it. Current set up is
XT cassette
XT derailleur
XT SHifters
XT breaks
Race face 30T
Wolftooth 42 on the back
FSA Carbonbars
FSA seat post
Thud buster seat post (bad back days)
2 wtb seats
Split tube tubeless setup
Lizards skin grips.
Wellgo pedals
And the bluto with a Hope hub!
Really happy with the setup. Extremely fun bike to ride and pretty fast aswell. Nothing like smoking people with a fat bike. Now what crank to get? Hummmm!

Do you know what it weighs? I'm considering a similar setup.

Also... "shifters" plural? Or just the rear?

[Oldgt]

Yeah that was ONE shifter it's 1x10 11-36 with the 42 wolf tooth and I took out the 15. Works out perfect for the places I ride upstate NY. I Just put the bike on a fish scale and it said 31 lbs had a little mud on it bottle holder and a small frame bag. It's a large frame. If your thinking about it and wonder if it's worth it? IT IS!!!! It's like a compleatly different bike than what I started with. It changes it from a nice chug along bike and turns it it's a bike you can haul a$$ on if you want to without fear because the control you have is unreal.

[alshead]

1. Jisch- what do you weigh and how is your Bluto set up? Tokens? PSI? Rebound?

2. Anyone have trouble getting their Samox cranks off? I'm looking to put a single NW ring up front, but the self-extracting crank bolt appears to be seized. Can't get it to budge and nearly stripped it with a cheater bar on.

3. Anyone running a 120 Bluto? Anyone have a 120 Bluto they want to trade for a 100?

[Jisch]

I have the stock 100mm, I forgot how many tokens are in there I don't remember how much PSI I have in there. I'll check in the morning. I'm not much help I guess.

[Nash04]

Had the same issue with the cranks, brought it into my LBS and they couldn't remove them so Specialized warranty the work and now am waiting for E.13 cranks and their BB, did had to pay extra for them. Specialized with credit your account if you want some better cranks but you have to pay the difference.

[Fixed]

IMHO the only way it makes the bike faster is in technical stuff, other than that, its just extra weight.

Agree, if "technical stuff" means everywhere traction is a factor.

[bdundee]

Agree, if "technical stuff" means everywhere traction is a factor.

I find myself running a lot higher pressure in the front since Bluto and even in non technical trails more pressure equals faster.

[Mr. Lynch]

I had no issues getting my cranks off to throw a 30t on.
Im running a 120mm Bluto and i think it is amazing. Slackens the bike out to around 68-68.5 degrees and it ride and climbs amazing. The 120mm of travel plus the huge tire really do remind me of my park bike that had a 170mm Lyrik. It feels like you can bomb thru anything and just monster truck stuff on the trail!

With the stock carbon fork i ran around 5 or 6 psi and with the bluto im in the 8-10 psi range.

[av8or]

First ride with the bluto.. Lake calavera, carlsbad ca.. 13 miles, 2 hrs.. Lots of climbs and downhill.. Single tracks and switchbacks, rocks and roots.. 80mm bluto was awesome.. Glad i went with what spesh recommended.. Those still thinking about it.. Just get it.. 80mm, 100mm, 120mm who cares.. At end of the day, it's your bike your'e the one riding it... Fatty before the ride tonite

[alshead]

^I like the yellow rimstrips!

[Nash04]

Just ordered my kit thru my LBS with installation for $920.00
Now I just need to wait for Salsa to have their hub in stock which should be next week :-)

[Fixed]

First ride with 100 mm Bluto on the Fat Boy this morning. Rough, dry trail with really steep hiils.

The front end is really plush, running 8 psi in the 4.6" Ground Controls, 90 psi in fork.

Climbing, the front end feels tall and slack -- steering almost too light and harder to keep the tire on the ground. Lots more sawing around with the handlebars. 80 mm may be better for climbing.

Downhill is a freakin dream, tbough. Just mows over anything, barely feeling it.

[Jisch]

The front end definitely feels a bit light going up hills, but I've adjusted by putting my weight a bit more forward. I'm sure at this point when I go back to the rigid fork I'll feel like I'm half way into an endo all the time.

[bdundee]

First ride with 100 mm Bluto on the Fat Boy this morning. Rough, dry trail with really steep hiils.

The front end is really plush, running 8 psi in the 4.6" Ground Controls, 90 psi in fork.

Climbing, the front end feels tall and slack -- steering almost too light and harder to keep the tire on the ground. Lots more sawing around with the handlebars. 80 mm may be better for climbing.

Downhill is a freakin dream, tbough. Just mows over anything, barely feeling it.

I have worked my way up to about 12-14 psi in the front running the same setup.

[av8or]

80 mm may be better for climbing.

it's freakin' awesome downhill as well.. roots... rocks .. like you said, mows over everything.. 3rd different trail day ride on bluto today.. i get to the trail but can't begin my ride right away as yesterday and the day before.. people want to take pictures of the fatboy with bluto.. i let them ride it.. a couple of more questions.. then i'm off after 30 mins minimum.. riding on the trail is worse.. you get stopped.. asked the same questions.. sees the big tires, then sees bluto.. and their jaws drop.. i noticed this thing just wants to jump too.. between the front tire squish and bluto, just a small pull on the handle bar and your airborne.. day 4 tomorrow on a different trail and looking forward to same routine..

Lake hodges, ca.. 18.5 miles, 2 hrs.

[Fixed]

You know, as well as this works, I think the days of 5" tires and 5" full suspension aren't far away.

The difference between this and my Giant NRS Air Carbon with an 80 mm Fox fork and 2.4" tirez is night and day -- almost like the difference between a x bike and the mtb. It really is what mountain bikes should always have been.

[ticketchecker]

So if I get the 80mm version I'll have all the tokens to make the travel whateva, is that right?

This thread has me stoked to bluto my beargrease

[Jisch]

That is NOT true. The tokens just take up air space and control the ramping up of the compression. If you want to change the travel you have to put in a new air chamber, they aren't that expensive though (I think I saw around $35?).

[ticketchecker]

Cool, thanks.

[Jisch]

I did a 17 mile ride on the Fatboy this morning. So much fun.

There's this one trail at the end of the loop we call "Par Four", there are three spots where you pretty much have to get off and walk. It's a VERY difficult trail, we keep track of how many times you have to get off your bike end to end - so if you get off four times, you hit "par" - get it?

Today I did it with 2 "get offs", I've ridden this trail literally hundreds of times over the last 25 years and have never done it with less than 3 get offs. It felt amazing, I'm not sure my co-riders understood what an accomplishment this was, they looked at me like I was making too big a deal about this, but it felt great!

Anyway, I'm continuing to love this bike.

[Fixed]

Yup. I'm finding that traction and my skills are almost not factors any more, as it is all about power to weight now. Places where I almost always came iff the bike, or didn't even try, I now just sit and push hard on the pedals until I blow up. It is motivating to get the power to weight up so I can make it.

[Stephen Kunkel]

Had too much fun on the local pump track today. This bike brings me a couple notches above where I deserve to be at my skill level. Never got a wow before today. Felt good but like I was cheating or something....

I love this geo.

[newmarketrog]

Fatbikes more capable? Who knew?

I dab way less with my mine.

rog

[Forster]

Fatbikes more capable? Who knew?

I dab way less with my mine.

rog

Ooh, careful with the "Dab" discussion. Apparently someone got their panties in a bunch in either the "How was your Commute" or "Long hard winter commute support" thread last year. As hard to believe as it may be, everything bike related apparently doesn't include discussing how many times your foot touches the ground (unless your on the Bike Trials Review Forum page).

[newmarketrog]

Ooh, careful with the "Dab" discussion. Apparently someone got their panties in a bunch in either the "How was your Commute" or "Long hard winter commute support" thread last year. As hard to believe as it may be, everything bike related apparently doesn't include discussing how many times your foot touches the ground (unless your on the Bike Trials Review Forum page).

Is that so?

HEY! WE GOT AN EXPERT IN THE HOUSE!?!?!?!?

rog

[gravitylover]

Hey! Dabbing is part of my skill set, learned many decades ago and still practiced frequently. Beats the snot out of getting off and walking

I'm gonna Bluto up soon but not just yet. Last night was the fastest ride of the year so far. Absolutely ripped the trails a new one in the dark Happy fat old fart B'day to me I may even enter my first race ever next Sunday because they have a fat bike category but I can't decide if I should just enter masters cat 2 and smoke the spandex 29er carbon bling weenies

[Forster]

Is that so?

HEY! WE GOT AN EXPERT IN THE HOUSE!?!?!?!?

rog

Yup, Caught me off guard when a few folks (myself included) had "Dab" comments and all there was a "What's all this 'Dab-Spam'?" comment. I didn't get it either. To me, a good ride is good for a variety of reasons (Weather, Wildlife, Speed, Smooth riding...). I'm pretty excited when I get in without having to stop or not stopping for long, but apparently that's not a universal source of joy.

[Jisch]

Wow, I had no idea this was such a divisive topic. We often have "how many dabs" contests on certain sections of highly technical trails. It's all in fun and no one's ego gets hurt at the end.

On this particular section yesterday a fast guy on a rigid singlespeed 29er got a call from work and had to boogie. He raced past me got about 25' into the trail, biffed and hit his hip bone on his stem, not pretty. I was wondering how much faster he was really going to be able to go? He rode behind me the rest of the way down.

[alshead]

Dabbing can be a skill, and it can be a crutch. Like porn, you know it when you see it (or do it). We have several stretches of trail that nary a rider but the top few in the area (out of hundreds and hundreds and hundreds) can clean all the way from bottom to top without stopping/ dabbing/ pushing/ walking. For people to argue about it is just, well, silly. We ride bikes to have fun, right?

YAY BIKES!

[Forster]

Wow, I had no idea this was such a divisive topic. We often have "how many dabs" contests on certain sections of highly technical trails. It's all in fun and no one's ego gets hurt at the end.

On this particular section yesterday a fast guy on a rigid singlespeed 29er got a call from work and had to boogie. He raced past me got about 25' into the trail, biffed and hit his hip bone on his stem, not pretty. I was wondering how much faster he was really going to be able to go? He rode behind me the rest of the way down.

I think the law of objections states: For every "thing" there is at least one person who doesn't like that "thing". There is an inverse law of objectionable food my dad used to quote: If it's nasty and edible, it's a delicacy somewhere.

[Fixed]

Many times I judge the success and enjoyment of a ride by how few, if any, times I have to put a foot down, much less walk. Might even be faster to get off in places, but I enjoy the challenge of staying on. I like to *ride* the bike.