I don't own one, but I test rode a Mukluk from The Kickstand earlier this year (just a quick NFH loop). It was a real blast to ride to say the least. I don't think I would want to climb Mt Taylor on it, but for a fun go over everything monster truck-like bike it fit the bill really well.
Well, from the way things are going so far, it's not like you would need a fat bike this winter.
They do look fun though. I want another better single speed or a fat bike.
I see one at work sometimes. Blacksheep fatbike with a truss fork, it is a pretty sweet bike.
I've seen one at work too, maybe the same one. I think they are about $8k so if I had one I wouldn't park it outside a building. Might keep it in my bedroom instead of the garage too.
They are big, I went with one frame size smaller than a XC bike and it feels real good.
Recommend low gears and a bigger disc in the front.
The tires are bigger around than 29ers, so you are very stable at low speeds and the grip lets you go up extremely steep and loose stuff but pedal effort is increased. I have a 9er rear cassette and the 20-33 rings which puts the pedal effort (total gear ratio) back to a typical 9-speed 26er.
It goes very fast downhill and the 160mm front disc gets hot so I went up to 185.
The stock BFLs have tons of grip and roll easy but in serious snow you might want Bud&Lou.
Nate - I'll be able to comment pretty soon. Took the plunge last month and put a deposit down on a moonlander. I get to pick it up Saturday
FWIW, here's how I've rationalized the build. I mostly wanted something that would be useful for exploring arroyos and less used trials that are in poor condition. Fat bike traction sounded like a good idea.
Opted for Bud/Lou tire combo since I figure more traction the better. Not terribly worried about weight or being slow, mostly just want to stay on the bike! Went tubeless since it's the only want to deal with mesquite and the like - especially with this much rubber on the ground.
On the same note, I wanted the lowest gearing possible for steeper climbs, so switched to the 20/33 front MWOD chain rings and the 29er 9-speed cassette with the 12-36T sprockets. Actually have 38T and 13T sprockets on order, so I'll shift the range a little lower still on the cassette (ditch the 12T and 14T sprockets, add the 38T and 13T instead).
Other than that, switched out the rotors for 203/185 combo since that's what I'm used to and couldn't see 160mm rotors holding up in the mountains.
I'll let you know what I think of it in a couple of weeks.
FYI - There's a guy working for the winter at 2WD on Central who toured down from up north on his fat bike for the season. Haven't spoken to him yet but he could be a good resource. Jeff's been great working with me on my build.
Man... I really would like to demo something like that
What shop did you get it built up?
Next time I'm riding up near ABQ (I'm from Socorro) I'll let you know.
Two Wheel Drive on Central built it for me. Very happy with the whole experience.
BTW - the bike is everything I expected and more. What I hadn't anticipated is how much fun it is for downhill or to huck around. It's so damn stable that the sucker is fast with a little gravity assist!
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Originally Posted by Calhoun
