Am I wrong to be ignoring fatties?

Mr.T

Mr.T

Member
I know that I am new here, and I am doing all sorts of snooping on the site that is resulting in me needing to do even more homework, but I need to consult with you all, the fine fatty-riding folk of mtbnj.

I am returning to biking from a pretty long hiatus. I am a 38 year old dude looking to put a smile on my face with new wheels to get me back on trails for staying in shape and fun. I was looking at a 29er, and convinced that I was going that route, but, the more I read about fatbikes, the more I am seeing them as a fun, year-r0und option. As I live near the bay, and will have ready access to beach riding, and plans to do some trail riding (not full suspension bombing), should I be giving serious thought to fat bikes instead? Speed is secondary to fun in my eyes.

Would the fat bike trump the 29 in the year-round-fun vs speed department? I know there are a ton of opinions, but, given the overall fun factor and projected usage, I am teetering on a very pricey and confusing fence right now and could use a little guidance.

 
Well, now you've gone and woke the sleeping dragon.😉

If you're in the market for a new bike anyway. It's in your best interest to at least try a couple. I love mine, but it's not my only MTB so keep that in mind.

I do ride it way more than I ever expected to on the trail not just the beach/snow so that's saying something.

The fatbike had opened up more exploring than I expected, not that you can't do it on any bike, but it does help minimize the suck factor.

If you wish, you can always run 29er wheels on any fatbike so you can have 2 bikes for the price of one... Well, one and a second wheel set.

Let the bashing begin.... 🙂
 
pearl said:
No.

/thread
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Reread this please you don't count🙂

I know that I am new here, and I am doing all sorts of snooping on the site that is resulting in me needing to do even more homework, but I need to consult with you all, the fine fatty-riding folk of mtbnj.

To the OP
Yes!
 
Mr.T said:
As I live near the bay, and will have ready access to beach riding, and plans to do some trail riding (not full suspension bombing), should I be giving serious thought to fat bikes instead? Speed is secondary to fun in my eyes.

Would the fat bike trump the 29 in the year-round-fun vs speed department?
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Definitely don't ignore a fatty!

Year round fun. Beach riding. And speed being secondary.... It's a no brainer IMO.

FWIW, my average speed for a 12-15 mile trail ride increased when I went from my 24lb 29er to my 28lb 4.8" tire fatty. Unless you're doing XC endurance races, the "speed" thing is a complete non issue based on my experience.
 
pearl said:
i rode a fat bike in the snow once, it was terrible
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ft73Ulq.jpg
 
Juggernaut said:
I do ride it way more than I ever expected to on the trail not just the beach/snow so that's saying something.

The fatbike had opened up more exploring than I expected, not that you can't do it on any bike, but it does help minimize the suck factor.
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This is what I was hoping to hear/read...

Well, not hoping, really, since I now have to start over with the shopping...
 
sk1er18 said:
Definitely don't ignore a fatty!

Year round fun. Beach riding. And speed being secondary.... It's a no brainer IMO.

FWIW, my average speed for a 12-15 mile trail ride increased when I went from my 24lb 29er to my 28lb 4.8" tire fatty. Unless you're doing XC endurance races, the "speed" thing is a complete non issue based on my experience.
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Ok, I guess back to the drawing board it is then...

Is there even anything decent in the 1200 price range? Guess I should take a closer look at some for sale threads here...
 
Mr.T said:
This is what I was hoping to hear/read...

Well, not hoping, really, since I now have to start over with the shopping...
Click to expand...

Go down to bike store, order Surly Moonlander for $1,199 on blowout pricing.

Recycle - Ride the bike again and again and again.

Enjoy.

Once you become string like bull, buy carbon racing fatty.
 
Fatboy SE can be had for $1300 at LBS. I personally would at least get the next step up for $1700.... but its definitely worth a look. I know Beachwood Bikes had pretty good inventory when I stopped in to pick up my buddies Blizzard
 
Go to Halters Bike shop.
Tell the guys your story.
Listen to their recommendations
Test ride as many bikes as you can.
Ride with some other people and try their bikes if they will let you.
Then buy the bike that makes you smile the most.
Doesnt matter if its fat or not, 26 or 29, ss or geared, rigid or squishy
If it makes you smile its a good bike.
Done.

BTW, welcome back.
 
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