OK - I'm taking a big chance and starting a thread about bikes - fatbikes
I've been seeing a lot of fatbike porn lately and with the coming winter it’s got me thinking of a Frankenfatty fatbike project. I’ve got an old frame with decent clearance and enough drive trains, breaks, bars and such (well several) that should be adaptable for fatbikedom. Here are a few questions and random thoughts. Any of you fatbike geeks have any info, experience or sites to check out?
First the set-up.........
I’ve got 3 5/8th” clearance on the rear triangle but the bigger question is height. Anyone know where I can find overall dimensions? I’ve found information on actual vs stated width but can’t seem to find any info yet on tire height. I’ve got 13 ¼” from the rear drop-out to the break cross-bar.
On the front I’ve got 4 3/8th” width and 13 ¼” height but with this limit is it even worth the coinage to try to go big? Is it big enough to make a real difference vs. the 2.35’s I typically run??
Chain-line – Naturally the chain-line ain’t going to be too good. Anyone know how many gears I’m going to lose – 2? 4? And don’t even suggest single speed.
Given the crazy cost of the wheels and tires, I might just pick up a steel frame and start the build the right way but this is a Frankenbike project after all.
And the ride......
Forgetting about the size for a minute, anyone know how the tires hold up on rocky trails – cruising around our typical trails without any snow? Some discussion threads seem to say that the sidewalls wear pretty quick just rolling on pavement at low pressures (a lot of flex going on). How are the rocks going to treat a Fattire? There's no fun in slicing open a $150 tire on an afternoon jaunt and I was wondering if you could use a Fatbike as part of your regular stable of bikes to add variety. Or are they just suited for cruising around super buff trails like Nox and snow covered winter beauties?
Anyone cruising around on a fatty and suspension? What kind of weird pogo action do you get? My existing frame is a full squishy - would I need to replace the shock with a solid bar and really go Frankenstein – side bolts and all…..Or is it another really good reason to get a fatty specific frame.
Let’s hear your experiences….
mtv