TP_Mantis

Is this the right place? if not - feel free to move it or let me know.

Got my Wife a Framed Montanna 1.0. Trying to set it up tubeless. I ran 2 layers of Gorilla tape, then inserted a tube and pumped it up to seal the tape.
When i let the air out, both beads dropped to the center of the rim and did not stay beaded. I stopped here since i figured any proceeding would just lead to a mess.

Is that normal on a fat bike? any way to get the bead to stay beaded?

thanks
Mantis

Jseis 

The only solution I've run across is using contact cement/tubular cement to keep the bead seated. Unfortunately those rims have zero shelf to hold the bead. Some day I may try that.

SHOFINE

Just having fun at my beach!

bruised

Just a quick 'cheerleader' post here, nothing special....

Feels like I'm nearing the half-way point for non-winter riding and I just wanted to say what a fantastic machine the fat bike is for riding all types of terrain. I've toured on asphalt, ridden singletrack over roots, rocks and through trees, pounded rough gravel trails, ATV trails and fire roads, coasted up and down the beach and knocked out mile after mile just riding round the roads and park trails in my area. The fattie works well on everything I've ridden so far, and I can't imagine it coming unstuck on any surface I haven't yet encountered.

The key to it's fun, for me, is this - as a novice/intermediate rider, it gives me the confidence to go fairly fast over rough terrain without worrying about coming unstuck. I don't have to obsess over picking the right line I just point the thing in the general direction I want to go and let the bike sort things out.

They're stupid fun in the summer, even more so than winter riding in snow!

Last weekend I was up north (Wisconsin) for 3 days riding the Chequamegon CAMBA trails, and it was just a blast. Full report here - Chequamegon National Forest Bike Trails ? CAMBA | Fat Biking

Couple pics from the ride here -

usedbutnotup

Well I drank the Kool-Aid. Bought a Framed Minnesota 2.0 this morning. This thing is fun! Took a few minutes to get used to it, but cant seem to remove smile.

Jseis 

Wife had biz in Seaside so I hung the fat out back and hit the beach.

Tillamook Head


Salt works, pseudo historic site of Lewis & Clark where they boiled water.


The "Cove", nice break for surfers but rocks to big to ride


Looking north, about 2 miles of beach, nice promenade for about a mile + along the seashore. Too much pedestrian traffic to be useful as a bike trail.


The beach ends at Necanicum River. A bit deep to cross. I saw 40 head of elk on the opposite shore.


Hail a lifeguard by pulling rope


Some foot trails make nice single track but must be kind to peds!

SHOFINE

Shell Island Tyndall Air Force Base.

intransit1217

I might be a heretic. Seriously thinking about doing the street thing with my Framed. I took it on the saturday coffee ride and had little problem keeping up, save the wind resistance from the knobbies. But I bet even v-8s roll better. Or maybe some speedsters.

I'm thinking about what bikes I have fun on. The roadbike is at the bottom, my slick tired steel mtb is at the top and the trek is fun but not as much, putting the moose in third. But gearing wise, I can make it move, even if it takes a minute or two longer. Saturday was fun. I need to prioritize that.

SHOFINE

Love my V8s for all around tough tire with Q-tubes superlights but I've been having leaks with my Floyds. Decided to try the 24" regular Q-Tubes with my Floyds and so far so good. Finally installed my little X1 11spd group and definitely loving that big 42 tooth cog! It's right at 30lbs which is close to my Kona hybrid.

intransit1217

That's a cool set up. Any problems with the v-8s being self steering?

intransit1217

Is anyone running fenders on their fattie?

SHOFINE

Only when pressure is low and hard dirt or pavement. Floyds seem worst when I 1st got them but you get used to it.

Just some temporaries when it warrants.

intransit1217

Fender Kits - Big O Manufacturing

Beagle biker

sweet! I had a TW200...an '89 red and black one. but now I have a State Megalith Fat Bike.

pamaguahiker 

Need some fat bike advice. I just managed to get a Salsa Mukluk 3 and have already been riding but I have plans for riding in the winter. I am looking at getting a platform pedals and maybe some "grip" type straps. I am actually probably going to get some Ellum bike straps because of the adjustability. BUT, before I do any of that....What recommendations for pedals? Here's what I am considering due to the fact I have availability at good costs.
Wellgo M194 alloy
MKS DD force MTB alloy

Both would be compatible, almost everything actually, with the grip fast type straps.
Better question...Will I even be worrying about using straps or am I better to just go with reg platforms. I am assuming due to cold temps that I will be using improved boots and not a bike shoe with cleat. I ride clipless and use TIME systems and love them. But I don't think they will be viable for winter riding in Pennsylvania where our winters vary. Last new years I did a hike with my family with no snow. Weeks later I had snow as tall as me in the driveway so...the weather is crazy. If this post would work better in another section of the forums. Please let me know.

Does anyone use clip less pedals in the winter? I don't feel like springing hundreds of dollars for 45NRTH shoes or anything like that...unless I pick up some more sponsors...then I will. ha. Any answers would be appreciated.

ALSO: newly added and edited. I have a size 13 foot which limits some choices and takes up plenty of room. I also have had frostbite in the past and therefore have extremely sensitive feet. For long hours and hard hours of walking in snow, I actually invested and use Red Wings Snow Claw boots with a 2000+ thinsulate and they work great. I have tried 600 and lower thinsulate with poor results and really messed up my feet. Last winter...with careful use of good quality socks and shoes. I had not a single day of foot frost or days when they are numb within 30 minutes and take hours to thaw out. So I am hoping to keep up the good care. Which is why I am considering platform, to not limit my shoe use to only clip less. But I really enjoy the benefits (for me) of clipless pedals. Thanks again

FrozenK

I use platforms in the winter with my Fatback mainly for the reason you point: I don't want to spend $250 on 45North boots. Which, by the way, may very well not be warm enough for you if it is really cold. If you have frost bite damage and need heavily insulated boots I don't think the 45North are going to cut it. They are not the warmest boot around, as far as I know.

Never used or felt the need for Fast Grip straps. And I think if the snow is slushy the strap could get in the way and make things worse.

pamaguahiker 

Thank you for the feedback! I ordered some platform pedals last evening and look forward to throwing them in place for winter, which I hope is a ways off yet.

Hypno Toad

Forgot to add these pictures earlier, our trip to the Gunflint Lodge last month. We had some fun exploring the Nordic ski trails around Gunflint Lake.



Some of the trails were a little 'thick'



Top of High Cliffs, 700 ft above the Gunflint Lake.



Evidence of a bear digging for grubs

Hypno Toad

Making myself laugh... I rode my Pugsley to the shop for some work and parts. On the way home, I had a guy on a road bike pass me on a hill. I was behind him for the next mile or so, than on a down hill I caught up to his wheel. Followed him for a 1/2 mile before deciding to pass him again. I'm sure he knew I was right behind him, Nates are NOT quiet tires, at 20+ mph they are really HUMMING! As I announced my pass and came around, he said he expected me to catch him. I laughed and said I need to get my heart rate up. 22 mph on the Pugsley is about 175 BPM for this guy.

Two notes for full disclosure:
1) I'm a really dumb competitive guy for no good reason, I see a rider up the road, and I have the unstoppable impulse to pass. Yep, I'm that guy.
2) The rider I passed was no roadie, he had a CX bike and baggie shorts. Now if this as a TT rider all kitted-out, then I'd really be saying something.

groverdill

I just bought my first fat bike! I ordered a Mongoose Vinson online from Sports Authority during a 12 hour sale. They've had it on sale for $594 for a while (and I think that's still the price), but then they had a 12 hour 20% off sale for anything over $75, so I got it for just under $450. It's an early birthday gift to myself. I'm anxiously awaiting the tracking info when it ships. I also got free assembly, but I'll probably just do it myself. I'm really looking forward to taking it out in the snow on the local trail. Looks like a blast! I'll be posting ride pics as soon as I get a chance to take it out.

One of my favorite things about this forum is seeing pics of everyone's ride out in the wild. So let's see some more!

Mike

Yendor72

Figuring out which fatbike to buy is dang near impossible! I have somewhat limited budget (Around $1k) and need to get both my wife and myself fatties. I was thinking the Framed Minnesota 2.0, but a friend (hardcore fatbike rider) suggested that something lighter would be nice. We are not lightweights ourselves so I am torn as to whether I will feel the extra weight or not. Any advice?

usedbutnotup

I own one. Its not that heavy, good bang for the buck bike. But if you see yourself wanting to go to a Bluto upfront at some point, get a 3.0. Wont work on a 2.0.

Yendor72

Thanks for the info, I don't see me needing a Bluto in the near future so the 2.0 may be what works best for me. We'll see, I'd like to get my wife one too so that is what makes the budget tight.

Nick Bain

Pro tip Im going over to MTB forums for phatbikes and so should you.

Nick Bain

Everyone frets about weight, my advice don't worry about it if you got gears, their are trails where you don't need huge cogs in back. Yes you will notice the weight but these bikes are pretty clear cut when it comes to price vs weight so just get what you can afford and be done with it. Most trails are pretty well groomed and ridden nowadays that you don't have to worry about pushing through 6 inches of mashed potatoes in which case you would be looking for that 4k+ all carbon setup and have the endurance and VO2 max of a sled dog. Tire selection is probably the most important. I personally need 2 different sets to ride all winter. studded for hardpack ice and knobby for loose stuff. I think the framed and or charge cooker come with tires that really can't make it in the snow.

Last time i checked specialized fatboy comes with the best all around tire at 4.5 inches.