Some seriously nice looking rigs! I'm a roadie who was intrigued by the concept and presence of a Fatty, but with a budget (wife) that means I have to work my way up the financial ladder to a respectable fat bike. the first step was determining if I'd really like riding trails instead of pavement ( I do!), and whether the investment would cause me to actually climb on and pedal once the white stuff shows up. I also like to tinker in my free time, so my challenge was to find and build a rideable fatbike for as cheap as possible to prove that the further investment would be a good one.

I picked up a much derided Wal-Mart Mongoose Beast ( I know, I know, eye roll) from a guy on craigslist who rode it for a summer and then stored it in his garage when he decided he wouldn't ride in the winter. his wife demanded he make room, and after selling off the parts I wouldn't need, my investment was $40. new BB cups/bearings, headset bearings, saddle, seatpost, cranks/chainring, drilled and painted rims, stripped and rattle can frame job, and I'm still into this project for less than $120. yes, it's a 45 lb tank of a bike, yes it's a single speed with a (GASP!) coaster brake, but I grin like an idiot while rolling around, and it's not terrible on the singletrack.

I'll ride it through the winter, and if I enjoy it enough, I'll replace the handlebars, and tires, which should lighten her up by at least 7 lbs, and then ride it another year. meanwhile, I'll be stashing money away, and at the 24 month ownership mark, I'll make my decision to sell her and either put the funds elsewhere, or step up to something worthy of true trail riding. once I get my photobucket up and running i'll post a few pics of my Uber cheap smile maker.

I'd love to see a Fatbike forum, making Q&A and reference a little easier!