A few responses. No, fat bikes haven't solved cold fusion. Two, they are quicker/faster than the naysayers think. Three, they are SIGNIFICANTLY better in snow than 2.5" tires and below, but, physics being what it is, are no better on ice. Yes, the tires are expensive. This weekend I'll be purchasing new takeoffs from craigslist at about a 50% savings (Surly Larry for the front, Endomorph for the rear, both at 3.8"). Because these tires are run at such low pressure they wear significantly slower than tires run at 40 psi plus, so that and the fact that they aren't an "every day rider" needs to be taken into account with cost. My problem this morning was with the specific rear tire I'm running. It's a problem I had assumed I would have, as the tread is very shallow, and when I get the replacement on I should be fine. Fat bikes are a blast. I feel like I'm 7 years old again when I'm riding mine.