Originally Posted by
Camilo
Fat bikes are great where the tires actually provide advantage. But around here, a lot of casual cyclists are buying them because coolness. I see them on paved roads, and solid dirt and gravel surfaces where a lighter bike with reasonable tires would work perfectly well.
Again, they're great where they provide an advantage, but as general, all around bike, mho is not.
My guess is that people who can move a fat bike as fast as people on other bikes better suited to the terrain and surface are just stronger. Similar to why I get passed regularly by crappy, heavy mountain bikes ridden by backpack wearing college students in jeans when I'm riding my 16 pound road bike. It doesn't mean the mountain bike is just as good for riding on a road, it means they're stronger.
Again, jmho.
Fatbikes are not for every rider; and yes, the "coolness" has a lot of people buying fatbikes for no other reason. For the love of God, you can get fatbikes at Target, that's a clear sign that the market is too hot for it's own good.
I own one, and I love it. I do ride it at times where it make no sense - like on black top. There are times I'm riding with Lisa, she's on a road bike with 23mm tires and I'll take the Pugsley so that I can have a good work out while riding at her pass. (I try to avoid this, 'cause Lisa resents it a little bit).
I'll avoid passing you with my Pugsley, I don't want you to resent me.
