Fat bike upgrades
09-17-19, 10:08 PM
#3
Senior Member
I guess it depends on which fat bike you have. Maybe everything, maybe just the bar grips.
On my mid range; tires, saddle, grips, pedals
On my mid range; tires, saddle, grips, pedals
09-18-19, 12:59 AM
#4
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What bike and what do you want to do with it?
Saves asking others to write a bunch of stuff that might not apply.
Saves asking others to write a bunch of stuff that might not apply.
09-18-19, 06:21 PM
#5
Banned.
Thread Starter
I just have a cheap redline bike I take to the beach occasionally
but this cheap bike is very fun and I’d like to do a few things to it
thinking going tubeless and putting lighter tires on it. Maybe a better front brake.
Anything I’m missing here?
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Redline-B...Blue/846818614
but this cheap bike is very fun and I’d like to do a few things to it
thinking going tubeless and putting lighter tires on it. Maybe a better front brake.
Anything I’m missing here?
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Redline-B...Blue/846818614
09-18-19, 10:21 PM
#6
Senior Member
It's difficult to justify spending more on upgrades than what the bike cost new.
I would suggest sell (or return) the bike and take the money you would have spent on upgrades to buy a high end, used fat bike
I would suggest sell (or return) the bike and take the money you would have spent on upgrades to buy a high end, used fat bike
09-18-19, 11:01 PM
#7
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Well.. if the goal is just the occasional beach ride then it may fit the bill. Sort of like a boardwalk cruiser for sand. No one expects high performance.
Before looking at brakes I would ask if they are up to the job as is. If so hold off at least until they wear out the pads. At that time look at some better quality pads as they probably came with low end ones. Some people want a better overall system but if you are just doing the beach occasionally the Tektro's are probably fine for now.
A good swap is the saddle if it is uncomfortable. I say this because the saddle can travel from bike to bike so it is an investment that doesn't stay with the bike. Keep the original in case you sell it. The same reasoning can be applied if it has crappy pedals.
One reason people up grade is to lighten the bike. Without knowing the specifics I would look at the seat post and bars to see if they are steel or Aluminum. Not a big investment to swap either. I would also take off the kickstand.
The rims are already drilled so the next step is lighter tires but that is a bigger cost so again, maybe wait until you wear the originals out. At that time you might read up on tubeless to save a little more weight.
The other upgrade I see that may make a difference is the derailers and shift levers if the drivetrain is clunky and they are low end Shimano. An upgrade to mid grade components could make for smoother shifting.
Other than that, there's not much else to do.
Before looking at brakes I would ask if they are up to the job as is. If so hold off at least until they wear out the pads. At that time look at some better quality pads as they probably came with low end ones. Some people want a better overall system but if you are just doing the beach occasionally the Tektro's are probably fine for now.
A good swap is the saddle if it is uncomfortable. I say this because the saddle can travel from bike to bike so it is an investment that doesn't stay with the bike. Keep the original in case you sell it. The same reasoning can be applied if it has crappy pedals.
One reason people up grade is to lighten the bike. Without knowing the specifics I would look at the seat post and bars to see if they are steel or Aluminum. Not a big investment to swap either. I would also take off the kickstand.
The rims are already drilled so the next step is lighter tires but that is a bigger cost so again, maybe wait until you wear the originals out. At that time you might read up on tubeless to save a little more weight.
The other upgrade I see that may make a difference is the derailers and shift levers if the drivetrain is clunky and they are low end Shimano. An upgrade to mid grade components could make for smoother shifting.
Other than that, there's not much else to do.
Last edited by Happy Feet; 09-18-19 at 11:06 PM.
09-19-19, 03:25 PM
#8
Senior Member
09-19-19, 07:43 PM
#9
Banned.
Thread Starter
Well.. if the goal is just the occasional beach ride then it may fit the bill. Sort of like a boardwalk cruiser for sand. No one expects high performance.
Before looking at brakes I would ask if they are up to the job as is. If so hold off at least until they wear out the pads. At that time look at some better quality pads as they probably came with low end ones. Some people want a better overall system but if you are just doing the beach occasionally the Tektro's are probably fine for now.
A good swap is the saddle if it is uncomfortable. I say this because the saddle can travel from bike to bike so it is an investment that doesn't stay with the bike. Keep the original in case you sell it. The same reasoning can be applied if it has crappy pedals.
One reason people up grade is to lighten the bike. Without knowing the specifics I would look at the seat post and bars to see if they are steel or Aluminum. Not a big investment to swap either. I would also take off the kickstand.
The rims are already drilled so the next step is lighter tires but that is a bigger cost so again, maybe wait until you wear the originals out. At that time you might read up on tubeless to save a little more weight.
The other upgrade I see that may make a difference is the derailers and shift levers if the drivetrain is clunky and they are low end Shimano. An upgrade to mid grade components could make for smoother shifting.
Other than that, there's not much else to do.
Before looking at brakes I would ask if they are up to the job as is. If so hold off at least until they wear out the pads. At that time look at some better quality pads as they probably came with low end ones. Some people want a better overall system but if you are just doing the beach occasionally the Tektro's are probably fine for now.
A good swap is the saddle if it is uncomfortable. I say this because the saddle can travel from bike to bike so it is an investment that doesn't stay with the bike. Keep the original in case you sell it. The same reasoning can be applied if it has crappy pedals.
One reason people up grade is to lighten the bike. Without knowing the specifics I would look at the seat post and bars to see if they are steel or Aluminum. Not a big investment to swap either. I would also take off the kickstand.
The rims are already drilled so the next step is lighter tires but that is a bigger cost so again, maybe wait until you wear the originals out. At that time you might read up on tubeless to save a little more weight.
The other upgrade I see that may make a difference is the derailers and shift levers if the drivetrain is clunky and they are low end Shimano. An upgrade to mid grade components could make for smoother shifting.
Other than that, there's not much else to do.
I have an MTB and a gravel bike hat I ride most often. The cheap Fat Bike is mostly just for beach trips but I have taken it on single track where I live and it’s a total blast. Lighten the bike up a bit and a few upgrades will make it a lot better for my needs. Someday I will ante up and get a high quality fatty to add to the stable.
Let me say it again (this inexpensive fat bike is loads of fun). Lots of bang for the buck.
Likes For Rajflyboy:
09-19-19, 07:48 PM
#10
Banned.
Thread Starter
10-03-19, 01:57 PM
#12
Banned.
Thread Starter
[QUOTE=Boogie85;21137983]Every LBS owner tells me wheels are the biggest upgrade you can make.[/QUOTE ]
Thats what it appears from riding this thing. Too much rotational mass with wheels/tires. I’m thinking good tires/tubeless will be first change.
Thats what it appears from riding this thing. Too much rotational mass with wheels/tires. I’m thinking good tires/tubeless will be first change.
