The long, slow twilight of fat bikes
08-28-22, 02:49 PM
#26
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I have two fattys, a 2x10 Kona Wo and a Fatback Corvus 1x12. I ride the Mojave desert and spend lots of time in dry washes and sand.
Nothing else will get me where I go. I see a fat ebike in my future though, I'm 75 years old and only good for an hour and half, tops.
Nothing else will get me where I go. I see a fat ebike in my future though, I'm 75 years old and only good for an hour and half, tops.
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09-08-22, 09:07 PM
#27
Junior Member
Originally Posted by CrimsonEclipse
I ride mine year around, dry/wet/snow/sand/muck
No excuses
No excuses
10-14-22, 01:56 PM
#28
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People still love them here in Michigan 
It's a niche but I don't expect them to disappear. Thankfully the only e-fats I've seen are the horribly-specced QuietKats that hunters use, but they have their place too.
It's a niche but I don't expect them to disappear. Thankfully the only e-fats I've seen are the horribly-specced QuietKats that hunters use, but they have their place too.
10-15-22, 09:43 AM
#29
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Originally Posted by xseal
they are also great for mountain biking with your slower/less fit friends on faster bikes.
This is where my Fat Bike sees most of its summer miles.
10-19-22, 06:47 AM
#30
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The fatbike market got bloated (pun intended); the fatbike looked so cool and every bike brand had to sell them in all the bike shops. It's been said a lot in this thread, the market had to adjust, and fit the needs/wants of those that truly value a fatbike's abilities. I expect many brands have/will exit the fatbike market and those bike brands that were selling fatbikes before the fad, they'll still be there: Surly, Salsa, Framed, and Otso introduced a new models the Acrtodus. Take notes, all of these companies are based in Minnesota (the OP and I are also located in MN). Fatbikes are not going away, but you'll see a lot fewer on the local rail-trails, because fatbikes were never the ride bike for that... now I see the trails clogged with ebikes and IHMO the ebike explosion we are currently experiencing will go through the exact same adjustment in a few years.
10-19-22, 07:09 AM
#31
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Originally Posted by Banzai
I think the fad might be almost over. Of the manufacturers who still sell them, models are highly limited in variety, and production numbers are exceedingly low. Certainly, a few specialty manufacturers are riding this out to the bitter end (Surly, Framed, Salsa) but even they have moved significantly away from this market. Surly hardly even offers their own fatbike components anymore, save for tires. And speaking of tires, which are the defining features of the fatbike...how many quality tire manufacturers are in that market now? Schwalbe, I guess, with what is really a single model. After that, I don't really hold Kenda or Maxxis in incredibly high regard; in the 29er market, given the choice between a Maxxis and a Continental, personally I'm probably going to go for a Continental every time.45NRTH offers quite a few, but 45NRTH is just QBP, which is also Surly, and their tires are secretly Innova tires, which were once rightly regarded as cheap garbage before they slapped trendy 45NRTH stickers on them and started selling them for a LOT more money than Innova could ever fetch.
How many fatbikes now sit disused in garages, as the cycling world has moved on? What a weird, crazy time period that was. My own fatbike (which really only sees winter use, because it is not particularly enjoyable to ride) is rapidly reaching the point of parts obsolescence. As things suffer the rigors of winter, finding replacements is becoming more and more difficult.
I just have to wonder, how long will this fad be on life support? Also, should probably sell while there is still a market.
Even this subforum is just about the deadest place on BF.
How many fatbikes now sit disused in garages, as the cycling world has moved on? What a weird, crazy time period that was. My own fatbike (which really only sees winter use, because it is not particularly enjoyable to ride) is rapidly reaching the point of parts obsolescence. As things suffer the rigors of winter, finding replacements is becoming more and more difficult.
I just have to wonder, how long will this fad be on life support? Also, should probably sell while there is still a market.
Even this subforum is just about the deadest place on BF.
I actually find them fascinating but have never ridden one. I have a place at the beach, so the concept is real appealing to me.
What do you find "blech" about riding them?
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10-19-22, 08:44 AM
#32
meh
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Originally Posted by Banzai
45NRTH offers quite a few, but 45NRTH is just QBP, which is also Surly, and their tires are secretly Innova tires, which were once rightly regarded as cheap garbage before they slapped trendy 45NRTH stickers on them and started selling them for a LOT more money than Innova could ever fetch.
Originally Posted by Banzai
How many fatbikes now sit disused in garages, as the cycling world has moved on? What a weird, crazy time period that was. My own fatbike (which really only sees winter use, because it is not particularly enjoyable to ride) is rapidly reaching the point of parts obsolescence. As things suffer the rigors of winter, finding replacements is becoming more and more difficult.
I feel like somebody needs to ask "who hurt you?"
... you don't like fatbikes, that's cool, you do you. But fatbikes have a solid core of folks that value those tires for allowing them to ride places no 'normal tires' can handle. And this Toad is one of that kinda rider. (and this thread has made it clear, I'm not alone).
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10-19-22, 09:46 AM
#33
Senior Member
Originally Posted by Hypno Toad
The fatbike market got bloated (pun intended); the fatbike looked so cool and every bike brand had to sell them in all the bike shops. It's been said a lot in this thread, the market had to adjust, and fit the needs/wants of those that truly value a fatbike's abilities. I expect many brands have/will exit the fatbike market and those bike brands that were selling fatbikes before the fad, they'll still be there: Surly, Salsa, Framed, and Otso introduced a new models the Acrtodus. Take notes, all of these companies are based in Minnesota (the OP and I are also located in MN). Fatbikes are not going away, but you'll see a lot fewer on the local rail-trails, because fatbikes were never the ride bike for that... now I see the trails clogged with ebikes and IHMO the ebike explosion we are currently experiencing will go through the exact same adjustment in a few years.
I couldn't tell you of a person I know that currently owns one or anyone that actually wants to buy one. Their fan base has dwindled since 2015.
10-19-22, 09:57 AM
#34
meh
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Originally Posted by prj71
I wouldn't hold my breath on Surly. I think they are on their way out.
I couldn't tell you of a person I know that currently owns one or anyone that actually wants to buy one. Their fan base has dwindled since 2015.
I couldn't tell you of a person I know that currently owns one or anyone that actually wants to buy one. Their fan base has dwindled since 2015.
Frau Toad has a Pugsley too; and she bought a Surly Midnight Special earlier this year ... and she's totally in love with it (she's barely used her CF Bianchi road bike since getting the Midnight Special). I expect QBP will keep Surly alive and well, even if it's a niche product; and Salsa will be the sexy brand for those that are into that kinda stuff.
10-19-22, 01:15 PM
#35
Senior Member
Originally Posted by Hypno Toad
That's not true, you know me and I have a Surly Pugsley.
Frau Toad has a Pugsley too; and she bought a Surly Midnight Special earlier this year ... and she's totally in love with it (she's barely used her CF Bianchi road bike since getting the Midnight Special). I expect QBP will keep Surly alive and well, even if it's a niche product; and Salsa will be the sexy brand for those that are into that kinda stuff.
Frau Toad has a Pugsley too; and she bought a Surly Midnight Special earlier this year ... and she's totally in love with it (she's barely used her CF Bianchi road bike since getting the Midnight Special). I expect QBP will keep Surly alive and well, even if it's a niche product; and Salsa will be the sexy brand for those that are into that kinda stuff.
10-19-22, 01:37 PM
#36
meh
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Originally Posted by prj71
I know you are Surly fan but their fan base is dwindling. I only live 3 hours east of you and Surly bikes are more or less non-existant on the summer and winter fat bike trails. There is one guy that I know that rides a Krampus but only uses it occasionally for bike packing. The shop here that used to sell Surly no longer carries them.
FWIW Surly started as a niche brand and I'm sure they will be find going back to a being niche brand. They have a history of finding gaps that other brands don't cover, and there will always be gaps to fill.
10-20-22, 09:36 AM
#37
Senior Member
Originally Posted by Hypno Toad
I see plenty of Surly bikes around Minneapolis, but they are a home-town brand.
FWIW Surly started as a niche brand and I'm sure they will be find going back to a being niche brand. They have a history of finding gaps that other brands don't cover, and there will always be gaps to fill.
FWIW Surly started as a niche brand and I'm sure they will be find going back to a being niche brand. They have a history of finding gaps that other brands don't cover, and there will always be gaps to fill.
While I can credit Surly for bringing they fat bike to market, they have since lost their way. Personally I think we have reached an evolutionary peak on mountain, road and fat bikes. There really isn't much to improve upon. Geometry has been dialed it, gearing is dialed in, hub spacing and thru axles are dialed in, disc brakes, electronc shifting, tires of all width to cover road, gravel, dirt trails and snow. I don't really think QBP/Surly has any gaps to fill and there aren't many fans of steel bikes anymore. They are there, but not in big numbers. That and over the past few years they have been discontinuing products that put them on the map.
Last edited by prj71; 10-20-22 at 09:40 AM.
10-20-22, 09:55 AM
#38
meh
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Originally Posted by prj71
Maybe.
While I can credit Surly for bringing they fat bike to market, they have since lost their way. Personally I think we have reached an evolutionary peak on mountain, road and fat bikes. There really isn't much to improve upon. Geometry has been dialed it, gearing is dialed in, hub spacing and thru axles are dialed in, disc brakes, electronc shifting, tires of all width to cover road, gravel, dirt trails and snow. I don't really think QBP/Surly has any gaps to fill and there aren't many fans of steel bikes anymore. They are there, but not in big numbers. That and over the past few years they have been discontinuing products that put them on the map.
While I can credit Surly for bringing they fat bike to market, they have since lost their way. Personally I think we have reached an evolutionary peak on mountain, road and fat bikes. There really isn't much to improve upon. Geometry has been dialed it, gearing is dialed in, hub spacing and thru axles are dialed in, disc brakes, electronc shifting, tires of all width to cover road, gravel, dirt trails and snow. I don't really think QBP/Surly has any gaps to fill and there aren't many fans of steel bikes anymore. They are there, but not in big numbers. That and over the past few years they have been discontinuing products that put them on the map.
My current bikes include: 4 steel frames (including new tandem); 3 AL frames (selling one in the spring); 1 CF. IME CF is great but big $$$; AL affordable, but it's too harsh; and steel is affordable and offers a great ride.
That said, you do you! Go ride whatever makes you happy ... cause I'm gonna keep on lovin' Surly and steel.
10-20-22, 11:35 AM
#39
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Originally Posted by prj71
I wouldn't hold my breath on Surly. I think they are on their way out.
I couldn't tell you of a person I know that currently owns one or anyone that actually wants to buy one. Their fan base has dwindled since 2015.
I couldn't tell you of a person I know that currently owns one or anyone that actually wants to buy one. Their fan base has dwindled since 2015.
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10-20-22, 01:52 PM
#40
Senior Member
Originally Posted by Hypno Toad
You clearly don't spend a lot of time reading posts around BF ... the love of steel is very real on the forums!
My current bikes include: 4 steel frames (including new tandem); 3 AL frames (selling one in the spring); 1 CF. IME CF is great but big $$$; AL affordable, but it's too harsh; and steel is affordable and offers a great ride.
That said, you do you! Go ride whatever makes you happy ... cause I'm gonna keep on lovin' Surly and steel.
My current bikes include: 4 steel frames (including new tandem); 3 AL frames (selling one in the spring); 1 CF. IME CF is great but big $$$; AL affordable, but it's too harsh; and steel is affordable and offers a great ride.
That said, you do you! Go ride whatever makes you happy ... cause I'm gonna keep on lovin' Surly and steel.
The love of steel is real by a small number of folks. If you did a poll you would find aluminum and carbon frames to be what the majority of folks are using and also it is what the major players are selling because they know steel won't sell.
My first introduction to Surly was a Pugsley. It weighed 40 lbs. Ouch. I ran the other way and purchased a 30 lb aluminum Fatboy then eventually upgraded to a carbon fatboy that weighs 26lbs.
10-20-22, 02:17 PM
#41
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Originally Posted by Kapusta
I know many people who own Surlys and several who have bought Surlys in the last 4 years.
10-20-22, 03:20 PM
#42
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Originally Posted by prj71
Steel bikes will always be around. I'm not debating that. There are numerous custom manufactures that will make you a steel frame but it will cost more. Whether Surly will continue to is looking sketchy. They are currently having problems with ICT and Wednesday frames cracking. Not sure if they've fixed the issue or not though.
The love of steel is real by a small number of folks. If you did a poll you would find aluminum and carbon frames to be what the majority of folks are using and also it is what the major players are selling because they know steel won't sell.
My first introduction to Surly was a Pugsley. It weighed 40 lbs. Ouch. I ran the other way and purchased a 30 lb aluminum Fatboy then eventually upgraded to a carbon fatboy that weighs 26lbs.
The love of steel is real by a small number of folks. If you did a poll you would find aluminum and carbon frames to be what the majority of folks are using and also it is what the major players are selling because they know steel won't sell.
My first introduction to Surly was a Pugsley. It weighed 40 lbs. Ouch. I ran the other way and purchased a 30 lb aluminum Fatboy then eventually upgraded to a carbon fatboy that weighs 26lbs.
40 lbs Pugsley, 240 miles in under 19 hours
The DAMn - Day Across Minnesota
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10-20-22, 06:29 PM
#43
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seeing more ppl out on electric fat bikes, even at night. they are not dressed for athletics. they look more like a cross between wanna be motorcyclists & day hikers. not against that trend, anything that gets more of us away from gas based machines seems good. & fewer cars is better for conventional cyclists anyway, right?
10-21-22, 05:35 AM
#44
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Originally Posted by prj71
Maybe.
That and over the past few years they have been discontinuing products that put them on the map.
That and over the past few years they have been discontinuing products that put them on the map.
If SC still selling he 1st gen Superlight? Or the Heckler 5?, Or the original Blur?
Is Yeti still selling the original ARC or the 575?
Surly still makes versions of all their greatest hits.
Krampus, Karate Monkey, Crosscheck, Big Dummy, and Long Haul Trucker are all still made, just updated.
They replaced fhe Pug and Moonlander with the Wednesday and ICT, which most people would consider improvements. They did nothing here that any other company wouldn’t have done. The difference is that most companies would have simply called the Wednesday the Pug v2 and not carried the two simultaneously.
The only bike I can think of that was popular that does not have a clear descendent is the 1x1. Lowside is kinda close, but not really.
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10-21-22, 06:28 AM
#45
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Originally Posted by rumrunn6
seeing more ppl out on electric fat bikes, even at night. they are not dressed for athletics. they look more like a cross between wanna be motorcyclists & day hikers. not against that trend, anything that gets more of us away from gas based machines seems good. & fewer cars is better for conventional cyclists anyway, right?
* LBS are also stocking fewer fatbikes because demand is down ... and to the point of this thread, there was a fatbike fad 5-6 years ago, and demand has tapered off closer to the point it was 8-10 years ago. The fatbike is not going into the sunset, just back to the right level for the demand of folks that value riding where no other bike can take you.
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10-21-22, 06:56 AM
#46
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Do the radpower bikes take fatbike tires? I noticed they said 4x26, but I know some of their bikes take proprietary tires
10-21-22, 08:18 AM
#47
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Originally Posted by unterhausen
Do the radpower bikes take fatbike tires? I noticed they said 4x26, but I know some of their bikes take proprietary tires
10-21-22, 08:59 AM
#48
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I am really considering getting the fatbike sized radpower for errands. It would be nice to be able to use my studded fatbike tires. I guess I have to call them
It always seemed to me that fatbike sized tires would be ideal for many ebike uses. Not like you care too much about how much drag they provide.
It always seemed to me that fatbike sized tires would be ideal for many ebike uses. Not like you care too much about how much drag they provide.
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10-25-22, 07:23 AM
#50
Senior Member
Originally Posted by Hypno Toad
HTFU ... not sayin', just sayin'
40 lbs Pugsley, 240 miles in under 19 hours
The DAMn - Day Across Minnesota
40 lbs Pugsley, 240 miles in under 19 hours
The DAMn - Day Across Minnesota
You would have had a better finish time if your bike was about 15 lbs lighter!!!
