jakefromst8farm

Let me start by saying I look forward to participating in your forum. I recently got back into biking in a big way (sold the car) and I have found myself wanting to get back into the mountains on 2 wheels as well.

I am wanting a fatbike for some all season mountain "trekking" for lack of a better word. I intend to ride the bike casually on snowy gravel roads, some rather "non-technical" single track, some winter city roads and around the foothills in the area on day long adventures. I am really after the laid back journey and just want to enjoy being outside in the weather.

I am currently considering two bikes seriously.

-Framed Minessota 2

-Diamondback Oso Acero

Obvious differences that jump out at me are frame materials and some slight variances in the quality of the components. Not being well informed myself on the fatbike world these were the two bikes in my price range that seemed worth further investigation. What are your opinions on these two bikes? My only pointed question is whether or not a steel frame would be a poor choice for a winter bike given the presence of road salts and moisture. I am sure there are other aspects of this I am missing and I would much appreciate if you point them out.

Side note: The Framed cannot be found locally so no test ride there. I may be able to test ride the Diamondback.

NYMXer

I have a Framed 3.0 and like it a lot. Not sure of how it compares to the 2.0, but the bike is solid and performs well.
If you get one, PM me for a free shipping code and I'll get some store credit. I am not so happy with "The House" as the dealer, they lie!

jakefromst8farm

If you don't mind would you elaborate on your poor experience with "the house." That is where I would be getting it. I will PM you if I end up going with the Framed, thanks.

NYMXer

Well, the bike came with the optional Bluto fork as I ordered it but was not cut to fit the Framed Minnesota 3.0. I called The House, several times over a two week period to get authorization to pay for a local bike shop to cut the steering stem to the proper length. They finally agreed after two dozen e mails, and then never issued the credit.

Finally, after another two dozens or so e mails, they applied a credit to my credit card, but shorted me $2.00. I wasn't going to waste anymore time over $2 but thought that what they had done, (which is all documented by e mail) truly shows their dedication to poor customer service. Any company that would willingly and knowingly cheat a customer out of $2.00 will certainly take every opportunity to do so again in the future.

The bike however, is great, built with good components and worth the money. I am happy with the bike and ride it a lot. With about 1,200 miles on it (all off road), it performs like new and has proven to be dependable. My only issue is that the bike rides great at 8 psi but then is prone to rear flats. Spare tubes are not only expensive, but take up a lot of space and need several canisters of air to inflate.

jakefromst8farm

That is not a good experience.

There has been a turn of events in my search. I found the Diamondback Oso Gordo on sale for $370 shipped directly from the diamondback website. It is the next step down (the bottom) in their fat line. I figure I can always upgrade components down the road and the money saved from not purchasing my more expensive options is more than enough to fit the bike with some higher end components later. It was impulsive but I couldn't turn down the price point for a name brand bike.

Pistard

Good luck with it.

jakefromst8farm

Do you have any experience or reports about this particular bike? I wouldn't mind knowing exactly what to look out for/change first.

NYMXer

Good luck w/ the bike. It looks like with that gearing, climbing might be an issue. A 40 drive ring with a 28 low rear, isn't even good for a road bike.
It certainly doesn't compare w/ the Framed but with the money your saving, you can add upgrades as you want them.
Just having a bike is a good move, so enjoy and ride often.

jakefromst8farm

I have a lot to learn when it comes to the technical aspects of bikes. I know there will be a lot to look out for with this bike being so inexpensive. Things I am weary of in no particular order: shifters, derailleur, brakes, levers, pedals, and gearing.

Should I be concerned about the integrity of the frame or wheels? What about the smaller parts that make up the bottom bracket or the parts that join the handlebars to the frame? Axles? General hardware/screws? Excuse my non-technical language. I am learning.

I don't want a steaming pile of crap that isn't even worth spending the time upgrading. I was hesitant if the bike was worth my time when I bought it. I'm sure it is not too late to cancel the order if this is a waste of time and money. Is the money saved worth it for someone on a tight budget or will I just be stuck with an unreliable piece of junk even after a couple hundred dollars in upgrades?

NYMXer

You get what you pay for and this bike is a low end entry level bike and I hate to say this, but I would pass on it. Poor off road gearing, cheap twist grip Tourney 7 speed shifters, steel hubs, thin spokes, 5 pcs crank, singlewall rims and more equal a poor choice for a mountain bike.
To make it worse, it is a heavy fat bike and with that gearing, you won't be riding it for long or far.

Sorry, but you did ask.

NYMXer

Here is the list of components: (I highlighted the real bad in red)

Frame
El Oso Butted Heat Treat Steel 1-1/8"Headtube, 180mm Rear OLD, Fits up to 26x5" tireForkDB El Oso Custom Rigid Steel Fork, 1-1/8", 135mm QR DropoutsCranks175mm Steel w/ 40T Single RingBottom BracketSquare Taper - 5pcRear DerailleurShimano Tourney 7 SpeedShifterShimano Tourney RS-35 Grip Shift 7 SpeedBrake LeversAlloyBrakesApex Mechanical Disc, 160mm/160mm RotorCogsetShimano 7 Speed (14-28T)RimsSinglewall 32hTiresInnova 26x4.4"Pedals9/16" ResinHandlebarAlloy, 700mm wide, 31.8mmStemPROMAX 90mmSeatpostSteel 28.6mmSeatPadded DiamondbackHeadsetThreadlessChainKMC 7 SpeedFront HubSteel 32h Disc, 3/8" Nutted 135mmRear HubSteel 32h Disc, Cassette, 3/8" Nutted 150mmSpokes14gGripsDB KratonExtrasOwner's Manual

jakefromst8farm

Thanks a lot NY, this is the feedback I'm looking for. Im going to up my budget to &750-1000. Framed is still definitely on the table. I think I'd have a lot more confidence in that bike. I was pretty suspicious of the unnamed steel type. Any other notable considerations I should add to my research in the new price bracket? Thanks again for your help.

What is an acceptable spoke width for a fatbike? I may be misinterpreting things but it looks like the framed has 14g spokes as well?

Pistard

I had done a search for affordable Fatties, and yours came out as one of the better option. Just have fun!

osco53

Welcome op,,,,

On your first ride out In the woods, you gotta wear Khaki's,,,,,

Your avatar,,LoL