Lug

I have a 1999 Specialized Rockhopper that I commute on. Looking at extending my riding through the winter. I have a set of Nokian Freddie's Revenge studded tires for it. I am wondering if a set of Snowcat rims will fit in this frame?
Justin

elcruxio

A quick google told me that the Snowcat rims are fatbike rims. So the rims might fit but a tire fitting those rims is absolutely not going to fit.
What was your plan with those anyway?

Lug

Thought I had responded already to this?? Guess it got lost in cyberspace. Anyways I found some more info on the Snowcat rims. They supposedly will work in 90's vintage mountain bikes with some mods to the brake pad shimming. Or by running Tekko (I think) brakes reversed to give more clearance. They are listed as 44 mm wide so they aren't true fatbike rims, but they might be too wide for the Nokian Freddie Revenz tires.
Justin

fietsbob

I have a pair, Note: , they are 45mm wide.. ( I run Drum brake Hubs. ) and 26" Nokian studded 1.9" tires .

Originally 2 rims welded together then the center flanges machined off..

Lug

Just got an email from Simon, the gentleman that makes the Snowcat rims, and he said the 2.2 inch wide tires and up is what the rim was designed for. He also has a good supply of 26 inch rims left to build up. So it is just a matter of buying a set and making the rim brakes work.
Justin

Lug

Thought I would post an update. Picked up a set yesterday and mounted the Nokian Freddie Revenz on them. My present bike is actually a 2000 Rockhopper. I was able to get the brakes to rig to the wider rims by using some really skinny shims on the pads. The brake arms stick out, but not too bad. Even though the tire fits, it doesn't once my chubby carcass is on the saddle and pedaling. There isn't quite enough room between the chainstays and I get some tread rubbing. So my two choices are to run narrower studded tires on the Rockhopper and find a frame that is wider between the chainstays for the Snowcats with the Freddies on them.
Justin

Lug

Here is a picture of the beastie from the test ride this afternoon.
Justin

fixed1313

Cool, I have thought about those as well ............. Where did you get them from? Could you post some more pics from different angles?

modernjess

This is a slippery slope. I sense a fat bike is in your future. Don't deny it, give in to the fat side. It is your destiny.

Lug

I bought the Snowcats used off of Craigslist. Since I am in Anchorage they come up for sale occasionally. The Freddies Revenz tires came from a friend that moved out to the Valley and doesn't ride much any more. All Weather Sports in Fairbanks will build up a set if you want. But the Freddies will have to be used as they don't make them anymore. There are two sets of those right now on Anchorage Craigslist. As soon as I can get my phone to talk to the computer I will post up a couple of more pictures I took.
Justin

Lug

It is just a matter of money. Obamacare has jumped my healthcare budget $700/month so no new toys and I have to sell the pickup because I can't afford it's payment and health insurance at the same time. I have been watching for a Pug frame that I can do a klunker build and just run the Snowcats until I can afford the fatter wheels and tires.
Justin

fixed1313

I agree, I am actually looking for a used Pug and selling stuff off to make some cash. I just enjoy exploring all the possibilities. I have looked at snocats and thought that if I only planned to commute they would be the ticket but I plan to do some trail riding as well.

Lug

The other two pictures of my Rockhopper outfitted with Snowcat rims and Nokian Freddies Revenz.
Justin

Blues Frog

Sweet looking winter ride.

Lug

There are another set of Snowcats for sale with 2.1 inch wide Nokian studded tires I am going to look at today. Plan on using the 2.1 inch tire on the rear to deal with the rubbing. Need to get back into the commuting mode as I can feel the lack of riding for 3 weeks. I will then put the same setup (2.3 on front, 2.1 on the rear) on another bike for either the wife or one of the boys.
Justin

Lug

Thanks. It is a work in progress. Changed the index shifters out for an old set of Shimano friction shifters. Got tired of always futsing with the index to keep everything shifting, especially in the cold. Mounted up a Suomi Extreme on the rear wheel last night. At 2.1 inches, and not as tall of a tire it has better clearances on the chain stay. Will see how it rides this afternoon when I ride into work for training.
Justin