Now that we’re getting into the winter season, I put a little time into getting my Pigsley ready for snow riding:
A fresh 4.8 Surly Bud in the front and 3.8 Nate in the back are way better than the bald 3.8 Knards I had on there before.
Working in a coffee shop out here pays just enough to cover the cost of (reasonably comfortable) living, so I’m wrenching a day a week at a cool shop in town in exchange for shop credit. Since keeping my bikes running are where all my extra funds would go anyway, it works out great.
Our house is at the base of the inaccurately named Four Mile Road, which climbs eight miles to Sunlight Resort. From what I can gather, Sunlight is the spot for fat bike riding in this part of the valley.
There’s a group ride, that should be starting this week, that goes up to the mountain at night, climbs up to an XC ski warming hut for some beers, then blasts down the slopes in the dark. I’m looking forward to that.
Since we live so close to the resort, Colleen and decided to head up and check out the trails. The main trail system is Babbish Gulch. I think it’s groomed at some point in the year, but right now it’s just packed down from snowshoes, skis, and a couple bikes:
It’s so fun. Just like riding singletrack:
I’m really impressed with how well the knobbier fat tires work in the snow. Babbish Gulch is steep- it would be hard to climb in the summer on a single speed. I was able to sit in my low gear and power up the whole thing. On top of a few feet of snow. After all the miserable slippy winter mountain biking I’ve done on 2.2 tires over the years, it blows my mind a little bit.
On the descent, the fat bike rides just like a bike. Braking, cornering, and control are excellent. Again, just a ton of fun.
Colleen was running while I was riding, so it was a good opportunity to compare speeds. Climbing up the steep stuff, I was faster two days ago, and she dusted me yesterday.
So we were about even, just like riding a mountain bike up a steep trail in the summer is sometimes slower than going on foot. Downhill, the fat bike was way faster, and never sketchy or out of control.
And so fun. But I think I mentioned that already.
But for whatever reason a lot of mountain bikers that I know, people who really dig riding bikes off road, still think fat bikes are incredibly stupid and wouldn’t think of getting on one. The tires are so good now that the bikes can handle a snow packed trail as well as a regular mountain bike handles a dry trail.
So aside from cartoonish good looks, why are fat bikes dumb? Can anybody clue me in?
Dirt Cruise 
1) They’re absolutely not necessary where I and most people ride.
2) I have bikes that work well already.
3) They’re heavier.
4) I like my suspension to have adjustable damping, rebound, & compression. Please don’t tell me messing with air pressure produces the same results.
5) I think you meant cartoon-ish bad looks.
That’s my fast thoughts.
Mike B.
Never said they were good on dry ground, I’m also not comparing fat tires to a full suspension. Not even close to the same amount of control. They are kinda fun in the summer, but only because they’re so impractical and silly for that type of riding.
I’m talking about riding in the snow (which is what this post was about), where they work way better than any other bike.
So fat bikes are dumb if you’ve never had the chance to use where it runs real good?
Fat bikes are dumb until you’ve actually ridden one.
Montana- did not say dumb. Fat Bikes are purpose-less to me as I don’t live somewhere I need to ride one in the winter, across desert sands, or on the beach. I get that they’re fun, but I have two mtb’s, a fantastic commuter, and an old road bike already. Fun covered. Performance- because of point 1, what would the advantage be for me?
Additionally, I don’t like the way they look, but that’s personal taste.
No advantage to you, I’m not trying to sell you a fat bike. I was just wondering why so many people are so repulsed
Fat Bikes are another bike money pit. Enjoy the winter on skis!
No way brohay, it’s my only transportation, not a money pit. I do plan on picking up some skins and skis when the budget allows though
I borrowed Buerkle’s fat bike last year. It was great, and I’m pretty sure she hadn’t upgraded anything on it yet. Climbing snowy roads that I wouldn’t have climbed otherwise made for a fun night of riding, as opposed to drinking beer and reading blogs like I am this evening.
Although I will say your blog almost makes up for it. The beer definitely does ; )
A bike’s a bike. Ride on.
A bikes not a bike. Road bikes are real dumb. But thanks. Come visit sometime