Fatback announced two new fat bike models this week: the Skookum and Rhino. Each new bike is designed around a 4.8″ 26er tire and Fatback claims you can fit a 27.5+ or even 29+ wheel if you prefer. Both bikes utilize the Fatback-designed, 197mm rear hub spacing which keeps the Q-factor on the cranks totally reasonable.
Skookum
Fatback bills this carbon fiber beauty as an “any mountain” bike, and with internal dropper post routing plus geometry built around a 120mm fork, that’s a pretty apt description. The Skookum has a 68.5-degree head tube angle and 440mm chainstays for a slightly more relaxed and playful ride than previous Fatback models. That geometry should certainly translate into more fun on the descents!
Rhino
This new aluminum frame from Fatback features sliding dropouts and a 69-degree head tube angle, making it a slightly more pedally, XC-oriented rig than the Skookum. Many riders will choose to pair the Rhino with a rigid fork but it’s designed with suspension in mind too with a tapered head tube which should fit many popular fat bike forks (like the Bluto and Lauf.) The chainstays on the Rhino are slightly longer at 455mm, offering improved stability on epic days in the saddle.
Each bike will be available as a complete bikes or as a frame-only. Pricing and availability for the Skookum and Rhino bikes isn’t available yet but we’ll be sure to get the latest at Interbike next month!
