Q: On some sort of range, how would you characterize the handling of this bike. It is slower and more stable for long slow rides? Or does it have a quicker geometry for trails?
A: I would have to say slower and more stable. Although I've been pretty impressed with it's handling. It isn't quick geometry. I use it mostly on the sand, beach and snow. If your looking for tight handling, I'd look elsewhere.
It is going on two years I've owned this bike and it is still going strong. I bought it from Bikesdirect.com and have had only one minor issue pop up recently. The front brake is sticking. Have heard it's an issue with the brake, not the bike.
Pros Handles any soft or firm terrain. I rode this in 6" of snow no problem, on beaches both soft sand and firm near the waters edge. I have also ridden it in the NYC Five Borough Bike Tour. It is basically bomb proof. I have flat pedals and it is great to just jump on and ride.
Cons Heavy! This bike is quite heavy so if your looking for a light bike, look elsewhere. Brakes can be an issue, so stay on top of them.
Pros This bike is awesome! It grinds up hills (although a little slower pace than usual); it rolls over most technical areas; and, it's a blast to fly downhill. If you can get past the name on the frame, then you'll own a great bike for the money.
Cons It's heavier than others at 36lbs. I was happier replacing some of the stock components for nicer ones: Handlebars, stem, seatpost, and saddle.
Save weight and change the grips, seatpost and stem. The seat is ok but heavy.
Pros Great buy with great specs. Everything you could want in a fat tire bicycle. Handles everything from the road, to trails to beaches. Bought this bike for the winter and snow. Great in a couple inches of snow or sand. Awesome parts with a Bluto up front. For the money, you can't go wrong. If your looking for a light bike, look elsewhere.
Cons Heavy, crappy grips. Had to change stem, was too long for a small and my short arms.
I am starting with 10 lbs. in the tires and might go down from there. It was fine in the couple inches of snow I tested it on. It was a little loose in sharp turns but that might just be a pressure and tire choice. These are fatty fat tires!
Pros Bikesdirect.com was great albiet a little slow in shipping the bike. Minor adjustments needed after building but for the most part, almost perfect out of the box. Has great float in light snow. X9 smooth and solid as always. Have it on my all mountain bike. This is my first Fat tire bike and so far it's awesome. Can't beat the price or build. I haven't really put it through it's paces yet but seems very solid.
Cons Seat post was way too long for and heavy for a small frame. Cut it some as I'm short. Had to snug up headset upon arrival but no biggie. Grips and seat gotta go.
When it came to buying a new bike, I have always been someone who believed you always got the best service from your local bike shop. I need to refine that claim by adding Bikesdirect.com. I recently ordered and received my first "fat bike" from them, a Motobecane Night Train. I had originally pre-ordered a different model, but decided to switch to the Night Train when one became available. The folks at BD were extremely accommodating and quick to answer questions both via email and voicemail. The transaction transfer was seamless and the bike was delivered quickly. I had a small issue with a bent part due to shipping damage, but BD sent out a free replacement the same day I made the call. The bike functions flawlessly, is better equipped and cost less than half the price of the bike I was looking at in my local shop. I honestly couldn't be happier. Thanks BD, job well done! ...SC
This bike is an incredible value and an excellent starting point for building the ultimate all-season fat bike. It's a solid rig with great components where it counts. Buy this bike and upgrade parts over time to swap out for slightly higher quality (grips, tires, and saddle come to mind.)
Pros Nice frame with internal cable routing and mounts for two water bottles. Love the Bluto fork and Guide brakes.
Cons Heavy build. The crankset is cheapo but I would upgrade to a 1X anyway.
It is going on two years I've owned this bike and it is still going strong. I bought it from Bikesdirect.com and have had only one minor issue pop up recently. The front brake is sticking. Have heard it's an issue with the brake, not the bike.
Pros
Handles any soft or firm terrain. I rode this in 6" of snow no problem, on beaches both soft sand and firm near the waters edge. I have also ridden it in the NYC Five Borough Bike Tour. It is basically bomb proof. I have flat pedals and it is great to just jump on and ride.
Cons
| ThankHeavy! This bike is quite heavy so if your looking for a light bike, look elsewhere. Brakes can be an issue, so stay on top of them.
I highly recommend this bike.
Pros
This bike is awesome! It grinds up hills (although a little slower pace than usual); it rolls over most technical areas; and, it's a blast to fly downhill. If you can get past the name on the frame, then you'll own a great bike for the money.
Cons
| ThankIt's heavier than others at 36lbs. I was happier replacing some of the stock components for nicer ones: Handlebars, stem, seatpost, and saddle.
Save weight and change the grips, seatpost and stem. The seat is ok but heavy.
Pros
Great buy with great specs. Everything you could want in a fat tire bicycle. Handles everything from the road, to trails to beaches. Bought this bike for the winter and snow. Great in a couple inches of snow or sand. Awesome parts with a Bluto up front. For the money, you can't go wrong. If your looking for a light bike, look elsewhere.
Cons
| ThankHeavy, crappy grips. Had to change stem, was too long for a small and my short arms.
I am starting with 10 lbs. in the tires and might go down from there. It was fine in the couple inches of snow I tested it on. It was a little loose in sharp turns but that might just be a pressure and tire choice. These are fatty fat tires!
Pros
Bikesdirect.com was great albiet a little slow in shipping the bike. Minor adjustments needed after building but for the most part, almost perfect out of the box. Has great float in light snow. X9 smooth and solid as always. Have it on my all mountain bike. This is my first Fat tire bike and so far it's awesome. Can't beat the price or build. I haven't really put it through it's paces yet but seems very solid.
Cons
| ThankSeat post was way too long for and heavy for a small frame. Cut it some as I'm short. Had to snug up headset upon arrival but no biggie. Grips and seat gotta go.
When it came to buying a new bike, I have always been someone who believed you always got the best service from your local bike shop. I need to refine that claim by adding Bikesdirect.com. I recently ordered and received my first "fat bike" from them, a Motobecane Night Train. I had originally pre-ordered a different model, but decided to switch to the Night Train when one became available. The folks at BD were extremely accommodating and quick to answer questions both via email and voicemail. The transaction transfer was seamless and the bike was delivered quickly. I had a small issue with a bent part due to shipping damage, but BD sent out a free replacement the same day I made the call. The bike functions flawlessly, is better equipped and cost less than half the price of the bike I was looking at in my local shop. I honestly couldn't be happier. Thanks BD, job well done! ...SC
Pros
-Full Aluminum Frame & Fork
-SRAM X9 & X7 Derailleurs
-SRAM Guide Disc Brakes
-Comparatively Inexpensive
Cons
| Thank-None
This bike is an incredible value and an excellent starting point for building the ultimate all-season fat bike. It's a solid rig with great components where it counts. Buy this bike and upgrade parts over time to swap out for slightly higher quality (grips, tires, and saddle come to mind.)
Pros
Nice frame with internal cable routing and mounts for two water bottles. Love the Bluto fork and Guide brakes.
Cons
| ThankHeavy build. The crankset is cheapo but I would upgrade to a 1X anyway.