Fat bike or new trail bike?

[davidmayhem03]

I have a slight dilemma, do I get a Fat bike for riding to work and for groomed trails near by; or do I get a brand new trail bike, upgrading from an XC bike I have now.

I should clarify I can get to work with or without a Fat bike so that is not a problem, but it would be less fun, obviously.

[Bike Nerd]

Be aware that you need 2 things to Fatbike. First, you need plenty of snow that stays on the ground and doesn’t melt for a long time, preferably all winter. Second, you need some sort of grooming. It can be done but it is fairly difficult to ride on ungroomed snow. If you have both of those conditions, Fatbiking is a hoot. I tried Fatbiking where I live and it just didn’t work out. We just don’t get enough snow that lasts and our trails are non-motorized and can’t be groomed. I converted my Fatbike to a Plusbike.

[Eric Story]

You do not need snow to enjoy a fatbike. There are many riders right here in Augusta, Ga, where it snows once every 5 years or so, that enjoy the trails and paths on their fatbikes. My Dad, who is 73, rides a Specialized fatbike that has tires for dirt and paved paths only. No knobs. I can not remember at the time the name of it, but they are out there. Ride what makes you happy, and pedal on!

[charding]

I ride in ungroomed snow up to 4-6 inches with my + bike. It can be done and it is fun, it’s just a bit more work. Look for places with fewer roots, which hide well and are very slippery under snow and avoid smooth rock features.

I also know people who use their fat bikes year-round on any terrain, either as their only bike or as a back up when their trail bike is out of commission.

[Allstatecdl]

Go for the fat bike!  I really only ride mine in the snow…a few times I rode it on dry trails.  I ride it the least of my bikes but I think I love it the most.  If you get a full suspension or even front suspension you will find they are remarkably capable on dry trails as well…

[stevec10502]

A fat bike is like a kid at halloween…pure joy….

In Iowa we get wet heavy snow…so we snow shoe the routes and then ride them…repeat next snowfall….its great….when you fall you just laugh!!

 

[stevec10502]

and yes with a bluto up front(i have 100mm of travel) it is an all season bike

[davidmayhem03]

Thanks guys!

[Gdb49]

I have both and enjoy them, but would not buy a Fat Bike over having my first bike being exactly what I want.  Your “go to” bike should be way more important than having 2 bikes.  By the way, riding your Fat Bike absolutely does not require groomed snow, or even snow for that matter- ride mine all year round.  Great to have such problems, good luck!

[blundar]

I right now my main bike is an XC 29er. I also have a trail bike with more suspension travel on it that I also use. I am thinking of getting a fat bike too. Nothing wrong with having multiple bikes.

[PHRANQUY ✓ supporter]

I have both, and I found a skinnier tired (700C x 38) bike with studded tires to be better for commuting in Minnesota.  As fun as the fat bike could be as a commuter, if there were any drifts or plow mounds it would actually get bogged down more.  The narrower tires slice through and get down to a surface that they were able to get traction.  That was my experience anyhow.

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