On Test: Fatback Bikes

Read any mountain biking mag or hang out at the LBS and chances are you’ll hear people talking about the latest craze to hit the market: fat bikes. Whether they are a fad or a solid piece of engineering that extends our sport in new directions is a conversation for another day. But in the …

Read any mountain biking mag or hang out at the LBS and chances are you’ll hear people talking about the latest craze to hit the market: fat bikes.

Whether they are a fad or a solid piece of engineering that extends our sport in new directions is a conversation for another day. But in the meantime, I have one in for testing!

The Fatback arrived nicely packed and required minimal assembly which took just a few minutes. Right out of the gate the brakes were adjusted correctly and the 3×9 SRAM grip shifters were perfectly indexed.

Quick Specs

  • Fork: Fatback carbon, tapered (an upgrade over the stock base model)
  • Cockpit: FSA XC 190
  • Saddle: WTB Pure V
  • Brakes: Avid BB7
  • Shifters: Sram X9 Grip Shift
  • Derailleurs: Front – X7, Rear – X9
  • Crankset: Fatback BB with FSA cranks
  • Wheels: Fatback 70mm with imported hubs
  • Tires: Surly Larry (front) and Knard (rear) both 120tpi and 3.8″

Even with these modest component specs the Fatback weighs in at an ounce under 30 lbs before installing your choice of pedals. That’s right–a fat bike that weighs 30 lbs!!!

Yes, those are reflective rim strips. Just one of the thoughtful touches Fatback puts into every model

I’ve already been out on a few rides with the Fatback. While there is no doubt that these bikes are the tool of choice in the frozen north on their groomed snowmobile and XC ski trails, how will it do here in Colorado where we get only occasional snow, and the weather can go from flip-flops to blizzard in 24 hours?

Stay tuned and I’ll report back once I put some more miles on this beast!