Fatty Bo Batty
You probably have been hearing lots about fat bikes lately... either that or you've been asking lots about them. With tires available up to 5 inches wide its no wonder they get talked about. That's only half an inch smaller than the rim width of a 90's Toyota Corolla! In fact, they get talked about so much that as I write this I'm considering writing up a common FAQ for Fatties. So lets talk about just why fat bikes rock so much.
1) It's not just seasoned Mountain Bikers buying these wild bikes.
These bikes are opening up the idea of riding a bike for smiles to a whole new group of people, many of which don't avidly ride outside of fat biking. Although I'm sure they'll consider riding year round after their first fat bike season. "There isn't enough snow to XC ski" - ride a fatty. "There isn't enough snow to snowshoe" - ride a fatty. "There isn't enough snow to get powder on the local ski hill" - ride a fatty (I promise you'll smile). Some people just feel more stable on one, thats cool too. Some just want an intro to mountain biking thats a little slower speed, fat bikes are great for that. Some people just wanna get to work year around, awesome I say. Fat bikes are helping fill in the voids of waning Midwest winters... and I love it (fat bikes, not crappy weather). Last but not least, some people just go Fat for the fun factor. But lets get real, if you're riding your bike in the winter, no matter the style, you are going to get a big shit eating grin from me and an overly enthusiastic wave. As always, more people on bikes is better.
2) These newfangled monster bikes aren't just for the winter.
That's right! Tell the New York Times! Yell it at the top of your lungs! Let the world know!
Just 'cause the tires are big doesn't mean you can't have big fun in the summer. My personal favorite prospect of fat biking year around is riding newly cut in trail, or just stuff that needs maintenance. Lets face it, trail isn't always perfect and rather than aborting your ride cause it's too rough I'd rather just ride my fat bike. What I'm saying is fat-tire bikes can open up new opportunities. Whether it's sandy spots or post holing from horses, a fat bike will handle it better than your average bike. (P.S. fat bikes are not an excuse to stop doing trail work! We love trail building and maintenance!) Not to mention, these things are adventure bikes, people are using them for cross country tours to simple over night camping trips. Just open up an Issue of Bunyan Velo to get inspired.
3) Fat bikes are helping shops keep the doors open and employees working
Just like fat bikes are helping fill the gaps in winter sports for our customers, they are also helping fill the gaps between fall and spring for many bike shops. Here at Bluedog we deal Skis, Snowshoes, and Fat bikes to help fill the gaps. For some shops this means they get to keep on another full time employee or two even. Thats right, your purchase or rental of a fat bike may be helping a seasonal employee stay employed throughout the winter. How cool is that? How cool is supporting local? I could keep listing off reasons why fat bikes rock, but I'm tired of writing and would rather talk to you in human form. Also, the sun is out and I want to go ride my bike.
Here are a couple links if this wasn't enough for you.
Swing by the shop to learn more or rent a fat bike. We carry a size run of Kona Wo's - Just check out our Rentals page for more info.
- Michael Reuter
P.S. At high noon tomorrow (Sunday March 1st, 2015) people will start hurtling their bodies and bikes down Well Digger with shuttle runs back to the top. If you want to see what it's all about, swing out to Sidie Hollow upper campground for a fire, some brews, and camaraderie. More details on the Facebook Machine.
