3 January 2012 - 8:12Resolution
I hope everybody had a safe transition into the new year. For many it represents a time to make changes to their lives and routines, to make better choices, or to put the past behind them. It’s a manifestation of change. I think it is important to take a mental inventory of one’s experiences over the last 12 months, and figure out what the plans and goals for the next 12 might be. My “resolution” this year is a little different. I plan on getting FAT.
Yes, I’ve dabbled with these bikes before, but now I see just how fun they really are. It’s all about fun anyway right? The first demo Pugsly showed up on Friday, and was promptly built and ridden around the snowy parking lot. A few laps around the cemetery convinced me.
Fat bikes are their own beast, requiring special frames, special wheels and have a different set of rules when building them from the frame up. I’m going to learn all this when I put together the large demo bike this week. I’ve always felt that you get a much deeper understanding of how a bike is put together when you do it from scratch. And we all know how much I love geeking out on bike stuff…
It’s more than just another bike though. It is a vehicle for outside activity, when you could be holed up inside someplace wishing it was summer. They are a lot more versatile than you think too. The folks over at drunkcyclist took a trip down the Baja Peninsula on fat bikes loaded with panniers and gear. Talk about getting out there. The fat tires work well on a variety of terrain, making these bikes a lot more versatile than you would think.
I’ve always said “ride big wheels”, and well, these suckers are pretty big. I’m looking forward to spending some more time on 2 wheels this winter.
4 Comments » | Tags: Bike 29 Equipment, Demo, Surly, the shop
03 Jan 2012 - 9:04
I want one! Too bad it doesn’t snow enough around here though.
03 Jan 2012 - 14:11
I have always wanted one of these bikes. Living in Albany, we usually get enough snow to warrant having one…well in years past anyway. This year has been tame so far. I had a friend who had one of these bikes, they are so much fun to ride. It adds a whole other dimension to riding in the snow. Also, if you don’t have a 29′er, you can convert a fat bike to work with 29 inch wheels, for riding in the other three seasons. Hey, maybe you guys should do a write up on converting fat bikes to 29′ers? The only reason I don’t already own one of these bikes is the cost. Not that they aren’t worth it but I just haven’t had the means for purchasing one. Having two kids and a wife in school and not working, gear becomes a second priority. Good luck with the fat bike build. I look forward to reading about it.
04 Jan 2012 - 19:32
It’s about time someone around here started showing interest in these. I’ve wanted one for years, but never had a chance to try one out. Have a 20″ or 22″ in the demo fleet?
04 Jan 2012 - 20:15
As a matter of fact, there will be a large coming in just as soon as Surly gets their next shipment of stuff. It will be available for demo.