Any Fat bikers out there???

[Trek-chick]

Hey ladies,

I am interested in getting a fat bike but do not really see any reviews by women online anywhere. I first saw some fat bike races when I was skiing up north in MI at Crystal Mountain, and have been curious ever since. I would like to add one to my stable in the near future. I feel it may be a good option since I live in a place where Winter can seem quite long and, it may be nice to take a break from the trainer and actually have a dedicated winter bike.

Please let me know if you have a fat bike and which one you have...also how do you like it???

[Pax]

I've only put a few miles on one and will say FUN! But also (the reason for only a couple of miles) you need to have good knees, the rolling resistance is really noticeable if you have cruddy knees.

[Trek-chick]

Good to know...I found one I want to try out in my size but it is 1.5 hours away. May try to talk the hubby into taking a drive up North this weekend. I have heard they are tons of fun

[lauraelmore1033]

I've seen them in action on local trails and they look like so much fun! No helpful information there...(pst, just get one already) There is a local bike shop that keeps posting an ad on craig's list for a fat bike TRIKE and my desire to buy it is only slightly less than my fear of the consequences (i.e. spousal wrath, ridicule of friends who think I have too many bikes...).

[Trek-chick]

LOL yes the N+1 is strong with us....

I do not need another bike just want a fat bike so bad.

[Crankin]

We've been thinking about it, too. I was a terrible mountain biker, but I think I could handle snow better than rocks and roots. And, I might not be adverse to riding one on the crappy roads, after a storm.
There don't seem to be many options for short people, though. I found a junior fat bike that did meet my measurement requirements. The smallest woman's fat bike I've seen is 15 inches, which is the size of my mountain bike, which was too big.

[Crankin]

Thank you!

[VeganBikeChick]

Is it harder to pedal on a fat bike? Just wondering with all that tire tread if it makes for a more challenging ride.

[Crankin]

I found both of these bikes at a large bike shop in the Boston area. Not a shop I like (they treated me horribly when I bought my mtb there, in 2004).
Not sure if we will bite the bullet on the fatties this year or next. I also want to get a mixte, for when we move to the condo, to ride into town... and maybe a gravel bike, too. No!!!!!

[Crankin]

Eh, one ti bike is enough! The only other shop that I know sells Surly is Harris Cyclery and they s**k for other reasons. I went there once to look at a touring bike and the guy treated us like lepers when we told them what kind of road bikes we had. It was like reverse snobbism. Yeah, I know Sheldon is rolling in his grave. But, it was not fun for me to go there. Plus, he knew nothing about fitting. And, yes,, I am picky, especially if I feel a whiff of sexism. I would be willing to go to the shop that has the Surlys, as they are large and have a good inventory. Plus, I was a cycling newbie (about 4 years) when I bought my mtb. I depended totally on my DH.
We have a lot going on, and building up a bike is not in the cards right now. If I buy it, I'll buy the total package.

[rocknrollgirl]

they are very popular here. I do not have one, but several of the guys we ride with do, and they say it takes a lot of work to get them going. we rode with one of our friends last week that has one, not sure which bike, I do know it is carbon and he said under 27 pounds, and that it is still hard to get it going.

[Crankin]

I could use this as an excuse for not going fast! Seriously, a tank with flat pedals seems like a nice change from my 15-17 lb. road bikes.
Especially in the snow.

[Crankin]

Sky King, any comments?

[Trek-chick]

I test rode a Medium Specialized Hellga (womens version) and a Fat Boy last night after work--I was loving them both. OMG it instantly put a smile on my face and made me feel like a kid again. They are so much fun!! I love skiing-- both cross country and downhill. I see many ski areas grooming trails for fat bike use too. It would be a welcome addition to our ski weekends/holiday. something else to do while exploring the wooded trails ....am I talking my self into getting one LOL

[Trek-chick]

Well, I put a deposit down on a Specialized Hellga yesterday, I got the Medium size in White. Can not wait to bring her home.....just have to wait for taxes to come in. I will post pictures up as soon as I pick it up. I have to buy a spacer kit for my 1UP bike rack now............so excited.

[Trek-chick]

I am 5' 6" tall with a short torso and longer legs. I tried a Medium Fatboy which would be like the large Hellga and I could have gone with either. I did feel a tad bit more stretched out on the Med fatboy so went with the Med Hellga. The geometry of the Med Hellga is spot on with the mountain bike I have (Remedy) so, I think it is a good fit.

[Crankin]

I looked at the geometry of the Hellga. They do not have x-smalls (unusual for Specialized), but the small has a 26.8" standover, which is in the ballpark with my Trek Silque (27.6). It also has 165mm cranks, a necessity for me. They are on sale at my LBS...

[Trek-chick]

I looked at the geometry of the Hellga. They do not have x-smalls (unusual for Specialized), but the small has a 26.8" standover, which is in the ballpark with my Trek Silque (27.6). It also has 165mm cranks, a necessity for me. They are on sale at my LBS...


The sale is the reason I pulled the trigger.

I really need to stop buying bikes LOL But like they say "you only live once" I think this fat bike will be super fun and there are some races I may enter in MI for fun. I already found a group ride in my area, just need to get the bike home now.

[Crankin]

Yeah, I don't think Surly is the brand for me.
I really *don't* need this bike. And... we need snow! Obviously, I won't be racing, but something is pulling me toward this bike. It's going to be rainy on Sunday, so I might just stop by the LBS Trek Chick, I am a firm believer in you only live once. It started after my uncle died at age 52. That's why we've upped our travel and are downsizing a bit earlier than planned, so we will have $ to continue traveling. Cycling and x country skiing is what we do, so I don't feel badly about spending the $, as others spend on things a lot less healthy!

[Trek-chick]

We have no snow either. Funny how I am wishing for it now. I intended to just stop by for a test ride too and once I sat on it and rode it a bit, I fell instantly in love. I hope you do end up getting one too ;)

Mine was kind of a birthday present to myself. (or at least that's what I keep telling myself)

Since I worked last season at my local Trek dealer and got such a great discount, this will be the 3rd bike purchase for me in one year. I really did not need another bike. I am running out of storage space!

[Catrin]

I love Surly! Wishing you fun with all of the new bikes and post many pictures and ride-stories for us to drool over :cool: