Fat bike equals fun, fun, fun

[Sky King]

My Bike Packing Bike is the Surly ECR so not a true fat bike - 3+ tires aren't quite wide enough for snow over 3 inches deep. But what I love about it and know my friends who ride "true" fatties concur is how forgiving the ride is on rough roads and trails. I have learned to trust the bike and can accomplish hills and rough terrain that I could never do on any "mountain bike"
Here is a shot from our S24O this past weekend.

[north woods gal]

Same, here. One of our local MTB trails is used for regional race events and, frankly, it is way out of my league. Even some of the local MTB guys shake their head when you mention it. My issue is that I just don't have the strength to handle all the rapid and constantly changing vertical stuff. Even on the few level sections, the rocks and tree roots eat my Trek hardtail 26" bike. Really brutal. Found that I do better with the fat bike, even though it has no front suspension. Still can't handle the ups and downs, but, for sure, I'll take the fat bike every time on a backcountry trail and, especially, going off trail for a little bushwhacking, which I have done.

[Trek-chick]

I just picked up a Fat bike (Specialized Hellga) this past February and I have to agree 100% It is so much fun!!! Out of the 5 bikes I own it is my favorite!! I told my husband after I bought it "This fat bike is the bike I have been searching for my entire life!"


Love your Salsa

[north woods gal]

Thanks. Love your Helga, too.

The fat bike really has helped to rekindle an interest in my bicycling, up here. Our riding season is so short, I just relegated my biking to the few warm months we have and turned to the skis when the snow season was upon us (late October through May, some years). Can't wait for winter, now.

I also take our dogs on our daily run with the fat bike down an old lake access trail that is a no no for a road bike. Just amazes me how this thing can just keep rolling along and do it so, comfortably, too. How did I ever get along without one?

[Trek-chick]

It sure beats sitting inside on the trainer in the winter months too!!! That's the main reason I bought mine was for a winter bike but I am having so much fun riding single track here as it warms up too. .......and I will most likely commute to work a few days a week as the days get longer.

[Crankin]

I am most likely getting one for next winter. Our winter is not as long (and we had no snow this year, a sorry 3 times on my x country skis and not one snow shoe), but I do see advantages to having the fat bike for some trail riding, also. I sucked at mountain biking, but I think I will be more confident on simple trails and in the snow on those huge tires. Been exploring some dirt roads and new hiking trails around my new home, so... I considered a gravel type road bike, but I already have 2 road bikes, and I really want to ride on the snow. Looked at the Helga at my LBS, and I am sure that is the one i will get, since I really need a small, WSD bike. Can't wait!

[Trek-chick]

I am most likely getting one for next winter. Our winter is not as long (and we had no snow this year, a sorry 3 times on my x country skis and not one snow shoe), but I do see advantages to having the fat bike for some trail riding, also. I sucked at mountain biking, but I think I will be more confident on simple trails and in the snow on those huge tires. Been exploring some dirt roads and new hiking trails around my new home, so... I considered a gravel type road bike, but I already have 2 road bikes, and I really want to ride on the snow. Looked at the Helga at my LBS, and I am sure that is the one i will get, since I really need a small, WSD bike. Can't wait!

I find my confidence soars on the fat bike. I feel like I am riding a tank that can plow through anything--and it does LOL. It can corner like no tomorrow too. Play around with tire pressure to get the sweet spot for different conditions. I am excited for you--you will love the Hellga. I wish I would have been able to afford one of their higher end offerings (carbon front fork etc) but I can't complain and I had no idea I would like fat biking as much as I do.