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January, 2025

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Official mountain biking thread

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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
I know there are more brown pow lovers on this site, yah there is pinkbike but lets be honest, newshcoolers is wayyyy cooler. so lets posts our rides, questions about components, mechanic questions etc in this thread.

I just bought this beauty and i definitely sacrificed uphill capabiltiy in order to get a beefier dh/park bike. id been on a nomad for a while and it's a huge switch in riding styles for me. definitely getting used to the weight and having to keep speed a lot more.

specs for said beauty, 2011 rc2 dh totem, 2012 dhx rc4, highrollers front and back (gona go dhf front and highroller in the back), mtx 33 wheel set, slx brakes, diablous cranks, FSA 760mm Handlebar, Shimano SLX Shifter & Shimano Deore XT Derailleur.



Alright newschoolers, post your bikes. i wanna see some sexy steeds.
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Jun 9 2014 5:41PM
2045 153
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ski_salmon69
Posts: 1898 - Karma: 28,424
clindblomskierWhatever you do, do not do the race at Jiminy peak lol

the sugarloaf race is sick though


what happened with jiminy peak?
Mar 3 2022 1:23AM
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swherity
Posts: 248 - Karma: 1,561
my bike
Mar 3 2022 3:18AM
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clindblomskier
Posts: 686 - Karma: 5,141
ski_salmon69what happened with jiminy peak?


Trails suck. Hadn’t rained in days and it was an absolute mudder due to how horribly the trails drained

also no bike racks on the lift you literally have to carry your muddy ass bike on the chair with you
Mar 3 2022 10:34AM
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skierman
Posts: 8454 - Karma: 8,109
clindblomskierTrails suck. Hadn’t rained in days and it was an absolute mudder due to how horribly the trails drained

also no bike racks on the lift you literally have to carry your muddy ass bike on the chair with you


OH NO, MUDDY TRAILS AND A LIFT WITH NO BIKE RACK!?!?


Tell us more about how you're a complete fucking gaper who never rode up a lift with a bike before 2012.
Mar 3 2022 11:04AM
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clindblomskier
Posts: 686 - Karma: 5,141
skiermanOH NO, MUDDY TRAILS AND A LIFT WITH NO BIKE RACK!?!?


Tell us more about how you're a complete fucking gaper who never rode up a lift with a bike before 2012.


Fair enough I didn’t ride mtb before 2012 because I was like 8 years old

I also won that race

look me up on roots and rain If you don’t believe me

heres my race confirmation for 4 EWS races To prove I’m not a gaper
Mar 3 2022 11:13AM
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X_MEMESWERVE_XX
Posts: 3742 - Karma: 31,352
My bike is in the shop gettin an overhaul, tune up, all kinds of shit, plus a new dropper cuz my reverb was fucked and the rebuild kit was on backorder. gonna be like $700 but basically getting a new bike back so its hype
Mar 3 2022 11:14AM
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X_MEMESWERVE_XX
Posts: 3742 - Karma: 31,352
skiermanOH NO, MUDDY TRAILS AND A LIFT WITH NO BIKE RACK!?!?


Tell us more about how you're a complete fucking gaper who never rode up a lift with a bike before 2012.


FAAART
Mar 3 2022 11:15AM
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skierman
Posts: 8454 - Karma: 8,109
clindblomskierFair enough I didn’t ride mtb before 2012 because I was like 8 years old

I also won that race

look me up on roots and rain If you don’t believe me

heres my race confirmation for 4 EWS races To prove I’m not a gaper


Bitches about muddy trails and holding his own bike on the lift, follows this up with screenshotting his race entries as proof of something?



You are such an insecure piece of shit, hahahaha
Mar 3 2022 3:08PM
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johnoble
Posts: 272 - Karma: 2,627
you still racing u21, or into open yet?
clindblomskierFair enough I didn’t ride mtb before 2012 because I was like 8 years old

I also won that race

look me up on roots and rain If you don’t believe me

heres my race confirmation for 4 EWS races To prove I’m not a gaper
Mar 3 2022 7:18PM
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skierman
Posts: 8454 - Karma: 8,109
johnobleyou still racing u21, or into open yet?


Bro he finished first in under 8! He's pro now! hahahahahahaha



What a fucking insecure clown.
Mar 3 2022 8:49PM
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clindblomskier
Posts: 686 - Karma: 5,141
skiermanBro he finished first in under 8! He's pro now! hahahahahahaha



What a fucking insecure clown.



Mar 3 2022 8:57PM
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johnoble
Posts: 272 - Karma: 2,627
I’m damn impressed either way, I was just wondering if we’d be in the same race at a qualifier round or not
clindblomskier
Mar 4 2022 7:46AM
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maaattt
Posts: 2621 - Karma: 31,879
Apparently I bonked a flat spot onto my rim last summer
Mar 4 2022 4:30PM
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OldManAtABasin
Posts: 292 - Karma: 2,475
Can anyone recommend a good hitch rack for two bikes?
Mar 4 2022 4:37PM
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danbrown
Posts: 11939 - Karma: 21,833
OldManAtABasinCan anyone recommend a good hitch rack for two bikes?


I have a Kuat NV 2 it's great, would definitely recommend
Mar 4 2022 5:19PM
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OldManAtABasin
Posts: 292 - Karma: 2,475
danbrownI have a Kuat NV 2 it's great, would definitely recommend


Dope thanks.. I'll check it out.
Mar 4 2022 5:19PM
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partyandBS
Posts: 5191 - Karma: 80,922
OldManAtABasinCan anyone recommend a good hitch rack for two bikes?


I also have the NV 2 and its great. The Kuat Piston looks dope. Its a cool $1,389
Mar 4 2022 5:28PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5077 - Karma: 43,055
OldManAtABasinCan anyone recommend a good hitch rack for two bikes?


Finally ponied up for a 1Up and I get the hype now. Big fan.
Mar 4 2022 5:28PM
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OldManAtABasin
Posts: 292 - Karma: 2,475
cydwhitFinally ponied up for a 1Up and I get the hype now. Big fan.


Man I'm seeing people talk 1Up left and right but those prices are not fun. What makes it worth it? (this is an honest question because it's not off the table).
Mar 4 2022 6:26PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5077 - Karma: 43,055
OldManAtABasinMan I'm seeing people talk 1Up left and right but those prices are not fun. What makes it worth it? (this is an honest question because it's not off the table).

I’ve owned a fair number of tray racks, and after a few years they all start to feel a little disposable. Plastic part wear out, they developed play, and feel less secure.
The 1up is easier to line bikes up so nothing rubs, and feels more secure. And if/when things do wear out, it’s all rebuildable.

I don’t think everyone needs one, and the cost is prohibitive, but it feels like it’s going to last a lot longer than any other rack I’ve owned.
Mar 5 2022 9:01AM
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clindblomskier
Posts: 686 - Karma: 5,141
OldManAtABasinMan I'm seeing people talk 1Up left and right but those prices are not fun. What makes it worth it? (this is an honest question because it's not off the table).

In comparison to racks from kuat and saris, the 1up is interestingly only a few 100 more (not like that’s nothing but for how much better the 1up is it’s worth it). Racks from other brands have a lot of plastic construction and the metal is usually steel rather than aluminum. The 1up has a full aluminum construction, looks cool on the back of your car, and the ease of removing bikes and putting them on is infinitely superior to any other rack in my experience. The 1ups also have a ball thing in the hitch that makes the rack not shake at all while you’re driving the car and the bikes are super secure. Overall, it solves pretty much all the issues you get from most bike racks. Would recommend!
Mar 6 2022 8:02AM
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OldManAtABasin
Posts: 292 - Karma: 2,475
clindblomskierIn comparison to racks from kuat and saris, the 1up is interestingly only a few 100 more (not like that’s nothing but for how much better the 1up is it’s worth it). Racks from other brands have a lot of plastic construction and the metal is usually steel rather than aluminum. The 1up has a full aluminum construction, looks cool on the back of your car, and the ease of removing bikes and putting them on is infinitely superior to any other rack in my experience. The 1ups also have a ball thing in the hitch that makes the rack not shake at all while you’re driving the car and the bikes are super secure. Overall, it solves pretty much all the issues you get from most bike racks. Would recommend!


Solid — thanks for the comments. Guess we'll go with one.
Mar 6 2022 12:19PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21097 - Karma: 8,527
1up has its drawbacks, and isn't perfect.... but it's the best out there as far as I've been able to use personally.
Mar 6 2022 3:32PM
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doubleblackjack
Posts: 627 - Karma: 6,720
https://m.pinkbike.com/buysell/3246778/

Looking at potentially buying this bike. Anyone have experience with canfield balances? I know it will descend well but i dont want it to be a tank to climb
Mar 7 2022 8:53AM
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X_MEMESWERVE_XX
Posts: 3742 - Karma: 31,352
goin to ride my bike out west in 2 weeks good god I am gonna get fucked over by my lack of preparation to ride 20+ miles. I know im set on all the tech shit but when it comes to pedaling im gonna get fucked knowing I haven't done anything but ski since November
Mar 7 2022 11:36AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21097 - Karma: 8,527
doubleblackjackhttps://m.pinkbike.com/buysell/3246778/

Looking at potentially buying this bike. Anyone have experience with canfield balances? I know it will descend well but i dont want it to be a tank to climb


Canfields CBF suspension is awesome and pedals ridiculously well. I'm a little confused by that ad though. The Balance has 170mm travel in the rear (but pedals like much less). Maybe ask the owner if they short shocked it. Super fun bike. I want one myself, but it's designed for 170mm rear and 170 or 180 up front.
Mar 7 2022 12:03PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5077 - Karma: 43,055
ThaLoraxCanfields CBF suspension is awesome and pedals ridiculously well. I'm a little confused by that ad though. The Balance has 170mm travel in the rear (but pedals like much less). Maybe ask the owner if they short shocked it. Super fun bike. I want one myself, but it's designed for 170mm rear and 170 or 180 up front.


I believe the old Balance was 160 (also not what the ad says) but I'd agree with all this. CBF tends to pedal nicely, but that doesn't necessarily hide the fact that most of their older bikes are rather portly. Efficient, but maybe not terribly snappy

Only real red flag in that ad/build is the brakes. They're probably gonna feel pretty underpowered. But otherwise, pretty sweet ride.
Mar 7 2022 3:26PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21097 - Karma: 8,527
cydwhitI believe the old Balance was 160 (also not what the ad says) but I'd agree with all this. CBF tends to pedal nicely, but that doesn't necessarily hide the fact that most of their older bikes are rather portly. Efficient, but maybe not terribly snappy

Only real red flag in that ad/build is the brakes. They're probably gonna feel pretty underpowered. But otherwise, pretty sweet ride.


Oh I didn't know that. I thought it was 170 since it's inception. Brakes are easy to replace. Shit, I have a spare set of Magura Fabio Wirmer MT5s I could sell.
Mar 7 2022 4:27PM
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doubleblackjack
Posts: 627 - Karma: 6,720
cydwhitI believe the old Balance was 160 (also not what the ad says) but I'd agree with all this. CBF tends to pedal nicely, but that doesn't necessarily hide the fact that most of their older bikes are rather portly. Efficient, but maybe not terribly snappy

Only real red flag in that ad/build is the brakes. They're probably gonna feel pretty underpowered. But otherwise, pretty sweet ride.


Yeah i was thinking about swapping over my shimano zee brakes onto it if i end up buying it. Thanks for the help!
Mar 8 2022 9:51PM
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tri_photo
Posts: 1530 - Karma: 7,195
doubleblackjackhttps://m.pinkbike.com/buysell/3246778/

Looking at potentially buying this bike. Anyone have experience with canfield balances? I know it will descend well but i dont want it to be a tank to climb


That bike looks like a lot of fun. You might wanna swap out the front tire since its a double DHF at the moment. As far as the climbing, it being aluminum is a plus. However, it looks like it doesn't have much of a granny gear, so you might wanna get a different SRAM Eagle cassette.
Mar 8 2022 10:00PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5676 - Karma: 4,297
Anybody know anything about mtb in Indiana. Seems rather flat but that shouldn't stop it from having fun trails right?
Mar 11 2022 1:36PM
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r00kie
Posts: 5238 - Karma: 59,587
DrZoidbergAnybody know anything about mtb in Indiana. Seems rather flat but that shouldn't stop it from having fun trails right?


The further south in the state the better. Brown County state park looks to have some goods.
Mar 11 2022 4:35PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21097 - Karma: 8,527
I'm confused on why you think Aluminum is better for climbing
tri_photoThat bike looks like a lot of fun. You might wanna swap out the front tire since its a double DHF at the moment. As far as the climbing, it being aluminum is a plus. However, it looks like it doesn't have much of a granny gear, so you might wanna get a different SRAM Eagle cassette.
Mar 11 2022 9:10PM
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.squirrely.
Posts: 7563 - Karma: 7,546
tri_photoThat bike looks like a lot of fun. You might wanna swap out the front tire since its a double DHF at the moment. As far as the climbing, it being aluminum is a plus. However, it looks like it doesn't have much of a granny gear, so you might wanna get a different SRAM Eagle cassette.


feel like skierman but wtf are you talking about here? DHF is meant for the front if anything you'd want a faster rolling rear. not really the bike to set up with tires meant for rolling speed though. aluminum better climbing ??? and going from a 50t to a 52t cassette is barely a noticeable difference. not worth the hassle of getting an xd freehub/ new rear wheel for 2 more teeth
Mar 12 2022 12:11AM
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skierman
Posts: 8454 - Karma: 8,109
.squirrely.feel like skierman but wtf are you talking about here? DHF is meant for the front if anything you'd want a faster rolling rear. not really the bike to set up with tires meant for rolling speed though. aluminum better climbing ??? and going from a 50t to a 52t cassette is barely a noticeable difference. not worth the hassle of getting an xd freehub/ new rear wheel for 2 more teeth


HEY MAN, DON'T BE MEAN! PLEASE ALLOW GAPERS TO SPREAD BULLSHIT ADVICE!



ITS ALL ABOUT BEING KIND AND JERKING OFF EVERYONE FOR THE POSITIVE KARMA!
Mar 12 2022 7:29AM
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armchair_skier
Posts: 2455 - Karma: 31,311
ThaLoraxI'm confused on why you think Aluminum is better for climbing


steel is best for climbing though 👍
Mar 12 2022 9:40AM
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ski_salmon69
Posts: 1898 - Karma: 28,424
really hope the tennessee national is still able to happen with all the snow, it would be the coolest dh race ever
Mar 12 2022 9:48AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21097 - Karma: 8,527
armchair_skiersteel is best for climbing though 👍


I do love me a nice steel hardtail
Mar 12 2022 10:22AM
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tri_photo
Posts: 1530 - Karma: 7,195
ThaLoraxI'm confused on why you think Aluminum is better for climbing


I wasn’t saying it’s better, I just was saying it’s a plus. The last aluminum frame I had was pretty light, so that’s what I was getting at. Felt efficient to climb on it
Mar 12 2022 10:46AM
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tri_photo
Posts: 1530 - Karma: 7,195
.squirrely.feel like skierman but wtf are you talking about here? DHF is meant for the front if anything you'd want a faster rolling rear. not really the bike to set up with tires meant for rolling speed though. aluminum better climbing ??? and going from a 50t to a 52t cassette is barely a noticeable difference. not worth the hassle of getting an xd freehub/ new rear wheel for 2 more teeth


I’ve always liked running an Assegai on the front. Just one man’s opinion. Also like I said in a different reply, I didn’t say it was “better” than one or the other. I only said aluminum is a plus. The last aluminum frame I had was pretty light, and felt efficient when climbing. Was just speaking from personal experience
Mar 12 2022 10:48AM
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JmckR
Posts: 1309 - Karma: 5,875
First time out on the enduro since October. Feels good to go for a pedal again, but I wish I hadn't taken my time living next to a bike park in Canada for granted a couple of years ago. Views on point though.




Mar 12 2022 11:45AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21097 - Karma: 8,527
The Assegai is even slower rolling than the DHF. It's better in soft/dusty conditions though. Both are big knobby aggressive tires.
tri_photoI’ve always liked running an Assegai on the front. Just one man’s opinion. Also like I said in a different reply, I didn’t say it was “better” than one or the other. I only said aluminum is a plus. The last aluminum frame I had was pretty light, and felt efficient when climbing. Was just speaking from personal experience
Mar 12 2022 12:26PM
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tri_photo
Posts: 1530 - Karma: 7,195
ThaLoraxThe Assegai is even slower rolling than the DHF. It's better in soft/dusty conditions though. Both are big knobby aggressive tires.


For where I ride out here in the PNW, a good chunk of the year is spent in somewhat damp/wet conditions, so I've just always liked running a really grippy front tire up front, with maybe a 2.4 DHR II in the back, or even another Assegai (I have 2.6 up front, 2.5 in the rear.)

I'm not knocking the DHF at all. To my understanding, it was designed for moon-dust conditions, where all the grip comes from the edges of the tire, making it amazing when cornering in those types of conditions. I might throw one on for the summer riding!
Mar 12 2022 12:53PM
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bzmn_ski_rat
Posts: 67 - Karma: 455
tri_photoFor where I ride out here in the PNW, a good chunk of the year is spent in somewhat damp/wet conditions, so I've just always liked running a really grippy front tire up front, with maybe a 2.4 DHR II in the back, or even another Assegai (I have 2.6 up front, 2.5 in the rear.)

I'm not knocking the DHF at all. To my understanding, it was designed for moon-dust conditions, where all the grip comes from the edges of the tire, making it amazing when cornering in those types of conditions. I might throw one on for the summer riding!


THe DHF is the best front tire for downhill freeride i feel like. but in wet conitions it is still really fun
Mar 12 2022 1:59PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6306 - Karma: 6,657
Started reviving an old classic this weekend. Lots to do still but happy to get this trail back up and running good again!










Mar 14 2022 4:01PM
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No.Quarter
Posts: 5257 - Karma: 16,966
So, I guess it looks like that fatbike I somewhat impulsively bought in late 2020 was a bit of a waste of money since it has sat in the garage all this winter. Was planning on lacing up a 29er wheelset for it last summer but couldn't get parts. Now I still am having a tough time securing a hub and rim, spring is coming up, and I'm wishing I would've just got a Honzo ST or any other mid-travel modern hardtail that I could more easily swap wheelsets with my FS bike.
It was kinda nice to have for the winter of 20/21 when I didn't get a ski pass, but I only went on a handful of snowy trail rides even that winter and didn't use it for commuting in the depths of winter. While those few snowy trail rides I did were fun, apparently not fun enough for me to choose over skiing this season.
So now I've got this bike that barely gets ridden, is harder to sell than a "normal" bike, and I don't know if it's worth it to try and build it up as a bikepacking bike since that seems like the only use case outside of living in Alaska where a fatbike makes any sense.
Mar 14 2022 5:11PM
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maaattt
Posts: 2621 - Karma: 31,879
Unburied my hardtail from the ski closet and going to check out the new additions to the dirt park after work 👍
Mar 14 2022 5:23PM
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dognuttz
Posts: 2428 - Karma: 32,052
GANDALFStarted reviving an old classic this weekend. Lots to do still but happy to get this trail back up and running good again!











looking really good

man i wish there wasn’t still 2 feet of snow on top of everything near me
Mar 14 2022 5:42PM
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doubleblackjack
Posts: 627 - Karma: 6,720
ski_salmon69really hope the tennessee national is still able to happen with all the snow, it would be the coolest dh race ever


Canceled :(
Mar 14 2022 5:45PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5077 - Karma: 43,055
No.QuarterSo, I guess it looks like that fatbike I somewhat impulsively bought in late 2020 was a bit of a waste of money since it has sat in the garage all this winter. Was planning on lacing up a 29er wheelset for it last summer but couldn't get parts. Now I still am having a tough time securing a hub and rim, spring is coming up, and I'm wishing I would've just got a Honzo ST or any other mid-travel modern hardtail that I could more easily swap wheelsets with my FS bike.
It was kinda nice to have for the winter of 20/21 when I didn't get a ski pass, but I only went on a handful of snowy trail rides even that winter and didn't use it for commuting in the depths of winter. While those few snowy trail rides I did were fun, apparently not fun enough for me to choose over skiing this season.
So now I've got this bike that barely gets ridden, is harder to sell than a "normal" bike, and I don't know if it's worth it to try and build it up as a bikepacking bike since that seems like the only use case outside of living in Alaska where a fatbike makes any sense.


Fat bikes are pretty easy to sell in the fall. I know it sucks to have it sitting around all summer, but man, every autumn a whole bunch of new suckers think fat biking might be a good idea and want to get a bike. Shouldn't be terribly hard to sell. Throw it on Teton Valley Facebook and somebody will probably drive north to buy it from you.

Having ridden fat bikes with plus wheels in the summer, as well as dedicated bike packing rigs, I'd vote for something like a Krampus over a true fat bike every day. Super fun in the summer, and can handle hard packed snowy single track just fine.
Mar 14 2022 7:05PM
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