Fat Bikes - trying to decide between spending money or saving money

mrron2u

So, I have been bitten by the Fat Bike bug. I currently ride a Cannondale Trail 7 29er, but want a fat bike for winter riding. I have 2 options at the moment.

Option #1 - my buddy will sell me his Mongoose Dolomite for $200. He has made some upgrades like fixing the shifter (used to be grip but now is trigger). I'm sure I could have some fun upgrading it on the cheap using spare parts and such.

Option #2 - my LBS has a used Motobecane Sturgis they are selling for $1000. Obviously a better bike, and lighter. Also has 2 chain-rings up front so more gear options. Lighter by probably 15 pounds too. Components seem way better as well (so maybe not much to upgrade for a while).

I have $200 so the Mongoose is pretty easy. It would leave me plenty of wiggle room and I'd have money to spend should I want to upgrade components later.

The $1000 is a stretch, but not unmanageable. In the end - what have fellow fat bike riders experienced? Will this be a bike I would want to ride 100% of the time if I had a better quality one? Has anyone started out on the cheap like I'm considering? Thoughts?

Let me know what else you need to know to help me decide.

Ron

denversillygoose

If you really want a fat bike, I suggest spending more money. Everyone I see that has started low end, upgrades within a few months. At least go for the Motobecane although you can find even better used. The fat bike trader group on Facebook is loaded with great deals. Honestly, if you want to ride snow or trail you will not be happy with a Walgoose.

My bf rides a custom 9zero7 and he rides it every single day. (Commuting, trail riding, bike packing, etc.)

mrron2u

I'm starting to look around. There are so many options to choose from. Leaning towards spending more up front so I can just ride and do little upgrading. If I had say $1000 to spend anyone want to throw out ideas? I see a Surly Pugsly Snow BIKE (XL) FAT for $1000 in my neighborhood via CL. A 2013 Salsa Mukluk 2 for $1100 near me as well. I live in the Kansas City area.

jacksonpt

Is geometry important to you? An omniterra fatbike rides differently, especially on technical trails, than does a trailbike fatbike. If that matters, that may narrow your options significantly.

mrron2u

Well I guess a few more details about me. I am 6'3" and right around 300 pounds (for now). I will probably mostly use this on regular trails vs. MTB trails. But I would like the option of doing some MTB trails from time to time. I plan to try riding in the snow assuming we get some this year. Adding a current picture of my Cannondale as it fits me pretty damn good. Maybe that will help with the geometry option.

mrron2u

jacksonpt

Sounds like any fatbike will be fine, at least in terms of geometry.

denversillygoose

mrron2u wrote: »

I'm starting to look around. There are so many options to choose from. Leaning towards spending more up front so I can just ride and do little upgrading. If I had say $1000 to spend anyone want to throw out ideas? I see a Surly Pugsly Snow BIKE (XL) FAT for $1000 in my neighborhood via CL. A 2013 Salsa Mukluk 2 for $1100 near me as well. I live in the Kansas City area.

I have the 2015 Mukluk and I love it. Another less pricey option is the Charge Cooker Maxi. They run around $1000 new and I think they carry them at REI.