Michigan Trails - mountain vs fat tire
allanmobile313
Posts: 96 Member
I'm a mountain bike rider who has been contemplating the switch to fat tire bikes. I do a mix of paved and dirt trails. Curious to see what experiences others have had in the state of Michigan. Ideally with thoughts on how the pros and cons play out in all four of the seasons.
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Most fat-tire bike owners I ride with have other bikes to choose from, and don't depend on always having the fat-tire. The bigger the tire, the more friction on pavement and the harder you ride. For dirt, it's definitely an option, and for your four seasons, it's also a good option.
I tried one once, on a dirt road, and didn't like it. Personally, I fail to see the attraction; in most conditions, fat-tire bikes just make you work harder. I'm kind of a weenie and the last thing I want to do on what's a hard ride for ME is work harder! But the people who have them that I ride with really like them...so I guess it's mostly a personal decision.
Geez, there is one gal in our group that rides a single-speed fat-tire. Freaking amazing; she's good and fast. Can't help but think that this sort of riding makes for one really strong, fit individual. A fat-tire on pavement and dirt trails may be the perfect thing to up your game!
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Could you rent one to try it out? Some bike shops let the customer do a test drive. I'd want to see how it feels before I'd invest. I do my trail rides with just an old Schwinn with nubby tires. I put clip-in pedals on it and aero bars. (Looks interesting.) I use it in the winter on (hopefully) roads cleared of the snow. Works for me in Wisconsin.0
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I ride a fat bike, but I'm not a serious mtn biker. It's just more fun and gives me more confidence than a regular mtn bike. I would suggest renting one as well. The selling point for me was really how it made me feel like a kid again.0
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Renting could be an option to get a general feel for it. I've rode one before through the store and it felt better than cruisers.... And that has me curious... When you guys say you have to work harder to ride it are you referring to when you're not on paved surfaces? I'm ultimately looking to have one bike to suit the different types of rides as opposed to building up a bike stable.0
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allanmobile313 wrote: »Renting could be an option to get a general feel for it. I've rode one before through the store and it felt better than cruisers.... And that has me curious... When you guys say you have to work harder to ride it are you referring to when you're not on paved surfaces? I'm ultimately looking to have one bike to suit the different types of rides as opposed to building up a bike stable.
It's generally harder because of weight and tire drag.0 -
allanmobile313 wrote: »Renting could be an option to get a general feel for it. I've rode one before through the store and it felt better than cruisers.... And that has me curious... When you guys say you have to work harder to ride it are you referring to when you're not on paved surfaces? I'm ultimately looking to have one bike to suit the different types of rides as opposed to building up a bike stable.
Don't ask questions like that about a bike you like.
Every bike is good at a specific thing, and can do other things too but not quite as well. Mountain bikes tend to be pretty versatile and a good set of compromises for most people. A fat bike is like an MTB on steroids, the downside is it's heavier and not as lively, which are only downsides for long rides or if you want to go fast on the road.0 -
That's a really good point. I've loved the feel of fat tire bike rides, but I've only done short distances. Now I'm curious what a longer ride would be like comparatively.0
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