Fat tire biking and a Coyote?

[IPT]

Fat tire biking and a Coyote? You bet!! Three of them actually (the Coyotes), though I get ahead of myself. Do you guys even know what a Fat tire bike is? For me it was new thing, but really took off up here in the past 2-3 years. Maybe it is big in other places, but I am not sure. I think one of the original places it started was in Minnesotta, but I am not 100% on that. Anyway, these things are beasts with tires over 4" wide. It makes for great floatation for riding on packed down snowy trails (not so good on the icy roads...don't ask me how I know ).

I finally picked on these bad boys up this year. It's been a blast. Took a nice 2 hour ride today. Trails were nice, but getting a little soft on the way home. It's getting warm up here (high 40's!). Must say it was ncie be riding in a short sleeve shirt though!! (up hills, had the sheel on bombing downhlll ).

On todays ride I had the good foryune to see three Coyotes. I only had my point and shoot with me but managed out okay. Seems like my sensor is on the fritz, but all in all they were at least some good documentory shots. Thought I would share them, and pics of the bike with you all.

Anyone else riding a Fat tire bike?

 

[Wolverine]

I've ridden on a fat tire bike, but don't own one.

Nice shots of the coyotes.

 

[IPT]

sweet - what did you think of the ride? It didn't rock your world enough to buy one though.

 

[Recty]

I've never done it myself but I've seen people do it and have friends who are really into it. It's a little too much exercise for my fat old butt

 

[Untamed12]

I've certainly ridden in those kind of conditions...but never with bike tires that were truly wide enough to make it easy! As long as you don't slow down, you're OK. The moment we slowed or stopped, we sink.

Years ago, I also discovered that rim brakes can be especially hazardous at certain near freezing conditions. You build a layer of ice on the front rim which makes the front brake almost totally ineffective..until the moment when it sudden shears away providing instant front wheel lock. Ah..winter riding memories...

 

[Wolverine]

sweet - what did you think of the ride? It didn't rock your world enough to buy one though.

I would have been more than happy enough to buy one if I'd had the money to do so. My wallet would be in more trouble now if I rode one (and my wife more irritated ).

 

[IPT]

I would have been more than happy enough to buy one if I'd had the money to do so. My wallet would be in more trouble now if I rode one (and my wife more irritated ).

Man, tell her that in the end it is very "green" and economic. Ride the bike to work..... You'll save gas, milage on the car, and then you get a good chunk of your workout done just during your commute time!! I've riden a few times to work. It takes me 14 min to drive in, and 35 to bike. So essentially I gain 15 mins since that time I usually would be sitting in the car commuting. Now I am working out...

Years ago, I also discovered that rim brakes can be especially hazardous at certain near freezing conditions. You build a layer of ice on the front rim which makes the front brake almost totally ineffective..until the moment when it sudden shears away providing instant front wheel lock. Ah..winter riding memories...

LOL - yeah, been there, done that. I used to think disc brakes were total overkill and not warrented. I have since very much chnaged my opinion on that!

I've never done it myself but I've seen people do it and have friends who are really into it. It's a little too much exercise for my fat old butt

Dude, you are gonna get plenty of excercies chasing that little one around!! You got about a year or two to get moving man. No better way than Fat tire biking!!


a few others...

 

[TenKreefer]

Dude, that is awesome! some beautiful shots and FAT tires

very cool

 

[Wolverine]

Man, tell her that in the end it is very "green" and economic. Ride the bike to work..... You'll save gas, milage on the car, and then you get a good chunk of your workout done just during your commute time!! I've riden a few times to work. It takes me 14 min to drive in, and 35 to bike. So essentially I gain 15 mins since that time I usually would be sitting in the car commuting. Now I am working out...

That argument would be more successful if I weren't already biking to work, and had used that as the reasoning to get my last bike.

 

[IPT]

That argument would be more successful if I weren't already biking to work, and had used that as the reasoning to get my last bike.

LOL - tell her your life is at risk and certain conditions require certain types of tires .

Yeah, snow is getting soft here in the afternoons (yes, we still have snow ). The ride in the morning was fast and slick...coming back, like dragging an anchor plowing thru soft snow. Truth be told I would barely be able to ride it at all on a regular ride. The fat tires make quite a difference.

 

[Octoshark]

Nice coyote shots, were you as close to them as it looks or were you zoomed in?

 

[IPT]

I was zoomed in. They weren't all that far away though. 100' maybe, probably less.

 

[rwb500]

what make/model is that bike? is it a surly frame?

also if you dont mind, how much $$$?

i thought my 2.5in tires wire thick.

 

[IPT]

it is a custom built frame made here in Alaska. It is sort of based off the Surly. Since we do a lot of snow riding up here these guys tweaked it a little to make it better for long rides. In the end the build ups they do actually come out to a little less than the Surly (for the entry Aluminum model at least). The frame was $500 .... http://www.chainreactioncycles.us/907.html The 2.5 inchers are nice, especially for the icy conditions if they are studded. On packed snow of any depth, and without a suspension (less moving parts to freeze and blow up from riding in the cold) these tires are awesome. It really is a totally different and unique ride. I am riding in stuff now there is no way I could have ridden with my old tires.

 

[keith20]

nice pics of the coyoties. fat tires and snow...only in minnesota.

 

[Recty]

nice pics of the coyoties. fat tires and snow...only in minnesota.

Except he lives in Alaska...

 

[IPT]

Except he lives in Alaska...

LOL, that I do ..... I actually think that the Fat tire bikes were started in Minn by Surly, the Pugsley. We here in Alaska just took the design and idea and raised the bar .