Entry Level Fat Bikes | Cheap vs Budget vs Value
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- čas přidán 16. 06. 2023
- Here is my take on some entry level fat bike options at various price points, and the pros and cons of each. This isn't a hypothetical discussion, it's based on three I bikes I own and ride right now, so I can really speak to each from experience. Check out the links below for specific videos on these bikes if any of them are of interest, and check out my playlists for even more on fat biking in general.
MONGOOSE Links:
Amazon Link ($339): amzn.to/42FsWAI
Initial Review: • Walmart Fat Bike Revie...
Weight Reduction: • Walmart Fat Bike Updat...
Dolomite VS Surly ICT: • Cheap VS Expensive Bik...
One Year Update: • Walmart Fat Bike | Mon...
SURLY PUGSLEY:
Wheel Offset Explained: • Surly Pugsley | Wheel ...
Riding Borealis Pass: • Surly Pugsley | Fat Bi...
Pugsley Weight Reduction: • Surly Pugsley Goes On ...
BOREALIS FLUME:
First Look: • BOREALIS FLUME First L...
AMAZON LINKS:
Instagram: elevationeveryweekend
Facebook: Elevation Every Weekend
My Brother’s Instagram: dirteveryweekend
Marnie: marnie_doodle
BIKE GEAR:
Apple AirTags: amzn.to/44yOGQR
ElevationLab Tag Vault: amzn.to/3NMGlDf
2pack: amzn.to/3B11IJh
Silca Super Secret Chain Wax: amzn.to/3KpaULS
Stand for iPad/Zwift: amzn.to/3GbIK6H
Kurt Kinetic Smart Trainer: amzn.to/3X1i66G
Kurt Kinetic Wheel Spacer: amzn.to/3O4gCo8
Olight RN1500 Light: amzn.to/3uTTzTw
Olight SeeMee30: amzn.to/35Bpa3X
Olight Headlamp: amzn.to/3K5Hhy3
Profile Designs Aero Bars (Carbon): amzn.to/2ZMH0xN
Profile Designs Aero Bars (AL): amzn.to/3BrkHus
Carbon Bottle Cage: amzn.to/2Ur5BW6
ESI Grips: amzn.to/2Y0wxxU
ESI Grip Tape: amzn.to/3jVWdDP
Race Face Chester Pedals: amzn.to/3lGdctl
Bike Bell: amzn.to/2QplxpP
Frame Protection Tape : amzn.to/3tFXtNC
Olight RN 1500 (front): amzn.to/3d6Tq6D
Olight SeeMee 30 (rear): amzn.to/3r87Tnw
Headlamp: amzn.to/3lC1ShZ
Rock N Roll Gold Chain Lube: amzn.to/3cTvYcG
Stans Notubes sealant: amzn.to/3vMHYFJ
BomberStrap: amzn.to/390IAO7
Fatbike Fork Mount: amzn.to/3tHA3HY
Water Bottle: amzn.to/3lA6Ag6
Mountainsmith Tour Pack: amzn.to/2OWzyeb
Torque Wrench (0-20nM for bikes): amzn.to/3tMmlE6
Park Tool Chain Cleaning Kit: amzn.to/3sdBwoR
First Aid Kit: amzn.to/3fgs1lc amzn.to/3frTSz9
Nalgene First Aid Kit: amzn.to/3tVvXvO
Mongoose Dolomite Fatbike: amzn.to/3BHUgkB
TECH:
Garmin Instinct: amzn.to/390AkxA
Apple Watch Series 6: amzn.to/39hLgHt
Powerbeats Pro headphones: amzn.to/2Pg0TrK
TACOMA:
Cabin Air Filter: amzn.to/3sJ0SNg
Emergency Charge/Jump Start: amzn.to/3hBAKBR
X-Bull Traction Boards: amzn.to/3r8kHdA
Tepui Roof Top Tent: amzn.to/3E3q9FV
Thule Rack (mid): amzn.to/3xJQEhz
Igloo Cooler: amzn.to/3xEl58M
K&N Air Filter: amzn.to/313iBBl
K&N Air Filter kit: amzn.to/3c9grpZ
Tacoma Tailgate Insert Emblem: amzn.to/313vNWV
Fisker Axe: amzn.to/2OOS3Bq
Thule Rack: amzn.to/3tKFoOq
Tepui RTT: amzn.to/3vNbET5
Dude wipes/shower: amzn.to/2OXRi8T amzn.to/2NG0Ogl
Mountain House Meal: amzn.to/3sb8KoJ
Panel Tool Kit Basic: amzn.to/3FJy9zc
Panel Tool Kit Extreme: amzn.to/3W5SBj9
FILMING:
iPhone 13 Pro Max: amzn.to/2Qqzwvy
Apple Silicone Case: amzn.to/3lCLdee
Spigen screen protector: amzn.to/313i16G
GoPro: amzn.to/3eYAM37
Chest Mount Harness: amzn.to/3c6eQ48
Lapel Mic: amzn.to/3tCU4PI
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These links do not cost you any additional money, but really help support the channel. - Sport
Really helpful ! Great that there is an option for everyone who wants to ride a fat bike. Used bikes are a great option to find a deal. Thanks for posting !
Thanks for watching!!
Great content and comparisons, thanks for sharing! My used fat bike was a great find!
Yep it sure was!
Great video! I agree 100% my local bike shop was recently selling used Surly Pugsley's from the rental store at $600 regardless of frame size. they Also had Salsa Mukluks with suspenion forks up front for $900. I am in North East Ohio while the deals are harder to find they are not impossible out this way. After ridng the Flume it is bang for buck one of the nicest Bikes not just fat bikes I have been on. I will be getting one of those for sure. The welds on that bike and the weight are the 2 things that blew me away! I just wish the all cables were routed internally it would be worth the the minimal cost increase to ahve that bike clean. I can not wait to get one.
Yep agree on all the above. As for cables, it’s easy to do on carbon bikes, a bit more difficult on AL bikes but not impossible. A lot of people prefer the external routing for serviceability. I can see both sides of it so don’t really have a preference personally.
I bought a Mongoose Malus for $75.00. Chain was rusted, breaks didn't worked and the shifting cable was cut. I had a blank canvas for upgrades. I changed everything in the bike. Now I have a 1X9 Microshift Advent group set, hydraulic brakes Shimano MT200, new head set and bars, as well as a new bottom bracket (hollow tech). This is a complete different bike. I ride my bike year round and have a great time doing it. Your video was very educational and gave a great comparisson of fat bikes available for the novice or experienced cyclist that whant to get into fatbiking.
Thanks for watching, enjoy your bike!!
Would you send me a link to the upgrades you did to your Malus?…. I purchased one in new form & I love it. I mainly what to upgrade the brakes, gear shifter & gearing.
Thank you for sharing so much detailed feedback. You are Definitely Spot-On about the Mongoose.. It is a Heavy, entry level offering with low grade parts. But it is a fun Bike to ride, until it isnt.. I still have my Dolomite, cant seem to let it go. I have a couple of Specialized Fatboy's that have held up nicely to my entry-level, misguided usage..
Yeah the Mongoose has its place, but as you say it does have a pretty low ceiling. Those Fatboy’s are good bikes, I wish they still made them!
Very interesting keep them coming learn another from your videos
Thanks for watching!
Mine is a lower price range and after riding that Borealis Lume the major difference in a lighter bike feeling like such a luxury ride I never experienced before!!! 😊
A LBS in the area was selling off their rental fatbike fleet… had a couple of Pugsleys in there. I was very tempted.
Yep I believe I know what you are referring to as my brother sent me some links a couple
months back, Pugsleys and some Mukluks? The Pugs is a real gem at less than $1000.
Great video. Great time to get a fat bike is spring. I happened across a 2022 spherik
Sp4 for $1200 at my local bike shop!
Nice! Agree on the seasonal aspect as a great time to grab a fat bike! Thanks for watching!
I bought a very cheap (like stupid cheap) fat bike with 3x7 and very cheap mechanical brakes and wire bead tires which I changed most of the components once a good part of the components with avid BB7 brakes, Dillinger 4s and a 1x7 groupset (heavily inspired by the Mongoose fatty). Still have to thank you Tommy for keeping my love for fat bikes alight you are awesome :))
Thanks for continuing to watch! And yes, if you are willing and able to do upgrades you can really build a budget bike that performs!
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I got the Mongoose Dolomite ALX a couple years ago and I absolutely love it
It’s a much lighter bike than the steel version.
Oh I wanted that one it was sold out I got stuck with the heavy steel one what I'm trying to figure out upgrades where it won't kill my wallet will make the bike run better
@@bluemantom77 Here are a few simple and reasonable upgrades I made that cut pounds off the weight of this Mongoose.
Walmart Fat Bike Update and Snow Test | Mongoose Dolomite | Cheap Fat Bike
czcams.com/video/D4fKbP6ZZ4s/video.html
@@ElevationEveryWeekend thank you I got mine for $339.00 plus tax on Amazon what does a huge sale last year
Just got a free Pugley and have been enjoying it. Working on turning it into a touring bike.
Great bikes, and free is a great price!
Subscribed, so happy you still make videos! I want to run my Mongoose Argus tubed. Is that good? I plan to go over some hard sand, gravel, grass, and dirt. Nothing too loose that needs low PSI.
There is nothing wrong with running tubes, you just want to be prepared and have a spare tube, or a patch/flat repair kit on hand so you can patch up a tube if you flat while out riding. A couple of my older Surly bikes don't have tubeless ready wheels, so I still run tubes in them and it's totally fine! Thanks for following along!!
@@ElevationEveryWeekend Thank you so much! I'll get to searching for a good spare tube. Any recommendations?
@@oiyile1971 Really anything in 26x4 (assuming you have 26” wheels) is fine. Some people feel even a 26” MTB tube will work, but I prefer a higher volume tube. Surly has some light weight versions too that I use and have good luck with, but really anything should do the job.
@@ElevationEveryWeekend thank you so much!
Id say with the big box fatbikes first mod .. crank get 2 speed front even if you swap sprockets by hand , Shimano mega range freewheel .
Get the gearing right first
Nothing wrong at all with a good 2x drivetrain. It will depend on your needs, but I have been able to do pretty much everything I want here in Colorado with the current 1x12 options we have, they have gotten really good. The Pugsley in this video is a 2x, the Borealis Flume is 1x12, but it has the capability to run 2x if the user so chooses.
Also in the budget (rather than cheap) fat bike options you can include models from Bikesdirect, Framed, and Canada’s Moose bicycles.
Yep, lots of viable options. These three are really to provide segment examples!
I recently bought a Northrock XC00 on Costco for about $500. It's an aluminum frame 7 speed and I love it. Way better bike than the Mongoose 55lb bike stolen from my patio month before. I'm happy they stole that tank!
Nice! I have been wanting to check out one of those Costco bikes. And yes, the steel Mongoose bikes have significant limitations due to the weight.
The Dolomite ALX is a pretty good deal for someone just trying to figure out if they even want a Fat Bike. It’s upgradeable to an extent, MUCH, MUCH lighter than the regular Dolomite is. Don’t expect a diamond in the rough type scenario, but you will be able to find out weather or not you have any interest in a Fat Bike without breaking the bank to do so. The cheap steel, HEAVY Fat Bikes will almost insure that you don’t want anything to do with them. FWIW - I do have the ALX and now I’m looking for something else… I’m leaning towards a 27.5 version of a Fat Bike.
Yes agreed on all the above. If you want a fantastic 27.5 bike, check out the Flume in this video, it is the best value (spec/performance per dollar) on the market.
I picked up a 2021 Borealis Flume used for 750$. Found it on FB and thought it was a scam at first. It's my daily rider now, and my first fat bike. Eventually I want to swap out the derailure for a better one, maybe slap on a tad bit wider tires than the stock 27.5x3.8 inch tires. But wider would only be for winter riding anyways. Only thing that I wish the bike had, is the mounting points on the fork for cages/front rack. Otherwise, I love it.
It's a great bike, and that is a great price to get it. 4.3 or 4.5" tires are great on that bike. Yeah I have also commented on the lack of mounting points, however it does help keep the bike really light.
@ElevationEveryWeekend currently, I'm running 27.5x3.8 tires. For winter, I'd like to get something around 4.3 to 4.5's for it. But, I'll see how I like it in semi hard pack snow first and then go from there.
The lack of mounts does pose an issue when it comes to someone like myself, where I ride more than drive and need the extra cargo ability. But, in due time, I will resolve that issue by finding a quality alloy fork with mount points for the current carbon one. Only reason I worry about weight currently, is I have no garage for my bike, and I live in a 2nd floor apartment. So it really is a pain trying to lug my bike, plus all the gear/groceries/etc up a flight of stairs, especially since they make a 90 degree turn half ways up.
Maybe I'll just find a main floor place again? Seems easier that way. Lol..
What brand of bottle is that?
The bottle on my table is a Nalgene, the bike bottles are insulated Polar bottles.
Co op 4.1 rei fat bike
I haven’t seen that one yet in person
Comparing one of these to a electric fat tire bike makes these seem way over priced. You can buy a nice electric fat tire bike for $1200 to $1500 seems like a better buy to me.
I’d say it’s very much an apples to oranges comparison, especially if you factor in the application (winter/snow performance) and long term durability of one of these bikes to any, especially lower end e-fatbike. But e-bikes will continue to improve and come down in price.
750 to 1000 dollars for a bike wtf?
It’s a reasonable price point if you want a long lasting, good performing machine.
@@ElevationEveryWeekend I see that now…are fat bikes decent if I also want to use it on paved trails? Or should I get a hybrid for that
@@itzjustkris7964 I think fat bikes are incredibly fun, capable, and comfortable to ride. But if you really are doing only pavement, something with smaller tires will be much more efficient and probably enjoyable overall.
@@ElevationEveryWeekend hie I am looking for a hub and excel of these bikes the rear one
Get out from under the rocks.
I want a bike to excessive
I weigh 400lb
I would probably go for a steel frame bike with that stipulation. A used Surly sounds like it would be ideal for you, it'll give you stronger components than the much cheaper Mongoose type of bike.
lol mongoose goodlookng
I think it has visual appeal, but it will be subjective.
Great breakdown
Thanks for watching!
YOU REMOVED A KICKSTAND¿ 🤷🏼♂️
🫵🏻 You should be banished to a wheeless island. 😤
I hadn’t seen a kickstand on one of my bikes in decades, it had to go!😂
@@ElevationEveryWeekend Bicycles get less than the best respect, lying them down, or propping them in a manner where they are subject to succumbing to gravity is disrespectful.
Let me ask you this, when you stop riding, what do you do with your body! Lie down on the ground, say like a cow patty etc?