11-22-2018, 04:45 PM
(11-22-2018, 03:22 PM)Viewfromthe42 Wrote: I'm thinking of a bike where I could conceivably put on a wider tire (maybe 38c) which has a good center contact patch for high pressure days when the roads and trails are dry, but with some good sidewall treads and maybe spikes for lower pressure days of higher snowfall or flash ice. Come summer, swap on some non-winter rubber.
The fat bike is one of those situations where I can't truly imagine needing it, aside from beating/missing the plowing on MUTs, but I enjoy the thought of taking it into snowy trails.
No, you're right on that, I run 38c Schwalbe Winters which have metal spikes and made for commuting, pretty decent, and I think this is probably ideal for most people.
The fat bikes are more of a fun toy that some may enjoy, but can also be beneficial for commuting in some select circumstances.
I will add one tip, that I've learned from my first winter bike that is half dissolved in the garage right now--if you plan on riding in the salty winter roads, either keep up very carefully with maintenance, oiling, greasing, or choose something with low cost parts that you don't mind replacing, virtually every bolt on this thing is seized on right now.