1) This gauge works great.
Accu-Gage Fat Bike Presta Valve Low Pressure Bicycle Tire Gauge, 30psi https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071WVG928/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_vuoQBbR84DC5H
2) Get rid of tubes. Tubes = lame
3) get a dropper
4) get a Bluto or Mastadon
5) Squeaking? Probably tires are too hard.
This is what I put on my Dolomite. It makes for a pretty big gap between 1st and 2nd gears, but climbing hills is much more tolerable now. 7th gear is a little higher than stock too, so top speed improves a little on a flat or down hill.
I'm thinking this is what /u/benh82 is talking about these - I have a few sets hung up in my garage. With that said, with 5"ers on the bike they can get tight.
You can also go the Park Tools screw in route - https://www.amazon.com/Cyclone-Park-Thread-Storage-X-Large/dp/B00JXO272S/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=fat+bike+hooks&qid=1620355000&sr=8-2
Park Tool makes some over sized hooks. I had my LBS order me one. Look like Amazon has them too but I always support my LBS when I can. Park Tool Wood Thread Storage Hook, X-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JXO272S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_TTA6xbRGE5EDT
You can also use a dry chain lubricant Finish Line Dry Bike Lubricant with Teflon https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000C17HKS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_MF3MHBXAENTH92WFFAA6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Dry lube for dry conditions, wet for wet.
I use a compressor. I have an old shitty one from harbor freight. But I've used this one and it is super quiet and compact and close in price to a hand pump. I will probably get one soon. (IMO I think compressors are better because they have other uses instead of buying another hand pump that has one specific use - assuming you already have a standard floor pump.)But first I need to figure out how to get my Dillinger's to mount tubeless and still be easily swappable with my GCs. I think it is going to take adding foam rolls and more tape...
https://www.amazon.ca/UPANBIKE-Trekking-Mountain-Butterfly-Handlebar/dp/B0734MG3JX/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=trekking+bar&qid=1626718522&sr=8-3 I also hand to change the stem for a longer one because it bring the reach closer to you. I did not use the foam grips that came with the handlebar, I put this bar tape https://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en_CA/equipment/cycling-accessories/bike-handlebar-grips-tape/bike-handlebar-tape/bontrager-double-gel-cork-handlebar-tape/p/13278 but I think I will add another layer for comfort.
45nrth Wolfhammer boots are flat and designed for biking in cold. Also don’t slip as bad when walking on icy spots. Then for pedals find a set that are really open in design so you can stomp your snow covered foot on the pedals having the snow fall through. I have some metal pedals from company called OPADX and I love them. Cheap on Amazon when I got them, but now expensive. Use as reference for pedal type. Pedals for Fat Biking
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0734NG8M2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_pyBOFbA84VMNQ
Make sure you pick the right diameter. The stock Malus stem is 25.4mm (1").
Amazon has these come in and out of stock over time. If they're not available, wait a couple weeks.
I've also put a trigger shifter and a different freewheel with a wider range on it.
Those are standard fat bike quick release skewers. 150 mm length front, 190 mm length rear.
The House / Framed Bicycles will be a good option. Framed also sells on Amazon. Here is a 190 mm. https://www.amazon.com/Framed-Quick-Release-190mm-225mm/dp/B01GG70OLU
I'm assuming you are in the US. My bad if you're from someplace else...
The tire that came with my rad-rover, Kenda Juggernauts . I wonder if the stock ones are less treaded than the Juggernaut - pros that amazon sells....
I replaced them (rear was almost fully bald at 1000 miles) with Vee Speedsters (26 x 3.5). These: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079JZH3S2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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The Vees are much smoother and quieter, but too squirrelly at 20 PSI. Upped them to 30 PSI (20.6843 kPa) and are better, but still a bit wiggly. Nothing too terrible, though.
My commute is about 6.5 mi each way, 85% paved.
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Not ugly at all, in my opinion! You can downsize your gloves at least one level with these. I love being able to pull my hand out and easily operate my phone or my bike lock. I can ride with thin bike gloves down to close to 40 degrees F, and thin winter gloves down to 20 degrees F. I buy the super cheap ones intended for motorcycles and ATVs. I have these on my commuter bikes for $17! They go on in about 40 seconds and come off in 10 seconds. What is not to love?
Got the stem mount from Amazon, it's made by "Thinvik", cheap but it works. (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XJVCKKN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1). The dropper I'll have to go look. I bought it at REI out of the sale/used bin for $70 and had to buy a cable release for it--crazy good deal as I recall.
These: https://www.amazon.com/Hestra-Mens-Womes-Ski-Gloves/dp/B00EVTLW58/ And these if needed: https://www.amazon.com/Hestra-Merino-Active-Finger-Gloves/dp/B00FMX6CTI/ I have ridden with this combo 30 km in -30 degrees celsius without any problem
Pogies , i ride all winter and have never worn a pair of gloves. I only suffer from “too hot” on occasion and will pull my hands out on flat boring straight sections.
I love them, light and fast. That said, they are thin and tubeless, I had a stick poke a dime sized hole through the rear on a trail. I’m 220 and just put a patchand tube in it.
Mongoose Argus ST..here is a link from Amazon.
Thank you! I have read a good amount of negative comments about the minions FBs. I’m thinking I’ll deal with them for my first season and maybe try to DIY stud them-amazon has these: https://www.amazon.com/Marrkey-Carbide-Bicycle-Running-Installation/dp/B078JJ6J4S
Thoughts?
Also, are they really THAT bad? No offense but I was chalking some of it up to cycling snobbery just thinking there are a lot of brands selling minon FBs as OE
Last night we only had a few inches of wet so in reality I was gripping the grass and gravel. I’ll mostly be riding snowmobile trails in winter which may or may not be groomed.
I appreciate the advice! Let it snow!
Frame bag is from Amazon as well. Its pretty nice for how cheap it is. One word of note is that the bottle carrier on it is totally useless unless you have the bag packed perfectly in order to slide it in there. Here is the link: Frame Bag
Hang the lighter bike. For the heavier bike, get a two bike rack that stacks them. Something like the velo cache and just use the top one(?). Maybe throw some sandbags on it to weight it down low.
It's a SKS fatboard
I know some folks where I live use this: https://www.amazon.ca/Salt-SA32M-Concentrate-Removing-Cleanser/dp/B0000AXNJO
I personally don't ride my fatbike on the salty streets (I have a beater for that) so I can't vouch for it personally.
I use a wet lube for the chain in winter, and fully degrease every week or two.
I went with the one linked below. It was real inexpensive for what I needed. It was the cheapest adjustable hydraulic fork that I thought wouldn't collapse under me. It's been absolutely fine, met expectations in every way.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CZ9BVZG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You'll need a high pressure pump to adjust the fork travel, that's another couple of bucks if you don't have one.
I have been looking at this. Haven’t bought it yet. Waiting for my bike. Axiom Fatliner Bike Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S2QYNI4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_168VDA0X2H5872JGY70C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
On a website like Reddit, with millions of users, where discussion is subdivided into topics of interest, it is inevitable that one will encounter people whose experience is greater than one’s own.
Recognizing those encounters and accepting the corrections with good grace is a learned skill.
Might I suggest some reading?
Thanks for your comment. Every bike shop with a 250 km radius is asking $950 starting price for a large frame. Not even an XL. Cheaper XL frame bike is for $1100. Cheapest L frame is $900. Obviously with taxes it will be over $1000. I don't have that budget. I already bought the xcf and returned the xc29. After raising the seat and pulling the seat back to the max safety limit its better. Also I'm getting a bike stem which will raise the handle bars. The xcf fat tire feels better than the xc29 but the wheels are so fat it makes me feel like I'm driving a 2 wheeled tractor 😂😂. Anyway. I will be getting a handlebar stem to raise it a few inches but I don't want to spent money on getting more cable. It will get too expensive. How much more space would you say I have. I am buying this one here.
Bike Stem 31.8 90mm 110mm 130mm 0-60 Degree Adjustable MTB Riser Stem Short Handlebar Stem Mountain Bike Stem for Bicycle, MTB, Road Bike, Cycling, BMX https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08M5N6HSG/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_2AAADFNTPJYGCAJHPB3P?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use this fucker Steadyrack Bike Rack - Wall Mounted Bike Storage Solution for Your Home, Garage or Commercial Application. Easy Install. Swings 180 Degrees for More Floor Space https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01CF59PPS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_8B7KE27E1JCZ9RVTQFJD
Park makes extra large rafter hooks. I don’t have one yet but that is my plan.
Cyclone Park Tool Wood Thread Storage Hook, X-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JXO272S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_6HCE12XB6GGWV30AT0XF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I didn't like the price of the Bluto as well as it"s bad cold weather rep so I put on this https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Snow-MTB-Moutain-Bike-Fork-Fat-bicycle-Fork-Air-Gas-Locking-Suspension-Forks-Aluminium-Alloy-For/32772748528.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_4_10065_10068_10000009_10000032_10084_10000025_10083_10080_10...
Hmmm, thoughts? Looks to be in great shape and really close to me. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/329093761600792/?ref=messenger_banner
I'm trying SRAM X-Sync 26t round for now
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VVIFIX4
and the cassette is this aluminum potential disaster waiting to happen:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PZ4Y3KL
26 front with 52t rear ratio is insane and pushes right through the brakes clamped down. It looks okay so far and still holding its shape after having wet clay with grit mashed into it. But cog teeth choice is a weird compromise of high end on this cassette, the Gabaruk 11-52 12 speed cassette looks more practical, albeit a bit spendy.
COSOOS 2 Pack Flashlight Mount Holder, Universal Bicycle Led Light Mounting Holder 360° Rotation Clip Clamp for Flashlight, Cycling, Riding https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H3KLMLM/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_D2720BXDZ9TWTPXSKA8K
Tubeless tires also greatly reduce the chance of flats. Punctures can be fixed on the fly with bacon strips like this as an example (I can't find the ones I have, they've saved my ass twice now on my fat bike!). You don't get pinch flats - when I ran tubes with my fat bike, I had to swap them multiple times. A few rides got cut short and required me to pump air into the tires multiple times. I kept risking denting my rims and was greatly slowed down. Not going to be fun to deal with if you're in a wheelchair. :/
I did similar upgrades to my Dolomite, but also sapped out the cassette for one with a 32-tooth granny gear. I believe it was this one. I've been happy with the change.
I've seen a few of these posted here. It always strikes me as way too much complexity, cost and work. Just take off the wheels and bolt a plastic sled to the bottom of the trailer. Much better floatation, lower center of gravity, and it'll pack the trail a bit for anyone who's following you.
Went with a mid grade brake setup I installed shimano m6100 dual pistons on my fatty. Also use 180mm rotors front and back. Really like them a lot. I'm a bigger guy and they don't have any trouble slowing me down.
JGbike Compatible Hydraulic Disc Brake Set for Shimano DEORE M6100 2-Piston, Downhill XC Mountain Bike, pre-Assembled and pre-Bled https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZH91S5V/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_6NPEF02D9JGVJ110J3FK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If a spoke breaks, that usually indicates a larger problem. There's a good chance that after a month another one will break and then another one and then another one. Do you have a tool to measure spoke tension? I'd be willing to bet that some of the spokes are overly tensioned. It is also possible that the spoke broke because the chain went in between the cassette and spokes, which can chew up spokes. In that case, replacing a broken spoke can make sense. Anyway, keep an eye out.
I used this on a build I did recently for a 170mm Hub. It says its rated up to 177mm
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R9PZ5HJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You'll need something like these or any washer similar to this. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B002J9CAU8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_XYS1A8YS14MJYCSM9FFP
There's other sizes on Amazon too.
Now, I didn't use these so please take measurements to see what you'll need. I don't know the exact measurement of the spacer I used since I had it on hand. You also can use any washer that fits on the axle, doesn't necessarily need to be bike specific. Just needs to fit between the large spacer and the lock nut to fill the gap needed. You can also use more than one if needed. I hope that helps you out.
Love my 4.0 JJ's - got them when /u/fnmag posted about the UC sale last year and haven't looked back. The difference in between JJs and Bud and Lou (what came on my bike) is far apart when it comes to rolling resistance. I thought that Bud and Lou would become my winter tires, but I ended up having to get studs due to the freeze \ thaw cycle out here (Cake Eaters). I'm pondering giving the JJ 4.8s a whirl as my summer tires when my 4.0s wearout for more float on sand but I'm not sure. I will say that grip on these JJ's is almost comical. I ride through all kinds of crap, and honestly find myself laughing out loud at times because I think there's no way I'm going to make it through something, and then I don't even have tire slippage....
I think the biggest thing to determine is how and what you are going to ride. If you exclusively ride off road (like you put your bike on a car and drive to where you are going to ride), AND feel your existing tires are letting you down by slipping or whatever, then I would look at getting something more aggressive. If you are looking for super aggressive tires, I can tell you that Surly Bud and Lou fit that bill. If you are like me and tend to ride out of your garage to locations to ride, the lower rolling resistance of the JJs could be greatly appreciated. I'm sure that others have already said this, but get a low pressure tire gauge and play with PSI - a couple PSI could make a huge diff.
Being new, I'd recommend playing anywhere in between 5 and 15 PSI. Higher for riding exclusively on pavement, lower for all offroad. A good gauge is important, I've found that the built in gauges of pumps tend to be pretty far off from being correct on my fattie. I've had good luck with these - https://www.amazon.com/Meiser-Presta-Valve-Gauge-Pressure-Relief/dp/B004XISIK4/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=fat+bike+tire+gauge+accu-guage&qid=1630347556&sr=8-2 (I've got a 15 and a 30 PSI)
I think you can order the mongoose fat bike off amazon. I think its around 400$ now but still decent.
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I'm building my own. Other than waiting for parts its cheaper imho to build one. I love how easy it actually was.
I used this exact unit when I lived in a few different small apartments: Topeak Dual Touch Bike Storage Stand
Worked great for years.
This one looks like the same one I got I paid ~$10 about 7 years ago on for mine. The rope seemed cheap, but never frayed on me. I also seen this one when looking on Amazon. I'd say it's also a good, because it includes a rail, so you could probably just bolt it directly to the ceiling. It worked great when I lived in my apartment. I set it up at at my parents when I moved back in and it's still there for them to use. They like it better than the hooks, and I do not have much need for one at my house.
I will say you it may take some fiddling to securely hold your bike. I had Velcro straps to hold each hooks incase I bumped a bike while it was hanging.
I'm 6' 5" and I ride a Pugsley XL on trails. I want a street fatty and wondering if anyone who knows more about geometry than I can tell me if this would be a good bike to make single speed with slicks and some bmx bars. (Maybe just Surly Sunrise).
Thanks! Mongoose Malus Adult Fat Tire Mountain Bike, 26-Inch Wheels, 7-Speed, Twist Shifters, Steel Frame, Mechanical Disc Brakes, Multiple Colors https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TYB8Q7A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_JGD80WQSXBV98G2WDXXA
I’ve been riding one for years never had a problem with it, you can have it at your house by 5/11
BUCKLOS 26 x 4.0 inch Fat Bike Tire Air Suspension Fork 120mm Travel, Spacing Hub 135mm 28.6mm Straight Tube Crown Lockout 9mm QR Ultralight Front Forks, fit Snow Beach Mountain Bike by Bucklos-Sellect Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NDRYT65/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_A66BZ4X8VC07EE8HD883?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Just a heads up that you might need to get “single” chainring bolts. The nut part is skinnier so that it doesn’t poke up through just one chainring thus making it tighten-able Aniki Single Bicycle Bike... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CTNFXT3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
For the last several years, I've been wearing a pair of Bates EMT/military boots I had. I don't need super warm boots, as I tend to get overheated here in Maine, but there were days when my feet were cold in them. They have some newer boots of that type meant for cold weather, that are nice because they're athletic, but look for shallow/nonslip lig patterns. The boots I just got, but haven't tested in any real cold yet, are a pair of carharts - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OBX1LEQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_1305FbPMYNKBP
They have a composite toe, which is uneccessary, but the grip has been good and reviews point to them doi g well in cold.
Yup Deore 6000 (11-42t with a 30t chainring). Very nice stuff. I also upsized my brakes and rotors. I’m running a 200 upfront and a 180 in the back.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PYGWHK5/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_jphWFbQZ2WHQ2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have the Accugage from Amazon the r/philtech describes, but I got the 15 psi range one. I put it in my pack, it's fairly small. I too have a Topeak digital gauge, but it doesn't register when you've got the tires below 5 psi, which is where I typically run mine.
Hey friend! Just showed back up on Amazon. Here you go:
I've had great results with a pair of 1000 lumen Bright Eyes brand Chinese lights off Amazon, one on handlebars with a wide beam and one on my helmet with a narrow beam. I'm going to upgrade to the newer 1800 lumen for my helmet. It uses a GoPro mount also, very convenient for mounting on my Bell helmets. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071QXH72Y/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_h3yQDb1JVEJ85
I have tried a ton of different setups and imo a flood on your bars and a spot on your head is the best way to roll.
This probably won’t be a popular opinion around here, but the $24 1200 lumen bright eyes light on amazon is a heck of a light. I’ll admit, it likely isn’t a true 1200 lumens (my guess would be 800-100), but it is plenty bright and absolutely reliable in my experience. I have dropped hundreds of dollars on the fancy night sun setup in the past and the advantages just don’t justify the premium with options like this around. Note, it comes as a spot but there is a flood lens available. That is it’s only downside, that flood lens has a pretty shorty spread. I have to imagine there are flood lenses for other lights that would fit but it hasn’t bothered me enough to look into it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0183RPQ0K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_C.ZYDbMGBV5P0
Thanks! Here's the link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0845PGYYZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's not too bad at all. Took some getting used to and some taint soreness but that only lasted a week or so.
I personally have found that bottom bracket and crankset combination to break quite easily and have replaced it with this bottom bracket and this crankset good luck
I’ve used vans in the past, they’re pretty alright I like them and every now and then I use them casually around the block. I do stick to the cheap Five Ten Adidas Men's Sleuth Mountain Bike Shoe https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T6FKV25/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_o47xFbM10AKMA they work great! My friends swear by the “Five Ten Men's Kestrel Lace Mountain Bike Shoes” but they’re pretty expensive imo.
More of an accessory than an upgrade, but Bar Mitts for those cold days. I can wear really lightweight gloves when it's like ~20* F and my hands stay nice and warm in there.
I have successfully set up my fatty as tubeless a few times. I had good luck with Zip flashing tape. However this became a pain when I would swap out my tires (summer to winter). The tape would get ripped or bunched up from using a tire lever, eventually causing leaks. Removing the tape was a pain in the ass and left quite a bit of residue glue that I would need to clean off before reapplying new tape. After doing this a few times I finally had enough and felt the time and effort was not worth the slight gains.
This season my solution has been to use Surly ultra light tubes to save rotational weight and still make swapping tires easy and painless. They only weigh about 310g. I have had one pinch flat but it was from plowing my bike into a rock garden running way to low psi. I am hoping they will withstand this season.
Good luck with your tubeless conversion. Otherwise, I recommend ultra light tubes as a fallback option.
I use a Garneau windbreaker, which, with a puffy running vest and a heavyweight compression top, usually gets me down to about 30°F (or 25°F on the right kind of day). I don't currently have anything I like for Real Cold™.
I've been rocking a couple of pair of these for the last 2 winters. Very comfy.
On Guard locks are fine. I have two. Depending on where your from and if you’re leaving your bike outside for more than an hour or two I’d buy a Kryptonite chain in addition.
That company makes a much better, bigger mini pump that's like a floor pump. I got it so I could ride hard to the trails, soft once I get there, then hard back home. It took me around 5 minutes to go from flat to 15psi in my testing. Haven't had a chance to try it for it's actual purpose yet.
These cheap thermal bike pants are comfortable to wear from about 15 -40 degrees F.
4ucycling Men's Bike Pants Fleeced for Cold Weather, Black, S https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AQDTTDU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_MoGgCbKKAN2GP
I spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars trying to find the same answer. I bought arcterix, marmot, fox, solomon and so on and then I had these advertised to me on social media and I bought them on a whim.... best, warmest cold weather biking pants on the market. I promise if you that if they fit you right you will not regret.
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https://www.amazon.com/INBIKE-Windproof-Thermal-Cycling-Running/dp/B01MRHP8J5
I'd recommend a hitch bike rack. Kind of something like this
Thule 9035XTB T2 Pro XT 2 Bike (1.25") Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N53XNOK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_yhG9BbGY0D796
It just comes down to what you drive to be honest and on how conveniente you want it to be. I personally have no experience with trunk racks. At times a hitch rack can get in the way if you're trying to get to the trunk but also depends on what you drive. I also have a "sea sucker" roof rack that works well but I'm not sure if they have adapters for fat bikes. Hope this helps!
Fat bike on a budget
http://www.sebikes.com/bikes/cat/retro-series/om-duro-275-plus
Fat fork on a budget
Whool Locking Suspension Air Forks Aluminium Alloy For 4.0"Tire Snow Mountain Bike 26 Fork Fat Bicycle Fork only 2450g https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X9Y272V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hcUxBb7364BD4
Get this setup going and you’ll definitely be one of the cool kids on a budget
I really like these oakley o-frames with vented lens. The lens vents do really help draw in extra air to keep fog down. The price isn't terrible either.
I sometimes tape the bottom vents to prevent my breath from going up in the goggles when I wear a face mask.
I alway use two layers (sometimes 3) on colder situations. The one on my skin is clothing that can easily breathe and let the sweat pass through, and the layer on top is always a windstopper shell. You want a proper windstopper shell on top. Also I wear a windstopper balaclava
I use the Kuat Transfer 2 hauls up to 4" but with a simple modification you can haul wider. Can add locks to the rack Also it saved my Jeep when I got rear ended by the St. Paul Bomb Squad van.
These are exactly what I wear and they keep my plenty warm. I was out Friday morning and while I got a little touch of frostbite in my fingers, I don't remember even thinking about my ass once! LOL. Good luck.
I don't have anything new to add that hasn't been said but I can say when you go in, it happens fast and it's colder than you imagine. Also, riding gloves do nothing to help you get out. When I went in I was lucky to have a bunch of people around and my bike and I made it out without injury. Underwater springs are a bitch. The reported thickness of the ice was 9+ inches and the part I broke through was less than 3.
If I ever go out on ice again, I won't go unless I have some retractable spikes.
If you're running tubeless you probably should be running sealant in your tires. Fat tires are pretty thin skinned and puncture easily in my experience. Stans, Orange, Slime are all popular brands.
If you get a hole that won't seal there are plug kits like this that can be installed from the outside, or patches like these that install on the inside.
I know some might disagree with me, but I bought this: https://www.amazon.com/VENZO-Bicycle-Torque-Wrench-Socket/dp/B00811WQT8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493642589&sr=8-1&keywords=venzo+torque
It seems to do a great job. I am not sure of its accuracy, but even if it is slightly off I am okay with that. If I torque something to 5nm, and it is actually 4 or 6 I think thats okay. My main concern before getting it was that I was torquing things that should be 5nm to 15nm because of not having a way to gauge how hard I was pushing. I think it only "clicks" in one direction so it is not perfect for torquing lets say my BB on the drive side that threads opposite. But for daily use it seems to be great and not super expensive. But if you have the disposable income to spend, get the park tools version.
Been using one of these...
Works very well, full face when you want extra warmth and pull down the face protection when you need to breath. Magnets make it easy to use with gloves.
Considering checking out the Dakine Men's Scout Gloves, they seem to have a nice winter shell and included liner glove. Seems like that might be close to what I'm looking for. Would love to find something that has a more lightweight shell though.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BW5KWHW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl
Yeah, I get claustrophobic when I'm attached to the bike, especially in snow and ice. I tried clips for a couple of months and just decided to upgrade my flats instead. I can't imagine pogies are much different. I just found a cheap pair of lobster claws instead (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005T2ADYW/)
As others said, shifting is probably clunkier with big gloves, but they're still super warm.
I wear something like this https://www.amazon.com/Balaclava-Coolmax-Motorcycle-Facemask-Versatile/dp/B00RCXXXSO/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1480095094&sr=1-4&keywords=skiing+head+cover
under my helmet, with the mouth/nose cover pulled up if it gets really cold.
Usually I'm wearing my Bern in that zone between "Jesus it's fucking cold" & "ehh, it's not that bad". I'll still have the UnderArmour hood on. Above freezing I'll use the Bern or one of my other more traditional helmets, as dictated by the conditions (riding at night, snowing, raining, etc). I like the Bern cause I'm able to again have a permanent perch for my light, GoPro cams. And with minimal vents, it's warmer, keeps the wet out (more or less).
Should note that I'm a year round bike commuter, so I've got tons of setup/options/pieces that mix and match.
I bought this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00598U2EM/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_KGqdwbAB2PY83
Measured the downtube length/circumference and cut a strip of vinyl. Applied the vinyl. It's that easy! Look at a few YouTube videos of how to apply vinyl wrap first.
I used automotive tire patches with good success on regular mountain bike tires. Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Slime-2033-56-Piece-Patch-Cement/dp/B002GJQ1ZG/ref=sr_1_5?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1427841767&sr=1-5
Holy smokes, in the other items bought section theres some state bike co. fat bikes for 500-700
is this a deal?