What other brands have a Surly Pugsly type bike

[GHR]

I appreciate detailed feedback. LBS has Necro and Moonlander in stock, and also carries Mukluk so it will be fun to compare. I have found a number of folks on line who use their fat bike as their regular trail bike, but as with all things, it depends on your objectives.

 

[Christophe Noel]

I have found a number of folks on line who use their fat bike as their regular trail bike, but as with all things, it depends on your objectives.

I work with a guy that not only exclusively rides a Pugsly, he puts pretty big miles on it. Some people get really smitten with the ride of a fat bike, and will ride nothing else. I think as long as you're okay with going a little slower and working a bit harder to keep it rolling, it's not a terrible all-around bike. I have noticed many of the guys that like them for regular trail use tend to be bigger, stronger dudes. My co-worker clocks in at about 200 pounds and he's strong as an ox, so the hefty weight penalty of the Pug is less severe for him.

 

[Alaska Mike]

I ride for Greg Matyas' bike shop, Speedway, so I'm a little partial to the Fatback brand. They pretty much dialed in the geometry for fatbikes, and the little touches are what set them apart. Plus, they're made in America, which is always nice.

The guys up here are pretty dedicated to fatbike racing, from longer events like the Iditarod Trail Invitational to the sprint-distance Abominable Snow Series. I'd venture to say that every bike shop in Alaska sells them, and they sell quite a few. Shops that used to be ghost towns in the winter now find that the cold months are among their busiest.

I gave it a shot, but I'm just too much of a roadie I guess. Plus, I can only afford so many expensive winter sports. I just ride the trainer and wait for the roads to clear.

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

I've been eying a fat bike for a while and was planning a build when I returned home this summer. However, after much research, I'm now leaning towards a Surly Krampus...anyone out there experience one of these yet? My plan is some bikepacking with the occasional trail ride in between on a weekend. It's pretty much down between this and a Pugs. Both can do an internal gear hub which is my #1 requirement.

 

[Christophe Noel]

This may or may not be relevant to you and your style of riding, but several of us have blown up freehubs on our fatbikes. We attribute it to the massive amount of power you can lay down without any loss of traction. For that reason, I wouldn't ever ride on an internally geared hub - personally. There's also a misconception that internally geared hubs are simpler, and less prone to trail damage than a traditional derailleur. Not true. Internally geared hubs still have a long way to go in terms of durability. This excludes the Rohloff hubs, but those things are so heavy its crazy. Mine sits in a box in the basement because it was like riding with an anvil in my wheel.

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

Sorry, I'm at a limited internet connection here for a reply. I'm still interested in trying out the Alfine if for no other reason than to just do it. I'm sure you are familiar with the Lazy Rondo blog, I've been following his adventures on his Pugs for a few years now. http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/category/igh/

I have no doubt a fat bike will be in my near future, but there are so many choices out there right now its hard to decide!