We support fatbikers!
Since Surly introduced the Pugsley we have build quite some fatbikes, fat wheels and we kept a good amount of fatbike parts in our webshop. After the fatbike hype early 2000 we kept supporting the fatbikers out there with bikes and parts. We are still riding fatbikes and we can help you with your fatbike related questions and search for parts. Contact us if you have specific questions!
Where did the original fatbikes come from?
The original fat bike was designed for riding on snow or sand, featuring wide tires with low pressure for better traction and flotation over soft surfaces.
A little fatbike history:
Early Innovators (1980s):
- Alaskan and New Mexican Custom Bikes:
- In Alaska, riders began modifying mountain bikes for snow. They welded two or three rims together to accommodate extra-wide tires, helping them float over snow.
- In New Mexico, a custom frame builder named Ray Molina developed bikes with 3.5-inch tires for desert and sand riding.
- Alaskan and New Mexican Custom Bikes:
1999 - The "Pugsley" Precursor:
- The first recognizable fat bike prototype was developed by Alaska-based cyclists. They aimed to improve snow biking performance for endurance events like the Iditarod Trail Invitational.
2005 - Surly Pugsley:
- Surly Bikes introduced the Pugsley, which is often credited as the first commercially produced fat bike. It featured 3.7-inch wide tires on 65mm rims and was designed for all-terrain versatility, including snow and sand. This bike is considered the start of the modern fat bike movement.
Tires and Rims:
- Companies like Surly and Fatback played a critical role in developing dedicated wide rims and tires, which eventually standardized the fat bike format.
Features of the Original Fat Bikes:
- Wide Tires: 3.7 to 5 inches wide.
- Low Tire Pressure: Typically run at 5–15 PSI to improve traction.
- Durable Frames: Designed to accommodate the wider tires and handle rough terrain.