“Fat bottomed bikes, they’ll be riding today, so look out for those beauties, oh yeah!” -Freddie Mercury

Fatbikes have been rolling around the Alaskan wilderness for decades, but ever since Surly introduced their Pugsley frame along with dedicated rims and tires the Fatbike world has truly exploded. While the first few intrepid riders were just as likely to be laughed at, today the sight of these big wheels coming down the street induces big, wide grins and the occasional spontaneous bike parade. The Fatbike phenomenon is happening for a reason: Big wide tires (like, real big) on big wide rims running real low pressure have great traction. Not just great: like, unbelievable great. And what started as a necessary upgrade for long-distance Iditabike racers has become a fantastic tool for winter commuting and a hilarious new way to tear up your favorite singletrack.

But Fatbikes aren’t just like normal bikes: Big wheels need big frames and forks, specific cranks, and special care taken to avoid chain interference with the tires. And, of course, your big wheels will be bigger and better when built by an expert Fatbike mechanic. At Golden Bike Shop, we hopped on the Fatbike train early and we’ve been riding it hard. That’s why we stock offerings from Surly, Salsa, and 9:zero:7. That’s why we have Fatbike-specific parts on the shelf, and our mechanics build so many Fatbike-specific wheels. On some special nights you might even catch a Fatbike group ride leaving from the shop.

Here’s a quick overview of each of the fat bikes we’ll be carrying this year:

Salsa Beargrease

• Frame Material: Aluminum w/ aluminum tapered fork
• Clearance: Ships with a 4.0 tire on 82mm rims, clears up to 4.7 on a 100mm rim with drivetrain modifications.
• Build kit: SRAM X7/X0 2×10 drivetrain, e13 crankset, Holy Rolling Darryl rims on Salsa hubs, 45NRTH Husker Du tires, Avid Elixir 5 hydraulic disc brakes.
• No rack mounts, 2 water bottle cage mounts, no alternator dropouts.
• 135mm front hub, 170mm symmetrical rear hub.

Salsa Mukluk 2

• Frame Material: Aluminum w/ CroMo steel fork.
• Clearance: Ships with a 3.8 tire on 82mm rims, clears up to 4.7 on a 100mm rim with drivetrain modifications.
• Build kit: SRAM X7/X9 2×10 drivetrain, e13 crankset, Holy Rolling Darryl rims on Salsa hubs, Avid BB7 disc brakes.
• Front and rear rack mounts, many water bottle cage mounts on the frame and Salsa Enabler fork.
• Alternator dropouts- singlespeed and IGH compatible!
• 135mm front hub, 170mm symmetrical rear hub.

When you’re ready to start your newest and fattest bike adventure, come on by the shop. Demo a Moonlander, or hold a Large Marge in your hand. There’s a fat-bottom bike waiting for you.