e-Fatbikes

mab13

Pedelecer
Jun 23, 2015
153
120
45
Peak District
The more I read, the more interested I am.

I like the idea that they're capable at most stuff you throw them at, but with added capability when it comes to exploration or riding in the non-Summer months when it can get really muddy and slippy (or have some great fun in the snow on the few days a year we get it).

Thoughts on your experiences with e-Fatbikes appreciated.

Also, anyone know where I could test one in the north west? Haibike FatSix, KTM Macina Freeze, Felt Lebowske, etc?
 
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I wouldn't take the lack of interest on this forum, to be representative of anything really.

There are only a few brands offering eFat bikes, and I think we are all experiencing the same thing. The bikes themselves are only ever built in small numbers and dealers are reluctant to pre-order or get them for stock, because its seen as a double niche market, so finding actual available stock in the UK isn't going to be easy.

I can't comment on the other brands, however there are a few UK dealers who have ordered the Macina Freeze models, but I think they've all sold them. They don't hang around long once they are in stock. Because whist they are a double niche, it turns eBike + fatBike = a whole lot of fun and its actually surprisingly practical as a bike for many purposes.

If you're looking to try one, we have a few dealers in the North West. Chester eRoads springs to mind. But they won't have a demo one. We do have a demo one here in Huddersfield at the moment, but it won't be here long, because its already sold to a customer who put their name on it last October! We've actually already got people lined up for our 2016 exDemo eFat bikes at the end of next season - the demand for the eFat bikes is that high!

You might have to try both parts separately, ie try a bosch performance eBike and then also try a fat bike
 

Deere John

Esteemed Pedelecer
Apr 13, 2015
532
580
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EU
Hmmm, perhaps these fatties aren't as popular as I thought they were!

I still want one no matter what you lot think of them... :p
+1 on that one. How's it going then? Did you buy one?

I ordered one yesterday, can't wait! (Fatsix)

 
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Izzyekerslike

Esteemed Pedelecer
Apr 3, 2015
455
415
Leeds, West Yorkshire
The more I read, the more interested I am.

I like the idea that they're capable at most stuff you throw them at, but with added capability when it comes to exploration or riding in the non-Summer months when it can get really muddy and slippy (or have some great fun in the snow on the few days a year we get it).

Thoughts on your experiences with e-Fatbikes appreciated.

Also, anyone know where I could test one in the north west? Haibike FatSix, KTM Macina Freeze, Felt Lebowske, etc?
Call them first to check but I understand you can test a Haibike at J.E. James cycles at Sheffield and Rotheram.
 

nemesis

Esteemed Pedelecer
Mar 14, 2011
521
343
The e-fat bikes are incredible in the sand dunes,i watched two people on them this summer and they were riding up and down so easily.On the beach the tyres hardly leave a mark because of the large footprint.
 
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falmouthtony

Esteemed Pedelecer
Living in the county of fantastic beaches and sand dunes it just occurs to me as to how long the novelty of riding on beaches and dunes would last.
My feeling is that once you've done it a few times you'd be glad to get back to the variety of terrain and landscapes that normal off road riding offers.
 
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The Cornishman

Pedelecer
Sep 27, 2016
25
7
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Le Ravary
I wouldn't take the lack of interest on this forum, to be representative of anything really.

There are only a few brands offering eFat bikes, and I think we are all experiencing the same thing. The bikes themselves are only ever built in small numbers and dealers are reluctant to pre-order or get them for stock, because its seen as a double niche market, so finding actual available stock in the UK isn't going to be easy.

We do have a demo one here in Huddersfield at the moment, but it won't be here long, because its already sold to a customer who put their name on it last October! We've actually already got people lined up for our 2016 exDemo eFat bikes at the end of next season - the demand for the eFat bikes is that high!
Aren't these two paragraphs a bit contradictory?
 

Crockers

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 19, 2014
821
689
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Living in the county of fantastic beaches and sand dunes it just occurs to me as to how long the novelty of riding on beaches and dunes would last.
My feeling is that once you've done it a few times you'd be glad to get back to the variety of terrain and landscapes that normal off road riding offers.
Dunes are very fragile and riding bikes over them is, IMHO, irresponsible.
 

mab13

Pedelecer
Jun 23, 2015
153
120
45
Peak District
+1 on that one. How's it going then? Did you buy one?

I ordered one yesterday, can't wait! (Fatsix)

I ended up going 'semi fat'. :)

I have a Specialized Turbo Levo hardtail with 3" plus size tyres which I think is the right balance for the riding I do.

I love the look of your FatSix though and I'm sure it will be great fun!
 

Deere John

Esteemed Pedelecer
Apr 13, 2015
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580
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I ended up going 'semi fat'. :)

I have a Specialized Turbo Levo hardtail with 3" plus size tyres which I think is the right balance for the riding I do.

I love the look of your FatSix though and I'm sure it will be great fun!
Cool. Yes the new plus-sizes must be great. Can't imagine more versatile bike. You can still use 700C normals if you like also. Levo seems popular, nice choice.

Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk
 

Deere John

Esteemed Pedelecer
Apr 13, 2015
532
580
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EU
Got my Haibike Fatsix RC 2016 yesterday. What a bike! It's like riding a tank on the trails, it just goes everywhere, awesome traction. The Bosch CX-system delivers more than enough, I used "Tour" mostly, except when stuck tight somewhere, in those cases the more aggressive modes were useful to quick gain some speed to get passed the hill/obstacle. I missed a dropper post, will buy a such later. And what a difference to my DD front hub bike!! This system is like an extension of your own power, like you want in terrain. Fantastic experience, and a pure joy to ride.




Haibike Spruce Hill
by Daniel Cederberg, on Flickr
 

RobF

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 22, 2012
4,732
2,312
Always good to hear of a new bike purchase getting off on the right foot.

A fat bike may not be for everyone, but you appear to have the terrain and riding skills to make the most of it.
 

Graham B

Pedelecer
Dec 16, 2016
53
50
58
Bath
I ended up going 'semi fat'. :)

I have a Specialized Turbo Levo hardtail with 3" plus size tyres which I think is the right balance for the riding I do.

I love the look of your FatSix though and I'm sure it will be great fun!
HI, I'm in exactly the same position as you at the moment, and was swaying towards the Levo until I just read a post about the Brose motor issues. Can I ask if you have seen any problems and what you think of the bike?

I am really after a Fat if I can get one, but the 3" plus has crossed my mind as a middle ground.

The Levo I'd love is the full fat that appears to only be available in the US, but again that still runs on the same Brose.

Cheers.
 

Rohloffboy

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 1, 2015
315
125
64
North West.
Yep, spotted a fat ebike in our village the other day, it did look the dogs, it has to be said, but I would imagine riding one of the none electric fat bikes would be akin to some kind of medieval punishment for the rider!

Definatley not for me though, I ride a rigid none ebike through the trails here on Verdestien "S" Licks 26" x 1.3" which I will admit can make for some sketchy moments, but once back on the Tarmac I am flying!

When I get around to owning an ebike, I will going for Continental Travel Contacts, 1.75" will be more than adequate for my needs.
 
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