Does A Fat Bike Need Suspension? | Surly Ice Cream Truck Fat Bike | Rockshox Bluto | Fat Bike 101

[@TalesofAdventure]

Always wondered this ourselves… having only ridden in sand and snow, we initially thought no - but this adds a new dimension to the question for sure!

[@toniedvardsen8169]

The Bluto is probably not much heavier than the Surly steel fork. But for me, a rigid carbon fork is the lightest and best option. Winter riding ruins the sealings on the fork anyways. And you don`t need suspension in the snow. I ride all year round. Have run both Bluto and Mastodon. To much unneccesary weight on front wheel. Which is the last place you wanna add weight. But I am a climber and singletrack lover, not a descender ;)

[@RideYearRound]

I think it was about a pound difference if I remember correctly. I’ve sold my Surly and plan to get a carbon fork for winter/whenever I feel like it on my new fat bike.

[@colokor]

What about the air, oil and all parts in front and rear shocks and specifically the shock seals and gaskets? Don't many shock parts freeze/crack/underperform in cold weather? I am in MN with a hardtail fat bike and I am thinking of going with a front fork and/or full suspension fat bike and beginning to ride the fat bike all year long. I am not sure if any forks are truly designed for winter yet. I can't find a single video on KZbin about fork parts surviving winter. My concern is if I buy a full suspension fat bike am I going to ruin the front/rear shocks on a regular basis due to cold weather. I am not even talking about riding much below zero, I am happy to stay inside on really cold days. Any actual data/experience replies would be greatly appreciated. PS I can tell you I ruined a Fox rear shock on my regular mountain bike after letting it sit outside in freezing temps and then riding it right away down a rough downhill, it was a $350.00 mistake I made. Thanks to anyone for any real experience based advice. I believe bike shops will always tell you to ride because they are happy to fix and sell you new parts.

[@toniedvardsen8169]

@@colokor depebds on your wibter 😊 In Norway, the icy cold weather and road salt is merciless to aby bike parts

[@tablatom]

Thanks for a very comprehensive video as usual. I have a Mastadon comp on one bike and a Bluto on the other fatty. Love both of them. The Mastadon is rated higher by most folks but I like both of them. I rode rigid fatties for the first 3 years and didn’t know what I was missing. I’d be happy to have a rigid for long touring.

[@mattspen]

That raw spot at 3:07 looks fun. Great video

[@username-mk8gf]

A fat tail bike would be awesome. Fat tires deform up to 2" absorbing impact before the frame, stays, hub and even the rim, so a light or carbon frame should hold up better. The instant compliance and unlimited dampening is worth more travel from any full suspension linkage or coil. But a 29" regular size wheel can actually roll and steer. So give the 29" a proper shock fork, put it up front where suspension is essential and you got the best of both worlds.

[@RgezMTB]

Thanks for sharing, thinking of getting a Fat bike and debating over rigid or with suspension.

[@Rick-bn5bs]

A good suspension is undoubtedly better for any kind of bike, Fatbike including. But the selling point is a "good" suspension. If you are tight on cash I'd recommend go for a rigid fork and spend the extra on better tubes and tires.

[@DriverJ-N]

and suspension post

[@ronmexico5908]

Where’s a good place to live to get outside and bike/hike? Utah over Colorado or Oregon seem like good choices. Warm weather may make it easier to get out there…

[@gcprost]

I only ride my fat bike in the winter in an area with lots of snow. I don’t need suspension, I need and use studs.

[@Buck2901]

Loved your review, thanks for posting.

[@MTB_Rider_96]

I like my Fat Bike rigid for 90% of the trails I ride; and just ride my FS Trail or Hardtail for some trails. But Fat Bike really don't "Need" suspension, but if it's your only bike for all trails and conditions, yeah, get a SF.

[@froglegs4910]

Very good advice !

[@simonjandrell5897]

since i put a oil suspension fork on my Mongoose Fat Bike.. its now so nice to ride

[@simonjandrell5897]

@@petersharps3923 never had air first oil suspension fork ever and yes it's pukka as the handle bars are now higher

[@colokor]

GREAT VIDEO...I need help understanding...What about the air, oil and all parts in front and rear shocks and specifically the shock seals and gaskets? Don't many shock parts freeze/crack/underperform in cold weather? I am in MN with a hardtail fat bike and I am thinking of going with a front fork and/or full suspension fat bike and beginning to ride the fat bike all year long. I am not sure if any forks are truly designed for winter yet. I can't find a single video on KZbin about fork parts surviving winter. My concern is if I buy a full suspension fat bike am I going to ruin the front/rear shocks on a regular basis due to cold weather. I am not even talking about riding much below zero, I am happy to stay inside on really cold days. Any actual data/experience replies would be greatly appreciated. PS I can tell you I ruined a Fox rear shock on my regular mountain bike after letting it sit outside in freezing temps and then riding it right away down a rough downhill, it was a $350.00 mistake I made. Thanks to anyone for any real experience based advice. I believe bike shops will always tell you to ride because they are happy to fix and sell you new parts.

[@jevadajones1645]

Great quality fat bike and lighter than expected.

[@davepeterson812]

Did you not like the full suspension? Is the front all you need? Thanks for the info!!! great video!

[@RideYearRound]

I did like the full suspension and regret selling it. That bike was in really bad shape and needed a full overhaul of the suspension, a new rear hub, and new fork uppers and someone offered me a price I couldn't say no to. However, it's definitely not necessary and for where I live now I don't think I'd ride it that often.

[@zylonB]

Just an excuse for another bike video this one... can't tell (if i am supposed to) the difference tween rigid and suspension... just my immediate thoughts... I have ridden the 2 kinds of fat git bikes and suspension is far the better option. Less bouncy castle out of control tricks with suspension forks and the increase in weight isn't really an issue less you have old 60 years legs. Giving you a thumbs up just in case you think I am being grumpy.. well actually I am grumpy as I just bled my back brakes and git messy .. happy biking everyone!!

[@jazzechos1372]

I am curious if you have ever had the opportunity to try a Lauf fork, and if you did what did you think? To me that fork seems to be something that might pull in the best of both worlds.

[@RiverogueLander]

According to the Lauf manufacturer who I listened to today, the lauf fork is only good for dampening vibrations ... so it would be useless for fat bikes.

[@asusasus3277]

Well said. Thanks

[@EricFullwood]

High quality video

[@ahouston9]

Post holes.. the foot traffic completely ruins the expensively groomed trails. You need suspension. I went 2 yrs without, not worth the savings.

[@johnwarren9993]

YES! Mastodon Pro Ext.

[@epicwarfare5295]

Suspensión may not be mandatory in some cases depending on the kind of use adds extra comfort tough so why not?? Your bones and articulations will thank you :D

[@saliston]

What about paved bike trails?

[@SketchNSavourJourneys]

Which is better the 3/5 knife integrated wheel or just the normal spokes?

[@everettbateman5864]

Does the bluto have a straight steerer or does the ice cream truck have a tapered headset?

[@RideYearRound]

The Ice Cream Truck has a headtube that can accept a tapered steerer and comes with a cane creek headset that can accept a straight steerer or tapered steerer. You just have to buy the right crown race for the steerer you're using.

[@nathanaelshumsky2977]

Hey, New to fat biking here bought a ICT last winter. I'm heavier and wondering in your experience what's the best fat bike suspension fork?

[@RideYearRound]

I’d say the Wren Inverted fat bike fork or the Manitou Mastodon. I really just didn’t love the Bluto even though I used it for years.

[@unrealjay6159]

dude that trail looks amazing.. where is that? b.c?

[@DriverJ-N]

full suspension fat bike with a suspension seat post lol 🥰

[@edvert1996]

If you could only get one Surly fat or plus bike which would you get?

[@RideYearRound]

Ice Cream Truck hands down. More tire clearance than a Wednesday and the ability to run 29+ like a Krampus while still having similar or more aggressive/modern geometry.

[@Or5mr]

Ha! Don't think too much aboot it and go ride, Yeah! Lowkey I desperatedly want that sus now, after telling all my friends I don't need sus on my new fatbike

[@mathias5171]

Cool man, I’m wondering how you feel about a shock when it comes to jumps and hairy descents?

[@mathias5171]

Btw, you inspired me to get a Wednesday

[@RideYearRound]

It’s helpful on both. I messed my wrist up on a crash on a hairy descent a couple years ago and found that if I rode with the rigid fork too aggressively the pain would come back. The suspension helps that out.

[@srikantpuvvada2795]

what is the make, model of the suspension folk you installed on the fat bike? where can we purchase it from? what is the cost?

[@RideYearRound]

Rockshox Bluto, most bike shops or places that sell components should be able to get one for you.

[@supremeflagship8965]

Full suspension fatbike + suspension stem + suspension seatpost = ???

[@christianscott6963]

Love fat tire bikes Looks faster with suspension

[@nathanhk77]

Thanks for good advice, I have a fatboy and is it reasonable if I will change to salsa mukluk same as yours? As you have this both bike which one is make you feel comfortable or mostly use all round bike ?

[@RideYearRound]

To be honest, I really loved the Fatboy, the Mukluk, and the Ice Cream Truck. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them, but it depends on what you plan to ride. The Mukluk is better if you plan on any bikepacking trips, the Fatboy is great for general riding, and the ICT is a good choice if you have any interest in single speed.

[@nathanhk77]

@@RideYearRound what I love in fatboy is the rock shock fork I’m just making hard time to think if I will go to salsa rigid fork. I don’t usually ride downhill or mountain. All my friends using enduro and I’m only the one using fat bike. I like the looks of the salsa mukluk but I like the fatboy too. 😅

[@dbfcrell8300]

My fat ebike does not need suspension, but I sure do when I ride it.

[@turboelephant6298]

Have you ever tried to upgrade the 100mm Bluto to 120mm? I might give it a bash, I definitely don't need the extra travel, but at the same time, I'd love to have it... 😀😀

[@RideYearRound]

I haven’t and I agree I don’t need it either but it would add a little extra fun just in case haha.

[@bikebudha01]

nicely done...

[@vaidasn6781]

whit what tyre presure do you ride in winter (front /rear )?

[@RideYearRound]

Depends on snow conditions and what tire size I’m running. 26x4.8 I’ll run anywhere from 2/2.5 to 4/5. On my 27.5x4.0s I’ll probably be in the 4-6 range most of the time.

[@shawndoe2834]

I'm thinking about buying a Fat Tire Bike. What do you & other viewers think about Fat Tire Bikes with Rear Suspension? Thanks: Shawn

[@RideYearRound]

If you’re going to ride the same bike all year and have some chunky trails or like to hit jumps and drops then I’m a big fan.

[@cartmann227]

Yes!

[@Duhause22]

Are you from Utah?

[@RideYearRound]

Lived there for about 10 years and moved to Montana last year.

[@technodrone313]

the problem with fat bikes is you cant put it on a normal bike rack. like on a bus. limits your urban riding.

[@DS-tb1bx]

Most probably you don't need. As can be seen in your video, front suspension drastically reduces tire clearance and you don't want this to happen when riding through snow or mud. You need as much clearance as possible. Reduced tire clearance definitely defeats the purpose of fat bikes which are machines that should go anywhere and not get stuck in first trouble on the way.

[@marklouieadame]

Cant see the difference although go pro did it best

[@fr0xk]

TLDR: YES, YOU NEED TO SPEND MORE AND YES YOU WILL NEED ONE PS: I didn't watch the video

[@B_COOPER]

Why? Those fat a** tires alone should provide a lot of suspension… you’d think? Lol

[@c.s.4273]

Rigid 4tw!

[@bassw1758]

If it's electric then yes, otherwise no

[@babyrabies]

Suspension doesn't need fatbike

[@michaelcocheci3696]

waste of time 😁