Fort Myers Beach Fat Bike Tires

Come along for the ride as we explore Fort Myers Beach in Florida. Riding in the sand reveals why Fat Tire Bikes tend to self steer. I'll explain this annoying phenomenon and share some of the other discoveries I made while vacationing with my Gravity Monster Fat Bike and thousands of turtle hatchlings on Florida's West coast.

[@darwinrides1688]

Spare a thought for those on Fort Myers Beach, FL today. Most of everything you see in this video was destroyed; gone. Many of the the beach houses, including 'ours', were completely washed away., along with thousands of unhatched trutles (hurricane Ian. Sept 29th 2022).

[@georose33]

I probably saw you ride on the beach. I live nearby and we get there often, except for now of course. But it's getting more back to normal every day. We took a ride there 2 weeks ago, the videos and pictures are awful, but in person.... unbelievable.

[@carflipz1919]

This was beyond the production value I could have expected. Fantastic information about fat bikes and their tires. With a nice little turtle hatching scene and a reminder to appreciate other forms of life. Fantastic video. Thank you.

[@darwinrides1688]

Thank you. That beach house, the pier and everything else on Ft.Myers Beach, FL (along with thousands of turtle eggs) were all washed away by hurricane Ian last year. Breaks my heart, but my Fat Bike lives on - Ride hard, rinse and repeat!

[@fujifatbike5793]

Very nice beach ride, with some tender moments. Good narration and explanation of self steering tendency. Don't notice it too much on my 4.8" Schwalbe Jumbo Jim tires. Thank you for sharing.

[@alldayballin01]

This is why they teach counter steering when riding motorcycles. You account for this while you lean into your turns.

[@JasonHoffmanYT]

Excellent video. Your presentation style is impressive.

[@Rio-mp5tt]

This video was done very well. Thanks for that helpful tip at the end as well!

[@serenitynow2435]

Hey very informative video. I have just bought some 26 x 4.0 Borita slick tyres after being told that there is less rolling resistance with them. Thus better for sand. Makes sense and they don't grab either side either. Once I have tried them I will let you know. From Aussie guy. 🏝

[@OldManFatBike]

Sweet, I enjoyed watching this video! I can tell you from experience that steering issue is directly related to the Vee tires. I switched to the Maxxis Minion tires and I no longer experience any auto steering on hard surfaces.

[@darwinrides1688]

How are you Old Man? Your YT content was the push that got me to buy this bike in the first place (years ago). These tires are getting worn, so I'll take your sage advice and try Maxxis (which I use on all my other MTBs). Be well!

[@Savorourcity]

Great video. Especially liked the scenery and the turtle hatchlings and seeing you fall flat on your ass haha. Nice job filming.

[@Losman0007]

great vid

[@antdx316]

The surface camber can play a huge roll on the way the steering feels which I like.

[@odessae.7173]

Which bike do you recommend i get for sand? I am thinking about picking up a hobby and investing in a bike to ride the South Padre Island 🏝 sand ❤

[@jfloyo11]

Lolol one time I rode a trek hybrid with clip ins...I forgot I was clipped in and hit soft sand and went flying in front of about 200 people on the beach...I bled my 4 miles back home lol

[@peter572]

How is the wear and tear on the drivetrain from fine sand? Have you seen anyone ride with Rohloff sealed hub?

[@darwinrides1688]

I don't ride on the beach that often (usually only while on vacation in Ft Myers). However, home is Florida; every trail here is predominantly fine sand, mixed with shell rock and some muck. The sand is hard on the gears. I go through chains, chain rings and sprocket every thousand miles or so... I have not had any trouble (yet) with hubs.

[@peter572]

@@darwinrides1688 I noticed that your bike has alloy rims with weight saving cut-outs. Does sand get trapped inside the holes? If yes, I bet sand particles rain down on the drivetrain once those holes are in the top position. Do you think that a solid carbon rim could keep the drivetrain slightly cleaner?

[@darwinrides1688]

@@peter572 Sand is a fact of life in Florida, but those holes don't collect sand; they are convex, under pressure. Constant cleaning and using a quality, dry chain lube is about all one can do. Besides, that whole bike costs less than $800 (after upgrades)....virtually "disposable" in comparison to the cost of carbon wheels.

[@southflorida4life930]

Is it legal to ride on the beach?

[@darwinrides1688]

Absolutely! ...and you don't need a Fat Tire bike. The sand does get a little softer, as you get to the South end of the island but a mountain bike, a hybrid, or even a beach cruiser is all you need. Enjoy!

[@southflorida4life930]

@@darwinrides1688 I meant to ask is it legal to ride a fat tire ebike?

[@darwinrides1688]

@@southflorida4life930 Nope.

[@ItsYunque]

where is part 3 lose weight?

[@darwinrides1688]

It's mostly done. I have a few more days of editing left to finish. Fort Myers was my motivation to get the channel fired back up after I let life get in the way. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@jimmyjames1411]

Thank you for not wearing spandex with a dozen "Sponsors" all over and a helmet. So annoying seeing 20-30 grown men on bikes wearing spandex, sponsors, and helmets as if they are pros! I kiteboard but I don't go wearing Red Bull rash guards