Surly Ice Cream Truck VS Salsa Beargrease | If I Had to Pick Just One… | Hardtail Fat Bike

The most asked question I get is which I would choose if I had to pick just one. Both of these bikes are fantastic, and fill different niches in the fat bike market. I ride both bikes about the same amount, so check out the video to see which I would pick, if I had to choose just one. See below for much more in depth coverage of both of these bikes.
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[@AndrewTiedeplus]

I relate in a strong way to most of the things you just said about how the ICT has something special. I ride a rigid Krampus primarily these days because I felt myself picking my steel bikes over my carbon one so regularly, that I sold my carbon and went all steel. Rugged, durable, classic aesthetics, and I would also say that a steel bike has a calm and muted feel that inspires confidence. Great video, thanks.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching!!

[@stevewalcott9546]

I understand your leaning toward the ICT. There’s something not tangible with steel frames that, IMO, makes them “feel” better, and if you’re not racing, where pure performance is more important, then steel is the way to go. Great video, thanks!

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@KC1RT-RickT67]

Great video - Love my ICT too - all the same reasons! 👍

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks!! It definitely has the special sauce! Thanks for watching!

[@sterlingrodillas5083]

ICT. Something about the slim frame tubes juxtaposed with those huge volume tires. Plus that color is outstanding. Lastly, fits my riding style and favorite trails. Tons of soft and loose surfaces.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Yep, I’m with ya! So good in the worst conditions!

[@louisabanador3997]

Nice content! Would love to see a vid about the ICT running all different wheel configurations. 29plus, 26x4.8, and 27.5x4.0. It would be interesting to see how those would perform.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

I think both bikes are great candidates for a big tire winter setup and a smaller tire summer setup. I have a 29+ wheelset being built right now, so stay tuned! Thanks for watching!

[@thomashospodar9808]

Great video keep them coming

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching!!

[@paigecollier8192]

Tough call but that prickly pear is a head turner!!!

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Indeed!❤️

[@mhilde7744]

Surprised me with your choice. Thanks for the post

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching, definitely a super close call.

[@sherryhospodar2401]

Great points !! I would love to own Either!!!

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@033biketrips]

Cool! ICT rocks!

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Hell yeah it does!!

[@geoffbogie3884]

Just to note, I own a 2020 Salsa Beargrease and run the 27.5x4.5 studded Wrathchild's on the stock rims, which on the SUNRinglé Mulefüt SL 80 mm rim comes out to about a 4.8" tire w/studs, and they fit just fine with room to spare. You could also run the Dillinger 27.5x4.5's (studded or not). Putting 27.5x4.5" tires on a Beargrease is simply amazing for snow.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Yeah, for the back country Mtn conditions I have here (winter and summer) I do like the pure volume of the 4.8” on a 26” wheel. But, if I had to only pick one size for most conditions I agree that the 27.5x4.5 would be the best combination of volume, contact patch, and efficiency.

[@practacticaloutdoorsandthi6962]

I have a Wednesday so I would choose the ICT

[@jesse612]

great content, thank you!! I have a ICT and looking to lighten things up by putting the Salsa Deluxe carbon fork on it. Any thoughts on this, since you have both? Thanks, happy trails.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

The fork should fit the ICT I do believe, but definitely verify that before buying the fork (unless you already have it). They do have slightly different geometry, but not sure if it’s enough to cause any issues. It will remove a good deal of weight though. Thanks for watching!

[@ColorsofLife2016]

I will choose steel or alloy frame bikes as I live in coldest region in Canada. I have concern carbon fiber may tend to brittle in extremely low temperatures.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Valid concern I think, though it appears manufacturers like 9 zero 7 in Alaska seem to have great success with their carbon bikes up there, and many people use other carbon bikes too. I’d be curious for details on what the material can handle and how it compares to steel and Aluminum. I have definitely broken plastic water bottle holders in the winter. I have some carbon bottle holders I look forward to testing below zero as well.

[@inplainview3466]

Avid MTB, Gravel, and Road rider here looking at first fatty. Rode a 2017 Beargrease a few years back and really dug it. Also rode a steel surly straggler from Pittsburg to DC. I am looking for an all rounder for adventure riding in NC with buddies, but also the ability to take it on our bikepacking trips. Do you think the Wednesday or ICT would be the best fit? I know you do lots of fatty reviews and your insight has been really informative.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

I love my ICT, fantastically capable in the most extreme conditions, but if I had to choose between it and the Wednesday for mixed uses and bikepacking, the Wednesday would be a better fit. It’s lighter and a bit less extreme in its frame design. You could of course build a smaller wheelset for the ICT, but in near stock form the Wed will be more versatile and efficient. It’s also more reasonably priced too. Both bikes have pretty much all the same mounts for gear.

[@ModifiedNmax]

The same I get more people looking and asking more questions about my 26 x4.8 fat bike than I do with my high end steel fixed gear. 😅

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

I was taken aback after getting the ICT how much attention it drew, that was after several years of riding the Pugsley with only occasional interest. Thanks for watching!!

[@ModifiedNmax]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend As always this is the only channel I get fat bike content consistently and that is informative. Keep making the content hope your channel grows so you can make more enjoyable content.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

@@ModifiedNmax thanks! I am still enjoying it so will carry on for sure and hopefully it will catch on!

[@thunderdogproductions]

ice cream truck ice cream truck dammit now i wanna go to the store and get some ice cream. nice vid. I have no idea which one i'd pick, i'd probably go for the salsa

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

It’s really close, can’t really go wrong but the draw has never worn off the ICT, definitely the Most fun bike!

[@davidgendron1953]

Well I just picked up a new old stock 2020 pink ice-cream truck and pretty much of et he same reasons you mentioned! Classic steel frame, I love surly I have an ECR(that I want to sell now) and an old pugsley!!

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Awesome! Congrats and a good find! I would keep that ECR though, loving the 29+ wheelset I had built for my Beargrease.

[@davidgendron1953]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend well I can’t afford to keep it, but I think I will get a 29+ wheel set built in the spring the spring!

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

@@davidgendron1953 well, definitely a sellers market out there!!

[@FATKEVMTB]

Steel frames have a great feel but the rigidity of carbon makes the bike so responsive and light. Both have their pros and cons, but catastrophic failure at speed with cliffs/cactus/trees etc. at your side, keeps me away from a carbon frame. Even my carbon fork is in the back of my mind when I’m blasting down a mountain. Aluminum frames have a little bit of the positives of both steel and carbon. I’d choose the ICT also.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Yeah the carbon is always in the back of my mind too, it’s probably tougher than I think though as it’s been around awhile and I think a lot of the failure issues have been engineered out. Still have the feeling the steel frame is tougher, although likely not stronger. Thanks for watching!!

[@kristierundell8917]

They are both so fab. It would be hard to choose…..

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Hard indeed, probably why I put of this video so long! 🙂 Thanks for watching!!

[@MichaelD-gn8oz]

I have a mongoose malus...I tuned it up stock as best as I could, packing the ball bearings loose...its steel frame is highly enjoyable...I prefer it over most others as well...I still would like a beargrease as well but can't justify the price

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

The Beargrease is a great bike, but has gotten really expensive.

[@naldovaz9157]

l too like the Ice Cream Truck, love that massive tire and steel frame my choice for next year

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Can’t go wrong with either of these, but the ICT is the elemental fat bike experience!

[@naldovaz9157]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend I pick up my 2023 lce Cream Truck next month... Mahalo for the great vids and knowledge, and riding... Maholo from Montana

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

@@naldovaz9157 thanks for watching! And congrats on the ICT!

[@fuenstock]

Nice comparison! Have you ridden a Mukluk? I wonder if it has the ride quality or personality of the ICT? How do the Beargrease and Mukluk compare?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

I have not ridden a Mukluk, but based on design I suspect its much more similar to the ICT than the Beargrease. Although I think the carbon Mukluk may split the difference. Thanks for watching!

[@schadlarry]

I would lean ICT just because of the steel frame which will last forever. One crash on the carbon could be all it takes but that 5 lb difference is pretty big. I wonder how much of that weight is due to the frame and how much on the wheels.

[@maros1974]

I got BG in carbon frame since December 2014 and all OK. Since riding the local mountains I prefer the lightweight bike.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

I think it’s a toss up on which would last longer in “normal” use, but totally agree on the impact aspect of the steel being more durable. I definitely think the large 4.8” tires are a good part of that weight penalty, but suspect the all carbon frame/fork helps the Salsa as well. Thanks for watching and weighing in!!

[@edgartena6062]

I have multiple fat bikes because N+1 lol. I got my wife a 2020 ICT (it was really for me but it was the perfect excuse to buy another bike saying it was for her because it was pink) and she turns heads on that bike everywhere and you hear people say "wow look at that bike" and "the tires are huge" and I couldn't resist and got myself a used 2017 ICT to roll with 2 ICTs and it has the 100mm wide clown foot rims and the tires look even bigger by far and the tires are the same size 4.8s. I might buy a carbon rigid fork and maybe try single speed. Putting Single speed on your ICT and compare its time agaist one of the previous timed rides would be pretty cool. Great content I enjoy your videos a lot.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Thanks for watching! And yes, N+1 is a thing, ended up with the Pugs Ops much the same way you got the ICT! Single speed on an ICT would be something else! Not sure I am up for that challenge.😂

[@ellefields8878]

I’m leaning towards the ICT for one reason, steel’s real. I’m an amputee and sometimes I bang my frame with my prosthetic, carbon just isn’t up to that kinda abuse

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Yes I would agree with you on that! While I appreciate the ride and lightness of the carbon bikes, the ICT is the one I take when the conditions are most harsh, winter or summer! My 8yr old steel Pugsleys still seem bomb proof too! We’ll see on the carbon after 8yrs of riding.

[@justgo4033]

I only ride my fatbike in the winter so for me the lighter bike would be better for the tight single tracks i ride .

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Lighter bikes really do perform better all else being equal!

[@Nicky_Pin_It]

#SURLYGANG 🔥🔥🔥

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

It’s a hell of a team!!

[@chetspencer3241]

Does trail oriented slacker geometry mean the ice cream truck is a little more relaxed and upright instead of the race-oriented geometry of the beargrease?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

They are actually pretty close, not different enough to really distinguish in my opinion. But, the ICT is slightly slacker.

[@fzpnd7]

I really love my ice cream truck , But I would really like to add an electric motor. Any idea's on kits out there ?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Not something I am really familiar with. I do know from a warranty standpoint Surly doesn’t permit adding a motor, but people definitely do it.

[@mikaelljungberg1019]

Correkt me if im wrong but i do Belize that the icecream truck do have bosses for atathment of a front rack and that would sitter the deal for me.not many fatbikes do.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Yes the ICT has the bosses on the top of the fork to accommodate a front rack easily. The Salsa does not.

[@NoBrakes23]

I really like Surly's products, but now that I own a Karate Monkey, I'm not stoked on their dropouts compared to their sister company's Alternator dropouts. I'm not a carbon hater by any means, but if I could get a Surly with Alternators, I'd take the weight penalty of the steel in a heartbeat.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Yeah the carbon vs steel thing is something I am always on the fence about, but I can say both have pros and cons so I try to enjoy and use each for their pros based on what I am doing.

[@freeskier175]

I like speed and responsiveness...so beargrease all the way.

[@Accu53Mation]

Basically. Ya can't make-up your mind, nor do you want to pick a winner, knowing you'll lose out on receiving free promotional material from the brands.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

I have not received a single thing from either of these brands, 100% purchased by me. Still own and love them both.

[@cferro8071]

Lol, I chose the beargrease because it came in to stock before the ict... and I wanted to ride! Also, I have been in the industry for many years and I have heard a lot of people have been having cracking issues with the ict frame which is a turn off for me. And that's not usually how surly is! I've broken many frames but never a surly. But I guess I'll bever know if I would have cracked the ict.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Frankly, the Beargrease might objectively be the best fatbike on the market!! At least that’s what I will be saying in an upcoming one year review video. I have seen some of the chain stay cracks on the ICT, hard to know if it was an isolated batch or not, but at least Surly has backed up their bikes under warranty. So far mine is ok with plenty of hard miles, I really hope it lasts because it’s a keeper, especially in the prickly pear color!

[@cferro8071]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend yeah I totally agree with that. I really hope it does last for you. Honestly, surly has been my go to brand but with the market the way it is I didn't want to miss out riding this winter.. cheers, looking forward to watching your videos

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

@@cferro8071 thanks for watching!!!

[@mikaelljungberg1019]

Thougth so

[@christopherlee1738]

Like Surly they try to come up with odd names

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Yep, if you google the Salsa Beargrease you can find the origin of their choice for the bike.

[@timo2829]

Kona WO

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Definitely a good one!

[@curtvaughan2836]

Surly, because I don't want a plastic fat tire/mountain bike. Steel is real.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

I definitely enjoy my steel frame Surlys. But, a good carbon bike is such a performance joy