In 2004 I bought a Karate Monkey. At that time, not many people knew what a 29er was. To me it just made sense, so I took the plunge and ordered one online without ever seeing a 29er in person. Eight years later 29ers are everywhere, because apparently they really did make sense.
I'm a little late arriving to the fat bike party. The "snow people" have been riding them for a while now, but here in California they are still a novelty. I think once people realize this isn't just a bike for nutjobs in Minnesota and Alaska, the platform will take off.
I have been watching what On One is doing with their fat bike with great interest. I am a big fan of On One anyway, and I think they are bringing a different perspective to the table. This bike isn't being designed for the typical snow or sand riding. They are aiming at something with fat tires that handles like . . . a mountain bike.
I like the Surly just fine. The Pugsley is a monster truck—stable and predictable—that crushes everything in its path. But so far it's kind of tall and short for my liking. Not bad for what it's designed for, but I am still a racer at heart. I can't help but wonder about a bike that's a little bit more like an off-road racer: longer, lower, steeper and quicker.
That said, I have yet to dip the Pugs' tires in snow, where I hear the benefits of slower steering will become more apparent. Hopefully it will eventually snow in the Sierras.
At any rate, it's going to be fun watching this species evolve.
Later.
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