Advice on purchasing a fat bike

[jwrushman]

ACA's Bike Bits had a paragraph about a group in Browning Montana looking for fat bikes.  I'd like to help, but know nothing about fat bikes.  I see that Amazon has several by Mongoose for less than $500.  For example "Mongoose Dolomite Mens Fat Tire Mountain Bike, 26-Inch Wheels, 4-Inch Wide Knobby Tires, 7-Speed, Steel Frame, Front and Rear Brakes, Multiple Colors" and "Mongoose Aztec Mens and Womens Fat Tire Bike, 18-Inch Steel Frame, 26-Inch Wheels, 4-Inch knobby tires".   Would these just become a pain-in-the-a** or are they a reasonably priced bike?  Would they be difficult to service?   Nice if Amazon provides free shipping and they're pretty good with returns.  Or are there other options to consider?  I was thinking about getting something in Browning, but they don't have a bike shop. 

[aggie]

I don’t know anything about fat bikes either.  However they also need some gear so I purchased some items from the ACA store and had it shipped to them.

I went online for some more info on fat bikes.  It appears that the Mongoose bike is a very basic entry level bike.  The gear range makes it a difficult ride for hills or anything requiring a low gear.  If you can find a good used bike for sale near Browning that might be the way to go.

[Galloper]

I'm a huge fan of fatbikes but I'd better start with a couple of old sayings:  horses for courses and you get what you pay for!

Fatbikes are great fun to ride, I use mine regularly as a mountain bike and also on our many local railpaths.   They soak up the terrain and provide enormous amounts of grip.   They are very popular, here in the UK, for beach riding and were, originally, developed in the USA for snow riding so versatility is the key.

I have a Surly Pugsley and think very highly of it.   It's robust and a great example of the type.   If you were to take that as a guide, it will give you an idea of the sort of price you will have to pay for a quality machine.

There is no doubt that fatbikes are a niche market and I would recommend one only if you enjoy the sort of environment where they shine, rocky trails, snowy trails, desert sand and so on.   Have a look at a YouTube channel: New Mexico outside.

If you do decide to get one, you will have a lot of fun!