Karakoram

I couldn't get used to the drop bars on my Trek 920 touring/gravel bike. The bike's SRAM S700 Doubletap brake/shifter levers were okay, but I had constant problems with brake rub and had to barrel adjust ever so often for the shifting to work well. Both annoyances were really not what you want when you are far from base in hot dusty conditions, especially brake rub. So, I decided to fit an Alt-bar (FSA Metropolis - a flat bar with a back sweep) that I had available. This conversion also required new flat-bar brake levers and shifters to complete the setup. Shimano Brakes and 2 x 10 shifters are not readily available at the moment. Rummaging through my parts bin, I came upon two new Sunrace friction shifters which I always wanted to use and now seemed the perfect opportunity to do so. Our local bike shop fitted new Tektro brake levers and calipers and I did the friction shifter fitment. The Sunrace SLM10 shifters were super easy to fit and set up. They are not indexed and will shift just about anything. All you have to do is set the limit screws on the front and rear derailleurs and that's it. (The Sunrace Falcon Top Mount shifters set currently sell for about R240 on eBay, including shipping). Shifting is smooth and the new bar makes the bike feel nimble and a lot more comfortable. The shifters are very easy to get accustomed to and it is comforting to know that there won't be any compatibility issues if an odd emergency sprocket or derailleur is the only part available far from home. Should have done this long ago. It is time to ditch index shifting.

I just converted my gravel/touring bike (Trek 920) to a flat bar setup. I have the bike's original drop bar fitted with SRAM S700 Doubletap brake - shifter lever set (with calipers) for a 2 x 10 drive train, available for sale. The parts are very new, only done 900km. Asking price R3,000. Let me know if you are interested.

Replacement Fat-Bike tyres are getting scarce and very expensive when you can find stock. My Fat-Bike is fitted with a set of Sun Ringle Mulefüt 24 inch, 80mm wide rims. Currently running 4inch Maxxis tyres. It looks like the rim product page includes the fitment of 27.5 inch tyres as a possibility. (https://sun-ringle.com/product/mulefut-80sl-2/) I can get a set of cheap(ish) Chaoyang 27.5 x 2.1 Tubeless MTB Tyres (R549 ea) from Sportsman’s warehouse. Does anybody know if fitting the narrower tyres on the Mulefüt rims is feasible? Off course the bike won’t be a Fat-Bike anymore, but the frame and fork is still perfectly serviceable as a general gravel and trail bike for fun outings.

What about pBikes? It is exactly like an eBike, just uses a different kind of motion lotion. Makes sense to me, it is much, much cheaper (only R2,400 for a motor - and you get to upcycle your old frame), lighter (only 11kg for the entire motor kit), goes further 50km/l, the tank holds 2l, and it certainly is not a silent killer. People can hear ya for miles around. Oh, BTW, it only goes well if you assist with the pedaling...

I made a short video of the 2018 Around the Pot event. Handlebar view of the foggy 60 miler leg. My wife and I had a blast:

Maybe a Red Bull can. Won't that be even better?

No wobbles. Runs true, but the clearance between the tyre and frame is tight. Mud sticking to the side-wall will easily rub against the inner part of the chain-stays. That is why I applied frame protective stickers around this area and cleared mud build up when I noticed. The bike came out with 2.25" Racing Ralphs and I just replaced this with a 2.2" Geax tyre. Mud is very abrasive and the damage happened quickly.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I've removed the frame protection sticker, which is quite thick and tough. It certainly helped to reduce the friction damage where it was applied. I've learnt that mud can be extremely abrasive though. The scar initially seemed deeper with the thickness of the sticker taken into consideration, but sans sticker it doesn't seem too bad. I applied matching white nail polish as touch-up paint over the scar and things are beginning to look up - a little. Now, to re-protect the frame around the narrow clearance area. I like the idea of a cutting a piece of metal from a cool-drink can. Think it will provide better friction protection than the original plastic sticker I applied. About running a narrower tyre. This is also a feasible suggestion, but I just fitted new 2.2" rubber. Buying again will be a last resort, failing to install tougher frame protection.

Hi knowledgeable Hubbers. Should I be concerned about the damage? Mud clinging to the side wall of my bike's rear tire has rubbed through a bike-protector sticker, paint finish and exposed the carbon structure underneath. The clearance between the tire and the frame is quite tight and a very slight build-up of mud seems to rub against the frame. I've tried to clear the mud on several occasions during the training ride today. also had a frame protection sticker applied at the problem area on the frame, which didn't help. My bike is a 2014 Titan 650b carbon MTB, which I love to ride and still still goes very well. I've entered the Swellendam 100 miler in two weeks time and would like to use this bike. Does anybody perhaps know how thick the carbon structure in general is in the area where the rub occurred on mountain bikes (see attached image)? Should I be concerned that the chain-stay will fail because of the friction scar? Is it repairable? Thanks in advance for any feedback.

There is a fat-bike category in the Bike Hub's classifieds. Check regularly. Serious fat-bike pilots can find good deals here. Fat is not dead yet. Global Fat-Bike day is on 2 Dec 2017. See post here: https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/170956-global-fat-bike-day-2-dec-2017-gfbd2017/

I've not seen anything advertised anywhere. You still have some time to organise a ride yourself. Post an invite for a few fatties to get together for a ride and photo shoot. It doesn't have to be a big event. Keep us in the loop if you decide to organise something.

On December 2nd, 2017, people from all over the globe, will get out for a ride on their fat-bikes! They’ll go for a solo cruise or maybe make plans to gather their fat-bike amigos, for a group ride! Don’t forget your camera, because part of the Global Fat-Bike Day celebration will include sharing your experience, through photos and video! Use the hashtag #GFBD2017. More information here: https://fat-bike.com/2017/10/global-fat-bike-day-2017/ If you are interested in joining a Fat-Bike / Plus-Bike out-ride in celebration of the GFBD event in the Somerset West area, please contact me for details. The outbound leg of the ride will be just under 30km in distance, and ambles along the vineyards in the area, visiting a trail section called The FatBike Patch for a photo shoot, and we brake for cake/breakfast/coffee at the Somerbosch Wine Estate (refreshment costs for your own pocket). The out ride starts at 7am. Visitors will be required to purchase a day permit of R50 to use the Wannabees Club trails. Upload photos/video clips of the ride to the #GFBD2017 pages. Fat-Bike pilots in other parts of the country are encouraged to organize their own rides for the #GFBD2017 event. Spread the love!

If a trail system is affiliated to IMBA, this should be noted: IMBA believes all recreational uses of public lands should be managed on an individual use and trail-by-trail basis through the diligent application of benefits based management, preferred use and environmental impact assessment. These land management principles work together to give people the outdoor experiences they seek in a way that mitigates the effects associated with their use so that future generations can enjoy similar experiences. FAQ Q: Is IMBA for or against motorized recreation? A: Neither, IMBA is an advocate for the interests of mountain biking and the development and maintenance of single-track trails. IMBA objects to land management practices and principles that address mountain biking and motorized uses as a single class. Mountain biking involves a spectrum of riding styles with a narrow band of environmental impacts that are similar to hiking and equestrian uses. When classification is necessary, mountain biking should be part of the non-motorized class. Q: How does IMBA view electric assist and electric bicycles (e-Bikes)? A: Electric bicycles are a welcome addition to the cycling community. They allow for carrying heavy loads and offer assistance to those who could not otherwise experience much of the fun of cycling and add a de minimus amount of additional impact. However, the use of a motor whether internal combustion or electric would require changing the classification to a motorized use. IMBA would support the use of e-Bikes anywhere that we could also support other motorized uses. source: http://dirtragmag.com/ebikes/

Nice to hear about another Fatty convert. You should check out this guy's blog - fascinating stuff...http://coastkid.blogspot.co.za/

Your mates are right! It was the coolest jol ever. Nature, new friendships, slack Fatbike riding and chilling out won. I was also super impressed by the spontaneous cycling-chic beach fashion statements made by many of the Fatbike pilots. You are going to the beach, right? Bright Hawaiian shirts, baggies and the hottest shades ever... Loved it.

Thank you to the organisers, sponsors and fellow Fatbike pilots, it was a fantastic adventure ride. We thoroughly enjoyed the beach riding, painterly scenery, and the beer! I also learnt a new trick... How to open a craft beer with your Fatbike's wheel:

Okay, the joke is on me. Never seen the movie. Thought you were seriaas about a secret society of lycra-broekdraers. Banksy's graffiti normally has a social message, the example in the photographs are just bicycles, no message really. The picture of note is the one of the three bicycles in a cluster, or was it only a graffiti artist with a stutter?

I didn't follow the graffiti, I ride a fatbike and only saw it on the small section where the club's trails cross the road. I certainly don't want to spend more time on the tar than absolutely necessary. The graffiti examples I've noticed were painted on road barriers and the road surface. I assume that is a roadie thing, then? AdamA claims that members of the "Ride Club" know what it is about, but not saying any more. Pffft, I suddenly lost interest to know more about the graffiti.

The mystery has not been solved yet.

Just wear a Buff, pulled over your ears. Helps to absorb sweat and keep your helmet fresh.

Last week I noticed a small piece of "street art" or graffiti of a bicycle stencilled on a road-side barrier along Winery Road, near the Raithby village turn in. Asked about it on our club's FB page and other members reported having seen similar bicycles stencilled elsewhere along Winery Road. Another club member spotted a cluster of three bicycles stencilled on the tar surface on the R44 near Streenbas River mouth. Can anybody perhaps clarify the meaning of these icons? Perhaps a cycling route/path of some description?

Maybe the perfect opportunity to pool the purchasing power of Hubbers and develop an app to combine weekly requirements for spares, bulk order from wherever it is the cheapest, save on shipping and distribute to individuals via Mr. Delivery. Like Uber for bicycle parts.

When we planned the ride, 7am seemed a good departure time, but with winter approaching it will still be too dark. We have moved the starting time to 8am.

Hi Guys, The first big, phat Winelands Fatbike get together is still happening in three weeks time, on Saturday 7 May. Please let us know if you are interested in joining the ride. Details (including a video clip) about joining the ride is available here: https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/158555-the-first-big-phat-winelands-fatbike-get-together/?hl=fatbike Spread the love of Fat, join us for a spot of Vet Pret.

Hey all, The Fatbike Outride event will still take place in 3 weeks time, please let us know if you want to ride along. A little pre-view of riding the Fatbike Patch. Hope to see you there: