Fat Tire Bikes
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pedroescobar
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Fat Tire Bikes
So I picked up a single speed fat tire bike for myself, but I'm trying to decide if I should go single speed or 8 speed for my wife. She is a little less comfortable on a bike as she didn't grow up riding them. I'd prefer the simplicity of the single speed vs dealing with gears but I'm wondering if it will be a lot easier for her to have gears.
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TT120
- Posts: 1779
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Re: Fat Tire Bikes
Yes, it will be MUCH easier with gears. I have been bringing a bike with gears for the last 5 years and never had a problem. Just make sure it's working before you get to the Playa.
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W6BJD
We welcome the stranger, but that doesn't mean we have to like them, nor they us, and that's alright. - AntiM
W6BJD
Re: Fat Tire Bikes
Yes, gears. There will inevitably be some point during the week where she's pedaling against the wind through the dunes. She'll be happy that she has gears when that time arrives.
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Papa Bear
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Re: Fat Tire Bikes
Gears do add some complexity, and you'll need to do a little more maintenance after the event on them, but as someone whose knees are a little dodgy I definitely appreciate having them.
I wouldn't suggest a front derailleur on any playa bike, though - there's no need for that many gears, and they're less mechanically sound. In fact, I believe Elliot's technique for "fixing" them is complete removal.
(That's obviously not an issue for the one you're considering, just thought it would be worth repeating for other readers who may wander along in the future.)
I wouldn't suggest a front derailleur on any playa bike, though - there's no need for that many gears, and they're less mechanically sound. In fact, I believe Elliot's technique for "fixing" them is complete removal.
(That's obviously not an issue for the one you're considering, just thought it would be worth repeating for other readers who may wander along in the future.)
Re: Fat Tire Bikes
Don't forget spare bike innertubes, a LOCK, a basket (perhaps), and chain lube (White Lightning clean ride is nice). 
Never leave your bikes unlocked, even at the portos. Lock bikes to themselves so they can't be ridden, if there is nothing else.
Never leave your bikes unlocked, even at the portos. Lock bikes to themselves so they can't be ridden, if there is nothing else.
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"I must've lost it when I was twerking at the trash fence." -- BBadger
"Snark away, ePlaya, you magnificent bastards." -- McStrangle
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BBadger
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Re: Fat Tire Bikes
If you do decide to get a single speed you might want to swap out the gears for a lower gear ratio to make it easier to pedal. Wading through dunes is no joke.
Oh and as mentioned above: get a lock!
Oh and as mentioned above: get a lock!
"The essence of tyranny is not iron law. It is capricious law." -- Christopher Hitchens
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Re: Fat Tire Bikes
I second the change in gearing idea.
I have a fat tire bike, single speed. While the stock gearing was fine for paved roads back home it was a bit much for the playa. Changing the gear was very easy, and didn't cost much.
You can go up a tooth or two in size easily. Beyond that you might need to add links to the chain.
R.Mc.
I have a fat tire bike, single speed. While the stock gearing was fine for paved roads back home it was a bit much for the playa. Changing the gear was very easy, and didn't cost much.
You can go up a tooth or two in size easily. Beyond that you might need to add links to the chain.
R.Mc.