MacFatro - Fatbike news and builds thread

[epicyclo]

On a separate issue, I've foolishly got into a contest(?) with Velomaniac to build the cheapest possible retro fatbike [music = "Dambusters Theme] and it's got to be British [/music].


Searching through my attic I've found all sorts of useless British bits that are keen to show those pesky oriental parts who is top dog, and have volunteered for the mangling that will ensue.

I need a fork though, and it struck me that the obvious fork would be that of a Raleigh Bomber. If anyone has one they'd like to swap or sell cheap* let me know. (Bear in mind it will be butchered somewhat so nothing precious or NOS)

 

[firedfromthecircus]

Cheers Jamie. Welcome down any time.
Your build sounds cool. Do you care to tell us the builders name?
And a mini Krampus sounds grand for you.

Velo, I think the 26" dirt wizards are called 2.75 as its a play on them being the same rolling radius as a 650B. AFAIK in reality they are 3".

The space is quite tight on the moonie Clubby, but I have clearance with the wheel all the way forward in the dropouts, so I could have a wee bit more room if I felt I needed it. The Lou does chuck up some amount of shite though!
As for drag, Bud and Lou should be more draggy than BFLs, but on sundays ride on local stuff (some of which you rode at Fat Forth) my average speed was exactly the same as the last two rides on that route! I didn't think I was trying to compensate, just the opposite in fact, so maybe the extra drag is minimal? I suppose I'll find out when I go for a group ride! :shock:

 

[firedfromthecircus]

Oh, and i forgot to say that I am quite partial to the half painted titanium Salsas. The Mukluk and El Mariachi both look fantastic, and even though the colours are not so nice the Fargo and Warbird look pretty decent too.
The half paint seems to get a mixed response but I think it's nice to see something a bit different to the bare metal/etched graphics look. Not that they look bad, just vive la difference.

 

[firedfromthecircus]

And while I'm here I'm just going to stick this photo up in this thread.

Three bikes, three speeds!

Cheers Aaron.

 

[velomaniac]

Epicyclo is trying to build retro and british in our wee comp, he added that to maybe move the goalposts in his favour. I'm having none of that. Comp was about bodging a fat tyred floatation bike as cheap as possible. Its not about building a proper mtb style fat bike, just building something cheap that can cross soft terrain such as beaches, snow, boggy ground etc
My build involves 16 x 4" tyred wheelbarrow wheels and will probably ressemble a fat tyred shopper bike though the designs still evolving. Might make a Strathpuffer Paddock bike for helping me look after team MacRetro.

 

[clubby]

Bike felt hard work today but I thought it was maybe just because I hadn't used it in a few weeks. Picked it up over a gate and noticed the cranks barely spun. Cut the ride short and headed home. Went to take off the cranks, bolt one no problem but bolt two stuck solid. Put on some penetrating fluid, left it then went with bigger allen key. Predictable result of a rounded bolt. Tried a rubber mallet in the hope that with only one bolt, it might work the crank loose.
Some foul language and out came the drill. Worked my way up the bit sizes and drilled out just enough to loosen it a bit. Rubber mallet again and off came the crank. Unfortunately the bolt was still stuck, so out came the hacksaw. Finally the head came off and the remaining shaft screwing out with light pressure from a small drill bit.
All cleaned up and no lasting damage. Annoyed though as I thought I'd been pretty diligent in my cleaning and greasing. At least the bb cups came out ok, even if they are screwed. Still, a year out of them isn't bad going considering where I ride.
So off online to order some stainless bolts and a new bb. Went for a Race Face DH model as its one of the few to come with a 100mm inner sleeve and come prepped with Phill Eood grease.

 

[epicyclo]

Epicyclo is trying to build retro and british in our wee comp, he added that to maybe move the goalposts in his favour. I'm having none of that. Comp was about bodging a fat tyred floatation bike as cheap as possible. Its not about building a proper mtb style fat bike, just building something cheap that can cross soft terrain such as beaches, snow, boggy ground etc
My build involves 16 x 4" tyred wheelbarrow wheels and will probably ressemble a fat tyred shopper bike though the designs still evolving. Might make a Strathpuffer Paddock bike for helping me look after team MacRetro.

Nah, it's not moving the goalposts, just a slightly different approach to yours.

If I can get it ready in time it will be going on one of my laps at the 'Puffer.

 

[old_coyote_pedaller]

velo, could you answer me this, even with 4" tyres on the 16" wheels, won't there be a reduction in rolling diameter of wheels and therefore a lower BB height which could lead to a pedal/ground clearance problem?

 

[Jamiedyer]

Ohhh lots going on with this eccentric engineering duel Pistols at dawn gentlemen
I think a race between the two once completed is the only way
Looking forward to seeing both now as I'm intrigued

The Dirt Wizards are listed as 2.75 but quoted in places as 3. as mentioned. Either way they should fit the 1X1 as I have run 29'ers on it but they were 2'' Maxxis tyres and couldn't really go much bigger with 29'er, though a few measurements I took they should work. Maybe buy 1 to start with
Barry I like that, Krampino For the man who has everything, .........except normal length legs :twisted:
Nice picture there mate! It was a nice ride that one.
I dont want to give too much away about my frameset as its such a wait I fear I may jinx it. All I will say is that it will be very cool but in a sixties way

Jamie

 

[Jamiedyer]

old_coyote_pedaller wrote:

velo, could you answer me this, even with 4" tyres on the 16" wheels, won't there be a reduction in rolling diameter of wheels and therefore a lower BB height which could lead to a pedal/ground clearance problem?
velo, could you answer me this, even with 4" tyres on the 16" wheels, won't there be a reduction in rolling diameter of wheels and therefore a lower BB height which could lead to a pedal/ground clearance problem?

I had a weird moment there when I read that, I read the very first part, and for some reason read it in my head in a strange Penguin asking Batman a riddle type voice Was hard to take it seriously after that
Apologies OCP.
Never mind me, as you were.

Jamie