I am enjoying your videos on fatbikes! Since I bought a Moonlander in 2015, I’ve come to prefer riding it and sold all of my “skinny” bikes. My racing days are over, so speed is not as important to me as the traction, braking, comfort, and confidence that a fatbike gives me. I could care less about suspension as well, probably because I’m kinda retro, I started riding in 88. I don’t need the complexity and hassles that come with bearings, pivots, and shocks, etc. If I wasn’t riding fat, I’d probably go for a Jeff Jones bike, I like his build philosophy. Keep going with the great videos, thanks!
Yeah fatbikes have greatly changed how I approach bikes as well, and the fun factor is much higher! The Moonlander is a great bike, and on my someday wishlist! Thanks for watching!
Geez tough call. Right now I would probably grab the Salsa. Pedals great and is fast. Haven’t had it in the snow yet though. The ICT would be the pick for heavy technical terrain, or a long bikepacking trip. The Pugs is pleasant to ride, and is the one I grab to hop on and rack up a few miles quickly. They are all quite close on the enjoyment scale, even though they have various pros and cons.
Another great video! The wind was VERY obvious when you took the Beargrease out. Update: I still do not have my 2021 Beargrease XO1 and it’s looking like December but I’ll let you know as soon as I get it! Cannot wait for more video!
Bruce R awesome I hope it comes sooner, but at least you have one coming! I re-ran the BG and it did much better, update vid soon! Thanks for watching!
If you want a higher speed build, the 27.5” is probably the way to go. You get a little more roll over with the larger wheel size, still great traction, but you do have a little less tire volume than on a large 4.8” 26 wheel/tire combo. But less tire means less weight because they are so heavy. I like my ICT with the stock wheel/tire for those more extreme conditions, but when I go to bikepacking it I will switch to probably a 27.5” setup to improve efficiency. Thanks for watching!!
Sham Rock I have not ridden a Farley. I like them though. As of now, I feel better about the ICT for gnarly/rocky trails as it’s steel vs carbon. Not that the BG can’t do it, but just my preference. I intend to skew the ICT towards more aggressive riding (dropper, maybe a suspension fork) and the BG towards lighter weight a more nimble faster riding. Who knows maybe even a race someday! Thanks for watching!!
I would echo durability..Especially on the downhills..I winter bike with a friend that has a beargrease- we did a ski slope last year and 2 jumps in he cracked his frame..Luckily we both know how to do carbon repairs! My ICT has been completely battered with jumps and rough terrain and has had zero issues
HI great video. Noticed you have the rear Van Helga backwards. This would give more traction but also more rolling resistance. And being on the rear thats going to have more effect than on the front. So you could take away a minute or 2 for the Salsa with the rear tyre put forwards facing.
Thanks for the comment! I have had a ton of feedback on the Vanhelga mounting. They are actually bi-directional, and for the rear that is the recommended direction. I agree with what you are saying though, from a rolling resistance standpoint. Thanks for taking the time to watch!! If you didn’t see, I did do a follow up vid with the Beargrease and it was much much faster in better conditions.
@@ElevationEveryWeekend excellent thank you. I am here in the UK and its muddy for 5 months a year. About to put the Vanhelga on a 50mm rim to round it out for more dig in the mud fest here. Cheers
Tough call, all perform well in the snow. As of right now, the ICT is my go-to for the snow. I have only ridden the Salsa in snow once though, planning for much more of that soon though so it could change. For groomed snow trail conditions I could see the Salsa shining there, since it is a groomed racing fatbike. Taking it to the mtns soon! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment!
Thanks!! Not sure what your budget its, but Norco makes good bikes and has a good one for about $1200. If looking under $1000, I would check out the options from Diamondback, and even Mongoose has a few options that are well under $1000 and serviceable. I am working on a “Top 5 Fatbikes for 2021 list soon so look out for that. Thanks for watching!!
Well, I only paid $640 for the Pugs (used) so it wins on value. Between the newer bikes it’s a closer call. Both bikes are really fun and have their strengths. One of the benefits to Surly bikes is value, bang for buck, so I could give a slight edge to the ICT there too. They have all been completely reliable.
@@cawoodsob geez, tough call between the ICT and the Salsa. Both perform great in different ways. I may say the the ICT has just a little something extra about it, but it’s a totally subjective feeling. And the Salsa really does ride so good. Something about the steel bikes that reminds me of a more utilitarian classic 4x4 though. It’s about the best I can explain it. Again subjective, but I feel like the steel Surly’s will age better than most carbon bikes too.🤷🏻♂️
@@ElevationEveryWeekend Thanks! Yes, I like my 'steels' also. I've never owned a carbon bike yet. I love the utility of the Surly but Salsa has that in 'spades' also... totally get what you are saying about the durability of steel though... I have a number of friends that have broken carbon frames....
@@cawoodsob yeah the Salsa is my first carbon bike. I get the appeal, I still notice it every time I ride it how it just surges forward. I also notice how careful I feel I have to be with it too.
came here after I seen the Dicking about feature figured if he featured you too in the same episodes you have to be good cause we are awesome! lol just kidding digging the channel! It also has me wondering how sick a Fat eMTB would be??
Thanks for stopping by! Yeah so cool what Richard is doing, ever little bit helps and it’s fun to interact with others who are in the RUclips grind as well! I subbed your channel previously but glad you got featured as well!🤙🏻
They are both great bikes, I wanted to keep both and am glad I did, I ride them both about the same amount to this day. Even though they can do a lot of the same things on the bikepacking side, the ride characteristics are quite different. If you do make the change, make sure you have the new bike secured first before selling your Pugs as things are still really tight out there on new bike supplies!
JOHNNY IMAGERY Thanks for stopping by! The pandemic has made things kinda squirrelly, but look on the used market! I bought my Pugs used a few years ago and it’s still great!!
If you're trying to see which fatbike is the fastest, I think you're missing the point of fatbikes. It's like trying to see which strongman does the nicest pirouettes.
Well, it was really just a comparison for my own curiosity, and fun. And people do race fat bikes, the Beargrease is a “groomed racing” fat bike per Salsa. I do agree that if speed is not of a concern, a fat bike is a great way to ride. As for your strongman analogy, speed has become a HUGE factor in that sport, if you have watched it in recent years. Thanks for chiming in!
@@ElevationEveryWeekend I guess I just find it funny how the only metric that seems to get used in the biking world these days is speed. Reviews say "bike B is faster than bike A, thus, bike B is better" or tire or...
@@SnootchieBootchies27 Weight and speed are probably over represented for sure. I think in some of my other videos you’ll find I try to test in some other ways as well, again just for fun and my own interests.
Check out this playlist of my fatbike content!
ruclips.net/p/PLZrEXKDmvWZV7xKrbDOHZPEvDTBfuewsh
I am enjoying your videos on fatbikes! Since I bought a Moonlander in 2015, I’ve come to prefer riding it and sold all of my “skinny” bikes. My racing days are over, so speed is not as important to me as the traction, braking, comfort, and confidence that a fatbike gives me. I could care less about suspension as well, probably because I’m kinda retro, I started riding in 88. I don’t need the complexity and hassles that come with bearings, pivots, and shocks, etc. If I wasn’t riding fat, I’d probably go for a Jeff Jones bike, I like his build philosophy. Keep going with the great videos, thanks!
Yeah fatbikes have greatly changed how I approach bikes as well, and the fun factor is much higher! The Moonlander is a great bike, and on my someday wishlist! Thanks for watching!
Share an update video if you rerun the Salsa, that wind sounded like a big difference in riding conditions!!
It was for sure! Actually planning to film the update this weekend. Thanks for watching!!
if you had to pick one bike ride wise after riding all 3 which one would you pick as the one you liked the most?
Geez tough call. Right now I would probably grab the Salsa. Pedals great and is fast. Haven’t had it in the snow yet though. The ICT would be the pick for heavy technical terrain, or a long bikepacking trip. The Pugs is pleasant to ride, and is the one I grab to hop on and rack up a few miles quickly. They are all quite close on the enjoyment scale, even though they have various pros and cons.
Another great video! The wind was VERY obvious when you took the Beargrease out. Update: I still do not have my 2021 Beargrease XO1 and it’s looking like December but I’ll let you know as soon as I get it! Cannot wait for more video!
Bruce R awesome I hope it comes sooner, but at least you have one coming! I re-ran the BG and it did much better, update vid soon! Thanks for watching!
I am currently building an ICT. Trying to decide if I should go with the 27.5 wheels or the 26. Im looking for the best handling and fastest.
If you want a higher speed build, the 27.5” is probably the way to go. You get a little more roll over with the larger wheel size, still great traction, but you do have a little less tire volume than on a large 4.8” 26 wheel/tire combo. But less tire means less weight because they are so heavy. I like my ICT with the stock wheel/tire for those more extreme conditions, but when I go to bikepacking it I will switch to probably a 27.5” setup to improve efficiency. Thanks for watching!!
Yep little late in the game I picked up pugsley really like it the way it handles and yes the gearing seem to be spot on for me good video
Thanks! Love my Pugs, still gets ridden regularly even though it’s 8yrs old. Gonna have a couple vids with it coming before too long.
Have you had / ridden a Farley ? Curious to what purpose the ICT serves that the BG doesn’t?
Sham Rock I have not ridden a Farley. I like them though. As of now, I feel better about the ICT for gnarly/rocky trails as it’s steel vs carbon. Not that the BG can’t do it, but just my preference. I intend to skew the ICT towards more aggressive riding (dropper, maybe a suspension fork) and the BG towards lighter weight a more nimble faster riding. Who knows maybe even a race someday! Thanks for watching!!
Also the ICT and all Surly bikes have more mounting areas for bike packing.
I would echo durability..Especially on the downhills..I winter bike with a friend that has a beargrease- we did a ski slope last year and 2 jumps in he cracked his frame..Luckily we both know how to do carbon repairs! My ICT has been completely battered with jumps and rough terrain and has had zero issues
Great video. Loved it. Those three bikes are real nice.
Sherry Hospodar thanks for watching!!
@@ElevationEveryWeekend Thank you i love your Videos . I always learn something from watching . They are always power packed with info.
HI great video.
Noticed you have the rear Van Helga backwards. This would give more traction but also more rolling resistance. And being on the rear thats going to have more effect than on the front. So you could take away a minute or 2 for the Salsa with the rear tyre put forwards facing.
Thanks for the comment! I have had a ton of feedback on the Vanhelga mounting. They are actually bi-directional, and for the rear that is the recommended direction. I agree with what you are saying though, from a rolling resistance standpoint. Thanks for taking the time to watch!! If you didn’t see, I did do a follow up vid with the Beargrease and it was much much faster in better conditions.
@@ElevationEveryWeekend excellent thank you. I am here in the UK and its muddy for 5 months a year. About to put the Vanhelga on a 50mm rim to round it out for more dig in the mud fest here. Cheers
If you had to pick one based on having fun in the snow, which one would you keep?
Tough call, all perform well in the snow. As of right now, the ICT is my go-to for the snow. I have only ridden the Salsa in snow once though, planning for much more of that soon though so it could change. For groomed snow trail conditions I could see the Salsa shining there, since it is a groomed racing fatbike. Taking it to the mtns soon! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment!
@@ElevationEveryWeekend that was my assumption but better to hear it from someone who has ridden the bikes. Thanks for the content
Hi love your videos can you recommend me a good budget fat bike to start with please
Thanks!! Not sure what your budget its, but Norco makes good bikes and has a good one for about $1200. If looking under $1000, I would check out the options from Diamondback, and even Mongoose has a few options that are well under $1000 and serviceable. I am working on a “Top 5 Fatbikes for 2021 list soon so look out for that. Thanks for watching!!
@@ElevationEveryWeekend awesome thank you
I cant wait to come out with my Surly Wednesday so you can run it to add those numbers.
dirteveryweekend that would be great!!
If you only could keep one of them... which one would you keep?
Tough call between the ICT and the Beargrease. Both do what they do really well. I guess right now I would say the ICT, could be different tomorrow
If you get a chance, you should try an RSD mayor, the geometry is so different than those three bikes.
Thanks for the tip! I am familiar with their bikes, but have never ridden one. Thanks for watching!
How would rank them on dependability, upkeep costs, initial cost v fun of rides?
"Best fun for the buck?" to keep the question simple
Well, I only paid $640 for the Pugs (used) so it wins on value. Between the newer bikes it’s a closer call. Both bikes are really fun and have their strengths. One of the benefits to Surly bikes is value, bang for buck, so I could give a slight edge to the ICT there too. They have all been completely reliable.
In basic terms... which bike of the three would be your go to? Or another way to think about it... if two HAD to go... which one would you keep??
@@cawoodsob geez, tough call between the ICT and the Salsa. Both perform great in different ways. I may say the the ICT has just a little something extra about it, but it’s a totally subjective feeling. And the Salsa really does ride so good. Something about the steel bikes that reminds me of a more utilitarian classic 4x4 though. It’s about the best I can explain it. Again subjective, but I feel like the steel Surly’s will age better than most carbon bikes too.🤷🏻♂️
@@ElevationEveryWeekend Thanks! Yes, I like my 'steels' also. I've never owned a carbon bike yet. I love the utility of the Surly but Salsa has that in 'spades' also... totally get what you are saying about the durability of steel though... I have a number of friends that have broken carbon frames....
@@cawoodsob yeah the Salsa is my first carbon bike. I get the appeal, I still notice it every time I ride it how it just surges forward. I also notice how careful I feel I have to be with it too.
Cool Test !!! I ride a Surly Ogre and a Redline monocog 29er New Subscriber here 👍👍🚲❤️
Thanks! It was fun to do it and see what happened. I’m a big fan of the Ogre, it’s on my long wishlist of bikes! Thanks for watching and subscribing!
The Salsa looks awesome!
Thanks much appreciated!!
came here after I seen the Dicking about feature figured if he featured you too in the same episodes you have to be good cause we are awesome! lol just kidding digging the channel! It also has me wondering how sick a Fat eMTB would be??
Thanks for stopping by! Yeah so cool what Richard is doing, ever little bit helps and it’s fun to interact with others who are in the RUclips grind as well! I subbed your channel previously but glad you got featured as well!🤙🏻
27.5 plus tire is so great in trail yeah rock on trail....ride safe
RS28 TV thanks for watching! Re-ran the Salsa BG today in better conditions, update coming soon!!
Nice video!
Thanks for watching! Update on the Beargrease soon!
Im on the fence of upgrading my 2015 Pugs to a 2021 Ice Cream Truck...be hard to say bye to that bike
They are both great bikes, I wanted to keep both and am glad I did, I ride them both about the same amount to this day. Even though they can do a lot of the same things on the bikepacking side, the ride characteristics are quite different. If you do make the change, make sure you have the new bike secured first before selling your Pugs as things are still really tight out there on new bike supplies!
You wanna sell the ICT? My prickly bear burned up in a fire😞
Oh man sorry to hear!! No plans to sell it though, still a super fun bike!
Nice I wish I can buy one of those Mercedes bicycles 😌😌
JOHNNY IMAGERY Thanks for stopping by! The pandemic has made things kinda squirrelly, but look on the used market! I bought my Pugs used a few years ago and it’s still great!!
Elevation Every Weekend yeah thanks 😂😂❤️. I don’t think I can even purchase the used one
Disclaimer: I have never ridden a fat tire bike. Seriously, did 4 minute miles on those bikes surprise anyone else?
Fat bikes are surprising performers when setup well, especially tubeless!!
The oldest (and original fatty) bike performed the best! Go Pugs!
Pugs is an icon, still ride mine all the time!
If you're trying to see which fatbike is the fastest, I think you're missing the point of fatbikes. It's like trying to see which strongman does the nicest pirouettes.
Well, it was really just a comparison for my own curiosity, and fun. And people do race fat bikes, the Beargrease is a “groomed racing” fat bike per Salsa. I do agree that if speed is not of a concern, a fat bike is a great way to ride. As for your strongman analogy, speed has become a HUGE factor in that sport, if you have watched it in recent years. Thanks for chiming in!
@@ElevationEveryWeekend I guess I just find it funny how the only metric that seems to get used in the biking world these days is speed. Reviews say "bike B is faster than bike A, thus, bike B is better" or tire or...
@@SnootchieBootchies27 Weight and speed are probably over represented for sure. I think in some of my other videos you’ll find I try to test in some other ways as well, again just for fun and my own interests.