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I’ve seen it was updated, but the chainstays are really long. I like a more agile bike.
Well, the comment that it only goes straight was straight...BS. I've won several DH and XC races on it and they were not "straight". I do agree that it's more of an enduro-fatbike, which matches my style. I make super tight winter trails with tight squeeze points, tight radius turns, etc. It turns just fine. The limiting factor is the snow conditions, if they are too soft for the width of the tires. When it's just snowed and it's on top of a soft base, you simply need wider tires than this provides.
 
Discussion starter · #22 ·
Thanks for the discussion here so far. I got back in touch with Nick with a couple of revisions based on this thread and we made a couple of changes in the pending build.
 
Discussion starter · #23 ·
So I'm hoping to see my Fatillac in a month or so. As mentioned above it will be my first experience with 27.5" fatties. (I've got lots of experience with 26" fat bike tires, tho) My original plan was to just run VanHelgas front and rear, they're my favorite all-rounder tires. But now, while I will definitely stick with the VH up front, I'm thinking about something a little quicker rolling (but still with reasonable grip) in back-either a Dillinger 4" or a CakeEater 4". Anyone tried both that can offer a comparison? I've run all three of these tires in 26X4 as back tires in the past, but I haven't formed a clear preference between the D4 and CE4.) They'll see some shoulder season but mostly snow use.
 
IME, 4" tires are for hard pack races and summer conditions only.
 
I run a 4" VH up front and a 4" CE on my "summer fat" wheels. I used that combo on my old Fatillac before I sold it, as well. Big fan of that combo. I never liked the D4 until I recently saw the updated version. Looks very intriguing. If I wanted a beefier rear tire than a CE without going full out for another VH, the D4 looks to fit that spot.
 
Discussion starter · #27 ·
I run a 4" VH up front and a 4" CE on my "summer fat" wheels. I used that combo on my old Fatillac before I sold it, as well. Big fan of that combo. I never liked the D4 until I recently saw the updated version. Looks very intriguing. If I wanted a beefier rear tire than a CE without going full out for another VH, the D4 looks to fit that spot.
Thanks, yeah the new D4 looks a bit more capable but still has the row tightly spaced narrow knobs in the center for low rolling resistance. The Cake Eater looks more conventional just with lower knobs across the majority of the middle of the tire. it's a tough call, and fat tires are so expensive and wear so slowly that I'll be using whatever I buy for a while!
 
Discussion starter · #28 ·
The main thing that makes me consider the CE over the D4 is that running it backwards for climbing traction seems like it would be less impactful on rolling resistance than on the D4.
 
Discussion starter · #29 ·
Well, I got my Fatillac the other day! In the biggest, longest bike box I've EVER seen. Got out for a quick, 10 mile ride yesterday to try it out. It was very hot and humid, pretty much the opposite of conditions this bike will typically see. Still dialing things in a bit of course (I'm never really done fiddling with stuff) but my initial impression is that I'm going to get along with it just fine! It really rides and handles nicely, no complaints there, and it's pretty gorgeous (if a bit flashy) I went with purple when I realized I'd never had a bike in that color. Definitely clashes with my truck tho. 35.2 pounds as it sits.

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Well, I got my Fatillac the other day! In the biggest, longest bike box I've EVER seen. Got out for a quick, 10 mile ride yesterday to try it out. It was very hot and humid, pretty much the opposite of conditions this bike will typically see. Still dialing things in a bit of course (I'm never really done fiddling with stuff) but my initial impression is that I'm going to get along with it just fine! It really rides and handles nicely, no complaints there, and it's pretty gorgeous (if a bit flashy) I went with purple when I realized I'd never had a bike in that color. Definitely clashes with my truck tho. 35.2 pounds as it sits.

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You may want to flip that rear tire around, I can't imagine you are running out of traction. The other direction will corner and roll better.
 
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Discussion starter · #33 ·
You may want to flip that rear tire around, I can't imagine you are running out of traction. The other direction will corner and roll better.
Yeah, that might happen. The sidewall indicates front/back directions and presumably whoever built it up at Zinns just followed that-can't fault them.
 
Yeah, that might happen. The sidewall indicates front/back directions and presumably whoever built it up at Zinns just followed that-can't fault them.
I think most 45nrth tires come like that. Few of us run the rear backwards (traction), because rolling resistance is all the time.
 
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Discussion starter · #35 ·
Heh, I have a friend that works at a local bike shop and I talked to him a bit last fall when I first started thinking about ordering this bike. He was pretty interested-has an older Foes Mutz and has been thinking about replacing it. I took the Fatilliac over to his shop today to show it to him and when I came in he was busy, busy. On the phone, helping people.

I waited til he stepped back and said, pretty busy, eh?
Yeah, Mondays are busy cause everyone breaks their **** on the weekends. he says.
I said I brought my Lenz with me but if you are too busy...
You have it with you?!?
Yeah, right in the back of my truck.
Screw the public, I have to check this out!

LOL.

So I showed it to him and let him pedal it around a bit. He loved the color and thought it was pretty sweet. He's pretty tempted to order one! So that's my bike guy duty fulfilled, tempted someone to spend some money. ;)
 
Hi,

I ve just picked a Fatillac frame here in the UK but its been beating up, the frame is cracked at the top of the head tube by the weld and a collar as per newer ones should sort this, ive started to strip the bike down but cant split the rear triangle at the back, each side there is a small bolt in the hingle, these are out but there looks like a top hat insert welded in from the rear, before i attack it an make it worse has anyone ever stripped one down.

Thanks

Matt
 
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