Honestly a big part of why I love my plus hardtail so much is the sound. Listening to the tire rumble all day makes the climbs so much more satisfying.
Fatbiker myself, I can totally relate to Blake's comments about looking down at that enormous tyre and the dull noise it makes. Love it. Despite it being slower than a gravel bike, I'd clearly chose the fattie, anytime.
I knew if I scrolled down I'd find someone with a similar feeling to me. The fatbike fun factor definitely outweighs the added inconvenience. Especially at a bike park.
I once was interested in a fat bike as well … but the market for fat bikes here in Germany was and still is literally dead right from the beginning of this „genre“. The dealers wanted to talk me out of it. Never ridden a fat bike as no dealer had a demo bike. I would have to order one with big payment upfront…and the risk I might not like it as a keeper was too high for me. I do own an XC racebike and the fat bike would just be an additional toy for variety…so I stepped back from this idea.
@@bikemike1118 in my opinion fat bikes only make real sense under very specific circumstances - mainly deep snow and sand. Anything else can be done as good or better on a regular mountain bike. Most people riding fat bikes simply love that they are so chunky (which is reflected in many comments here too), it's mostly not a rational choice but an emotional one. Which is totally okay, of course. It's a hobby and we want to have fun outdoors. 🙂
@@TechSucht …totally agree with you! The same would have applied for me. I sometimes do like this chunky look but on the other hand …riding around with a bike like this in an environment where is no sand and rarely much snow can also look pretty dumb and ridiculous…especially when you’re (like myself) not a teenager any more. 😎 So, it‘s probably a „good thing“ for me that the fat bike-market here is down. Thx
I think Blake's skill made the downhill times closer than most riders would get. I am fairly sure I would be a lot slower on the gravel bike than on the fat bike for that section. I like my gravel bike for the options it gives me on road rides to get in a sneaky bridleway shortcut, but prefer my trail bike for anything even slightly serious. I do really want to try a fat bike. I have never ridden one and they look a lot of fun. Something to consider if I end up on a trip where I need to rent a trail centre bike for the day.
I have a mountain bike and a fat tire bike which I ride in the winter here in Minnesota and let me tell you, there's nothing like riding a fat tire bike on snow. The feeling of floating over obstacles, the sound of the snow under the tires, the serenity of the woods... I highly recommend it I have studded tires on it for the ice, so I don't ride it outside of winter.
If that gravel bike was a hybrid (flat bar) it would have been even faster. Drop are pretty much detrimental offroad. Put some "inner bar ends" like Spirgrips on a flatbar then you gain a "hoods" position on it if you are so concerned about aero.
Fat bikes have a pretty specific purpose. I live in Alaska (where they were invented) and even here they aren’t often the best choice unless you are in the snow/soft ground. That being said they are loads of fun and will give you a great workout. Getting back on your gravel bike will make it feel too easy.
A simple way to speed up the fat bike is to choose a different tire and/or increase the tire pressure. Small adjustments in pressure make Big changes in ride feel and rolling resistance.
Same fat bike with lets say 3.8 hodags at 10psi would beat the gravel in overall time. So, yeah, funny videos, but again, it’s difficult to categorize. Love you Blake!
yeah unfortunately because of their business model, they're pretty much constrained to their sponsors products, which has the unfortunate effect of skewing results by exclusion of other options. it kind of makes them look incompetent to those of us who are actually in the know, and see it as misinformation and the disservice to the people who need the other options and can't afford to just throw money around to figure it out themselves.
@@Lenswide I agree with you. I have 3.8's on my fatty and properly inflated they perform spectacularly. I just lower the pressure and I'm happily riding on the beach with my dog. Snow country next.
Next head-to-head should be a hardtail vs a gravel bike on a similar course! I suspect the hardtail will have a slightly larger advantage in the rough than the fat bike did, and will be much closer on the gravel. It could even win overall.
I love Blakes, "I love cycling as a whole" attitude. I feel the same way. Any time spent pedaling on two wheels is time well spent. Both bikes are rad on their own, though I find myself wondering if the fat bike would overall be tiring to ride and is maybe better suited as a really fun novelty bike.
Same! I just love cycling, I have a fs short travel trail bike, a flat bar gravel bike with suspension forks and a commuter conversion of a road bike. They're all fun to ride on their appropriate terrain and they all own their own specific niche.
The thing people don't talk about much in videos like this is the tire mass, if you are a larger rider you can get those flywheels going with a lot less relative power and then maintain them at a medium pace without too much effort, smaller riders trying to get those things up to speed after a turn or up a hill have a much worse ratio of power to rotating mass before the flywheel kicks in some payback to deal with. So I would say can be a lot more tiring, or only slightly so but its going to be much more rider specific.
FAST FAT BIKE SETUP. Rear Schwalbe Jumbo Jim, Front Maxxis minion FBR. The JJ rolls like a fast MTB tyre and the FBR is a proper traction tyre. I can ride fast and aggressive with this setup.
Great video, very entertaining! Blake makes gravel bikes on rough and jumps look easy. Would love to see multiple bikes comparisons on this same track to compare across videos (but truly it also needs multiple times per bike, perhaps multiple riders. Fun video)
I've been a fat bike lover for many years. And I love the one I own now. The videographer here has captured some really beautiful images of Blake's orange fatty....and the gravel bike too I guess.
here in New England alot of folks own fatbikes JUST for riding in the snow, and i think its insane not to ride one year round. theyre a blast to ride anywhere in any conditions!!
Great video! I recently bought a gravel bike and quickly found that the trails in the park up the street from my house that were kind of boring on my trail bike are way more interesting to ride. This is going to be fun.
I ride the trails on a fatbike and really like it. It will bomb down trails faster than you expect and the grip you get from the tires is nice. You do pay for it, but it is all good fun
A lot safer and more comfortable on the fat bike. I run four inch tyres on mine. Wide enough to tackle anything and a bit less drag. With the tyres pumped up hard I can go out with mountain bikes and keep up. Good review though
Blake, you are a beautiful person who's love for biking is infectious. You should do a head to head of a proper old school, og mountain bike (fully rigid, friction shifters, skinny bars, rim brakes and everything) vs a 26" street trials bike. See which is better for doing some old school/techy tricks and some trail riding
For your next clip, let's see: a nice Winter day, a gravel bike, on the mountain slopes! You could compare it to a road racer, or a tricycle, or an urban food delivery cycle. Do NOT use the bicycle specifically designed for the task.
I told my friend with some health issues to get a fat bike. It's stable, comfy, and will roll over anything. I've seen a ton of older people on fatbikes.
Love the gravel. I did 70km tour with 1700m climb a month ago on mine. On a mtb trail... It was fine for all, but one downhill section was pretty sporty. I would love to see these comparisons. 1. Dh VS NP Scout on an all mountain track system 2. His gravel VS his Scout with xc tires on the course from this video. I suspect there is not much difference on the up's this way, but the downs are all scout
Hey Blake love the Fatbike Vs Gravel Bike test, as love the channel in general, could we see more entry level bikes vs the higher cost higher spec bikes? Me and my son love riding but we have entry level mountain bikes and up grade parts as we can afford them, as money is tight for all of us at the moment could you do something for us guys who love mountain biking, but have modest budget? Keep up the great work you do, thanks!
I rode the same trails with my 2022 Marin Stinson as in my Lapierre Zesty, almost same confidence in drops and jumps and doubles the fun. Marin Stinson + good brakes and pedals = BEST bike ever.
I am a fatbike fanatik! I use it for everything. However I do own a gravel bike as well and I'd like to get her tooled up like yours is Blake. Great video! Thanks for sharing.
I have a 2018 Trek Farley EX8 dual sus fat bike 120/120 (3.8 tires). The bike is just flat out fun. Funny when I take to our local bike park and get the "looks". Lol People seem to enjoy it and can't believe I'm jumping around on the thing! I'm with you, Blake. The fat bike is fun anywhere, anytime 🙌
@@dullbrass Why on Gods earth should there ever be 28" fatbikes? Like I said even 26" fatbikes are taller then normal 28" bikes. So there is no sensible reason for even 27.5" fatbikes.
Ive been bikepacking since 1982. Rode mountain bikes most of that time, but shifted to fat bikes in 2019. I prefer them now and have 3. I tour about 30 days/ 8 months a year.
Now I don't feel so bad making all the same sounds as Blake coming up a hill on my fat bike. Thing with me is, I have to take a break or two going up as well.
Great video! On my gravel bike green trails become blue and blue trails feel like double black diamond. Without front suspension my hands and arms do take a punishment though. Overall not the fastest, but it is tons of fun.
My Fatbike with Schwalbe Jumbo Jim 4,8 rolls a lot better, even on tarmac/asphalt, than my cx on Vittoria Terreno mix. At least before the air resistance matter. I had Schvalbe on my cx before and was really surprised how dead the Vittoria is. At least they track better :) I also think that running the 4,8 helps a lot.
@@Radoslaw731 Owning fatbike, xc and cyclocross and have competed in xc I think I'm qualified to make my statement. If you don't understand it, please read it one more time. Still not getting it you are welcome to test my bikes any day and experience it I first person. What bikes and background do you have?
Love a quirky bike. Have you ever considered rigid singlespeed 29er MTB? Makes you pick your line carefully whilst trying to carry as much speed as possible for the uphills. No easy way out on the climbs, gotta get your arse out of the saddle and keep momentum and makes you consider when to hit the brakes. Great for training on and makes you feel like a hero when you get to the top and a quick spin is a proper workout if time is short. None of this full suspension ebike nonsense. Also makes for a great short/medium distance commuter cheap to buy, Low maintainance, light weight very little to go wrong, less stuff to bash, easy to clean but still tough enough to hit the dirt.
I have a gravel bike, 29er hardtail, AND a 29er full sus (n+1). I'm looking for a fat bike (because n+1) but also because in winter... Autumn and spring, the ground turns to slop, I need more traction. Plus I ride trails, gravel, beach, sand... snow is a bit of a stretch, but it's all loose and sketchy. This was a great comparison and much closer than I was expecting, but it doesn't play to the real strength of the fat bike; traction. I also ride for fitness as much as fun, so vomiting a lung after a good climb is par for the course. Thanks for the comparison.
He's mad! I slapped gravel tires on my flat bar road bike and I felt like I was going out the front door on every jump and bump. Blake is just a beast!
That is such a beautiful fat bike. I slap spiked 2.6 tires on my Santa Cruz Hightower for winter riding in Connecticut, but that fat tire bike looks so good.
It depends your interest and intentions for getting outside on your bike and where you are planning to ride. A gravel will be able to ride a century or just make a long ride more doable. A fat bike will conquer sandy or snow covered trails with ease. Just my thoughts
I just built a fat strech cruiser for daily use and I have to say: it's definitely not the most comfortable ride I ever had, but it is a blast to commute with it or just ride around generally. Heavy? Yes, quite, only if you have to lift it tho. But still looks like a beast and the feeling of riding it negates every shortcomings, at least for me.
I had a lot of expensive mtb, s. But now i have a astonic breeze sky high Electric fatbike. The best bike ever for me. Strong enough and easier to drive
I've got an electric gravel bike and a fat bike. Fat bike goes so slow but I just love it. Especially on days like today when I'm commuting to work in the snow.
Love the sound fat bike tires make while riding. I ride 29 plus year round on my hardtail so I can appreciate big tires. Love the extra traction, bit of a penalty on fireroad climbs but I don't mind at all.
XC vs. gravel is the challenge I would like to see- perhaps with the tires on each changed to make them better prepared for each course. Will your XC do for a long gravel grinder or are you going to suffer--/
another good one could be rigid xc fat bike vs Salsa Cutthroat with the optional 100mm suspension. Or XC bike vs Salsa Cutthroat either both with suspension or both rigid.
Totally. I think the xc and the gravel would make little different e with similar tires... Maybe the xc bike would be faster because it is better in the rough. Even his Scout with racing ralph tires would likely be as fast as the gravel bike on this course
I'd like to see a comparison of a fat bike to a xc or bikepacking bike for crossing deserts. Is the extra drag of a fat bike worth it to be able to easily ride soft terrain?
I came from bmx and downhill racing and always love my mtbs but my favorit bike is also my niner custom build gravelbike. That bike is awesome and you can do so much diffrent stuff with it🤟🏻
Great content, but you should throw in the full suss for real comparison of all three. I love my Grav bike (Grail SLX) and do red route stuff and most of the time its awesome but it hates roots and any kind of jump.
So I have a carbon frame, full suspension (140 frt & Rr), fat tire ebike. Carbon wheels, dropper. It’s got a Bafang M620, 10 spd. I cannot get enough of it. I’m running 52V
This is a rally car and jeep mudder meet. I have a fatty and love it, kinda wanna get a gravel for the rough road intermittent. Its good to have a car and truck to use the correct tool when needed! Or wanted...
I would like to see this as well- there are some long gravel rides that I have been contemplating, and I already own an xc bike--with a tire change it seems pretty capable but what do Blake and the guys think?
My previous bike was a Canyon Dude. Loved it! Single track, winter riding, gravel and even long asphalt rides. It could do it all! Not the fastest bike, but then again, I'm not the fastest rider either. I'm a bit concerned that Canyon went with 27,5" rims as there's no Jumbo Jim tyres in that size and I haven't heard anything rolling as fast. That was a big part of the bike!
Why is it always about speed? Not everyone is focused on how FAST they can get down a trail. Most people can't ride either bike in that manner, and most don't have such high end bikes. Where was the soft sand, deeper gravel or thick mud? Where were the uphill slippery root sections, the tight, slow speed technical sections? Stuff that the gravel bike would really struggle in, whilst the fat bike would be in it's element. From the outset, the whole test was biased towards lighter, faster bikes without taking any account of the real strengths of the fat bike. Just the usual rubbish conclusions based on unrealistic tests. 🙄
I posted a picture essay on the GCN app of my Salsa Marakesh touring gravel bike on a four mile square workout and two mile rocky canal trail which is about half rocks wider than my gravel bike tires. Today I will do the same route on my Surly Pugsly fat tire bike to compare the two. My complaint about this video is that the terrain was soil and way too nice, almost a velodrome as compared to eastern Idaho's winter trails and roads. The fat tire bike is an awesome American invention for continuing to pedal into the bad trails as well as ice, snow, sleet, road junk tossed out on the road shoulders, etc. It gets there slowly but it is on and off road well after gravel bike riders are confined to virtual rides and paying for gas and repairs on their car commute.
Honestly a big part of why I love my plus hardtail so much is the sound. Listening to the tire rumble all day makes the climbs so much more satisfying.
Fatbiker myself, I can totally relate to Blake's comments about looking down at that enormous tyre and the dull noise it makes. Love it. Despite it being slower than a gravel bike, I'd clearly chose the fattie, anytime.
I knew if I scrolled down I'd find someone with a similar feeling to me. The fatbike fun factor definitely outweighs the added inconvenience. Especially at a bike park.
I once was interested in a fat bike as well … but the market for fat bikes here in Germany was and still is literally dead right from the beginning of this „genre“. The dealers wanted to talk me out of it. Never ridden a fat bike as no dealer had a demo bike. I would have to order one with big payment upfront…and the risk I might not like it as a keeper was too high for me. I do own an XC racebike and the fat bike would just be an additional toy for variety…so I stepped back from this idea.
@@bikemike1118 in my opinion fat bikes only make real sense under very specific circumstances - mainly deep snow and sand. Anything else can be done as good or better on a regular mountain bike. Most people riding fat bikes simply love that they are so chunky (which is reflected in many comments here too), it's mostly not a rational choice but an emotional one. Which is totally okay, of course. It's a hobby and we want to have fun outdoors. 🙂
@@TechSucht …totally agree with you! The same would have applied for me. I sometimes do like this chunky look but on the other hand …riding around with a bike like this in an environment where is no sand and rarely much snow can also look pretty dumb and ridiculous…especially when you’re (like myself) not a teenager any more. 😎 So, it‘s probably a „good thing“ for me that the fat bike-market here is down. Thx
Fun facts! Fat biking around the neighborhood is a head turner especially for the kids. Gravel bike, nahhh they didn’t even bother to look. 😊
Don't know if I've ever seen a gravel bike thrashed that hard, so sick!
There's a video of Blake taking a gravel bike on a huge jumpline and doing slopestyle tricks with it
I love watching Blake, that guy shreds!!
Here's a challenge for Blakey boi : a velodrome track bike versus a unicycle. On the trails. GO !
Or an Elliptical bike versus a bmx
@The Nuckin Foob But does it shred ?
Track bike on Red Bull downhill vs Fat Bike on velodrome
I think Blake's skill made the downhill times closer than most riders would get. I am fairly sure I would be a lot slower on the gravel bike than on the fat bike for that section. I like my gravel bike for the options it gives me on road rides to get in a sneaky bridleway shortcut, but prefer my trail bike for anything even slightly serious.
I do really want to try a fat bike. I have never ridden one and they look a lot of fun. Something to consider if I end up on a trip where I need to rent a trail centre bike for the day.
I have a mountain bike and a fat tire bike which I ride in the winter here in Minnesota and let me tell you, there's nothing like riding a fat tire bike on snow. The feeling of floating over obstacles, the sound of the snow under the tires, the serenity of the woods... I highly recommend it
I have studded tires on it for the ice, so I don't ride it outside of winter.
If that gravel bike was a hybrid (flat bar) it would have been even faster. Drop are pretty much detrimental offroad. Put some "inner bar ends" like Spirgrips on a flatbar then you gain a "hoods" position on it if you are so concerned about aero.
Fat bikes have a pretty specific purpose. I live in Alaska (where they were invented) and even here they aren’t often the best choice unless you are in the snow/soft ground. That being said they are loads of fun and will give you a great workout. Getting back on your gravel bike will make it feel too easy.
A simple way to speed up the fat bike is to choose a different tire and/or increase the tire pressure. Small adjustments in pressure make Big changes in ride feel and rolling resistance.
Same fat bike with lets say 3.8 hodags at 10psi would beat the gravel in overall time. So, yeah, funny videos, but again, it’s difficult to categorize.
Love you Blake!
yeah unfortunately because of their business model, they're pretty much constrained to their sponsors products, which has the unfortunate effect of skewing results by exclusion of other options. it kind of makes them look incompetent to those of us who are actually in the know, and see it as misinformation and the disservice to the people who need the other options and can't afford to just throw money around to figure it out themselves.
@@Lenswide I agree with you. I have 3.8's on my fatty and properly inflated they perform spectacularly. I just lower the pressure and I'm happily riding on the beach with my dog. Snow country next.
I'd love to see recumbent bike vs. unicycle vs. tricycle, especially on how they do on the jumps!
Next head-to-head should be a hardtail vs a gravel bike on a similar course!
I suspect the hardtail will have a slightly larger advantage in the rough than the fat bike did, and will be much closer on the gravel. It could even win overall.
I love Blakes, "I love cycling as a whole" attitude. I feel the same way. Any time spent pedaling on two wheels is time well spent. Both bikes are rad on their own, though I find myself wondering if the fat bike would overall be tiring to ride and is maybe better suited as a really fun novelty bike.
Good point. At the lift assisted bike parks though, that aspect is not really an issue.
th wide q factor or (stance between the pedals) hurt my knees..
Same! I just love cycling, I have a fs short travel trail bike, a flat bar gravel bike with suspension forks and a commuter conversion of a road bike. They're all fun to ride on their appropriate terrain and they all own their own specific niche.
yep, alot of other presenters (especially from gcn and embn) could use some of that
The thing people don't talk about much in videos like this is the tire mass, if you are a larger rider you can get those flywheels going with a lot less relative power and then maintain them at a medium pace without too much effort, smaller riders trying to get those things up to speed after a turn or up a hill have a much worse ratio of power to rotating mass before the flywheel kicks in some payback to deal with. So I would say can be a lot more tiring, or only slightly so but its going to be much more rider specific.
FAST FAT BIKE SETUP.
Rear Schwalbe Jumbo Jim, Front Maxxis minion FBR.
The JJ rolls like a fast MTB tyre and the FBR is a proper traction tyre.
I can ride fast and aggressive with this setup.
Great video, very entertaining! Blake makes gravel bikes on rough and jumps look easy. Would love to see multiple bikes comparisons on this same track to compare across videos (but truly it also needs multiple times per bike, perhaps multiple riders. Fun video)
One of the best Blake videos, love it.
i just got my first bike, a mountain bike, its a hard tail and i love it, cant wait to get better at it
The amount of fun you get from a fatbike overcomes it's slowness☝️
The Mega on fatbike, Blake, please :)
Full Sus Fat bike
@@smefour there are few of them:)
I've been a fat bike lover for many years. And I love the one I own now. The videographer here has captured some really beautiful images of Blake's orange fatty....and the gravel bike too I guess.
here in New England alot of folks own fatbikes JUST for riding in the snow, and i think its insane not to ride one year round. theyre a blast to ride anywhere in any conditions!!
Fat bike holding its own! Nothing more fun than a good fat bike though! So good on the trails here in Colorado I sold my FS bike this year.
Fatbike = More smiles per mile..... From the ride & people you pass ☺️
Absolutely. Waiting in the lift line at the park with my fatty - I get all kinds of stares, looks and conversation starters.
Great video! I recently bought a gravel bike and quickly found that the trails in the park up the street from my house that were kind of boring on my trail bike are way more interesting to ride. This is going to be fun.
Would love to see Blake do a bikepacking trip on the fatbike, the rougher terrain the better
He did last year
@@vinylhouse296 None of the bikepacking trips that GMBN has with Blake as host, is with a fat bike.
He rides his canyon dude with Neil, they, the episode starts with him walking into McDonald's.
th-cam.com/video/DDjvWBcVtUw/w-d-xo.html
XC vs Trail, XC vs Enduro, XC vs Gravel would be some great comparrisons, thanks for the video, great stuff! :)
They all already exist on the gmbn channel 😊
Still loving watching your videos in France man!
Another great one Blake, but now I've got two more bikes on my wishlist.
🤣🤣🤣 Blakes reaction was the same from riding the fatty and riding hungover 🤣 😂
I've just got back from a gravel ride in the wind and rain, but this is making me want to go back out again for another ride!
For me, the fat bike is the most versatile bike. My fatty runs 26x4 tires, so it rolls really well and has above average speed. Great video!
I ride the trails on a fatbike and really like it. It will bomb down trails faster than you expect and the grip you get from the tires is nice. You do pay for it, but it is all good fun
A lot safer and more comfortable on the fat bike. I run four inch tyres on mine. Wide enough to tackle anything and a bit less drag. With the tyres pumped up hard I can go out with mountain bikes and keep up. Good review though
Blake, you are a beautiful person who's love for biking is infectious. You should do a head to head of a proper old school, og mountain bike (fully rigid, friction shifters, skinny bars, rim brakes and everything) vs a 26" street trials bike. See which is better for doing some old school/techy tricks and some trail riding
I'd like to see Blake review the Cotic Cascade a xc-ish gravel bike(w/room for 29x2.6 tyres) & one of the few drop bar fat gravel bikes.
For your next clip, let's see: a nice Winter day, a gravel bike, on the mountain slopes! You could compare it to a road racer, or a tricycle, or an urban food delivery cycle. Do NOT use the bicycle specifically designed for the task.
Blake you are my favourite presenter 😃😀😃😃 doesn't matter witch type bike have you 😄😄😄 i like your video ✌ Go Go Go Blake 👏👏👏👏
Great video! Maybe compare full sus xc bike vs agressive hardtail? Could be interesting.
yes!
I told my friend with some health issues to get a fat bike. It's stable, comfy, and will roll over anything. I've seen a ton of older people on fatbikes.
Love the gravel. I did 70km tour with 1700m climb a month ago on mine. On a mtb trail... It was fine for all, but one downhill section was pretty sporty. I would love to see these comparisons.
1. Dh VS NP Scout on an all mountain track system
2. His gravel VS his Scout with xc tires on the course from this video. I suspect there is not much difference on the up's this way, but the downs are all scout
Hey Blake love the Fatbike Vs Gravel Bike test, as love the channel in general, could we see more entry level bikes vs the higher cost higher spec bikes? Me and my son love riding but we have entry level mountain bikes and up grade parts as we can afford them, as money is tight for all of us at the moment could you do something for us guys who love mountain biking, but have modest budget? Keep up the great work you do, thanks!
Anyone noticed how at 08:17 Blake just completed jumped the trail's exit?
I rode the same trails with my 2022 Marin Stinson as in my Lapierre Zesty, almost same confidence in drops and jumps and doubles the fun. Marin Stinson + good brakes and pedals = BEST bike ever.
Blake riding street on the fat bike were some of the best videos!
Interesting comparison. I don’t think anyone was shocked by the outcome. So, I guess the real question is which one did you enjoy the most and why?
I am a fatbike fanatik! I use it for everything. However I do own a gravel bike as well and I'd like to get her tooled up like yours is Blake. Great video! Thanks for sharing.
I have a 2018 Trek Farley EX8 dual sus fat bike 120/120 (3.8 tires). The bike is just flat out fun. Funny when I take to our local bike park and get the "looks". Lol People seem to enjoy it and can't believe I'm jumping around on the thing! I'm with you, Blake. The fat bike is fun anywhere, anytime 🙌
I don't care for speed, I just love the way the fatbike rolls securely everywhere you take it. My Farley's got 27.5" wheels and no suspension.
I don't get it why Fatbikes went from 26" to 27.5"!
@@c.s.4273 because it's the perfect size
@@dullbrass How so? A wheel with 26"x4.6" tyres is even higher than a 28" with normal tyres.
@@c.s.4273 I think there are no 28" fatbikes. 27.5 is the standard at the moment.
@@dullbrass Why on Gods earth should there ever be 28" fatbikes? Like I said even 26" fatbikes are taller then normal 28" bikes. So there is no sensible reason for even 27.5" fatbikes.
Wondering the PSI on those fat tires? Thank you very entertaining video.😊
John Tomac wants his drop bar MTB from the 90s back :P
Ive been bikepacking since 1982. Rode mountain bikes most of that time, but shifted to fat bikes in 2019. I prefer them now and have 3. I tour about 30 days/ 8 months a year.
Now I don't feel so bad making all the same sounds as Blake coming up a hill on my fat bike. Thing with me is, I have to take a break or two going up as well.
Great video! On my gravel bike green trails become blue and blue trails feel like double black diamond. Without front suspension my hands and arms do take a punishment though. Overall not the fastest, but it is tons of fun.
My Fatbike with Schwalbe Jumbo Jim 4,8 rolls a lot better, even on tarmac/asphalt, than my cx on Vittoria Terreno mix. At least before the air resistance matter. I had Schvalbe on my cx before and was really surprised how dead the Vittoria is. At least they track better :)
I also think that running the 4,8 helps a lot.
Fatbike on pavement is slow!!! It's proven. Don't talk if you don't know what a fatbike is design for. It's only good for offroad with low pressure
@@Radoslaw731 Owning fatbike, xc and cyclocross and have competed in xc I think I'm qualified to make my statement. If you don't understand it, please read it one more time. Still not getting it you are welcome to test my bikes any day and experience it I first person.
What bikes and background do you have?
This was so awesome. I’m actually surprised it was only 10 secs overall but very big difference at the end to be expected
Love a quirky bike. Have you ever considered rigid singlespeed 29er MTB? Makes you pick your line carefully whilst trying to carry as much speed as possible for the uphills. No easy way out on the climbs, gotta get your arse out of the saddle and keep momentum and makes you consider when to hit the brakes.
Great for training on and makes you feel like a hero when you get to the top and a quick spin is a proper workout if time is short. None of this full suspension ebike nonsense. Also makes for a great short/medium distance commuter cheap to buy, Low maintainance, light weight very little to go wrong, less stuff to bash, easy to clean but still tough enough to hit the dirt.
Watching you, the way you ride and your bike handling skills is joyful - think you’d make any bike look quick!
Thanks Simon!
I have a gravel bike, 29er hardtail, AND a 29er full sus (n+1). I'm looking for a fat bike (because n+1) but also because in winter... Autumn and spring, the ground turns to slop, I need more traction. Plus I ride trails, gravel, beach, sand... snow is a bit of a stretch, but it's all loose and sketchy.
This was a great comparison and much closer than I was expecting, but it doesn't play to the real strength of the fat bike; traction.
I also ride for fitness as much as fun, so vomiting a lung after a good climb is par for the course.
Thanks for the comparison.
Great Video! For a next head-to-head I'd like a XC fully with lockout vs a gravel bike vs an allmountain fully.
We are big fans of Blake “on a bike in general”.
That cf dude nailing it
Gravel bike and hardtail xc mtb comparison please!
I wonder if the drop handlebars on the gravel bike actually help with proper body position on jumps? Keeps you from being leaned back completely!
He's mad! I slapped gravel tires on my flat bar road bike and I felt like I was going out the front door on every jump and bump. Blake is just a beast!
Fat bike lover and monster gravel owner here, fat is more fun...
I'll just reply here with a simple .... YOU GOT THAT RIGHT FELLA!
ファットバイクできつい峠を登っていても下を向くと太いタイヤが目に入って少し気が楽になりそれが発するノイズを聞くと元気が出ます！
Blake! Next head to head -- Hardtail Dirt Jump (with rear and front brakes) vs Downhill bike on the trails. Thanks! Lol.
That is such a beautiful fat bike. I slap spiked 2.6 tires on my Santa Cruz Hightower for winter riding in Connecticut, but that fat tire bike looks so good.
It really does. And props to the videographer here. I stopped the vid twice to capture those delicious images.
Love the quirky comparison, love both of those bikes. Do more silly stuff like this!
It depends your interest and intentions for getting outside on your bike and where you are planning to ride. A gravel will be able to ride a century or just make a long ride more doable. A fat bike will conquer sandy or snow covered trails with ease. Just my thoughts
That powerslide save on the gravel bike was incredible 😯🤙
I just built a fat strech cruiser for daily use and I have to say: it's definitely not the most comfortable ride I ever had, but it is a blast to commute with it or just ride around generally.
Heavy? Yes, quite, only if you have to lift it tho. But still looks like a beast and the feeling of riding it negates every shortcomings, at least for me.
Just get all 3! I love my MTB, gravel and fat bike!! Ride all the bikes...
Finally, someone riding the new Nukeproof Digger! 😍
Easy to use and clean. Very convenient.
Now id love to see a cyclocross bike, hard tail and dual suspension for the same course.
Do you have tips for buying mtb?
Lol hope you’re sarcastic.
GMBN should have a few vids on this
The bike to go for is the one that brings you joy.
I had a lot of expensive mtb, s. But now i have a astonic breeze sky high Electric fatbike. The best bike ever for me. Strong enough and easier to drive
Very entertaining video, I tried drop bars off-road ONCE and it was super sketchy. I don't know how you do it.
I always wanted to try a Yeti DJ or similar with a good fork and decent wheels and dropper seat post and see how it would compare
Fatbikes aren't about speed, they're about fun!
whatever happened to the good old hardtail XC bike?
It still exists, it's one of the most affordable types of MTB at all. It's also a good choice for climbing and for just riding in the forests
The moment Blake clicks in with his shiny roadie shoes 😱🤣🤪
I've got an electric gravel bike and a fat bike. Fat bike goes so slow but I just love it. Especially on days like today when I'm commuting to work in the snow.
Love the sound fat bike tires make while riding. I ride 29 plus year round on my hardtail so I can appreciate big tires. Love the extra traction, bit of a penalty on fireroad climbs but I don't mind at all.
Ditto mate.
XC vs. gravel is the challenge I would like to see- perhaps with the tires on each changed to make them better prepared for each course. Will your XC do for a long gravel grinder or are you going to suffer--/
another good one could be rigid xc fat bike vs Salsa Cutthroat with the optional 100mm suspension. Or XC bike vs Salsa Cutthroat either both with suspension or both rigid.
Totally. I think the xc and the gravel would make little different e with similar tires... Maybe the xc bike would be faster because it is better in the rough. Even his Scout with racing ralph tires would likely be as fast as the gravel bike on this course
Trail/enduro hardtail vs fatbike? Not just because it would be a funny video, I really do wonder which bike would be more capable
The video that nobody asked for but somehow we all love...Only Blake.
I'd like to see a comparison of a fat bike to a xc or bikepacking bike for crossing deserts.
Is the extra drag of a fat bike worth it to be able to easily ride soft terrain?
I came from bmx and downhill racing and always love my mtbs but my favorit bike is also my niner custom build gravelbike. That bike is awesome and you can do so much diffrent stuff with it🤟🏻
Hardtail vs full downhill on at least a red trail 👍🏼
☝🏼this!
pretty sure they've already done that video
Great content, but you should throw in the full suss for real comparison of all three. I love my Grav bike (Grail SLX) and do red route stuff and most of the time its awesome but it hates roots and any kind of jump.
So I have a carbon frame, full suspension (140 frt & Rr), fat tire ebike. Carbon wheels, dropper. It’s got a Bafang M620, 10 spd. I cannot get enough of it. I’m running 52V
This is a rally car and jeep mudder meet. I have a fatty and love it, kinda wanna get a gravel for the rough road intermittent. Its good to have a car and truck to use the correct tool when needed! Or wanted...
How about a fs xc versus gravel fs, something like a canyon lux vs niner MCR fs
XC vs gravel bike! Need more fuel for the “gravel is just XC with funny bars” fire 🔥
I would like to see this as well- there are some long gravel rides that I have been contemplating, and I already own an xc bike--with a tire change it seems pretty capable but what do Blake and the guys think?
Great video, anyone know what brand the jackets are he is wearing?
My previous bike was a Canyon Dude. Loved it! Single track, winter riding, gravel and even long asphalt rides. It could do it all! Not the fastest bike, but then again, I'm not the fastest rider either. I'm a bit concerned that Canyon went with 27,5" rims as there's no Jumbo Jim tyres in that size and I haven't heard anything rolling as fast. That was a big part of the bike!
How about riding something in the middle? Like a mountain bike for instance?
I'd like a mountain or a fat bike but can't you put the fat bike tyres on the mountain , gravel one or it won't fit?
Why is it always about speed? Not everyone is focused on how FAST they can get down a trail. Most people can't ride either bike in that manner, and most don't have such high end bikes. Where was the soft sand, deeper gravel or thick mud? Where were the uphill slippery root sections, the tight, slow speed technical sections? Stuff that the gravel bike would really struggle in, whilst the fat bike would be in it's element. From the outset, the whole test was biased towards lighter, faster bikes without taking any account of the real strengths of the fat bike. Just the usual rubbish conclusions based on unrealistic tests. 🙄
Excellent job my friend
I love you to Blake! ❤️❤️❤️
It would be great if you make a comparison between a hardcore hardtail and a XC full sus
Penny Farthing Bike vs Unicycle. Plus a Raliegh Streetwolf from the 80s vs Kettcar Pedal Go Kart. All down Bike Park Wales 😂
I posted a picture essay on the GCN app of my Salsa Marakesh touring gravel bike on a four mile square workout and two mile rocky canal trail which is about half rocks wider than my gravel bike tires. Today I will do the same route on my Surly Pugsly fat tire bike to compare the two. My complaint about this video is that the terrain was soil and way too nice, almost a velodrome as compared to eastern Idaho's winter trails and roads. The fat tire bike is an awesome American invention for continuing to pedal into the bad trails as well as ice, snow, sleet, road junk tossed out on the road shoulders, etc. It gets there slowly but it is on and off road well after gravel bike riders are confined to virtual rides and paying for gas and repairs on their car commute.