This is a great breakdown. I've yet to try a Surly but they are definitely on my list now thanks to your videos. Droppers certainly do make a huge difference to the ride and versatility of a bike. I'm curious to your thoughts about a suspension dropper like the PNW Coast. I've been running this post for well over a year and I think it takes droppers to the next level. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching! I haven’t tried the PNW suspension dropper myself, I could see it having merit on a smaller tire bike, on a fat bike I suspect it wouldn’t be as necessary or helpful due to the large tire compliance. I have the PNW Rainier with the Loam lever and am really impressed, flawless operation even in the coldest temps.
I bought a Moonlander late last year (Bud/Lou, 1x11, XT Hydraulics, dropper post). It was great on my 2 snow day commutes but I’m looking forward to seeing how it performs on the trails this summer
Hi Tommy. I always enjoy the ICT videos. At the beginning of this video I believe you mentioned the ICT as a “gravel grinder”. I am in NH and the winter season also has come to an end. The ICT is my only bike. Any suggestions on how I can get the most out of it in non snow conditions? Thanks! Love the channel. 😃
Thanks for watching! Honestly my ICT has always run big tires and I still enjoyed it gravel riding, but it’s not going to be fast or efficient. Really the only way to improve the ICT for gravel would be smaller, lighter faster rolling tires. Or if you want to invest in a “summer” wheelset, going to 29plus (29x3 tires) would be ideal, but more costly. I would set up tubeless also if you’re not already.
Loving mine with dropper, and about to mount up AXS derailleur! I've ridden the Rubicon, but mostly use it more like a gravel bike, with about 10% singletrack miles.
@ElevationEveryWeekend great point about the wider bottom bracket. I am in total agreement. Feels good to work the muscles in a different way on occasion. Great video!
Nice review as always :) I've been pondering about the possibility of buying a rear rack for my little baby (in which I already posted too much on r/fatbike and ye I'm that fella who bought a pair of Surly Buds) but I haven't decided which one I should buy and I was wondering, which racks would you recommend? Once again nice video and keep up spreading the word of fat bikes around Tommy! You rock.
Thanks for watching!! The Wren Onerack is the only one I have used on fat bikes, and I do like that it is so versatile to different rear end spacing and tire sizes. I was able to use it on the offset 135mm rear on my Pugsleys, and the symmetrical 197mm rear of the ICT with huge tires, so it is great for that aspect for me. I know there are some other racks out there too that are highly regarded which might be worth considering though (which I believe were mentioned in your reddit thread)
Yeah I've been looking for a wren one as well but the price is just... Ouch... But man it is beautiful, even Surly's, but the big downside is that my fatty doesn't have too much mounting points and even the ones mine have on the rear could *PROBABLY* fit an XLC Carry More or *PERHAPS* an Old Man Mountain Divide. But still, thanks for your help man :)
Thanks for watching! I am pretty sure you can go 2x on just about any(if not all) Surly bikes. You will need a clamp style front deraillure mount, and I am pretty sure the ECR had the boss on the seat tube for front cable routing. As for price, that will depend on the drivetrain you choose to upgrade to. I have never made the 1x to 2x conversion, but it will be only as difficult as you find it to setup the 2x, and certainly a shop could do it for a reasonable price.
I got them from their website. They have a couple different styles if you search “problem solvers bubs” problemsolversbike.com/products/bubs-frame-plugs
Great review! It seems that the ICT has found a good niche in your stable. I find myself agreeing with almost all of your opinions and bike configurations except for what you've done with your beargrease. That seems like the ideal candidate for faster rolling use cases instead building up another ICT? Why not use a hardtail mtb or adventure-focused gravel bike for your gravel grinding?
I LOVE the Beargrease 29plus alt bar setup, based on mileage it’s about my most ridden bike. It is comfortable and capable, and cuts through the windy days we have out here. While I have yet to do any extended bikepacking, this is the bike I would use. Oddly enough, I wasn’t wowed by the Beargrease as a performance fatbike, I mean it’s very good, but my Borealis Flume (which is aluminum framed) is about 2-3lbs lighter than the Beargrease when stock, and it’s a cheaper bike! Thanks for watching!!
Yeah the stock bolts are really heavy, but they are strong if you were actually using them for racks. Here is the link to the problem solvers bubs: problemsolversbike.com/products/bubs-frame-plugs
I love mine. Im just a bit paranoid about the 2nd gen frame cracking issue. They probably wont fix it because of the state of economics in the bike industry right now though.
I have the same concern on the frame, I check it after every ride. I know someone who lost a prickly pear ICT to the crack, and just had their replacement Safety Mask Blue frame crack. I am well out of warranty now but would be curious if Surly would cover this specific issue🤷🏻♂️
@@ElevationEveryWeekend I've seen them warranty a prickly pear recently, it was on a bike from one of their Intergalactic dealers. It seems like surly is now well aware of the cracking issue. I just hope the DO SOMETHING about it.
@@guardian_ironworks good to hear they are covering this issue out of warranty. I’m not sure if this is a manufacturing issue, or more of a design flaw since it has continued to happen. They might need to box that chain stay area in in a frame update.
l am loving my 2022 Ice cream truck. So comfy and great climber, my favorite bike and daily ride. Great to see you back , love your channel
Thanks for watching! And yes the ICT is highly capable, and most of all, fun!
Great video. Another ICT as a build would be awesome
I think it might be fun to try the ICT from another ground up perspective!
That was a great 5 year review ! Some of your video I view proved it sure is a Beast in the new fresh back country snow riding
A beast indeed, thanks for watching!!
Great channel. Love your ICT vids!
Thanks for watching! More to come with the ICT.
This is a great breakdown. I've yet to try a Surly but they are definitely on my list now thanks to your videos. Droppers certainly do make a huge difference to the ride and versatility of a bike. I'm curious to your thoughts about a suspension dropper like the PNW Coast. I've been running this post for well over a year and I think it takes droppers to the next level. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching! I haven’t tried the PNW suspension dropper myself, I could see it having merit on a smaller tire bike, on a fat bike I suspect it wouldn’t be as necessary or helpful due to the large tire compliance. I have the PNW Rainier with the Loam lever and am really impressed, flawless operation even in the coldest temps.
I bought a Moonlander late last year (Bud/Lou, 1x11, XT Hydraulics, dropper post). It was great on my 2 snow day commutes but I’m looking forward to seeing how it performs on the trails this summer
A classic Moonlander is still on my wishlist, even if I really don’t “need” one. I love my old 2015 Pugsleys! I bet you will have a blast in the dirt!
Still riding my Moonlander! Love Surly fat bikes!
Nice! We have two 2014 Pugsleys and we still ride those too! I still want a Moonlander someday.
Hi Tommy. I always enjoy the ICT videos. At the beginning of this video I believe you mentioned the ICT as a “gravel grinder”. I am in NH and the winter season also has come to an end. The ICT is my only bike. Any suggestions on how I can get the most out of it in non snow conditions? Thanks! Love the channel. 😃
Thanks for watching! Honestly my ICT has always run big tires and I still enjoyed it gravel riding, but it’s not going to be fast or efficient. Really the only way to improve the ICT for gravel would be smaller, lighter faster rolling tires. Or if you want to invest in a “summer” wheelset, going to 29plus (29x3 tires) would be ideal, but more costly. I would set up tubeless also if you’re not already.
It would be cool to see the ICT build out that you mentioned toward the end of this video.
Hopefully Surly will get a refreshed frame out later this summer and I can pull it off!
Loving mine with dropper, and about to mount up AXS derailleur! I've ridden the Rubicon, but mostly use it more like a gravel bike, with about 10% singletrack miles.
I bet the Rubicon was fun on the ICT! And while it’s not light or efficient, it makes gravel miles comfy and fun.
@ElevationEveryWeekend great point about the wider bottom bracket. I am in total agreement. Feels good to work the muscles in a different way on occasion. Great video!
Thanks for watching!
Nice review as always :)
I've been pondering about the possibility of buying a rear rack for my little baby (in which I already posted too much on r/fatbike and ye I'm that fella who bought a pair of Surly Buds) but I haven't decided which one I should buy and I was wondering, which racks would you recommend?
Once again nice video and keep up spreading the word of fat bikes around Tommy!
You rock.
Thanks for watching!! The Wren Onerack is the only one I have used on fat bikes, and I do like that it is so versatile to different rear end spacing and tire sizes. I was able to use it on the offset 135mm rear on my Pugsleys, and the symmetrical 197mm rear of the ICT with huge tires, so it is great for that aspect for me. I know there are some other racks out there too that are highly regarded which might be worth considering though (which I believe were mentioned in your reddit thread)
Yeah I've been looking for a wren one as well but the price is just... Ouch... But man it is beautiful, even Surly's, but the big downside is that my fatty doesn't have too much mounting points and even the ones mine have on the rear could *PROBABLY* fit an XLC Carry More or *PERHAPS* an Old Man Mountain Divide. But still, thanks for your help man :)
Sweet ride !
Question for you… I own a surly ECR and like yours a 1x . You think I can go 2x on my bike? Is it a big job and expense to modify it??
Thanks for watching! I am pretty sure you can go 2x on just about any(if not all) Surly bikes. You will need a clamp style front deraillure mount, and I am pretty sure the ECR had the boss on the seat tube for front cable routing. As for price, that will depend on the drivetrain you choose to upgrade to. I have never made the 1x to 2x conversion, but it will be only as difficult as you find it to setup the 2x, and certainly a shop could do it for a reasonable price.
@@ElevationEveryWeekend Thanks for responding, I'll have to look into it for sure!
Can you tell us where to get the rubber problem solvers to replace the metal mounting bolts? ICT love.
I got them from their website. They have a couple different styles if you search “problem solvers bubs”
problemsolversbike.com/products/bubs-frame-plugs
Adding a dropper to my 2020 Specialized Fatboy was the best thing i couldve done. I want to try some Alt bars on it soon.
Yeah a dropper really does make a fatbike better in all conditions. Alt bars are a fun way to change things up!
Would you recommend this surly or your borealis for a one bike type of guy. Best allrounder?
For value/performance it’s really hard not to recommend that Flume. It can also run all the biggest tires too!
Great review! It seems that the ICT has found a good niche in your stable.
I find myself agreeing with almost all of your opinions and bike configurations except for what you've done with your beargrease. That seems like the ideal candidate for faster rolling use cases instead building up another ICT? Why not use a hardtail mtb or adventure-focused gravel bike for your gravel grinding?
I LOVE the Beargrease 29plus alt bar setup, based on mileage it’s about my most ridden bike. It is comfortable and capable, and cuts through the windy days we have out here. While I have yet to do any extended bikepacking, this is the bike I would use. Oddly enough, I wasn’t wowed by the Beargrease as a performance fatbike, I mean it’s very good, but my Borealis Flume (which is aluminum framed) is about 2-3lbs lighter than the Beargrease when stock, and it’s a cheaper bike! Thanks for watching!!
Liked your video g good info as always
Thanks for watching!
This seems like a stupid question but what did you use to plug the screw holes?
problemsolversbike.com/products/bubs-frame-plugs
I took the bolts out and weighed them and it was 2 ounces not over a pound. Did I mis something? Thanks
I’m not sure, 2oz seems really light.
I love my fatbike on the skiimobile trails, especially because I have access to them almost from my front door. 5 minutes and I'm on one! 😁
@@pirateradioFPV that is awesome!
So looking forward to you testing the new moonlander.
@@John-x9x2q Let Surly
know! I’d love to try one for testing and review, I won’t be buying one though.
What are these "rubber problem solvers"?? I've been meaning to do the same. Can't believe they're a full pound!
Yeah the stock bolts are really heavy, but they are strong if you were actually using them for racks. Here is the link to the problem solvers bubs:
problemsolversbike.com/products/bubs-frame-plugs
Tern would do well to partner with you to review the Orox Cargo fat bike.
I wasn’t familiar with that bike (I mostly ride and review non e-bikes), but it’s a pretty good looking cargo e-fat bike!
They are fantastic bikes if you had have one fatty hard to argue this bike shouldn’t be in top 3 choices
Totally agree! It’s why I am intrigued by doing a performance lighter weight build and see how it compares.
I love mine. Im just a bit paranoid about the 2nd gen frame cracking issue. They probably wont fix it because of the state of economics in the bike industry right now though.
I have the same concern on the frame, I check it after every ride. I know someone who lost a prickly pear ICT to the crack, and just had their replacement Safety Mask Blue frame crack. I am well out of warranty now but would be curious if Surly would cover this specific issue🤷🏻♂️
@@ElevationEveryWeekend I've seen them warranty a prickly pear recently, it was on a bike from one of their Intergalactic dealers. It seems like surly is now well aware of the cracking issue. I just hope the DO SOMETHING about it.
@@guardian_ironworks good to hear they are covering this issue out of warranty. I’m not sure if this is a manufacturing issue, or more of a design flaw since it has continued to happen. They might need to box that chain stay area in in a frame update.
Tell me, does the treat pattern affect the roll
Yes tread pattern on any bike tire can impact how efficiently the tire rolls.
@@ElevationEveryWeekendThanks you, what can you say about veetire snowshoe 4.50?
@@АлександрСкубенков I have not used those so I really can’t comment on how they are
Ice cream truck..❤❤❤❤
I think lauf carbonara, fork carbon bars . And titanium rear rack
@@John-x9x2q I would like to experience my with one of those forks, they seem to be really good generally speaking