Does A Fat Bike Need Suspension? | Surly Ice Cream Truck Fat Bike | Rockshox Bluto | Fat Bike 101

Most fat bikes come with a rigid fork, but there are some suspension fork options out there. But with those big tires, do you need suspension on your fat bike? In this video, I do a head to head test of rigid vs suspension fork on my Surly Ice Cream Truck and talk about why you might want a suspension fork on your fat bike.

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[TalesofAdventure]

Always wondered this ourselves… having only ridden in sand and snow, we initially thought no - but this adds a new dimension to the question for sure!

[tablatom]

Thanks for a very comprehensive video as usual.
I have a Mastadon comp on one bike and a Bluto on the other fatty.
Love both of them.
The Mastadon is rated higher by most folks but I like both of them.

I rode rigid fatties for the first 3 years and didn’t know what I was missing.
I’d be happy to have a rigid for long touring.

[mattspen]

That raw spot at 3:07 looks fun. Great video

[RgezMTB]

Thanks for sharing, thinking of getting a Fat bike and debating over rigid or with suspension.

[RobBastien]

Loved your review, thanks for posting.

[toniedvardsen]

The Bluto is probably not much heavier than the Surly steel fork. But for me, a rigid carbon fork is the lightest and best option. Winter riding ruins the sealings on the fork anyways. And you don`t need suspension in the snow. I ride all year round. Have run both Bluto and Mastodon. To much unneccesary weight on front wheel. Which is the last place you wanna add weight. But I am a climber and singletrack lover, not a descender ;)

[username-mkgf]

A fat tail bike would be awesome. Fat tires deform up to 2" absorbing impact before the frame, stays, hub and even the rim, so a light or carbon frame should hold up better. The instant compliance and unlimited dampening is worth more travel from any full suspension linkage or coil. But a 29" regular size wheel can actually roll and steer. So give the 29" a proper shock fork, put it up front where suspension is essential and you got the best of both worlds.

[Rick-bnbs]

A good suspension is undoubtedly better for any kind of bike, Fatbike including. But the selling point is a "good" suspension. If you are tight on cash I'd recommend go for a rigid fork and spend the extra on better tubes and tires.

[colokor]

GREAT VIDEO...I need help understanding...What about the air, oil and all parts in front and rear shocks and specifically the shock seals and gaskets? Don't many shock parts freeze/crack/underperform in cold weather? I am in MN with a hardtail fat bike and I am thinking of going with a front fork and/or full suspension fat bike and beginning to ride the fat bike all year long. I am not sure if any forks are truly designed for winter yet. I can't find a single video on YouTube about fork parts surviving winter. My concern is if I buy a full suspension fat bike am I going to ruin the front/rear shocks on a regular basis due to cold weather. I am not even talking about riding much below zero, I am happy to stay inside on really cold days. Any actual data/experience replies would be greatly appreciated. PS I can tell you I ruined a Fox rear shock on my regular mountain bike after letting it sit outside in freezing temps and then riding it right away down a rough downhill, it was a $350.00 mistake I made.

Thanks to anyone for any real experience based advice. I believe bike shops will always tell you to ride because they are happy to fix and sell you new parts.

[ronmexico]

Where’s a good place to live to get outside and bike/hike? Utah over Colorado or Oregon seem like good choices. Warm weather may make it easier to get out there…

[MTB_Rider_]

I like my Fat Bike rigid for 90% of the trails I ride; and just ride my FS Trail or Hardtail for some trails. But Fat Bike really don't "Need" suspension, but if it's your only bike for all trails and conditions, yeah, get a SF.

[JustinAndNicoleAdventures]

Which is better the 3/5 knife integrated wheel or just the normal spokes?

[epicwarfare]

Suspensión may not be mandatory in some cases depending on the kind of use adds extra comfort tough so why not?? Your bones and articulations will thank you :D

[gcprost]

I only ride my fat bike in the winter in an area with lots of snow. I don’t need suspension, I need and use studs.

[davepeterson]

Did you not like the full suspension? Is the front all you need? Thanks for the info!!! great video!

[unrealjay]

dude that trail looks amazing.. where is that? b.c?

[jevadajones]

Great quality fat bike and lighter than expected.

[Hertzultra]

Just an excuse for another bike video this one... can't tell (if i am supposed to) the difference tween rigid and suspension... just my immediate thoughts... I have ridden the 2 kinds of fat git bikes and suspension is far the better option. Less bouncy castle out of control tricks with suspension forks and the increase in weight isn't really an issue less you have old 60 years legs. Giving you a thumbs up just in case you think I am being grumpy.. well actually I am grumpy as I just bled my back brakes and git messy .. happy biking everyone!!

[simonjandrell]

since i put a oil suspension fork on my Mongoose Fat Bike.. its now so nice to ride

[jazzechos]

I am curious if you have ever had the opportunity to try a Lauf fork, and if you did what did you think? To me that fork seems to be something that might pull in the best of both worlds.