Complete Bike MSRP $2999; Frameset Only MSRP $999

38 Frameworks of Denver, Colorado as built the world’s first USA made full carbon fat bike, the HOGBACK. Here are some of the details found on there website:

• Custom ENVE Carbon Tubeset
• Rear Spacing for 4.7″+ tires
• 100mm BB Shell
• Direct-Mount Front Deraileur
• Oversized Head Tube

Visit there website often as more details become available: 38FrameWorks.com

Here are some direct quotes from the Carver website:

“A project that was close to a year in the making has finally concluded with our first production TRANS-Fat. The TRANS-Fat was originally created as a custom bike for a customer. Thankfully, the customer was willing to wait as we diligently worked out the quirks with one of the world’s first production full suspension fat bike frames. The resulting bike rides like you might think: smoooooth….”

“It is great to see a long-term project come to a successful end. After the final photo shoot the bike was packed up and shipped off to a very happy customer. After riding several versions of the TRANS-Fat, we can say it is an absolute blast to ride. At first it may seem a little too soft, mostly because you have added four inches of rear wheel travel to an already aired down 4″ rear tire. But after the initial squish factor fades, you realize how much this bike rips. Climbing, descending, cornering…the bike NEVER loses traction. Maybe not the fastest bike up the climb, but the TRANS-Fat opens the door to climbing trail sections you never thought possible.”

Click here for more info: CarverBikes.com

Check out more details here at: gripstuds.com

Our vision for the Wölvhammer transcended traditional cycling footwear and originated from the conceptual standpoint of a mountaineering boot. On the inside we max out the insulation package with 200g Thinsulate on the forefoot and NASA-approved aerogel in the insole to block cold cleats. On the outside, 1000-denier Cordura and waterproof-breathable Sympatex block moisture and manage perspiration. For deep snow, easily add knee-high gaiters using the dedicated hook  on the toe box. And of course, the Vibram sole is ready for any SPD-compatible cleat of your choice. These are the finest winter cycling shoes ever made.

DILLINGER – FULL TRACTION WINTER FAT TIRE. 240 STUD COUNT

The first-ever studded fatbike tire. Riding your fatbike on ice will never be the same. 240 lightweight aluminum-carbide studs allow you to rail icy off-camber singletrack with confidence and control. At a mere 1275g, the Dillinger virtually launches you over the steepest and iciest climbs. When you need to roll fast, tightly spaced center treads do not let Dillinger’s unparalleled traction get in the way.

Check out all there great new products at: www.45nrth.com

Ok, so when Eric stopped making custom order framebags to devote more time to new product development I was a little sad I must admit. But, now after seeing some of his newer items out on the market, I glad he went that direction. Keep up the great work Eric!

Dual roll down sides, modular front system for what you need or stripped down, run just straps and bungee or a spocket, or either of the front pockets and even layered. Lots of versatility in a super stable package. Sweet!

To learn more clicking here: Revelate Designs

Reposted with Eric’s permission!

Behold, the Carver O’Beast Ti Snow Bike. I tried on this build to feature parts from smaller and/or lesser know companies that build fine products, and I think I have a good mix here.

Probably not the best year to build a new snow bike with the lack of snow in almost every state this year, but I did get it out a few times so far. The beauty of this symmetrical 170/135mm build is that I can have a second set of wheels for the Spring/Summer without some of the issues of building offset wheels.

Build Spec: Weight 29 lbs – 1 oz. w/45NRTH Husker Du 4.0 & Bontrager 26×2.5-2.8   Build Spec: Weight 30 lbs – 10 oz. w/Surly BFL 4.7

Frame: 2012 Carver O’Beast Ti – 19″ brushed
Fork: 2012 Carver O’Beast Carbon – 465mm
Rear Der: Shimano RD-M662 SLX
Front Der: Shimano FD-M771 XT Direct Mount & Problem Solver Adapter# 1023
Shifters: Shimano Deore SL-M590 9-spd
Headset: Cane Creek C110
Crankset: Surly MWOD double off-set 175mm x 22/36t w/bashguard (Pugsley Version)Pedals: Crankbrothers Candy 3
Brakes: Avid BB7 Mechanical Disc, 160mm
Brake Levers: Avid Speed Dial 7
Cassette: Shimano HG80 – 9spd
Chain: SRAM PC-991
Stem: Kalloy AS-008 25.4mm, 110mm, 7 degree
Handlebar: TiCycles Ti Flat Bar 680mm, 15 degree
Seatpost: Kent Eriksen Ti 27.2mm x 400mm
Saddle: Fizik Aliante Versus Saddle (VS)
Grips: Ergon GA1
Tires: Surly Big Fat Larry 4.7 (F) & (R)
Tubes: Surly Lite XC 3.0-4.0
Rim Strips: Black
Cable/Housing: Jagwire
Wheelset: Speedway 70mm, Salsa 170/135mm w/QR’s by: Lace Mine 29 thanks Mike!

Carver Frames & Forks can be purchased here: www.bikeman.com

A special thanks to Carver Bikes, Lace Mine 29, Eriken Cycles, Ti Cycles & Century Cycles of Cleveland, Ohio.

NOTES: As far as the build went, I seem to work on so few “normal” bikes this was relatively routine whatever that means anymore.

The bottom bracket threads were wrapped in PTFE tape before greasing the threads and torquing. Creak-free longer this way.

The front fork is crazy light.  Surprisingly, the supplied shim washers for the rotor worked perfectly.  Typically, screwing around with spacer washers is exceedingly time-consuming.

Shifting went together perfectly!  It’s key to run the front derailleur slightly higher than optimum on a “normal” bike. Correct set up involves getting the FD’s inner cage to just clear the outer chainring on upshifts.  Insuring that the tail of the FD clears the top of the chainstay is also necessary.

The brakes were easier to set up on your Carver than on the Moonlander. –it’s possible to actually see the pad to rotor clearance on the Carver. On the Moonlander, if the tires are installed, it’s all by ear.

Derrick
Master Mechanic 18+ yrs.
Century Cycles – Peninsula, Ohio

“Woo hoo!.. Our latest generation Fat frame…the 2012 OBeast! Titanium, 3.7 pounds, fits the new 4.7″ tires, 44mm head tube, replaceable derailleur hanger, three sets of bottle cage mounts, blah, blah, blah. 6 frame sizes, too!” Frame only: $1399.00

Now a nice new Carver Ti Snow bike wouldn’t be complete without Carver’s new Carbon fat fork. Visit: www.bikeman.com for more details. UPDATE: IN-STOCK now!!!

“Our new baby…. 525 gram full carbon fat fork. 135 mm. spacing. Fits the new Clown Shoe rim and Big Fat Larry 4.5″ tire.” $299.95

Facebook: (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carver_Bikes/280073857806)

Web: (www.bikeman.com/CARV-OBEAST12-FRM.html) UPDATE: IN-STOCK now!!!

*Complete Full Build & Review – Coming Soon* including some really nice parts from 45NRTH, Kent Eriksen, Ti Cycles and a custom wheelset from Mike over at Lace Mine 29. Stay Tuned!

You can follow the link below and post your comments on there website to help them develop the wheel travel and rim & tire width that you would like to see.

My personal wishlist would be as follows:

• 100mm – wheel travel front & rear.
• 3.7/3.8 tires.
• 82mm rims maximum.

Anything wider like 4.5′s on 100mm rims would make no sense to me for a FS bike.

Here’s a quote from the article: “The inspiration for this project came from numerous people within our team (in a strangely timely convergence actually) and from the fact that fatbikes are being ridden all year long as opposed to being strictly thought of as snow or winter bikes. There is such tremendous capability within these machines that we wanted to have some full-suspension prototypes built to explore the concept further.”

Click here to read the full story: Prototype Talk: Full-Suspension Fatbike

This is one of my favorite sites I like to follow, and you get some great honest reviews.

“It was nearly four months ago that Surly announced several new fat bike products, including the Surly Necromancer Pug (formerly known by the much cooler Black Ops Pug name). After one look at the Necromancer I knew I had to have one, so I asked the folks at the local bike shop, Zion Cyclery in Zion, Illinois to order one for me. Surly seriously underestimated the demand for this bike and for a while it looked like I wasn’t going to be able to get one till next March. Fortunately, Mary Daisy, one of the owners of Zion Cyclery, worked tirelessly to make sure I got my new bike and it finally arrived yesterday.”

Read entire article at: http://allseasonscyclist.com/2011/12/14/surly-necromancer-pugsley-black-ops-pug

Here is a few shots of my 2011 Surley Pugsley with some new goodies I recently purchased and installed. A special thanks to Eric over at Revelate Designs who does a great job on these bags. The fit, finish and quality of these pieces are unbelievable. I replaced the stock long-cage rear derailleur with the shorter mid-cage, since the larger triple was replaced with a Surly Mr. Whirly and a 30 tooth stainless steel Surly chain ring up front. The 1×9 setup looks much cleaner, and works great via the Paul BB Chain Keeper. Now I don’t have to worry about dropping the chain off the front ring.

• Blackspire Sub4 – Pedals
• Ergon – GP1 Grips
• Revelate Designs – Frame Bag (one of Eric’s last custom bags)
• Revelate Designs – Gas Tank & Mountain Feed Bag
• Shimano – SLX Rear Derailleur - (Mid-Cage) RD-M662
• SKS – Grand M.O.M. & D.A.D. fenders
• Surly Mr. Whirly Crank Set + Surly 30 tooth stainless steel chain ring
• WTB Rocket V Saddle

Estimated availability date is April 2012, which is a little late for the season, but I’m looking forward to test riding one of these bikes. MSRP $1,419.99-$1,469.99

A great video showing you the difference a Surly Pugsley can make in the snow vs. a mountain bike.

So start shopping now: http://www.revelatedesigns.com

Happy Thanksgiving!