Makoto here, concerned about my waistline due to springtime appetite, winter accumulation, and a lack of exercise.
That said, this time I’m not talking about my own excess weight, but rather introducing the fat-tire bikes that have been causing quite a stir lately.
First up is this one, which finally arrived recently.
It’s not exactly "fat," but it definitely has a chubbier presence.
Surly INSTIGATOR 2.0 ¥323,000- (excl. tax)
The revived INSTIGATOR, sporting 26x2.75 tires known as 26+, carries on the name of its predecessor and is built as a rugged MTB.
With the latest MTB trends applied to the head tube and dropouts, and a 140mm travel Fox suspension fork, it might look a bit uncharacteristic for Surly. However, packed with the ideas of people who "make what they want to use themselves," couldn't this be the most "Surly" bike of all?
Next up, another Surly.
Surly PUG Special Ops ¥300,000- (excl. tax)
This one isn't just chubby—it’s full-on obese. With 26x4.0 Surly Nate tires, it's a heavy tank that crushes everything in its path.
The bouncy ride quality you get by lowering the tire pressure is an otherworldly experience you just can't get with standard tires.
The last bike is from Salsa.
salsa MUKLUK 3 ¥222,000- (excl. tax)
When you think of fat bikes, you think of Surly or Salsa, right?
Of these two brands, this is the most reasonably priced model this time around.
Even so, it doesn’t lose a single thing that a fat bike should have, allowing you to venture onto any road.
If you’ve been thinking, "I want to ride one, but...," this might be the perfect fit for you.
And for those of you who already own a fat bike and are struggling with how to store it at home, I’d like to introduce this stand.
superstand FATRACK ¥6.800-
With a width designed to perfectly fit fat tires, this stand will keep your beloved bike nice and stable.
I’ve given you a quick run-through, but for those of you saying, "I won't know if a fat bike is for me until I ride one," we have test-ride bikes available in the shop right now, so please come by and experience that "floating" sensation that only a fat bike can provide.
We look forward to seeing you.
＊Please bring a form of identification for test rides.