Fat bike 856

[Jcshinkle]

Do you guys think it is possible to modify the swing arm and build an 856 fat bike? I already bought a lefty fork and am converting it to fit a fat bike tire. These bikes are so light and agile, I think they would make a great fat bike and have the benefit of full suspension. What do you think? I know after modifying the swing arm, I would need to get it heat treated and I would also need to extend the bottom bracket out with a titanium spindle, or extend the bracket, but other than that, what problems do you foresee? Thanks for any input.

[beeeerock]

Having wanted to get on a fat bike myself... and feeling the urge even more strongly now that the leaves are turning colour... I've pondered this myself.

In my case, the carbon fibre on my 857 tripped me before I got off the starting line.  But having poked around the web, my take on things is that while you might technically be able to make it happen, the costs don't justify it.  Recognize that the tire will have to clear both the swing arm and the suspension fork... and the crank will need to be changed to get the required offset (which you've noted).

As well, the importance of a suspension seems to be diminished on these bikes.  I've seen some with front suspension, but riders who've used both solid and suspension front ends seem to go back to 'solid'.  Rear suspension doesn't seem to be a big concern.  Recognize that you're typically going to ride in a different way and the low pressure balloon tires absorb much of the trail.

[Jcshinkle]

The fork is taken care of. I'm doing a lefty conversion for a fat tire. My only issue would be the building of the swing arm. I have ideas about how to make a cross link a fat fork. I have a Way Big cross link. If I put the linkage from a regular sized fork with some spacer/adapters between the brackets and the forks, it should work. With a lefty, I don't have to worry about it, but I have thought about it. As far as a full suspension fat bike. I have a feeling they are going to be the next thing. Looking online, everybody that has built one loves it and Salsa is making one for production (Salsa Bucksaw). I just like the cool factor of a Proflex (at least I think it's cool). Especially if I could get the cross link fork to work. A lot of ideas, but not the mechanical know-how to pull the trigger. I've also thought about doing the same think with a Trek Y bike.

[purple gerbil]

What about this.

[Jcshinkle]

That is the picture I was looking for. With the way big cross links with the regular size hardware, i think something like this would work since the forks are longer to accommodate the larger diameter. My issues would be the swing arm. I'll keep researching and may pull the trigger soon. Good winter project. Thanks for the picture.

[purple gerbil]

This link any good? Some ideas on the bottom bracket..

http://forums.mtbr.com/fat-bikes/custom-noleen-fatbike-girder-fork-688798.html

[Jcshinkle]

I've actually contacted the guy that built that bike. He ruined his carbon cross links when he built his first one. Everything he has built since then is steel. He has stated there is a lot of machining when it comes to the connectors at the top end of the tubes. Machining that I can't do. The bikes he has built are super impressive electric fat bikes with full suspension. They are completely built out of steel from scratch and have to weigh a ton. That would work with an e-bike. I may contact him again. He has very creative ideas and he may know of a way to do it and keep it aluminum. Thanks for the replies.

[Tel]

Hi Jcshinkle.

 Having worked on leftys since Mrs Tel ditched her 857 a few years ago, how have you dealt with the offset you will encounter with the fat tyre and the axle, will the tyre centre not be out of line with the steerer centre?

Cheers, Tel.

[orange]

I'm intrigued by those handlebars Purplegerbil - any idea what they are?

[purple gerbil]

Also try salvaging these from cedar & sand in cedar city if anyone knows of this...

[Jcshinkle]

Hi Jcshinkle.

 Having worked on leftys since Mrs Tel ditched her 857 a few years ago, how have you dealt with the offset you will encounter with the fat tyre and the axle, will the tyre centre not be out of line with the steerer centre?

Cheers, Tel.

There is a gentlemen that creates brackets for lefty's.  Here is his link

http://www.mendoncyclesmith.com/fat-lefty.html

[purple gerbil]

Sorry i didn't reply orange, been trying to find something that resembles those bars...but i can't find anything,all i can say is there a one off.

[w2zero]

bars look like café bike conversion pieces.  Right bar has end for twist throttle install

[orange]