The routine routes were too easy on the road bike, so decided to do something different. I didn't want to spend too much money and didn't really know if I was going to like the fat bike, so I chose to go with a Mongoose Dolomite (Cheapest in the market in 2014) with upgrades.
Factory Fat Tire Bicycle vs. Upgraded Fat Tire Bicycle
Most of the factory bicycles under $500 favor using SHIMANO shifters and derailleurs. I prefer SRAM shifters and derailleurs. At the time I decided to purchase a Fat Tire Bicycle, the GRAVITY BULLSEYE MONSTER from BIKESDIRECT was the only one with SRAM X4 shifters and derailleurs. However, I would still end up spending another $75.00 to $100.00 on accessories.
My goal was to customize a fat tire bicycle with SRAM shifters and derailleurs and include all the accessories while keeping it under $500.00. Hence, I now have 21 speed SRAM shifters and derailleurs; comfort of familiar gel grips and saddle; headlights with 1200 lumens, rear light; reduced handlebar length by cutting almost 2 inches total; and a saddle bag.
2014 Mongoose Dolomite (Walmart $199.99 + Tax) with upgrades
Upgrades listed below (Total cost approximate $225.00):
YST Sealed BSA Cupset w/Bearings English Threads
$10.18
Shimano 7-Speed Tourney Bicycle Freewheel Replacement Cluster - MF-TZ2
$14.23
Nashbar Gel Grips
$8.99
Velo bio:logic Bicycle Seat
$23.29
Planet Bike Blinky "3" 3-Led Rear Bicycle Light
$9.50
BV Bicycle Strap-On Saddle Bag / Seat Bag
$10.19
SIGA® 5000Lm 2x CREE XML U2 LED Cycling Front Bicycle Bike Light HeadLight Headlamp X2
$18.99
Eclypse Black-Out Race Direct Mount Front Derailleurs
$10.99
Eclypse Black-Out Race Front Bicycle Derailleurs BB83/BB100 Adp Direct Mount Adaptor Shims
$6.89
SRAM X7 Front Derailleur
$16.65
Vuelta MTB Comp Crankset
$27.02
SRAM X3 7-Speed Trigger Mountain Bike Shifter
$19.00
SRAM X.3 Long Cage Rear Derailleur (Black)
$22.00
SRAM PC 830 P-Link Bicycle Chain (8-Speed, Grey)
$12.22
First Ride (7 miles)
Running on 12 psi
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
It was the first ride of the year (on any bicycle) and the low PSI on pavement slowed me down a lot. At one point, I just walked up the hill.
Second Ride (7 miles)
Running on 20 psi
Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes
The higher PSI was definitely easier to keep moving.
Third Ride (11 miles)
Running between 20 - 25 psi
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Photo of the Throgs Necks Bridge during the third ride on misty day of 5/17/2015.
The fat tire bicycle has proven to be formidable ride. A great alternative to act as a trainer/beater bicycle.