Comments:

Getting ready for a trip where I had to rent a bike and fatties were the only option. Riding a 29er I decided I wanted to try a fattie and see if I liked it or should I ship my own bike. First, BikeLink staff is so very, very good. Great communication over e-mail. Easy to pick up and I couldn't leave the shop until the bike fit me perfectly. Simply great service. Anyway, they had me use the Specialized Fuse Fattie as a rental, a 27.5 plus bike and I was amazed. I rode trails I ride all the time and the bike simply performed. I thought my 29er could ride over anything, this bike does the same with spades. Joe had said 'You get to pick your own line' and he was right. I was worried the larger wheels would make pedaling hard and that there would be a lot of rolling resistance. What I found was because the bike rolled over everything it was easier to pedal. The rest of the package is very good as well. The hydraulic brakes worked great, overall the bike was light, the dropper post operated smoothly. My only semi-complaint is that the shifting is not quite a crisp as on my regular bike, but then again, this is a bike with a lower price point so not everything is going to be top of the line. Overall, it felt and road like an expensive bike even though it isn't. I did make my trip, road a true fattie and it was not nice at all. If you are looking to buy your first bike, or replace your current one and are unsure if you want a plus bike, try it, I bet you too will fall in love with a functional fattie.

Comments:

My fuse is only used on rock and root strewn trails in PA. The 3.0 tires, the slack geometry and the 1x drivetrain put so much fun into this bike. At 44, I feel like I'm 12 again on my old Schwinn Scrambler. The bike is not only great on climbs, climbs which you can stand up on and pump over any rocks or roots without tire slippage. You won't just keep up with the pack with this bike, you'll spend a lot of time waiting for everyone else to keep up. Lastly, props to Rich, Tom, and Lee at Around Town Bikes for helping me with this purchase. Truly class act dudes.