Fatback
Fatback
January 2, 2013
"02. SPEEDWAY CYCLES FATBACK - This was the year the fat bikes took to the mainstream, and though we've had plenty of fun on these hogs over the last few seasons, it is the Fatback from Anchorage, Alaska-based Speedway Cycles that has won us over for good. At just 27 pounds with huge standover and superfast steering, this bike rides more like an XC mountain bike than a monster truck. With a spare set of lightweight wheels, it easily pulls double duty as an XC racer, making this thus far the most versatile mountain bike around. (The Surly Krampus, a 2013 release, looks set to usurp that title.) Look for a full winter review of the Fatback soon."
November 9, 2012
"The first thing that surprised me about this bike is that it’s not that heavy. It’s certainly no weight weenie XC race bike, but it feels very reasonable."
"The geometry of the bike is pretty neutral and comfortable and the component mix works perfectly. Other than some bounce from the squishy tires, the fat bike rides, well, like a bike! I had expected it to be slow and heavy with awful rotational weight due to the big tires, but nope … it rode fine."
OCTOBER 26, 2012
"Every major snow-bike race in 2012 (including the granddaddy, the Iditabike) was won aboard one of these Alaskan race rigs. The Fatback is blinged out with a house-branded carbon fork and carbon wheels (which are a pound lighter than the competition’s) and 45Nrth’s siped Hüsker Dü tires. Tons of standover and minimal heft (just 27 pounds) make it feel more XC than XXL. For going fast when it’s freezing, there’s no better choice."
JANUARY 13, 2012
"When the FedEx truck pulled into my driveway I knew exactly what he was about to unload. Is it wrong that I watched the FedEx Tracking page like a hawk for two days while my frame made its way to Idaho from Anchorage, AK? I have been thinking about a new Fat Bike frame for a while and when I saw the specs of the 2012 Fatback I knew it was the frame for me."
JANUARY 4, 2012
"At first glance, it resembles a bike that may be aboard the next mission to Mars. With its 4.7-inch tires and 90-mm-wide rims, Fatback’s well-refined contribution to the fat bike movement is sure to turn a few heads out on the snow-packed trails. With high-quality proprietary components, a refined titanium frame and custom carbon fork, Fatback is pushing the technical, functional and practical aspect of the very fattest of fat-tired bicycles."
September 13, 2011
"Fat bikes ruled the roost in Dirt Demo Vegas. These machines attracted the most attention and the fun factor was highest among the riders of these bikes. We met up Greg Matyas of Speedway Cycles and he revealed the keys to the rising popularity of these bikes. When designed and built right, these bikes can go anywhere and do anything off-road. It truly is one of the best incarnations of the mountain bike."
February 3, 2011
"Speedway Cycles in Anchorage, Alaska has been building Fatback bikes for about five years now. Titanium was the material of choice at first, but in an effort to bring a more affordable bike to the people, owner Greg Matyas introduced an aluminum-framed model. The Fatback Aluminum shares the same design aspects as the other Fatbacks, such as a curved top tube for increased standover clearance while allowing for the use of a longer head tube. Having more top tube clearance is always welcome when riding in soft conditions, and a taller head tube gives the rider a more upright position, which helps with control. Ride stability is designed into the frame by utilizing a 69.5° head tube angle and a 73° seat tube angle along with a 24” effective (on an 18” frame) top tube length."
December 29, 2010
"For years now, Fatback bike designer Greg Matyas of Anchorage has been telling everyone who will listen that fat-tired bikes aren't just for riding in the snow, and this summer it appears a government agency not exactly known for innovation took his advice to heart."