Wildfire FatBike Frames and Forks:
FatBike Frames: Wildfire FatBike frames are hand built in the USA by an expert craftsman with over 10 years experience fabricating and welding bicycle frames for one of the biggest brands in the country. You'll love the attention to detail, weld quality, and general workmanship apparent in each Wildfire frame and fork. All Wildfire frames are constructed of a hand selected blend of Columbus and True Temper premium double butted chro-moly tubing, including S-bend chain and seat stays for a compliant ride and heel clearance. The frames are equipped for wilderness racing and expedition touring with rack mounts front and rear, three water bottle mounts including one on the underside of the down tube for carrying a stove fuel bottle, and disc brake mounts front and rear.
New for 2009, I use 160 mm spaced rear dropouts with 0 offset allowing the use of the new generation of lightweight tandem hubs from Hadley and Chris King. The frames use a 100 mm English threaded bottom bracket shell for use with 100 X 145 mm Isis or square taper bottom brackets from FSA, Truvativ, and Phil Wood. There are also at least two brands of external bearing bottom brackets and crank arms which work excellent with the FatBike. The frame has generous clearance for 26" X 80 mm rims and 3.7" tires with full use of a 9 speed cassette. Expedition riders requiring the largest flotation possible will find the frame accepts 26" X 100 mm rims but a spacer needs to be used behind the cassette to prevent the chain from rubbing the tires. This requires eliminating the two small cogs from the cassette and turning it into a 7 speed cluster. The frames also use the commonly available 1 1/8" threadless head set, a Shimano E-Type bottom bracket mount front derailleur, and a 27.2 mm seatpost.
FatBike frames are available in three stock sizes: Small/15", Medium/17", and Large/19". I also offer an Extra-small/13" version for an extra cost due to the extra jigging labor required to accommodate the geometry changes to get everything to work. For those interested in utilizing the Rohloff 14 speed internally geared rear hub I also offer a special frame version with 135 mm spaced Rohloff-specific disc dropouts and a proprietary offset to the stays along with special cable mounting details. I can also do custom geometry and sizing, please contact me for a consultation and price quote. Please see the frame specs chart below for help in choosing the size you need and if you have any questions about sizing, please contact me as I take pride in ensuring the FatBike you purchase fits you well.
I have been working with a powder coating company here in Alaska for over 10 years. Powder coating is a great paint for bikes because of its corrosion resistance and durability. The company does excellent work and can do just about any color a customer can dream up. They also offer a nice selection of special effects such as candies, metallics, and holographics usually at no extra charge. I also specify a clear coat over all FatBike paint jobs for extra color depth and durability. Please see www.tigerdrylac.com for available colors. If you see a color you like but are unsure what it would look like on a FatBike, please contact me. Chances are I've done a frame in a similar color before and can send a photo. Don't be afraid to choose an uncommon color, I've done a lot of FatBikes in a lot of colors and I have yet to see an ugly one when built up.
All frames are built to order and typically are finished within 45-90 days of placing your order, plus up to another 14 days for the paint job (often faster). So expect up to a 10 week total waiting period which is quite fast for a hand built frame. If you are also placing a parts package order, I make sure I source all the parts and get the wheels built while the frame is being constructed and painted so I can assemble the bike as soon as the frame and fork arrive. Please allow an extra three days for final assembly of the bike once it arrives in my shop.
Pricing: Small, Medium, and Large frames: $995
Extra-small frame: $1195
Rohloff version: $1395
FatBike Forks: My rigid FatFork is the perfect complement to a FatBike frame. It is made of quality True Temper chro-moly tubing and comes stock with a disc brake mount, rack mounts for use with off-the-shelf rear racks, and a hose/cable guide. The axle to crown length is 465 mm which allows you to swap the rigid fork out for a 29er suspension fork while keeping the great FatBike handling characteristics. It features a 1 1/8" chro-moly steerer tube which is cut generously long allowing usage on most brands of bikes and 100 mm 0 offset front dropouts. It has generous tire clearance for the fattest rims and tires available. Please see www.tigerdrylac.com for available colors. As with the frames, please allow 10 weeks for completion.
Pricing: Standard Fork: $249 Custom size fork length: $295
Sizing Information: FatBike Frame Specifications
|
Frame Size |
Head Tube Angle |
Seat Tube Angle |
Effective Top Tube |
Seat Tube Length |
Bottom Bracket Drop |
Chain Stay Length |
Wheel Base |
Fork A-C |
Fork Rake |
Stand- Over Height |
|
XS/13” |
70 |
73 |
22.25” |
13.5” |
45mm |
17.75” |
42.25” |
455mm |
45mm |
28.5” |
|
S/15” |
71 |
73 |
22.75” |
15.5” |
40mm |
17.75” |
42.50” |
465mm |
45mm |
30.5” |
|
M/17” |
71 |
73 |
23.25” |
17.5” |
40mm |
17.75” |
43.00” |
465mm |
45mm |
31.5” |
|
L/19” |
71 |
73 |
23.75” |
19.5” |
40mm |
17.75” |
43.50” |
465mm |
45mm |
32.5 |
All frame specifications subject to change without notice.
How To Order: First, please feel free to contact me with specific questions. I understand that the purchase of a FatBike is a sizable investment for most people, particularly in today's economy. I am always happy to discuss specific concerns about frame sizing, component selection, and desired usage so you can be very satisfied with your purchase.
A 50% deposit on the price of the frame and fork are required before I can proceed further with your order. Payment can be made in the form of a certified cashier's check, personal or business check, money order, or wire transfer. I'm sorry, but I no longer accept credit card payments. Upon receiving your deposit, I will contact you with any questions and send you a receipt for the deposit along with an invoice showing total pricing for your records. When the frame has been completed and has been delivered to the paint shop, I request payment on the balance of the frame and fork, plus the cost of the parts kit (if ordered) and estimated shipping fees.
Parts Packages: I prefer to consult with each customer to arrive at a custom parts package to suit their needs and budget. All parts and accessories ordered as a build kit with a FatBike frame and fork package are priced at 10 to 15 % below MSRP or list prices. I have extensive experience matching customers to the FatBike of their dreams, from beginning recreational riders to elite racers who desire the lightest and most exotic parts possible. Parts packages start at around $900 and go up from there. I only use parts that I have experience with and know to be reliable and that work well on a FatBike. Free professional assembly (which usually takes over eight hours of labor) is included with the purchase of a frame set and build kit. Again, feel free to contact me for a consultation and quote.
Rim, Tire, and Wheel Options:
I carry 26" X 65 mm Large Marge rims by Surly in XC, DH, offset and center drilled versions. Prices start at $109/rim.
For more flotation and control, the Vicious Cycles Graceful Fat Sheba is 26" X 80 mm. Available in black 32 hole offset and center drilled versions for $90 ea.
I also stock or can special order 29er rims from various manufacturers to suit your needs. Prices start at $39/rim.
2009 and newer FatBikes require a special 160 mm lightweight tandem hub on the rear. Please contact me for current availability and pricing. Front disc hubs are available starting at $27.00.
I stock the Surly Endomorph 26 X 3.7" fat tire for $109 ea. 29er tires start at $27. Tubes run between $4 and $9 ea.
For studded tires, I recommend the Nokian Freddie's Revenz Lite ($109) which work well with the Surly Large Marge rim. Nokian also makes the Gazza Extreme 294 29" X 2.1 tire ($105) for 29er wheels.
Custom Wheelbuilding Service: Nothing rides like a quality hand built wheel. I have over 11 years experience building all kinds of bicycle wheels. I take the time to ensure each wheel has the proper spoke lengths, optimal lacing pattern for desired usage, is properly and evenly tensioned, is post stressed, is readjusted after building, has the correct dish, and is true and round. For a labor charge of $40/wheel (plus parts) you will have a quality hand built wheel with optimal spoke tension that will stay true longer. Spoke options: 14g DT or Wheelsmith spokes in black or silver, straight gauge or double butted, brass or alloy spoke nipples in silver, black, or color anodized. Please contact me for a price quote and component consultation on complete wheels.
Warranty Information: Wildfire FatBike frames and forks are covered under warranty for a period of 5 (five) years from the date of purchase for the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship arising from normal usage. If the product is found to be defective in material and workmanship, it will be repaired or replaced at the sole option of Wildfire Designs. The warranty specifically excludes:
-Wildfire products that have been modified, neglected, or poorly maintained, used for competition or stunt riding or commercial usage, involved in accidents or misused or abused.
-Damage occurring during shipment of the product. (Any such claims must be presented directly to the freight carrier.)
-Damage to the paint coating, deterioration of the finish sheen, aesthetics, or appearance.
-Normal wear and tear to the product.
-Customer error in selecting or specifying components.
-Acts of nature.
-Wildfire Designs will not be held responsible for secondary or consequential damages of any kind arising from defects in materials and workmanship of Wildfire products.
All components are covered by their respective manufacturers warranties.
DON'T MISS OUT ON THE MAGIC OF WINTER RIDING!
Wildfire Designs Bicycles
3901 N. Charley Drive
Wasilla, AK USA 99654
907-745-2453
