There was a bit of talk about horses for courses among the Scott Week presentations, since bikes that may work well in one area of the world, might not be ideal in others. The horse analogy may have continued in the naming of Scott’s new fat bike, but instead of Mr. Ed, meet Big Ed. We expected to see a number of impressively light, super capable mountain bikes among Scott’s 2015 offerings, but a fat bike? That was surprising.
Fortunately for Scott, being new to the fat bike scene means that they are able to jump right in with a RockShox Bluto equipped bike. Built with suspension corrected geometry and modern axle sizes, Big Ed looks like it will be another popular option in the world of fat bikes.
Designed around the 80mm rims with 4″ Kenda Juggernaut tires, Big Ed still has plenty of clearance. We know the Bluto is capable of clearing 4.8″ rubber on 80mm rims, so it’s safe to assume the rear should be as well. Front axle spacing is 150mm with a 15mm TA for the Bluto, but the rear sticks with a standard quick release at 190mm wide.
Big Ed is the first fat bike we’ve seen to use the RockShox Bluto with a remote lock out which functions just like their other forks.
Down below you’ll find what looks to be a brand new option from e13 – a press fit 121mm bottom bracket option for their TRS fat bike double. It also looks as if the crank itself has received some updates with a more rounded profile near the spindle. On fat bikes, the 121mm press fit bottom brackets accept the same cranks as the standard 100mm threaded.
Speced with a 2×10 SRAM drive train, Big Ed sees a mix of X7 and X9 components. The front derailleur uses a clamp style mount with a high direct mount adapter. Other component highlights include a Syncros cockpit complete with 35mm bar and stem.
Weighing in at 33.66 lbs (including a bottle cage), Big Ed’s weight isn’t bad considering the hydroformed aluminum frame and RockShox Bluto fork complete with remote lockout.
First Impressions:
Out on the trails of Deer Valley, UT, fat bikes still turn heads. I got more questions, surprised looks, and smiles when cruising by on Big Ed than any other bike – which is usually par for the course with a fat bike. Fortunately, Big Ed can back up the looks with a fun ride. Our first ride on the Kenda Juggernauts proved satisfying, with plenty of grip in extremely loose corners. Much like other Bluto equipped fat bikes, Big Ed can shred with the geometry leaning towards the mountain bike end of the spectrum with shorter chainstays and longer top tube designed around shorter stems. The only possible concern is the potential for heel or calf rub on the seat stay as they are quite wide. Ideally we’d like to see a little more shape to the stays, but many riders seemed to have no issues.
Honestly, if you haven’t ridden a fat bike with the Bluto yet, it will force you to look at the bikes ina different light. Suspension makes the big bikes even more capable and fun, and Big Ed is no different. Pricing and availability is TBD.
