First profiled on our “How to Build a NAHBS Bike” series, the Matter Cycles Benefat fat bike already checked a lot of boxes. Built to be an exceptionally fun trail bike with fat tires, the Benefat delivered with a hand built steel frame. But, as they say, there’s always room for improvement so the Benefat gets even better for 2016.
Check out the changes plus the new Shand Cycles Tumshie fat bike next…
One of the defining features of the Benefat were the super short 420mm chain stays which were created with the help of a custom chain stay yoke. After checking out the 3D printed prototype at NAHBS though, we were told the next version would have a serious upgrade. The new hollow CNC machined yoke not only looks better, but makes the design both stiffer and lighter.
Other additions include Syntace 197×12 dropouts, more heel clearance, and improved curves on the tubing. Compatible with 100 or 120mm suspension forks, the stand over clearance has also been increased for those moments you have to jump off in deep snow.
Built with clearance for 26×4.8 or 29×3″ tires thanks to the curve in the seat post, the Benefat stays versatile and fun. Each bike is hand made in Boulder, CO and frames run $1,650 with completes starting at $3,909.74. For complete geometry and build info, follow the link below.
While we have fat bike to get rowdy coming out of Colorado, by way of Scotland we have a fat bike built to power through the worst conditions. The Tumshie is the company’s first fat bike and makes use of Paragon Polydrop dropouts to provide options for SS, Geared, or even Belt Drive Rohloff options.
The Columbus Niobium heat treated steel frame is suspension corrected for 485mm a2c forks but is also available with a rigid suspension corrected fork. Frame details include a 100mm PF30 bb shell, 170mm rear spacing, 44mm head tube, a claimed frame weight of 2.1kg, and 26×4.8″ tire clearance.
Pricing starts at £995 for the frame, and £1,100 for the rigid frame set, with a complete Rohloff x Gates build selling for £3,250.
