Given the drastic improvement in fat bike components in a very short period of time, it’s no wonder we’re seeing equal advancements in frame design. As the fat bike has evolved, so has the way they’re utilized with riders across the globe using them for different purposes. Thankfully, in addition to the fat bike intended for rides across the Alaskan wilderness for days at a time, there have been a number of bikes introduced that are intended for shorter rides on more aggressive trails.
Now 9:ZERO:7 is introducing their own take on the all-rounder with the new Tundra. Starting with their previous Whiteout AL frame, the Tundra gains more playful geometry and a suspension compatible front end to tame the trails…
Similar to the rest of the mountain bike world, fat bikes are seeing a trend of shorter and shorter chain stays. The shorter stays make for a more playful handling bike that is easier to wheelie, manual, and slash turns which for a trail fat bike are all good things. 9:ZERO:7 acknowledges the fact that most of their bikes still use 467mm chain stays, but that they were intentionally long to provide better traction in loose conditions – especially with the early fat bike tires.
The Tundra is the first bike to get away from the longer stays with a shorter 450mm chain stay length. This is still at the longer end of trail fat bike chain stay lengths which are usually around 430-450mm, but it should be a welcome departure from 467mm.
The other big news is the new suspension corrected carbon fork (483mm axle to crown) which combines a 150 x 15mm thru axle with a 1.125-1.5″ tapered steerer for an easy swap to a 100-120mm travel suspension fork. Other details include a 197 x 12mm rear hub, 100mm threaded bottom bracket, and dropper post compatibility while simultaneously shedding 300g from the frame compared to the Whiteout AL. There’s also an Anything cage mount on the top tube to accessorize if you’re going to be out for a while.
Available in two colors, the bike is sold as a complete with a SRAM GX1 drivetrain, Sun Ringle Mulefut SL 80 wheels, and a carbon fork for $2,399 with an impressive 27.5 lb (12.5kg) complete weight. The frames have three sizes, 15, 17, and 19″.
Not to leave out the little ones, 9:ZERO:7 is also introducing the new Squall kids’ fat bike. Based on 24 x 4.0″ tires, the aluminum frame runs a 177 x 12mm rear axle and even features a carbon fork with a 135 x 15mm thru axle. Available in one size, the frame runs a 13″ seat tube and 21″ top tube which 9:ZERO:7 says should fit riders 4′ – 5′ tall. The Squall will also fit up to 26 x 3.0″ or 27.5 x 3.0″ plus wheels and tires for all season versatility. Built with a parts kit worthy of any adult fat bike, the Squall is sold as the $1999 NX build or the $2399 GX1 build which should ensure that the bikes are not only durable for years of use, but light enough that kids can pedal them.
Check out 907bikes.com for more information.
