It was probably only a matter of time, though I’m still not sure anyone is ready for Walmart’s foray into the fatbike market. Thanks to their new 26″ Mongoose Beast Men’s Oversized All Terrain Bike (!) fatbikes may no longer just be a toy for “rich hipsters” as our commenters have put it before. With a retail price of a measly $199, it is possible to buy two fatbike tires that would cost more. Though fatbikers looking for a performance ride might want to look elsewhere as the Beast is more beach than anything. With a coaster brake, singlespeed drivetrain, and those Inova tires with the spiders for tread. Also, even though the beast is specified with an aluminum frame, the shipping weight of 46 lbs hints that this will be no lightweight. Honestly though, if you lived close to a beach and needed a beach cruiser this seems like it could be a fun choice.
In other Walmart bike news, Cam Zink recently got his own signature bike – in Walmart. Check it out, next.
Hyper has done a lot of big box business and Eric Carter, the current brand manager said this to Pinkbike, “We do a lot of business with Walmart, and we’re proud of that. One of Hyper’s main goals is to get more people onto bikes. Not everyone can afford a $1000, $2000 or $4000 bike. I grew up in a household that was struggling to make a buck, to put food on the table. My first bike was a big box bike, and without having that big box bike I may never have found my passion for cycling.”
Therefore, Walmart is offering the $199.97 Hyper Cam Zink Men’s bike. Built with a 7 speed drivetrain, a “rugged” chain guide, Shimano disc brakes, and a suspension fork – the Hyper may just get some riders into biking, as long as it’s assembled correctly.
