My fat bike was a 100% impulse purchase, I remember the day I saw the first fat bike in a Macro store. I called my wife and kids to look at this "crazy" bike, something we have not seen before and could not imagine ever buying one.
Forward a year and I was standing in a Specialized store drooling over a Fatboy. Not thinking where or why I would ride it I made the purchase.
Remember South Africa almost never has any snowfall or nearby deserts so in retrospect my purchase was not for the fatbike's capabilities but just for looks.
Today I can say with all honesty that the fatbike is a very capable all round bike for everyday use and especially for bikepacking.
My Upgrades includes:
1. Tubeless Tyres - a MUST on a fatbike
2. Industry 9 rear hub upgrade
3. Carbon handlebars
4. 1x11 Upgrade
5. Oval front chainring
Planned Upgrades:
1. XT brakes
2. 180 rear brake disk
3. Carbon ridgid forks
Happy bikepacking!
Quick update on more upgrades to my fatbike. I have now upgraded the rear brake dist to a 180 mm rotor. Braking is a lot more predictable. Keep in mind that upgrading to a larger rotor will also include purchasing a brake caliper spacer.
Ask your bike shop for the correct type and size spacer.
Try and time the upgrade with the replacement time of your current rotors. or sell your old rotor if they are still in good condition to minimize upgrade costs.