Fat Bike Conversion

[Adam319]

My friend really likes my MP3 Mt. bike conversion that I did. He is looking to do the MP5 fat bike conversion from Gary with the 195mm kit. Thank you Gary for carrying those! Couple of questions I got.

Most of the fat bike rears that I am seeing list a 190mm dropout. Is the 195mm going to work on those or do I need to keep looking for a specific 195mm?

I know on my MP3 conversion that I had to take my 8 speed rear cassette off and drop it down to a 6 speed cassette. Am I going to be looking at doing something similar on this one? The reason I ask is he doesn't have a bike yet, so we can tailor the looking around for something a little more specific.

Anyone got suggestions for a great fat bike to convert that doesn't cost alot?

Thanks all!

[Adam319]

thinking about using this bike as the donor
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_595128_-1___204866

[NR]

I would surgest consider front wheel drive, I have found it has a few advantages, first you get 2 wheel drive, which is good going offroad, second the setup is more simple to mount and exchange tire and tube, third in my opinion, the balance of the bike is better than rear motor. I have had a rear wheel drive mtb, and the weight on the rear put high load on spokes and tire which lead to many broken spokes and much faster worn rear tires. On my latest FatBike setup with Smart Pie 5 in front, never had  broken spoke and tire wear is very equal front/rear, and so far it has run more than 2800 km this year, flawlessly.
It runs 48v and with the fatty tires it runs 45-50 km/t without pedaling. 

[Chavivaus]

I do have a 26x4 front Mp5 and after a year of adjusting spokes tension, I still have lateral movement of the wheel specially if I use only one hand on handlebar, do you have similar issues?

[Duck]

I also purchased and installed the new fatbike motor. My bike is a mongoose dolomite with 190mm dropouts. Most bikes will tolerate a little bit of offset. I had to spread the forks 5mm and it dropped right in with no problems! Most of the cheaper bikes that are still using round stock tubing are softer/easier to work with. The new/expensive hydro formed frames don't like being forced wider/narrower than they were designed for.

[GM Canada]

https://www.facebook.com/285871284795537/photos/a.994682820581043.1073741828.285871284795537/1654969101219075/?type=3&theater

Your bike picture was posted to my facebook page as well. Thank you for the review!

Gary