Moonlander?

Johnny Utah

Johnny Utah

Well-Known Member
So a recently sale of a bike brought me over to Brielle Cyclery to get a box to send the old wheels out in, on my way out, I took a look at the Moonlander (that is my size and favorite color) sitting out front:drooling:

Now I know we all have a bit of cabin fever, but the recent icy/mud conditions have made it unbearable, and I do live less than a mile from the beach/gravel pits.

$2,500 for a bike that is kind of a novelty to me is steep (but it is awesome) due to the fact that I bought a new dualie a couple of months ago (primary rig) but I do have another bike (on top of the one I just sold) to move, giving me some justification.

I have noticed some used Pugsley's in the local market for $1,000 to $1,500 in solid shape, and being a previous shop wrench for five years, I can spot problems pretty well (although not to many to really worry about on an unsuspended steel bike).

Anyhow, before I go and spontaneous throw a massive sum of money down,is there a huge difference between the 4.8 and 3.8 tire abilities? Should I just buy a used Pugsley? I am not a 100% on a fat bike purchase yet, but if I keep driving by that shop, I may take the plunge......

Thoughts? Opionions? on the difference of the two, any one expieirience this and buy both, or upgrade to the Moonlander from a Puglsey or vice versa?
 
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I started out with a Pugs, then moved up to a Ti fatbike. I started out with 82mm wide rims on the Ti fatty, but scaled them back to 65mm when I built up a set of light wheels. My bike is set up for year-round, all-surface riding as my primary MTB. I've ridden it on the beach and through the sands of the Pine Barrens and Allaire, and rarely felt the need for bigger tires. I've tried the Moonie, and while it does float a bit better in the deepest, softest sand, there's a penalty in weight and handling.
 
I haven't ridden 5"s, but I can say without hesitation that the 4"s on my Muk have handled anything on the beach with no problem, including sugar sand. I'm about 200lbs FWIW. They have also been fantastic in the snow, have never let me down on the nastiest of conditions.

I have however ridden with people who have Moonies and/or 5"s and would say they have a slight edge on loose/booted up snow.
 
You might find it not to be so much of a novelty. I bought my fat bike and I had a full suspension all mountain bike and a 29er hardtail. I pretty much just ride the fat bike year round. I sold my full suspension and hardly ride my 29er.

I thought the same thing before I bought my fat bike. I figured that it was stupid and silly until I demo'ed one and immediately purchased my Mukluk. You will love it!
 
Hmmm.....maybe I am a little afraid of that....they look like too much fun, I spent the last year on my rigid singlespeed, it was a blast, I was just craving gears.:hmmm:
 
So I bit today, bought the Moonlander. Rode Allaire right after the purchase.....UNREAL! The bike takes fun to a new level! I could not believe how easy it was to ride (I know, only 2-3 inches of snow).


Thanks for all the help and motivation!
 
Awesome, another convert! Congrats. Come and join us up north for a ride...snow's wicked deep but very firm.
 
Congratulations! If you are liking it so much already, wait until you ride it in fresh snow! And make sure you set your tires tubeless if you haven't done so.
 
I have ridden Allaire the past two days with three or so inches, it was AWESOME! I put a set a Deity Decoy flats on it tonight and wrapped the chainstays in clear tape. At a later date I may add some racks, but to be honest, I am not a tubeless guy, I always loved the simplicity of a tube, and rarely flat, then again, I do not have enough fat bike experience at this point yet to know if there is a big plus side I am missing besides weight.

I hope the pic works!

This video kind of sold me on it, just on the aspect of riding the pines and checking places out I only used on my moto/jeep. Excuse the Japanese text.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fMmT8sM0xM
 

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Also should mention I was thinking of putting full width Raceface Atlas bars on it, like I have been on everything lately, but I am realizing the benefits of the stock bars (probably 27" or so) for exploring some tighter trails down south (Crystal Lake to the Mullica).

The winter has been pretty rough compared to the last few, I guess I have had some serious cabin fever. I figure with the fat bike I can check out the Batso village area and the previously mentioned without doing trail damage in the wet season/thaw. I am also pretty close to the beach

Frankly, the bike is so fun and versatile, I wouldn't mind covering some miles with stops along the way.

Time will tell, but I am very happy with the purchase. Also should mention the crew at Brielle Cyclery in Brielle were awesome and friendly, they set me up with a fair price and had some fat bikes in stock to chose from as well as a solid selection gear for the avid cyclist.
 
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