I’m finishing the build on this custom fatbike (the first draft of Omni-Terra’s frameset) and I’m trying to make wheelset decisions. Specifically, I’m looking for help deciding what wheelset to build *first* for this, knowing I’m going to build other wheels down the road.
It’s going to be my primary winter commuter, as well as my trail MTB and bike packing/gravel/adventure bike until my drop-bar hardtail frame gets delivered and I have time to build it up next spring.
I’m also hoping it will be my gateway to enjoying winter sports, since skiing/snowboarding don’t do anything for me.
Frame clearance: 26×4.8ish, 27.5×4.3ish, 29x???
Fork (Salsa Kingpin Deluxe) clearance: 26×5, 27.5×4, 29×3 (but 3.25 would probably fit)
Wheel options I’m considering:
1. 26 fat. Mulefüt 80, 26×4.6 Dillinger 5 or 4.8 Schwalbe
2. 27.5 fat. Mulefut 80SL, 27.5x”4.5″ Barbeghazis or Gnarwhals
3. 29+. WTB KOM Tough i40s, 29×3.0 Rangers, Fat B Nimbles, Bontrager XR2, or Vee Bulldozer.
I’m sure I’m going to want a 29+ wheelset st some point, so do I build that one first? Or do I build the 26ers to maximize the fattiness of this bike as it was made for? It’s definitely easier to find 26 or 27.5 fat wheelsets used than it is to find 29+ with fat hubs, which is a factor as well.
Any insight, or personal experience with measured widths with these tire/rim combos, would be super appreciated. Thanks!
by DuctTapeGod