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That's cool. Wonder how much it will go for?
I'd like to try one but not sure id like to own one. Especially at the price it going to go for.
I remember when those came out. They are clever but just seemed a bit too niche - great for loose sand, etc., but big question about how the exposed drivetrain would handle mud. Would probably be an awesome climbing machine if it was converted to an e-bike
Yes may years ago “Fat treads” Aviemore bike shop had demo day. It rode really well. I do remember looking at all the awd gubbins thinking it wouldn’t last a Scottish winter !!
great for loose sand
The idea of sand munching that drivetrain makes my eyes wince?
It's interesting to see, probably fun to ride around the block but I'd leave it there. Given it's age and minty fresh looking condition I'd say the current owner probably agrees with me! Probably one for the collector not the rider.
I was wondering about those just a couple of days ago, I'd love to have had a go. But yeah, seemed a bit niche/unnecessary for MTB. Maybe on a motorbike?
I can see mostly how it works but how does the shaft parallel to the fork get driven?
is there any differential between the front and rear wheels? if not i could actually see a loss in front wheel grip when diving into corners...
how does the shaft parallel to the fork get driven?
IIRC, there's a drive shaft from the rear wheel that runs through the top tube and into the headtube, then it gets turned 90 degrees and driven down to the fork crown, then transferred to the drive shaft to the front wheel. Quite clever but lots of precision machined parts exposed to dirt and mud.
And it turns out they're still making AWD e-bikes.
https://mbaction.com/bike-review-christini-all-wheel-drive-fat-e5-ebike/
Fascinating bike!! So is the drive on the front wheel rigidly fixed to that of the rear, or is there a viscous coupling or something between them?
Yes may years ago “Fat treads” Aviemore bike shop had demo day. It rode really well. I do remember looking at all the awd gubbins thinking it wouldn’t last a Scottish winter !!
Cool, I'm imagining it would go up a slippery climb very well. Definitely looks very maintenance heavy, but I'm sure had it caught on someone would have figured out a better protected solution. Thre thoughts about the need for a differential is an interesting one. Would definitely add complication.
And it turns out they’re still making AWD e-bikes.
Wow, I would have assumed they'd have gone with the neat and easy solution of a front hub motor, but no. I'm guessing a dropper post would've resulted in too many cables...