The question has been asked a lot and always too often;
Will Misfit Psycles make a fat bike?
No.
Fuck no.
Never.
Not fucking ever.
I have waxed ad nausea on the reasons…MOST emotional and biased by opinion…ALL relate to the fact that I already ride all winter.
While I fully acknowledge cycling, cycling trends and business aren’t ‘all about me’ it IS a design philosophy (if a philosophy can be vehemently imposed as law) at Misfit Psycles.
We do not/will not make or sell anything we aren’t (currently) riding.
Not because we know better than you (though in your mind you know that we think we know that we do), it’s for the simple and honest acknowledgement that a business can’t take a product seriously, provide the design practicality, insight or attentions required to make it the best, if they (those same principles) don’t ACTUALLY USE THE PRODUCT THEY DESIGNED.
Most move on after hearing that answer, however, there is oft a follow-up query;
Just how big a tire will fit inside the ALC frame?
While the base math (tire maker specs Misfit specs) suggested something around 3″…we never ACTUALLY said so.
A void of tire options available between the normal (XC/trail 29er) and the retarded (fat/snow/allroundshitassstupid) made it unpossible to say with any (physical) measure of certainty.
Enter the Krampus and it’s KNARD.
If I’m being entirely honest, I liked what I read the first time I read it but, in the interest of pride, I refused to admit it.
The Surly Krampus/Knard represents a design (and use) philosophy that doesn’t result in little more than a sensational seasonal sometimes bike.
The KNARD looked like it might even fit the diSSent ALC.
Measure by measure led to a possible (but firm) likely, maybe.
To confirm, we required a physical demonstration.
The following are images sent to us and represent the first (and currently ongoing) attempt to install the SURLY KNARD 3″ tire in/on a Misfit Psycles diSSent ALC frame.
Craig is a good man, helping the Psycle cause.
Craig is not a good photographer, that said, his efforts are much appreciated and clearly convey the answer we were looking for;
Surly Knard mounted to Bontrager Duster rim on Misfit Psycles diSSent (ALC).
Bottom view – bridge and chain stay clearance.
Top view – bridge and seat stay clearance.
Disclaimer(s):
The KNARD/DISSENT (ALC) combo WILL work in a geared configuration (or applications using a chain tensioner) for CERTAIN.
We expect the slider throw has been limited to ensure proper (bridge) clearance and this needs to be tested. Measurements have not been taken on the remaining throw of the sliders (it may/may not work for certain gear ratios due to limited slider movement).
KNARD fit has NOT been tested on the diSSent (AL), while you are welcomed to do so and we encourage you to share if you do, it is our opinion that the KNARD will NOT fit…plus the diSSent (AL) isn’t currently in production so…meh.
What now?
Well, predictors of the obvious expect the next round of questions might go a little something like this;
Is it true, Misfit Psycles, haters of all things fat, makes a fat bike?
The answer is still fuck you.
We do, however unintentionally, offer a bike that lists on the side of burly.
Misfit Psycles makes what shall henceforth and forevermore be called a ‘Thick Bike’.
There will be a THICK BIKE media flurry (pun intended), there will be THICK BIKE nay-sayers and haters, there will be THICK BIKE rides, races and owners clubs…it will be all the rage.
For now, THICK BIKE(s) are EXCLUSIVE to Misfit Psycles.
Plans are in the works to re-market the diSSent ALC as the world’s first THICK BIKE.
As you must expect, such exclusivity comes at a price:
Limited Edition diSSent ALC starting at 995.
Only 25 Available.
- Or -
Regular olde diSSent ALC starting at 850.
For use with tires sized up to KNARD.
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