Ever since I sat the first time in a saddle of a fat bike I loved it. I am a strong believer, that whoever will try it once will have the same experience like me. In the last two years, fat biking developed from a handful of people and pioneers to a proper and respectable sport in itself. The main reason certainly is the great experience of cycling in complete quietness and a peaceful environment away from the streets. With more and more brands bringing in fat bikes, the availability also increased in the last months as well as a price drop for the bikes itself. “We felt fat bikes were overpriced in this market so we spent seven months developing a fat bike specifically for the United Arab Emirates market. Not only are our Silverback Scoop fat bikes 2kg lighter, with better specs and offering more colour options than currently available, but they are also a massive AED 5,000 cheaper and this fits in line with our Best In Class (BIC) global strategy” said Gary Flint, Silverback Brand Manager for the region. So there are many reasons to get a fat bike and explore the desert in a different way and enjoy freedom and peace of mind.
Fat biking is much slower than normal road cycling and therefore you will miss the relative wind which cools you down a bit. So fat biking during summer in the midday heat is certainly not appealing to many people. But if you go riding in the morning’s early hours or in the late afternoon hours just before sunrise or after sunset, you can enjoy even in the summer heat of July and August on your fat bike. Hydration is obviously of importance.
If you are not sure if fat biking is for you or you don’t like solitude, there might be an attractive offer for you. Silverback – who just launched this year their line of fat bikes and OutdoorArabia teamed up to inspire more people to go fat biking. The focus of the initiative is to promote the sports rather than anything else. So the two companies organized the first,completely free,Open Fat Bike Night outside of Dubai in the big dunes off the second roundabout in Al Qudra. Silverback and OutdoorArabia provided about 20 demo bikes which could be used by anyone who joined the event. The first event was only promoted on social media and was held during Ramadan from 7pm until 9pm. About 20 people showed up to this first event — all newbies to the sport and only one experienced rider. Gary adds, “The best thing about fat biking is that every ride is an adventure. I love seeing the excitement on people’s faces when they do their first 100m on a fat bike for the first time”. Everyone had great fun and enjoyed the hot evening with cold drinks, ice cream and various rides in dawn and darkness.
Silverback and OutdoorArabia are planning more regular community events to promote fat biking for both newbies and experts. With regards future events, Gary says: “In the cooler months we will be hosting rides on a regular basis with demo bikes available for first timers. We will have two groups, one for the beginners giving tips and advice and the more serious riders will be able to enjoy a 2-hour ride over the dunes with experienced leaders.”
To attract more experienced riders with their own bikes a brand independent race series is planned along the free-ride nights. More details will be posted on the Silverback Middle East Facebook page or follow OutdoorUAE magazine or digital platforms.
If you want to rent a fat bike or go on a guided ride, visit www.outdoorarabia.com
Words By: Daniel Birkhofer
Photos By: Daniel Birkhofer and Alin Epure
