Skibike Review - Brenter "Fat Boy" C6
Posted: Wednesday, 27 April 2011 by Mark Kinnon in Labels: Brenter, Skibob
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Its not everyday that I get the chance to test a new skibike fresh from the factory, to test one with 30 minutes to go before entering it in a World Cup competition was a unique experience. You can read the whole story here.
This is what Brenter say about the Fat Boy:
First Impressions:
Anyone who has ever been on a Brenter will feel at home straight away, as it is very similar to the older models, with the same bouncy suspension, banana saddle and familiar yellow and black colour scheme. It is supposed to be a more rugged machine, suited to all mountain and off piste use, even climb up / skibike down back mountain touring adventures.
The joints feature heavy duty construction compared to earlier models and proper adjustable mountain bike handle bars are fitted. Surprisingly all this beefing up doesn't result in a weighty behemoth, in fact, to the best of my knowledge the Fat Boy is the lightest skibike available.
If, like me, you are accustomed to telescopic forks and air shock rear suspension, the Brenter will disappoint. It has a surprising amount of give for such a simple design but lacks damping. I have been told by the UK Brenter expert that you need to adapt your technique and utilise the systems rebound characteristics to your advantage, I beg to differ.
The saddle height is adjustable with alternative shims between the frame and seat, but they will all be at a point that would only be suitable for traditional ski-bob style riding with foot skis and foot pegs are not provided.
Lastly, they still look like they were designed by Fischer Price and just don't look cool, seriously, I've been anti-fashion my whole life and I don't think they're fashionable enough! If I was given one I would have the rattle cans out straight away. For a product that seems to be marketed with a bias towards women riders, I am surprised there isn't the option for chic factory finishes.
The Good Bits: Amazingly light, highly versatile, easily transported, nice steering, quite robust.
The Bad Bits: Bouncy, bouncy ride, ugly and uncool appearance, requires foot skis to ride.
This is what Brenter say about the Fat Boy:
C6 - Fatboy: the evolution of the world record bike C4 with 40 mm bow frame design. We thought there is nothing we can improve on a C4 until we have written the all new C6.
Full suspension: active system, Titanal-Elastomer seat suspension and active elastomer front suspension, Frame: Bow-frame design Aluminum 1000 g powder coated weight: 7 kg class; simple Ski service: patent “Quick-Change” System Available sizes for body sizes 135 - 200 cm,
First Impressions:
Anyone who has ever been on a Brenter will feel at home straight away, as it is very similar to the older models, with the same bouncy suspension, banana saddle and familiar yellow and black colour scheme. It is supposed to be a more rugged machine, suited to all mountain and off piste use, even climb up / skibike down back mountain touring adventures.
The joints feature heavy duty construction compared to earlier models and proper adjustable mountain bike handle bars are fitted. Surprisingly all this beefing up doesn't result in a weighty behemoth, in fact, to the best of my knowledge the Fat Boy is the lightest skibike available.
If, like me, you are accustomed to telescopic forks and air shock rear suspension, the Brenter will disappoint. It has a surprising amount of give for such a simple design but lacks damping. I have been told by the UK Brenter expert that you need to adapt your technique and utilise the systems rebound characteristics to your advantage, I beg to differ.
The saddle height is adjustable with alternative shims between the frame and seat, but they will all be at a point that would only be suitable for traditional ski-bob style riding with foot skis and foot pegs are not provided.
Lastly, they still look like they were designed by Fischer Price and just don't look cool, seriously, I've been anti-fashion my whole life and I don't think they're fashionable enough! If I was given one I would have the rattle cans out straight away. For a product that seems to be marketed with a bias towards women riders, I am surprised there isn't the option for chic factory finishes.
The Good Bits: Amazingly light, highly versatile, easily transported, nice steering, quite robust.
The Bad Bits: Bouncy, bouncy ride, ugly and uncool appearance, requires foot skis to ride.