SE Bicycles

F@R Complete Bike - 2015

For all their capability, most mountain bikes struggle to stay in command of certain conditions, namely mud, snow, and sand. When such deterrents lay in your path, don't default to dismount. Opt for a machine like the SE F@R Fat Bike, a fully capable but fairly-priced wide-tire mountain bike that gobbles up difficult conditions all day and will leave you wanting more.

While its parts are upgraded by comparison, the F@R (pronounced "fatter") is built on the same all-aluminum chassis as the less expensive F@E, made from SE's own "1" double-butted alloy tubing in the front triangle, and straight-gauge for the fork. Up front is a tapered head tube for the exceptional strength and stiffness you want up there to wrangle that huge front wheel. A 100mm-wide bottom bracket, 135mm front axle, and 190mm rear axle all send a clear message: this thing is burly. Still, weight is kept manageable by using the strong but light alloy tubing front to back, top to bottom, and the parts selection aboard, including the lightweight, wide-range 20-speed drivetrain, means that you'll have no trouble getting anywhere — and we mean anywhere — you want to go.