Anyone who has sat on the side of the trail in a prolonged struggle to fill up a fat bike tube knows the definition of “frustrating.”
Standard trail pumps can take the better part of a half hour to inflate the mammoth tires — no fun at -20º F. That’s why the folks at Portland Design Works have given us a solution.
The Fat Stevens Fat Bike Pump is portable and designed specifically to inflate fat bike tires. The pump has a 39mm high volume barrel – larger than most floor pumps – and an oversized piston. The company says the pump will inflate a fat bike tire in about half the time it takes a regular mountain bike mini-pump.
An oversized foot peg holds the pump stable while you’re pumping and is large enough to use with snow boots. The handle pommel is also oversized and meant to be used with gloves on.
The head is currently only compatible with Presta valves although Shrader compatibility will soon be available. Plus, the oversized locking lever means you can use it without having to remove gloves.
We haven’t tested it yet, but a faster-filling option for fat bikes sounds great.
As fat bikes become more common we expect companies to produce equipment tailored to them (PDW started early with their “Mud Shovel” fenders). I for one welcome a pump that doesn’t leave me struggling on the side of the trail to fix a flat.
The Fat Stevens is available for $55 (less if you’re quick) on Kickstarter.
