Specialized go big with 6Fattie
Specialized have lifted the covers on their latest innovation in trail riding, introducing the Fuse and Ruze hardtail mountain bikes featuring 6Fattie tyres.
The Specialized team continuously looks for ways to give riders the best possible experience out on the trail. That can be seen through their deep range of bikes, and the constant refinements they make to them, along with their focus on rider fit and comfort via Body Geometry.
But advancements don’t need to be based on carbon fibre and electronics. Sometimes an idea seems so simple, you can’t believe you hadn’t tried it before. Specialized created 6Fattie tyres that take a wide-rimmed 650b wheel and wrap all-new 650×3.0″ Ground Control and Purgatory tyres around them. The footprint of the tyre is massive, so you end up with traction and floatation for the bike and rider. There are already a few frames from manufacturers on the market using this 27.5+ standard, and Specialized have shown off two new hardtails using it, the Fuse and Ruze.
The Fuse and Ruze are all-new men’s and women’s trail hardtails specifically designed to accept 6Fattie tyres. The frames have slacker geometry and increased fork travel. Materials are M4 alloy with smooth welds, fully butted tubing, internal cable routing, 148mm (Boost) dropouts, and a patented Diamond Stay design that allows for incredibly short 430mm chain stays.
With extra traction, the rider ends up with more control and speed. With such a big internal volume, riders can run lower air pressures, resulting in a claimed 69% increase in tyre contact patch. That greater volume also helps for soaking up trail vibrations and small bumps.
While Specialized just have the hardtails to show, investing in new wheel and tyre standards suggest there might be more to the 6Fattie platform than just alloy hardtails. For now though, it looks like Specialized will have Comp, Expert and Pro options in both the Fuse and Ruze.
Who is it for?
Mountain bikers. You’re unlikely to see anyone in a competitive discipline reach for a semi-fat bike, from Specialized or another brand. But for anyone out for an epic ride, local trail ride, or just seeking more comfort, traction, speed and fun – then it might suit.
This really looks to be another interesting market segment, with Schwalbe announcing their own 27+ models, and Rocky Mountain also showing 27+ bikes.
