The centrepiece of the blue hummer is the Pinion gearbox, which transmits the selected transmission ratio to the rear wheel via a low-maintenance Gates toothed belt. In combination with the 4.7 tyres, there are hardly any routes or weather conditions that could bring the Mi-Tech to its knees. The other side of the coin is the weight. When fully equipped, the fat bike just scrapes past the 17-kilo mark. It is correspondingly stoic uphill or when pedalling forwards. But competitive sport is not the aim of the Tyke. The riding position is too relaxed, the steering angle too steep. Hectic riders will also struggle with the gearbox, which is not prepared to change gear under load and instead demands a pause for thought. Despite the high weight, the tyres roll quite smoothly.
ConclusionThe Tyke Fat Pinion has its justification as an absolute carefree bike. However, the high weight puts the brakes on any sporting ambitions.
PLUS Carefree drive with Pinion and toothed belt
MINUS High weight, high front, long chainstays
