Fuji Wendigo 2.1

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Description

Field Notes: For our virgin ride we took out the Fuji Wendigo 2.1 on some trails we’d never ridden before, located on the near end of Cape Cod, and who knew how much fun riding in the Cape could be. We’d been told about these trails a few times, but never knew we’d find such a perfect blend of smooth and flowy singletrack with just enough rocks and roots – and short, steep climbs – to keep things very interesting. Although the sandy parts were ideal for the bike’s 4.6” Fat tires, they were a bit bumpy for the full-riding alloy front end. Nonetheless this Fuji Fat Bike performed admirably – especially after lowering the air pressure to about 10psi – and we had a killer initial experience on these trails.

Pros: As the cheapest priced Fat Bike in our group, the most obvious pro with the Fuji Wendigo 2.1 is the sub-$1300 price tag: But this Fat Tire Bike has plenty of spec that belies that budget price. The combination of SRAM X-7 and Shimano Deore and XT drivetrain is almost unbelievable for this price point. Add to that the post, stem and bars from Oval, plus Fuji Bike’s always-reliable-and-affordable alloy frames, and you’ve got an excellent platform for learning or improving as a Fat Biker, or as a winter backup for when the snow flies. 

Cons: Unfortunately, at this price point it’s very difficult to keep the weight down, and the Fuji Wendigo 2.1 comes in just over 33 pounds, which is too heavy to ride anything with serious climbs or major obstacles to get over. However, this is actually a respectable weight for the price – and it’s not the heaviest in our group – but that doesn’t help when you’re lugging this load around. The wheels are one of the main culprits here, along with the fork, as both are far below the level of the frame and components, and definitely keep the overall weight up – a problem especially in the front end which is bulky and cumbersome to control in tighter turns. Plus, there’s a very noticeable pull to the right when the front brake is firmly applied.

Tester Quote: “It was definitely heavy when I first picked it up, but once I started riding the smooth drivetrain, good Fat tires and relaxed geometry made me forget about that and just enjoy the ride. Of course I was reminded of the weight on some of the steeper climbs and descents: going up was sluggish and navigating the descents was tricky because the bike just isn’t that nimble.”

Key Attribute: Durability

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an entry into the Fat Bike market, but want one that is also capable to handle some legit trail riding – as long as it’s not very technical – and not just snow or sand, the Fuji Wendigo 2.1 is an excellent option, with strong upgrade potential in the wheels and fork. It offers a strong Fat Bike frame and excellent spec for the price, and should be a great starting place to learn the joys of the Fattie.


Tech Specs

Key Features:

  • Fork: Fuji Alloy rigid; tapered alloy steerer
  • Cranks: Samox alloy; 36/22T
  • Front Derailleur: SRAM X-7 
  • Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT shadow; 10spd
  • Shifters: Shimano Deore Rapid Fire; 10spd 
  • Brakes: Tektro HD-M290 hydraulic; 180mm
  • Cogset: Shimano HG50; 11-36t, 10spd
  • Rims: Weinmann alloy; 100mm; 32h
  • Tires: Schwalbe Jumbo Jim Snake Skin; 26x4.8"

Sizes: S-XL

Weight: 33.1lbs (Large)

Frame: Fuji A2-SL alloy; post disc mount; 197x12mm spacing

 


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