There are a lot of people who use their fat bike for a variety of reasons. Maybe they want to make sure that they are exploring all the different areas that they come across, but others just want to have a way to enjoy the outdoors without having to rely on a motorized vehicle all the time.
Hunters do not rely on fat bikes all that often, but it is an option for those who want to get to a specific location. Maybe a person plans on setting up a tree stand, or putting the bike to the side and heading towards certain areas on foot.
Whatever the case is, it is vital to have a solution to carry the gun around as quickly as possible. The best fat bike gun rack is going to be fairly simple, and usually can fit on a bunch of different things.
How much should a person actually spend on a fat bike gun rack? The investment is usually under $50, even for the most expensive solutions. These four options are great starting points for people who want something simple and effective.
1. Kolpin Rhino Grip
This first solution is a great starting point for anyone who does not want to spend a lot of money in the beginning. These are the most inexpensive options that can be used to hold a gun, or any other similar size option. It is a very durable and flexible rubber grip, with the ability to carry a maximum of 10 pounds.
The first thing a person notices is that this works perfectly fine with any type of vehicle that allows for grips to be mounted. Some people use these for ATVs, while others have no problem putting this on their fat bike.
These might be inexpensive in price, but they did not skimp on materials used. It uses a rubber and molded flexible nylon construction, so everything stays in place when set up. There is a four corner bolt system, so the chances of the grips sliding off are slim to none.
Do not be afraid to mess around with the grips a bit and see what they are capable of. Many are more than surprised with just how versatile they are. They have some fantastic mounting options, so even if the bike is shaped little differently, it does not matter.
Pros
- Inexpensive.
- Very versatile.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Not as durable as some other grips.
- Has a weight limit of 10 pounds.
Click Here for current price for the Kolpin Rhino Grip from Amazon.
2. All Rite Products Pack Rack Plus
There are some very high-quality parts with this gun rack option. A person is paying a little bit more money for these metal components, as the aluminum mounting blocks and steel cores internally are covered by a nice rubber coating. This keeps it from not wearing out too quickly, and provide a little bit of cushion so that the fit is as perfect as possible.
One of the biggest selling points is that there are so many customized fit options available with this rack. A person can rotate them 360 degrees so that different objects can be held other than a gun as well. Simply lock everything in place with the wingnut, and go from there.
When riding on a fat bike, there is a chance of things getting pretty wet depending on the time of year. If it is raining, it is obviously going to get wet, but even the snow, things start to build up in a hurry. Since the racks are zinc-plated, they will never rust, extending the overall value of them the entire way.
A person is paying extra because there is simply no plastic or nylon on this rack whatsoever. The premium parts should allow people to feel very confident that they can take their bike wherever they want off the road.
Pro
- Soft, versatile rubber.
- Zinc-plated to prevent rust.
- Customized fit.
Cons
- Does not always feel completely secure when riding on tough terrain.
- Some similar models have more flexibility.
Click Here for current price for the All Rite Products Pack Rack Plus from Amazon.
3. Kolpin Ratcheting Rhino Grip
The entry-level model from this company is great, but people who want something that really takes it up a notch should go for the Kolpin Ratcheting Rhino Grip. Not only does it handle more weight overall, but it has so many different built-in features for people to count on at all times.
For starters, a person will definitely appreciate 15 pounds of carrying strength for any type of gear. All a person has to do is press a button to set things up. It can be done entirely one-handed if a person wants to.
Quick-release allows for effortless access to gear when on her bike. A person can simply hop off, and use a gun in a second. It is helpful for people who are moving around on the fat bike and trying to check out different areas quickly.
What makes things a little more expensive? The construction is a very heavy duty nylon, which comes with a rubber grip texture that helps keep everything in place. Some people do not think that nylon is the best material, but with the highest of quality, it works very well in this situation. It allows for a bit more flexibility, and everything stays in place well.
There are more expensive options of pretty much the same thing from Koplin, so keep that in mind if additional sizes are needed. The good news is they do not jump up in price too much, so
people can find exactly what they need to fit their specific bike. Some people will also use their rack for something like fishing poles or hiking supply.
Pros
- High-quality nylon.
- Soft rubber keeps everything in place on the exterior.
- Handles many different types of items.
Cons
- A little expensive.
- Some would like no nylon on expensive racks like this.
Click Here for the current price for the Kolpin Ratcheting Rhino Grip on Amazon.
4. All Rite Products Graspur Single ATV Gun & Bow Rack
This gun and bow rack is marketed mostly towards ATV riders, but it works perfectly well on fat bikes as well. It has a fairly simple design that may not initially look like it has great lockdown, but it is very easy to use and provides enough security for people to be very happy.
The rack is made of the highest quality of nylon that can be found. This allows for a lot of strength and flexibility with the rack. It is virtually unbreakable, so a person does have to worry about going into rough areas and maybe losing what is on their rack.
As heavy-duty as the rack is, there are soft rubber spurs that provide the cushioning and protection for the gear needed so that it does not scratch up while riding. Some people worry about how much rattling around there will be, but if secured correctly, there will not be any issues.
Another reason why it is very hard to hear any type of rattling around is that it is a one-piece design just works right. It is quick and easy to attach to any handlebars, as long as they are between 1/2″ and 1″ in diameter.
For someone who just needs something that gets the job done and is affordably priced, it does not get much better than last. Do not be afraid to use it for guns, bows, fishing rods, shovels, and more.
Pros
- Simple one-piece design.
- Rubber spurs provide great overall protection.
- Highest quality of nylon used.
Cons
- Rubber strap seems low-quality.
- Can only handle so much weight.
Click here for current price for the Graspur Single ATV Gun & Bow Rack from Amazon.
How common is fat bike hunting with a gun rack?
More and more people are figuring out the versatility of having a fat bike and exploring new terrain. Instead of walking through a large area for hunting, riding a fat bike can provide quick access to certain areas.
It has its advantages and disadvantages, as it is harder to sneak up on anything with a fat bike. With that said, some people will get to a certain area, and then go on foot the rest of the way.
Another reason why these racks are trendy comes down to the fact that people can put their fishing rod on the bike if they want. It is tough at times to get to fishing areas by having to walk a long way as well. It makes sense to go with a fat bike, since it can go on a trail or off of it.
How easy is it to take these racks off the bike when not in use?
All of the racks listed above are easy enough to come on and off if a person needs to. Most do not always need to have the racks on the bike, as it just adds weight to the entire ride. Obviously, they do not weigh that much, but they also simply get in the way of other additions to the fat bike as well.
The good thing is that a person can buy one set and use it for a bunch of different setups. Maybe a person also owns an ATV, and they can put the rack on there as well. There is really no need to buy multiple racks, unless both are used heavily. Otherwise, simply switching between the two is the best way to go.
Awesome. That’s my bike pictured in your article. A custom 2012 Surley Moonlander built by me (Nigel)
It was a Stihl Saw mounted on the fork, with a custom carbon fiber mount. The bike was sold a few years ago. Thanx for the memories.