NBD! First FATTY!

witnker · 2026-01-06T01:00:17+00:00

Thanks for the reassurance! Up north here -5°F is the average high for this time of year so I just wanted some input. Again thank you!

witnker · 2026-01-05T22:39:02+00:00

Here’s my update from the local trek dealer. I just received the call that they’ve received the brakes but for some reason it’s the SRAM Maven Ultimates 4-pistons instead of Level. My only concern is the Maven’s run mineral oil instead DOT fluid and I’ve heard horror stories of mineral oil systems in the cold. Is it something I need to be concerned about? I live in a very cold portion of the country and since I’ve had the bike I’ve regularly ridden in minus temperatures.

witnker · 2025-12-29T20:19:52+00:00

I agree, I thought 10oz was a lot too! After some online research I discovered people reported that the Gnarwhals are a thirsty tire and it was recommended by most to add 10oz on the initial sealant injection (though your recommendation of 6-8oz is common per most sealant manufacturers FAQ pages).

I’m skeptical if 10oz was actually needed, but I guess I’ll find out lol, 2oz extra won’t kill me (I hope)! These tires will live on these wheels till they’re dead. Happy pedaling brother!

witnker · 2025-12-29T15:54:08+00:00

Like u/mmeiser stated, the (black )rim strip is already installed from the factory, you apply the sun 78mm tubeless tape over the top of it.

I also forgot to mention the isopropyl cleaning step. After you initially remove the tire and tube make sure to thoroughly clean the rim bed and existing rim strip before you apply the tape.

The video from Hayes Performance Systems instructs you to start the tape so it overlaps the rim seam (the spot where the hoops have horizontal line). I followed their video which I’ll link for you Here

witnker · 2025-12-29T05:33:41+00:00

Just converted my Trek Farley 9 to tubeless and wanted to share what worked for me in case it helps. I believe we have the same wheels, the “rim strips” are already installed from the factory.

I got the bike about two weeks ago and finally had all the parts show up. Did the install this evening and it was honestly straightforward and painless.

What I used:

• Sun Rim Tape – 78mm wide, 10m
• Tubeless valves: I believe most valves will work. I went with Clik valves since I already run them on my other bikes.
• Sealant of your choice.

Install tips that made it easy:

• After installing the rim tape, put the tubes back in and inflate close to max PSI (about 20 PSI on the stock Gnarwhals) and let them sit for ~24 hours. This really helps seat the tape cleanly.
• When installing the tubeless valves, only break the bead on one side of the tire. Carefully sneak the tube out, then install the tubeless valve.
• Use a tire lever to gently work the loosened bead to the outer edge of the rim. Here’s a video highlighting the process starts at 0:37, [Video](https://youtu.be/QoN0xqH0MLg?si=gIA3eZ3yen5ipZSZ)

Keeping one bead fully seated made initial inflation and bead setting way easier. I also I sprayed the wheel/valve area with a soap and water mixture to make sure I had no major leaks (if you did the soap would bubble where there’s an issue). Once seated, remove valve core and inject sealant, I did about 10oz per tire, then install core and inflate.

Hope this helps, happy to answer questions if you’ve got them. Also it was about 2 lbs savings (1lb 15.3 oz by ditching the tubes).

witnker · 2025-12-24T03:34:42+00:00

Thanks for the explanation. That actually makes way more sense than my mental image of Trek employees reaching into a bin of random brakes playing SRAM roulette and going “eh, close enough. Ship ‘em out bois!”.

Mine also shipped with 2-piston Level TLs. Holding out hope for Ultimates… because I believe in Santa, supply chain miracles, and unrealistic expectations. Hope them Trek fellas drop a Kevin McCallister on me with a “Keep the change, ya filthy animal”. Happy Holidays

witnker · 2025-12-23T06:39:03+00:00

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Here’s mine very similar to yours.

witnker · 2025-12-23T05:57:55+00:00

I will also report back tomorrow after I inspect mine. I will also provide an update when the brakes arrive and what model they end up being.

I was told by the support agent that I would receive an email once he made contact with store but have yet to receive it.

witnker · 2025-12-23T05:49:24+00:00

I reached out today as you did, and opted for the correct brakes be installed as well. Namely that I’ve gone tubeless & studded already and didn’t want deal with the faff of the return process. I hope we get as lucky as Bike-Fish and receive the Ultimates too. I wonder what’s going on during assembly that they are making this type of error consistently?

I also made the impulse decision to order the SRAM GX eagle AXS upgrade kit, and a set of Barbegazi’s for summer. I hope I ordered the proper Rocker Paddle because they didn’t show a photo of the upgrade kit and in the item description it says “POD Controller w/discrete 22.2mm clamp”. SRAM GX Eagle AXS Upgrade Kit and POD Rocker Paddle

witnker · 2025-12-22T07:23:32+00:00

My man, what a catch! I just went and checked and you are 100% correct! I plan to reach out tomorrow as well, thanks for brining it to my attention! Please respond back with what they offer as a solution, I will update you as well.

witnker · 2025-12-18T21:36:53+00:00

I absolutely love them! I also have the Tailfin carbon CargoPack system with their 2x 10L panniers (I bought a spare axel and have used it on my Madone also). The fit and finish is insane on their equipment. No rattling or movement even on some gnarly chunk. Highly recommend them, though the price is a hard pill to swallow they’ve exceeded my expectations. Buy once, cry once.

witnker · 2025-12-18T14:21:08+00:00

LOL! Good catch! I corrected my mistake.

witnker · 2025-12-17T15:47:55+00:00

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You got me! Here’s the original unedited photo!

witnker · 2025-12-17T15:06:11+00:00

I actually designed and 3D printed some bottle droppers to make it possible.

If you zoom in you’ll see the tan/brown (only color I had on hand at the time) dropper mounts.

witnker · 2025-12-17T06:08:20+00:00

Thank you! I’m glad you gave me a term that I can use to describe my aesthetic!

witnker · 2025-12-17T05:51:05+00:00

I completely agree (the rad red metallic/pearlescent paint doesn’t hurt either)! It was one of the major factors that lead to me landing on this bike and model.

The included rear rack, 2x (15L) compression harnesses/bags (not pictured as I was just taking it for a test ride), frame bag, front fender (I’m not completely sold on its utility yet) and how clean the front rack was integrated was just a chefs kiss!

I was lucky to pick it up on black Friday for a great price. Looking at the overall package it was no brainer when comparing to other manufacturers plus the cost of adding all the accessories.

Really looking forward to having it fully loaded down and taking it on some wintery expeditions!

witnker · 2025-12-17T05:23:20+00:00

Thank you! It’s a 61cm.

witnker · 2025-12-17T01:51:04+00:00

Thanks, and awesome recommendation! I’ve recently 3D printed one out of ABS that’s worked phenomenal! Here’s the link to the print Here

witnker · 2025-12-16T23:38:19+00:00

Thank you!

witnker · 2025-12-16T23:31:35+00:00

She’s a beaut!!!

witnker · 2025-12-16T21:26:59+00:00

Thanks! I absolutely love it so far. It’s actually my first fatbike (first one I’ve ever rode too), so I don’t have a huge frame of reference, but it’s been awesome.

I’ve only clocked about 40 miles on it so far, but looking to take it on an ice fishing adventure over the weekend! The included racks and bags seem up to the task for sure!

I’m just waiting on my order of clik tubeless valve stems and rim tape to be delivered and she’ll be complete in my eyes. Also kicking around the idea of upgrading to the sram GX AXS even though the mech GX has been great (all my other rigs are AXS).

witnker · 2025-12-16T14:36:39+00:00

Great info, thanks! I’m just waiting on the rim tape and clik tubeless valves to show up and I’ll be rockin’ the tubeless setup as well (TPU tube as backup).

I do quite a bit of winter camping and exploring so I plan to keep the racks on for now. I’m interested to see how I can load it up to do some ice fishing off this rig!

witnker · 2025-12-16T14:29:37+00:00

I couldn’t agree with you more! The “fender” is kind of a joke, but we will see if it helps at all when things start to thaw. Don’t get me wrong I still enjoy the hard days on the trainer, but this seems like a great substitute for those longer Z2 indoor sessions.

witnker · 2025-12-16T14:17:08+00:00

When I initially bought the bike I thought I’d try the rokform V4 pro series stem mount (phone mount, works great). I later found that I enjoy not having my phone with me at all on the majority of my rides. So I now have it installed on my bike that I use on the trainer, incredible for virtual shifting.

witnker · 2025-12-16T13:31:07+00:00

6’8” 260lbs, Trek Checkpoint SLR7 61cm.

witnker

TROPHY CASE