FATBACK CORVUS

aka : CORVUS AKIO

same frame geometry since = 2016

FATBACK BIKES went consumer direct in 2020.

After 4 years of being Canada’s Gold-Level FATBACK dealer, we will no longer be stocking their bikes.

• UPDATE : FATBACK BIKES (AK) has changed its company name to CORVUS CYCLES on (or by) 9 OCT 2021, and also changed the names of its bikes.

• UPDATE : The “FATBACK CORVUS” has been renamed the “CORVUS AKIO” on (or by) 9 OCT 2021.

• UPDATE : The “FATBACK SKOOKUM” has been renamed the “CORVUS SKOOKUM” (carbon) on (or by) 9 OCT 2021.

• UPDATE : FATBACK / CORVUS CYCLES has discontinued the “FLT” carbon frame versions of the SKOOKUM and CORVUS (AKIO) for 2021+.

RE : FATBACK FRAME GEOMETRY UPDATES (in early 2020)

Our internal STACK and REACH database program (which began updating Fat Bike frame geometries every year since 2015) detected changes to all 5 FATBACK frame models in early 2020, shortly after their company underwent a 100% turnover in staff.

Under new management, FATBACK altered the virtual Frame Geometry statistics posted on their company website for all 5 production models of Fat Bikes they sold. This included the FATBACK SKOOKUM, SKOOKUM FLT, CORVUS, CORVUS FLT and RHINO FLT.

FATBACK ownership was questioned about the frame geometry changes (especially since new frame models had *not* been released). No corrections were made by the company. No new frames were released by the company, as of (1 OCT 2021), 1.5 years later.

In consideration, when FATBACK altered the ST and HT angles, the ETT (Effective Top Tube) and WB (Wheelbase) distances remained exactly the same. When FATBACK stated the CS was shortened, the WB, along with all other geometry stats remained exactly the same.

For public transparency, screenshots were captured of the data charts FATBACK published on their company website for Frame Geometry, before, and after, the staffing turnover in early 2020 (see chart details below). The geometry “enhancements” to all 5 models appear to be “marketing adjustments”.

• The Geometry Charts posted on the Fatback website, do not match the current production fat bikes manufactured between 2016/17 and (1 OCT 2021). FATBACK (CORVUS CYCLES) made these claims :

FATBACK SKOOKUM AND SKOOKUM FLT

• Seat Tube Angle (ST) changed from 73 degrees > 74.0 degrees

• Head Tube Angle (HT) changed from 68.5 degrees > 67.5 degrees

  
  

FATBACK CORVUS AND CORVUS FLT

• Chainstay (CS) changed from 455mm > 445mm

  
  

FATBACK RHINO FLT

• Seat Tube Angle (ST) changed from 73 degrees > 74.0 degrees

• Head Tube Angle (HT) changed from 69 degrees > 68 degrees

• NOTE : The Company-stated Chainstay (CS) length reduction on the carbon-frame CORVUS FLT from 455 to 445mm, did not reflect in corresponding modifications to the WHEELBASE and FRONT-CENTER numbers, as they have remained unmodified. This would indicate that a new frame edition has not been released, but instead a “Marketing Strategy Adjustment” has been made to the model.

• The possibility still remains a new Fatback Corvus frame may release in 2022 (or later), to explain the “discrepancy” in their officially published Corvus Geometry Charts since early 2020, 1.5yrs ago (as of 1 OCT 2021).

• UPDATE : FATBACK / CORVUS CYCLES has released a “new” CORVUS (AKIO) fat bike frames at Sea Otter 2021 on 9 OCT 2021. The expectation was, that the newly released production frame would will finally match the geometry charts that were re-published with altered FATBACK CORVUS (CORVUS AKIO) stats on their company website over 1.5 years ago. Yet, after comparing the stock media photos released to the public on OCT9 2021 (with the originals released in 2016), it remains clear that the CORVUS (AKIO) frame has not changed from 2016/17. The CS is still 455mm. This is a quite misleading to existing and potential customers and authorized dealers alike. (see “Layering the Photos” section below)

CORVUS FRAME GEOMETRY

(as Published on FATBACK’s website)

LAYERING THE PHOTOS

When the two stock media photos of the FATBACK CORVUS / CORVUS CYCLES AKIO are layered over each other and compared, it becomes apparent that the Chainstay (CS) Length did not change from 455mm to 445mm, as FATBACK / CORVUS CYCLES claims. Even with the “new” version of the Corvus / Akio, there is too much of a gap between the rear 27.5 x 4.5” Maxxis Colossus tire and the Seat Tube, for the CS to be 445mm. Measurement taken from the center of rear axle, to center of bottom bracket. (For those that are curious about the Chainstay (CS) Horizontal measurement, that should be 451mm, according to Pythagorean Theory of right-angled triangles. (You know CS and BB Drop, and you just just need to solve for CS horizontal on a 90-degree angle - you can google the formula and try it yourself at home). FATBACK’s latest geometry claims appear to be “Marketing Strategy Adjustments” for the 2021 CORVUS (AKIO), just like they did for the 2021 Skookum.

TO SUM IT UP :

• Same FATBACK CORVUS (AKIO) frame geometry for last 6 seasons. CS = 455mm (actual)

• No new carbon frame enhancements for OCT 9th 2021+ Sea Otter launch date.

• “FLT” performance-minded carbon frame was discontinued.

• Different paint.

• Different decals.

• Frame name change = CORVUS > AKIO.

• Company name change = FATBACK > CORVUS CYCLES.

• Different “marketing strategy” on the geometry charts.

CORVUS (AKIO) PRICING

(does not include import fees)

SPECIFICATIONS

COLOURWAYS

(2016/17 - 2021)