Singular Cycles, makers of fine bikes like the Swift and Buzzard, have gone to Kickstarter seeking funding for their new Puffin fatbike.

You don’t have to look too hard to see that fatbikes are becoming really popular this year, even a company the size of Specialized now offers one. Fatbikes originated for marathon events held in snowy places like Alaska, the famous Iditarod 100 a prime example, where most current fatbikes source their DNA; they’re designed for distance riding. The Puffin though, claims Singular, has been designed specifically for trail riding.

Building a fun and engaging fatbike has been the key aim. They’ve adopted lessons learned in making the Swift 29er and used the same principles in the Puffin. The chainstays are as short as possible at 428mm with the eccentric bottom bracket in the rearmost setting. The head angle is slacker and the fork rake longer than the Swift, with the reduced trail this improves handling and keeps the steering quick. The standover is much lower as well, for increased chuckability.

The frame is made from steel, Singular’s favourite material and sticks to keeping things simple, with a singlespeed drivetrain. There are front and rear rack mounts in case you want to plan a long distance challenge. Wheel spacing is 170mm at the back and 135mm up front, with clearance for 4.8in tyres up front and 4in out back. There are modular bolt-on cable mounts if you want to put a drivetrain on the frame. It uses the direct mount front mech standard and there’s a replaceable rear derailleur hanger. The seatpost is 27.2mm.

Providing the Kickstarter project goes well, and that’s down to you lot pledging your support, the frame and fork will go on sale in February and cost £595. Three sizes will be offered from medium to extra large, covering a height range of 168 to 198cm. Frame weight for a medium is a claimed 2.7kg (5.95lb).

Singular owner and designer Sam Alison says: “As an owner operated micro-bike company my resources for developing new models is limited. Crowd-funding seems like a good way to see if those new ideas will fly without having quite the same degree of risk and upfront investment.”

Want to pledge your support?

The Puffin, all being well with the funding project, will launch in February 2014 at a retail price of £595 for frame and fork. Backers of the project who commit £400 now will receive a frame and fork as a gift for their support.

More information can be found on the project Kickstarter page.