When people indulge themselves in having a hobby, they always find it interesting to be witnesses to the evolution of trends related to it. But just as it happens to anything in life, trends tend to attract both acceptance and rejection.
Bike riding is no exception. One good example of such a trend is fat tire bikes. When they were first launched on the market, some embraced them, even if out of curiosity, while some looked at them as though they were alien life forms.
As time passed and people understood their utility, fat bikes gained more and more adepts. Still, many remain reluctant towards the idea, but those who tried riding fat tire bikes understood what the fuss was all about and became fat bike advocates. Some even sold their old bikes and kept a fat tire bike for an all-purpose means of transportation.
Should You Go For A Fat Tire Bike? It depends, so here are 8 reasons you should consider buying a fat tire bike.
1. It takes You Places You’ve Never Gone Before
Fat bikes are extremely appealing to cycling addicts who do not allow anything to confine them to indoor activity. Fat tire bikes provide improved grip and traction on the most troublesome terrain. Regardless if it is wet stone, muddy paths, or snowy hills, these bikes will take you anywhere.
Leaving your bike tied to a tree and going the rest of the way on foot to prevent pedaling your way out of a hole is now history. Thanks to the extra grip the wide tires provide, no surface will be a match for the wheels.
Fat tires are designed to decrease the cumulated pressure of the bike and biker by adding an extra contact surface. This is why fat tires will make a good impression even when the ground is covered in snow.
Fat tires are suitable for riding on the mellowest sandy beaches, something regular MTBs cannot provide. Fat tires will not slip on wet ground and will not crack when in contact with icy corners.
2. You Can Bike Regardless Of The Weather
Some people are really into sports and no weather scares them away from completing their training routine. Fat tire bikes are likely to adjust to any kind of weather. They will not slip on wet stone or asphalt. Neither will they sink in mud or snow, making them the perfect means of transportation to get from one point to another, especially when public transportation is not running. Also, since they weigh more than a regular MTB, fat tire bikes are very likely to resist strong winds, without endangering the rider.
3. Increased Comfort During Rides
Fat tires don’t need to be inflated very much, as they provide high comfort standards at lower tire pressure. The pressure fat tires can support can go as low as 15 or 10 PSI, or maybe even lower.
Also, fat tire bikes are rigid and are not equipped with any kind of suspension system. They don’t really need any suspension as it is “integrated” into the tires. That’s right, fat tires become squishier at lower pressure values and the elasticity of the rubber helps absorb shocks, increasing comfort.
4. Little Maintenance Required
Considering fat tire bikes are rigid, the manufacturers didn’t put a lot of work into the frame of the bike. This means that there are not many parts that can get damaged and need to be replaced.
Even if it may seem somewhat pricey, when purchasing a fat bike, you don’t need to worry about constant maintenance. Look at it as an investment.
5. You’re In For A Real Challenge
Just because fat bikes are ideal to ride on snow or soft surfaces does not mean that riding them is a flinch. Many fat tire bikes feature only one speed and you need plenty of muscle power to move forward.
Furthermore, since the fat tires increase the overall weight of the bike, they also move slower and are more difficult to handle. That being said, rest assured that you will get the exercise you were looking for in both your lower and upper body.
6. Better Balance For Beginners
Since the contact surface is wider, fat tires also translate into better balance. That is why fat tire bikes are perfect for those learning how to ride a bike.
With some practice, even the most inexperienced rider can get the hang of it in no time. And since they won’t go very fast, unless the rider has some serious muscle power, beginners are less likely to get injured.
7. A New Way Of Having Fun
The unique look and features of fat bikes simply make riding them fun. Getting a fat bike is simply a way to ride local trails while getting a different perspective.
Also, the efficient semi-suspension the tires provide helps riders explore more of the local area that might be rideable only with a bike equipped with wider rubber.
On the other hand, fat bikes are a good excuse to socialize. Some experienced bike owners need something to slow them down in order for their friends and dear ones to keep up with them.
The comical proportions of fat tire bikes will make riders stand out. But riding such a bike is the only way to understand why everybody is talking about it. Riding a fat tire bike is not about speed, it’s about enjoying the outdoors at a slower and more comfortable pace.
8. You Can Take Part In Unique Competitions
Since fat tire bikes are slower than MTBs or race bikes, some would assume they can’t participate in bike competitions. Well, they couldn’t be more wrong. Since fat tire bikes are becoming increasingly popular, many sports associations saw this as an opportunity to create events meant for people who own fat tire bikes.
While this might seem a bit exclusivist, it is also a good chance for fat bike owners to show off their biking skills and have lots of fun at the same time. And if you don’t own one, who says you can’t borrow or rent it just for the competition? Such events are a good excuse for sports addicts to buy a fat bike but don’t have snow or sand nearby.
Comparing Products: MTBs, Cruisers, and Fat Tire Bikes
Casual bikers often don’t know what to choose when it comes to buying a recreational ride. Should they go for a fat tire bike, cruiser, or sports bike? In terms of durability, it seems that both beach cruisers and fat tire bikes are basically indestructible. Cruiser bikes also come equipped with wide tires.
Still, even if their tires are rather wide, cruiser bike riders are often limited to boardwalks and streets, as the tires are not wide enough to float on the sand. A fat bike allows users to travel across sand-covered surfaces, without having any trouble. While fat tire bikes seem out of this world, cruisers have been designed to be stylish while having an expressive vintage look.
Both fat tire bikes and cruisers are often one-speed bikes meaning they don’t require complicated maintenance. Still, being very heavy also makes them slow, and maneuvering them is highly soliciting. But that is not very important to casual riders; as such bikes are only ridden for pure enjoyment.
Handling fat bikes seems to be smooth as well, but maybe not as easy as handling a sport bike is. Sport bikes are equipped with a shorter wheelbase and are built of lighter materials. Because they come with a smaller wheelbase, the turning radius is smaller.
And the less it weighs, the better the control is while leaning or counter-steering. Sport bikes are suitable for those with little upper body strength, meaning that a fat bike will provide a better workout in this sense.
Where the weather is concerned, sports bikes are likely to slip on wet terrain. That isn’t the case with fat bikes and cruisers as both the width of the tire and the weight contribute to increasing control on wet surfaces, but their construction makes them slower and the turns need to be wider.
While cruisers tend to occupy more space, the only thing big about fat bikes is the tires. Just like when riding a sport bike, fat bike riders have to sit in a forward-leaning position. When riding a cruiser, the sitting position is upright or slightly leaned on the back. This difference should make us think that fat bikes are genuinely faster than cruiser bikes because the sitting position would make one more aerodynamic than the other.
In terms of safety, it wouldn’t be too far off to assume that fat bike riders have little chance of getting injured in traffic accidents. This is typically attributed to the riding style, as fat bikes are not capable of being a fast means of transportation. Since riding fat bikes implies inferior speed, crashes that don’t involve another vehicle are less likely to happen.
Personal Assessments
I asked people owning a fat tire bike and I wasn’t surprised to hear that some considered it to be the best ride they ever had, especially when the tires were inflated at lower pressure values.
Some believe that since two-wheeled motorized vehicles imply lots of maintenance fat-tire bikes are the future. However, even if their features are basic, it seems that not all fat bikes are not exactly affordable. Still, the basic versions are available at decent prices.
Some bike owners converted to fat tire bikes completely. Those people used to own full-suspension bikes and sold them in order to purchase a fat bike. Why you may ask? The reason could be to keep up with friends or dear ones.
Others mention they relived their childhood when riding a bike was just for fun. Most fat tire bike owners admitted they enjoyed their ride because it made traveling on gravel paths possible and more fun.
Still, others mentioned that they were not ready to give up their full-suspension MTBs just yet, as they noticed it is a better choice when facing more technical trails.
Also, riding a heavy bike is tiring if the trail you chose involves a lot of climbing and accelerating frequently. But still, riding a fat tire bike is an experience like no other. And above all, it’s fun.
What Does The Community Say?
The cycling community has a lot to say about fat tire bikes and why they are preferred. Here are some of the most famous opinions:
Fat bikes are so much fun on snow, sand, dirt, and pavement. They monster truck over everything and carry momentum so well. Not an ideal bike for trail or pavement but who cares if it’s not for commuting? It’s a toy. Buy what you want. (Turbo_Brick81 Via Reddit)
Traction and float. Fat bikes are super fun. Snow? Got it. Roots? Didn’t notice. Rocks? Not a problem. Small children? 10 at a time. I encourage people to get a bike that accommodates 2 wheelsets without messing with the geometry too much. Like set 1, 26×4.5 and 2, 29×3. Either way, get a fat bike. (bikeguru76 Via Reddit)
I use mine for every form of riding except long road rides (though I am sure it would be just fine for that) and I absolutely love it. It’s just a jack-of-all-trades kind of bike and little upgrades here and there, like front suspension and bigger brakes (mine came with piddly little things) can make them even better for things like trail riding. Fatties are heavy, but still plenty quick and really rugged, so I am never really worried about it in roughage. (Climate_Face Via Reddit)
Do you like having fun? Do you like being awesome? Do you enjoy laughing while pedaling for no reason?
I also live in a snowless land. I ride my fattie almost every day, mostly on pavement, but trails and such sometimes too. It just keeps going, except up hills, when I huff and puff. But I’m generally having too much fun to care. (Stuartknowsbest Via Reddit)
Additional Reasons To Get A Fat Tire Bike
We talked about 8 main reasons to get a fat tire bike but that isn’t all. Here are some other popular reasons to get a fat tire bike for various cycling adventures.
| Reason to Get a Fat Tire Bike | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Enhanced Traction | Fat tires provide excellent grip on various terrains, including snow, sand, mud, and loose gravel, allowing for better control and stability. |
| 2. All-Season Riding | Fat bikes are suitable for year-round riding, making them ideal for winter snow biking, as well as summer adventures on rugged trails. |
| 3. Comfortable Ride | The wide tires act as natural shock absorbers, providing a more comfortable and smooth ride, especially on rough or uneven surfaces. |
| 4. Versatility | Fat tire bikes can tackle a wide range of terrain, from mountain trails to beaches, and are great for both recreational and utility purposes. |
| 5. Fun and Adventure | Riding a fat tire bike offers a sense of adventure and exploration, as you can go off the beaten path and explore new areas. |
| 6. Fitness and Exercise | Fat biking can be a great way to stay active and improve your cardiovascular fitness while enjoying the outdoors. |
| 7. Wildlife Observation | Fat tire bikes allow you to silently approach wildlife, making them popular among nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. |
| 8. Social Riding | Joining fat biking groups and communities can be a fun way to connect with others who share your love for this unique cycling experience. |
| 9. Reliability | The robust construction of fat tire bikes makes them durable and less prone to damage, which is crucial for remote or adventurous rides. |
| 10. Customization Options | Fat bikes can be customized with various accessories to meet your specific needs, such as racks, fenders, and lighting for night rides. |
We hope that with this much information, you will be able to make an informed decision and have an amazing cycling adventure!
Conclusion
Fat bike tires are enjoyable means of transportation. They provide a good grip on uneven terrain and allow sports lovers to get a good workout even when the ground is covered with snow. Since they are not widely spread in some areas, riding a fat bike will make an amazing impression on friends and family members.
The unique traits of fat tire bikes earned the right to at least be tried on by sports addicts, if not purchased from the store. Since they don’t require very much care, fat tire bikes make an ideal choice for the average biker who needs a bike for basic transportation needs.
Fat tire bikes are rather safer than bikes, providing more contact surface. Since they are heavier, they won’t be blown away by wind and they won’t slip on moist or soft surfaces. But should regular bike owners give up a daily bike for a fat bike? No, they don’t have to. They don’t even have to purchase one to understand what it is all about.
But they should at least try it. If they don’t like it, it’s another crossed-out experience in the “must-do” notebook. Sometimes riders need to forget about weight, speed, rolling resistance, or time for that matter. Riding a fat bike is not about improving performance. It’s about indulging yourself in a simple pleasure. Plus, you can know all about bike rental places here.
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40 thoughts on “8 Reasons Why You Should Buy A Fat Tire Bike”
Dear Mads,
Thank you for your informative article on Fat Tires. I saw my first one yesterday on the street and your article explained to me many aspects of this bike. I am deciding to refurbish my 38 year old Sears 10 speed bicycle or getting a new 10 Speed bike or getting a tour bike for possibly one to two day touring. I feel I need to first work on lumbering up and stretching to prevent injuries since I have lost lots of flexibility in the last ten years. I am retired. But now, getting or at a minimum experiencing a fat bike is now an option since I learned from your article that I could use this on sandy beaches. I live in Torrance, California, and am seven miles away from the beach. I am inclined to see if more attractive colorful fat tire bikes are available. You mentioned that not right now. Thank you for my education on fat bike tires!
Hi. Do you have any recommendations on fat bike brands? Also, what is the best material for a tough bike frame? Carbon is the newest(and most expensive).
The Evo High Tide has one speed and a 7 speed versions, and they retail for about $500. A great entry level price for this type of riding. It’s a steel bike, so it’s a bit heavy, but they also make an aluminum one, with disc brakes for a slightly higher price. I just bought one of these High Tides. Really fun and quite well made.
Aaron Stoner there’s plenty of bike manufacturers. All depends on your wallet. You can spend $450 @ Walmart for one or $7,500 on one @ a bike store but look at Specialized, Trek, Giant to me those are the top three my father & I both own specialized bicycles. I currently am looking at a fat tire bike I love to ride the creeper trail in Damascus Virginia it’s so fun & a fat tire bike would be a blast. Hope this helps best of luck.
Hey Aaron Bronson here again yes carbon is the best so expensive because of how light & strong it is. A lot of guys still prefer Aluminum. & here’s why if your doing any hard core riding let’s say & you go down carbon can do more damage then Aluminum. Carbon Is strong but can crack scuff easier if you go with aluminum bang it out with a rubber mallet. Aluminum is a little heavier but still light just not as light as aluminum.
Specialized and Trek, two of the larger bike companies, have the money, and the research and development to build some of the best high quality and reliable bikes in the industry. That being said, there are many smaller reputable bike makers as well. Although there is some weight savings on a carbon frame bike, there is no beneficial gain in strength over aluminum. The extra cost of carbon would be far better spent on higher quality components.
Anyone considering a fat tire bike, please keep in mind these are dangerous on winter ice without steel studs.
Don’t agree. The larger the contact of the tire with surface the more power you need to ride the bike. Under inflated tires make thing even worse. If you have strong legs you may ride it for fun, not really for comfort. I am definitely not suggestion usage of this bike for older riders 🙁
solution, motorize your fat tire with a electric pedal assist. You get the best of both worlds, easier to peddle and it will go just about anywhere . If you set it up for pedal assist you can vary the amount of help from a setting of 0 to 5 which really helps on a uphill ride. I converted my fat tire about a year ago and have never looked back. I have logged about 1,000. miles on it so far.
Dave
Can I find a mudguard and carrier for this kind of Bike?
These bikes are EVERYTHING but universal. They are only meant for casual ridding in harsh terrain. If someone is using their bike to ride to work, or other similar thing, fat tires is the worst possible option available.
I find this article biased towards fat tires, for some reason. Not saying they have no uses, but author should line out these uses, and not recommend these bikes for literally everyone.
I have rode one of my friends, and if the tire pressure is up more it’s smoother to ride, I’m looking to get one, but I find the then to be out of my price range
Fat bikes rule!
The bikes are awesome they’re fun thing to ride really easy to ride fast they blowing any air bike away that I’ve ever owned
The bikes are awesome they’re fun thing to ride really easy to ride fast they blowing any air bike away that I’ve ever owned
Have to say that IMO they are suitable for very few people. Heavy, slow, the last thing you want in a bike unless you cycle on flat sandy beaches (sand/grit – sacrilege) or flat snow trails. Just another excuse to sell something else to people who already have perfectly good bikes.
Fun to ride, yes, for shorter distances (at least in my case). But definitely not for a daily commuter, unless you’re young and have too much energy! I did 6 miles and it almost kilt me dead! They are nice on snowy streets for shorter commutes though, and forget about putting them on a bike rack on a bus! Try before you buy. Framed makes some nice ones that are pretty affordable though.
can i simply put new fat wheels onto my crossbike and make modifications?
I’m 73 years old, modified my year 2000 Marin Bear Valley Mtn. bike several times.
I now think I have the perfect bike: fat tires, or as fat as I can fit on the frame, a electric rear wheel hub, and 52v 10Lb NMC lithium (latest technology) battery.
The bike now is best of all worlds. Good for off road, or riding on my local street that looks more like a bad cobblestone road rather than paved, but has so many potholes, cracks and patches that it looks like one. I always peddle hard, and with that and using the motor I average 18mph to 23mph despite lots of hills and head wind. I use it twice a week for exercise, riding 30 min to 45 min (remember, I’m 73, 150Lb but have a leaking heart valve. Since I modified this I ride it every day if only a little bit plus the twice a week runs, which are a LOT of FUN.) I go on trails also, so I use Green Slime in the tires to prevent leaks from goat head stickers.
FAT tire bikes may not be for everyone, but making it into an ebike expands it’s ability considerably! (I often sail by the spandex racer guys on their light weight low profile racer bikes. However, they can catch and pass me down hills, since the fat tires and my upright riding preference slow me down a lot down those hills. I run the tires at 15 to 25Lb max.
Truthfully, I’ve never had as much fun riding a bike as I have with this one. ! almost 4 years now since I modified it, adding the ebike motor kit.
I bought a Kona Wo for winter training after being sidelined from running for a year due to an injury.
This is what I found:
1. Fat bikes are a lot of fun.
2. A 20 mile ride on a snow covered trail takes more energy than a 10 mile run at a 8:00 – 8:30 pace.
3. I know fat bikes are not for speed but a 16 mph ride on city roads for close to an hour is comparable to a 7 mile run at a 8:00 pace.
Bought 2 Gravity brand fat tire bikes with 16 speeds. the lower gear is really a hill climber. love it. My wife got the 14″ frame and its a perfect fit for her 5’3″ body. We love them over by Bend Oregon for the pumice covered back country roads and trails. normal bikes bog down on these roads. The fatter tires help a lot. We also ride ion teh beaches. Sweet. bikesdirect.com had the best (50% off) prices. They easy to set up when received. free shipping right to my house using FEDx ground. couldn’t get the same quality in Portland for same prices.
Bought a fat bike today… rode 6km… boom back tyres burst! Just riding along a redway in Milton Keynes. A tiny bit of twig popped the tyre, can’t say I’m surprised actually as the Juggernaught Pro tyres on it are about as think as a ballon. Maybe it’s my bad for just jumping in and buying one coz they look cool, but now I have one I can’t imagine this will ever do over 10km without bursting a tyre. Can a fat bike be used on just normal city terrain? Pavements, roads, off road. Is there a decent tyre out there??? I’m thinking not!
I use tires that have built in guards, or add them inside.
also I use Green Slime for preventing most flats.
and carry an extra inner tube and CO2 Inflators.
SINCE THEN, NO FLATS. so far. 🙂
check out these 26″ fat tire mag rims: https://www.ebay.com/i/142459539365
An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a
friend who was conducting a little research
on this. And he actually bought me lunch because I discovered it for him…
lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah,
thanks for spending some time to talk about this matter
here on your web page.
ELECTRIC Fat Bikes are the way to go. There are tons of good ones out there with names you’ve never heard of before from smaller companies, but you have to decide if you want one that’s more like an elec motorcycle (and possibly pay to register it) or keep within the confines of a legal elec bike. If you want a typical 750W fat ebike, look at Juiced Bikes, Ohm Bikes, Rad PowerBikes, Sonders, Bulls, Haibike, and MANY more boutique companies (search on Youtube under Fat Ebike). A few of the best bangs are the Rad Powerbikes Rad Rover and the new Juiced Hyperfat and RipCurrent S. The rad is the best value and the both Juiced Bikes are quite advanced with cruise control, walk mode, air forks and several battery options up to 52V 20Ah as of this entry.
“Considering fat tire bikes are rigid, the manufacturers didn’t put a lot of work into the frame of the bike.”
What do you mean by this?
Fat tire bikes are not necessarily just for fun. I work at a large industial facility were we have had several (too many) bicycle accidents; mostly from folks sliding out on the railroad tracks that run throughout our facility while biking over them. Quess what! Fat tire bikes don’t slide out on tracks nearly as bad as regular industrial bikes do. (The possibility is greatly mitigated though not eliminated.) Now we are getting ready to convert our entire bicycle fleet over to fat tire bikes because of their demonstrated ability ride over demanding surfaces.
Fat tire bikes are not necessarily just for fun. I work at a large industial facility were we have had several (too many) bicycle accidents; mostly from folks sliding out on the railroad tracks that run throughout our facility while biking over them. Quess what! Fat tire bikes don’t slide out on tracks nearly as bad as regular industrial bikes do. (The possibility is greatly mitigated though not eliminated.) Now we are getting ready to convert our entire bicycle fleet over to fat tire bikes because of their demonstrated ability ride over demanding surfaces.
I recently bought they 26″ mongoose brutus fat tire bike. I’m 6’2″ and weight 315lbs. I wanted to use it for some exercise. And boy let me tell ya ours a work out. Its single speed. Plus i have not rode a bike for 20+ yrs. But when i ride I’m smiling most of the time because it’s so much fun to ride this bike. I ride on street surfaces. Still trying to build my leg muscles up because like i said i havnt used then for anything but walking for 20+ yrs. But it’s worth the burn to ride something so fun. This bike has a coaster brake. I would rather have a hand brake system but can’t find one that’ll fit around the 4″ tire. But id recommend this bike to anyone who wants to ride for fun or for a workout. It is a workout. But if i we’re you is at least try one out.
CAUTION, these can be dangerous in icy conditions; the same as any bike. These should only be recommended for winter use if they are equipped with steel studded tires.
I have a fat bike with 4” tires. I recently sold my regular mountain bike. I really enjoy riding the fatty on the beach and in the local mountains. I live a mile from the beach. Now, I’m thinking of getting a 29” wheel set for it and just having two bikes. Fat bikes are even more versatile with various tires and/or wheel sets.
I purchased my Mongoose Aztec and received it yesterday. Easy and fun to ride. I’d choose a fat tire bike over a regular mountain bike if I had to do it over again. The fat tire bike brings a more confident feeling for myself while offroading for sure. The bike also feels tougher as far as not as resistance to bending rims etc. I also like that it only has 7 speeds / 1 derailer, and no suspension other than what the big tires deliver, (which is enough for me) at <20mph usually.
Last two months ago i purchased mongoose malus fat tire bike. I am pleased about buying it. I am a beginner rider & I love to ride on snow hills & wet stone road. It’s decidedly more difficult for a rider to ride a bike on snow & wet roads without a fat bike — especially newcomer. My bike has 26-inch wheels with a 7-speed Shimano shifter. It’s incredible for riding. I read your article, it’s right. Fat bike has an excellent balance for a rider, who is amature. I also ride my bike in the mountains. It’s a unique experience. Eight of fact you told in your article. For the beginner rider, it’s a helpful guide. Thanks for this excellent article.
There is one other downside of fat tire bikes – they don’t fit in the bike racks on the front of a city bus.
I take the bus to work so that I don’t offend my coworkers with body odor from hard riding, and then ride the bike home for exercise. Being able to put a bike in the bike rack on the front of a city bus is a requirement for me.
These all the benefits are amazing, I am new to this community and learning a lot of great and new things from your site. I am hoping to buy one for myself for the upcoming winters, it can help me to stay active in winters as well.
Just put some fat tires on my bike getting ready for the colder seasons, great article.
I have a plan to buy a bike and I just read your article, it reveals to me I should buy a fat tire bike. I hope it would be great fun for me on snow.
The purpose of fat bikes is to tackle the different rough road conditions in any weather. Anyone who intends to stick to such off-road situations would benefit from using them. A fat tire bike uses wider wheels that make it more difficult to pedal, but these allow for easier traversal on many types of roads, and it is easier to ride them on snowy or rough terrains compared to other bicycles.
Great article! I never knew there were so many benefits to owning a fat tire bike. It’s definitely something I’ll consider for my next purchase.