What are fat bikes? A Beginner Guide (2024)

Fat tires bikes are the SUVs of the cycling world—when regular bikes tap out, these chubby champs just roll over the problem!

Their main feature is extra wide tires that provide better traction and stability on snow, sand, or mud. Approximately 3.7” to 5.2” in width, making them ideal for off-road adventures in extreme conditions.

These are not new inventions. French engineer Jean Naud rode through the Sahara desert in 1986, using Michelin tires that he had custom made.

In this article, you will learn all about fat bikes and their uses, pros and cons, and whether these bikes are good for beginners.

What are fat tire bikes used for?

Fat tire bikes are rising in mountain biking because of their unusual design. Now they can be used commonly for a variety of purposes, including:

Winter riding: Fat bikes perform very well in snowy paths; these are excellent for winter sports fans.

Beach riding: The wide tires avoid sliding into soft sand.

Bikepacking: Their power and ability to handle rough terrain make them ideal for long-distance touring and bikepacking trips.

Are fat bikes good on the road?

These adventure bikes are not a good option for road cycling because they are much heavier or harder to handle and pedal this makes the fat mountain bike speed slow and riders do not regularly peddle.

but they provide a unique combination of comfort and stability on roads. Their wider tires, which are 3.8 to 5 inches and have a higher rolling resistance than regular road bike tires (about 23-25mm), are good at vibration absorption.

Some studies show that fat tire bikes, when raised to low pressures (about 5–15 psi), can minimize sound by up to 30%; they result in a smoother ride over rough roads.

This makes them a solid option for bikers who value comfort or frequently face rough roads.

Are fat bikes good for beginners?

Fat tires bikes are great for beginners to build confidence and improve balance. The contact patch enhances the mountain bike traction, especially on loose terrain.

But keep in mind the weight and rolling resistance can make climbing or maintaining speed difficult for you if you are a beginner.

The shock-absorbing tires ensure smoother ride, yet beginners may need to adjust to the broader Q-factor and increased braking needs.

Overall, fat mountain bikes are a comfortable and responsive option for beginner riders who are ready to accept their special features.

Fat bikes pros and cons

Pros of Fat Bikes

Traction and stability: The big tires have a larger contact area with the ground, which enhances grip on slippery or unstable terrain such as mud, snow, and sand.

Comfortable Ride: Fat bikes can absorb shocks more effectively than common mountain bikes. 

They have low tire pressure, approximately (5-15 PSI) and provide a soft ride over bumps and obstacles, reducing stress on longer rides.

Year-round riding: Fat tire bikes have no impact by changes in the weather. They are capable of going on snow and ice in the winter, sand and mud in the spring and fall, and rocky trails in the summer. This makes them suitable for year-round riding.

Cons of Fat Bikes

Weight: One of the main disadvantages of fat tire bikes is their weight. They can be heavier than mountain or road bikes for the wider tires and frame.

A fat bike normally weighs 30 to 35 pounds (13.6 to 15.9 kilograms), while a mountain bike weighs 22-24 pounds (10-11 kg). 

Speed: Fat tire mountain bikes are slower than normal mountain bikes for the extra rolling resistance. The tires need more effort to pedal; on flat roads, for example, an expert rider can reach speeds of 20-28 mph; on hills, speeds range from 5 to 10 mph.

Maintenance: Fat bikes can need more maintenance than regular bikes for their specific components. 

Tires are more at risk of punctures; repairs are more costly. Maintenance costs are dependent on you, but the average monthly cost is between $20 to $50.

Not Ideal for Commuting: While fat bikes are mainly for off-road, they not be the best option for regular journeys on flat terrain. 

Their weight and slower speed make them less suitable for urban cycling than road or hybrid bikes.

What are fat bikes? (Parts)

Frame

Hardtail Fat Bikes: The most common type, which had a rigid rear or a suspension fork in the front.

The hardtail design is light and, I think, easy to maintain, so a hardtail fat tire bike is a better option for beginners.

Full-Suspension Fat Bikes: These bikes are less in numbers compared to hardtails for their added weight; they have both front and rear suspension. 

While they provide more stability on tougher terrain and absorb more impact from obstacles, their design focuses on tire clearance and axle spacing. Full-suspension types are preferred by riders who travel tough trails and are experienced in biking.

Wheel and Tires

Image Credit: Fyxation

The wheels and tires are the main parts of fat tire bikes.

Wheels: Fat bikes normally have 26-inch wheels; however, some models offer 27.5-inch wheels. 

They have wider rims than normal mountain bike rims, from 50mm to more than 100mm in width. This length provides more air volume, which is essential for keeping grip on soft unstable terrain.

Image Credit: Joy ride bicycles

Tires: Fat bike tires are made to provide optimal grip with a massive contact patch to the ground. 

They may be operated at extremely low pressures, which improves comfort and increased traction as it allows the tires to flex over obstacles. 

The tread pattern is normally moderate; too aggressive treads can result in instability on tougher terrain. Some fat bike tires also include studs to assist traction on snowy roads.

Tubeless Options: Many fat bike riders prefer tubeless tire installations, which reduce the risk of pinch flats and allow riders to run lower tire pressures without compromising performance.

Drivetrain

Wide Rear Hub Spacing: Most fat bikes have a rear hub spacing of roughly 197mm (12mm thru axle), forcing an extra-large bottom bracket for suitable chain alignment. 

This results in a broader pedal stance (Q-factor) of about 200mm, which feels different from standard mountain bikes.

Many fat bikes use single-chainring drivetrains (1x systems), which are similar to modern mountain bikes. 

Thies bikes also use cranksets with shorter crank arms (e.g., 170mm or 175mm) to improve ground clearance.

This improves shifting and decreased weight and still provides enough gears. The gearing range can be utilized to handle rocky slopes and soft unstable terrain conditions well.

Shifting Systems: Some advanced models include electronic shifting systems that improve speed in gear changes.

Suspension

Front Suspension Forks: Fat bike forks are specifically built to fit in wider tires, with a front axle spacing of around 150mm. 

RockShox and Manitou manufacture specialist forks for fat biking that provide damper without losing tire performance.

Rear Suspension Options: For full-suspension models, rear shock must be carefully selected to balance weight with performance.

What are fat bikes? (FAQs)

Conclusion

Fat bikes are a unique type of mountain biking that provides traction and stability for riding difficult terrains such as snow, sand, and mud.  

But their weight and slower speeds are not perfect for daily commuting; their comfort and versatility make them a popular choice for those riders who are very passionate about mountain biking and do not wait for the season, or enjoy winter riding. 

In simple words, fat tire bikes can handle those trails that standard mountain bikes never do.