Fat bikes are becoming increasingly popular, showing up on more and more trail systems in both the summer and winter months. Whether you’ve seen one or not, there is a good chance you’ve heard the term.
But what is a fat bike? Why are so many people choosing to ride them? What are the advantages of fat biking? And, what are some disadvantages you might want to know before purchasing one?
This guide will address all that and more as we take a closer look at fat biking and twelve of its pros and cons!
A fat bike overview
First things first, what makes a fat bike a fat bike?
The width of the tires
For starters, the width of the tires. As you may have guessed by the name, a fat bike has fat tires, typically starting at 3.8” wide and going up from there (usually maxing out around 5”). For comparison, the typical mountain bike tire is 2.2” to 2.6” wide.
It may not sound like much, but even an additional 1.2” of tire width is substantial, providing a completely different riding experience than a traditional mountain bike.
And for those wondering, yes, tires exist between 2.6” and 3.8”. They are called plus-sized tires and provide a nice middle ground between mountain bike tires and fat bike tires.
The width of the rims
With wider tires comes wider rims.
Since the tires are so wide, traditional mountain bike rims won’t work, meaning fat bikes require their own rim widths to keep the tire on the bike.
Today, most stock fat bikes come with a rim width of 80mm. That said, their rim widths can be anywhere from 50mm to 100mm wide, give or take.
On the other hand, mountain bikes typically have rim widths of 25-35mm, as a width of 50-100mm is unnecessary and would only add extra weight and provide a worse riding experience.
The design of the frame
You may be thinking, if the only difference between a mountain bike and a fat bike is the size of the tire and the width of the rim, then surely I can slap some on the bike I have now and be good, right?
Wrong! Unfortunately, just like fat bikes need wider rims to accommodate wider tires, they also need wider frames to accommodate the wider tires.
Traditional mountain bikes are specifically designed for mountain bike sized tires, with no additional room for fat bike tire sizes.
As such, fat bike frames are widened, providing a lot more space for the front and rear tires to spin. With that comes some other changes, like wider hubs and wider bottom brackets, both necessary to accommodate the overall width increase of the bike.
Although fat bikes are pretty simple, they still require a lot of customization and careful planning to successfully accommodate their fat tires.
PS – You can read my post, “Top 15 Fat Bike Accessories – [Take Your Fat Bike From Good To Great],” to discover 15 unique but practical accessories you can buy to make your fat bike even better!
Fat Bike Pros and Cons
Now that we have a better understanding of what a fat bike is let’s take a closer look at some of their unique pros and cons!
What are the advantages of a fat bike?
Fat bikes are becoming increasingly popular and with good reason! Here are some fat bike advantages that are a huge part of why so many people are purchasing them.
1. Fat bikes let you ride over different terrain like snow, sand and mud
The number one advantage of a fat bike is its ability to ride over all sorts of different terrain.
Due to the larger tires, fat bikes put far less pressure on the ground, providing more floatation that lets the bike stay on top of terrain like snow, sand and mud rather than in it.
Whereas bikes with smaller tires sink into snow, sand, and mud, creating ruts and making it very difficult to ride, a fat bike stays on top of this terrain, letting you easily ride through what would otherwise be impossible on a traditional mountain bike.
This makes fat bikes ideal for winter riding, cold and wet climates that experience a lot of rain and snow, or desert climates with a lot of sand.
2. Fat bikes are smooth and comfortable
Due to the width of a fat bike tire and the generally much lower tire pressures, far more absorption and cushioning are provided.
This extra tire width and low tire pressure essentially act as air suspension, eliminating impacts typically handled by your fork or rear shock.
Whereas less wide tires that typically run at higher pressures will bounce or deflect off roots and rocks, fat bike tires will deform around the root or rock, letting you continue on with very little disturbance to your ride.
This additional cushioning provides a smooth and comfortable ride over even the roughest and chunkiest terrain, like rock gardens or exposed root sections.
3. Fat bikes offer great traction
The wider the tire, the more contact you have with the ground. And the more contact you have with the ground, the more traction you have.
This will be especially noticeable when riding over slippery surfaces like wet rocks and roots, snow and ice, or slick mud.
For example, with smaller-width tires, you may be on top of a rock or root, and only a slight turn to either side will make you slip off. But with a fat bike tire, rather than being on top of the rock or root, you’re surrounding it due to the wider tires, providing a lot more room for movement that won’t result in you slipping off either side.
This extra traction inspires confidence, letting you truck through wet and slippery sections that you shouldn’t even consider riding on a standard mountain bike.
4. Fat bikes don’t damage trails
Not all trails handle wet weather or the freeze/thaw cycle very well. For those that live in wet or colder climates, you likely have mountain bike associations controlling the opening and closing of trails or a general local’s understanding that no one is to ride the trails when wet or thawing out.
Luckily, one exception to this rule can be fat bikes! Again, the wider tires provide less pressure on the trails and much more floatation, so they typically don’t damage trails at all, or at least far less than narrower tires.
This ability to ride during wetter conditions is great, as you get more time on the bike without worrying that you’re damaging your trail system.
5. Fat bikes are stable
Compared to mountain bikes, fat bikes are far more stable.
Again, this is due to the wider tires, making it much more difficult for the bike to tip over. Anyone that has ridden loose conditions on a normal mountain bike will know how easy it is to wash out the front wheel on a sandy or dusty turn.
But with a fat bike, this is nearly impossible, as the tire is too wide to wash out or collapse in on itself. Thus, you have a far more stable bike, again bringing more confidence in less-than-ideal conditions!
6. Fat bikes keep their momentum
The lower rolling resistance of fat bikes means they maintain their momentum very well.
Rather than getting stuck in holes like narrower tires, fat bike tires stay on top of everything, letting you carry your speed through rougher sections.
This can prove surprisingly quick, as many avid mountain bikers will put up equally fast or faster times on their fat bike vs their mountain bike, even though many of them say they feel like they are riding slower on their fat bike.
7. Fat bikes provide year-round riding
The only option is a fat bike for winter riding in the snow.
Narrower tires are not only impossible to ride through deep snow, but most trail systems will have a minimum tire width for winter riding.
This means a fat bike is basically your only option if you want to continue riding year-round in snowy climates. Sure, it means purchasing another bike, but on the flip side, you aren’t sitting around for 5-7 months of the year waiting for warmer weather and drier conditions!
8. Fat bikes are great for training
This one is true for two reasons.
First, fat bikes let you keep riding during the winter, meaning you can maintain your cardio and continue training through what would otherwise be off months. Yes, you can jump on a trainer or head to the gym, but nothing beats being outside riding your favourite trails.
Secondly, fat bikes are just more work to ride. They are generally heavier and less efficient than their mountain bike counterparts. And while this may sound like a con (and it is in some senses), it ends up being a great training tool. Why? Because this means that your legs are becoming stronger, your cardio is getting better, and when you jump back onto your mountain bike, everything will feel 10x easier.
9. Fat bikes are great for beginner mountain bikers
If you’re just getting into mountain biking, then a fat bike might be for you!
You can get out on the trails more by being able to ride in all types of weather, you can ride more diverse terrain, you can feel more confident riding terrain that’s slightly above your ability, and you will be on a more stable bike that’s far less likely to cause serious crashes.
These are all welcome features to anyone entering the sport of mountain biking that may be hesitant of the high speeds and potential of serious injuries!
10. Fat bikes are cheap(er)
Are fat bikes cheap compared to department store bikes? No!
But are they cheap when compared to their mountain bike equivalent? I would argue yes!
For example, you can purchase a top-end fat bike like the Canyon Dude CF 9 for $3,999 CAD. It’s a lot of money, but it’s nothing compared to an equivalent top-end mountain bike like the Canyon Spectral 29 CFR that goes for $7,999 CAD.
So, in that sense, fat bikes offer pretty good value, especially for colder climates where you may spend half your days every year riding one!
11. Fat bikes are different
While fat bikes are becoming more popular, they are still far from the norm and offer a different look and riding experience.
For those of you that like this type of thing, to be a bit different, a bit rebellious, to stray from the norm, then a fat bike would be a perfect choice!
I have a bit of this, and I often gravitate toward less popular, more unique bikes than the far more familiar brands.
12. Fat bikes are simply a lot of fun to ride
Talk to anyone that owns a fat bike, and you’ll likely get the same response when you ask how they like it: they are just a ton of fun to ride.
It’s hard to put into words why they are so fun, but they are. Whatever it is, whether it’s the different riding experience, the ability to plow through things a mountain bike would get stuck in, or the general simplicity of a fat bike, fat bikes are fun and something everyone should try out at least once!
Ready to get fat biking? With long, cold winters, Ottawa has some of the best fat biking in Ontario.
Read my post, “5 Top-Rated Fat Bike Trails Near Ottawa,” to learn everything you need to know!
What are the disadvantages of a fat bike?
1. Fat bikes are hard to transport
Due to their added weight and wider tires, fat bikes are generally hard to transport.
Lifting them into the back of your truck becomes more difficult, and flying them in a typical bike bag is not easy. Also, many bike racks won’t fit a fat bike tire. However, more companies are starting to accommodate fat bike tires with adapters like these from Thule for their common racks, like the T2 Pro XTR. Either way, if you have a rack currently, check to see if it’ll fit a fat bike, or buy adapters before purchasing one.
2. Fat bikes are heavy
Not only does the weight of a fat bike make it challenging to transport, but it can make it difficult to pedal when compared to lighter options.
It’s simple physics; you need more energy to move something heavier, so you will feel the added weight of a fat bike when starting from a standstill or riding terrain lacking momentum.
3. Fat bikes take more energy and strength to ride
Add the energy it takes to move a fat bike over a longer ride, and you’ll start noticing yourself burning many more calories.
It’s not all bad, though. You will get stronger, but be sure to bring extra gels or food if you plan to do longer fat bike rides!
4. Fat bikes are less maneuverable
The wider tires of a fat bike and added weight make them generally less maneuverable than a mountain bike.
They are simply harder to turn and harder to hop and twist your way through things than a lighter mountain bike with narrower tires. This is especially notable at slower speeds – while your fat bike will be more stable, getting back online or changing your direction at a moment’s notice will not be as easy.
5. Fat bikes have fewer available replacement parts
Like any sport or niche that is less popular, fat bikes just don’t have the same availability and volume of replacement parts as mountain bikes do.
As such, if you break something, you may be waiting longer than you’d like for that part to come in. This should get better as fat biking becomes more popular and already has compared to ten years ago. Still, for the most part, you’ll be waiting longer to replace parts on your fat bike.
6. Fat bikes are attention getters
If you like attention, this is a pro. But if you want to fly under the radar and go unnoticed, then a fat bike might not be for you.
Even me, who sees multiple fat bikes on every ride, still glances at them longer as they roll past than a normal mountain bike. They still just aren’t that normal and remain a bit of an oddity. So long as that’s the case, you’ll get more attention riding a fat bike than a mountain bike.
7. Fat bikes can hinder skills development
The same reason fat bikes are great for beginners is the same reason they can hinder skills development.
Because fat bikes have so much traction and are so stable, they don’t necessarily allow you to develop good bike handling skills. In other words, the riding experience of a fat bike can act as a bandaid, letting you simply ride through and over obstacles and features with minimal effort.
For beginners, this is great, but over time everyone should progress to a mountain bike if they want to continue developing their skills. From handling to body positioning, mountain bikes provide a better way to build your riding skills than fat bikes.
8. Complete fat bike options are limited
While there are probably 100+ excellent mountain bike brands out there, only a handful offer complete fat bike options (frame, wheelset, suspension – an entirely built bike).
Thus, your options are limited when compared to choosing a mountain bike, meaning you are less likely to be able to get the exact geometry, components and colour you want while also having fewer pricing options available to you.
That said, some good starting options include the Kona Wo or Woo, Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10, or Giant Yukon 2.
9. Fat bike frames are limited
Those who are very particular about their bikes usually purchase a frame-only option and then choose their parts to build the complete bike.
As you can imagine, with limited complete fat bike options, there are even fewer frame-only options. Thus, if you are particular about your fat bike, you’ll have to choose from a very limited set of frame options or a slightly less limited set of complete fat bike options, which you can then part out for your preferred components.
Some frame-only options include the Corvus Rhino FLT frame, Corvus Akio frame, Otso Voytek frame, or Why Cycles Big Iron frame.
10. Fat bikes are slow on pavement
If you ride pavement, or any overly smooth surface, to your local trail system, then a fat bike might not be ideal.
I usually ride 3-5 km on the pavement to get to my local trail systems. To do this on a fat bike would not be fun (unless in the winter with lots of snow and ice – then fun times galore!).
Something to consider if you’ll have to ride your fat bike on lots of pavement to get to your local trails.
11. Fat bikes can hurt your hips and knees
This one gets a bit technical, but put simply, the wider stance of a fat bike means your hips and knees are farther away from your centre.
This can put your feet and knees in a somewhat uncomfortable position, as rather than being in a straight line (i.e. your hips = your knees = your feet), your knees and feet are now further out, meaning your hips don’t equal your knees and feet.
For this reason, riding clipless pedals is not as common on fat bikes, as it limits the movement of your feet, thus putting you in a more uncomfortable position for longer. Bulky winter boots can also worsen the problem as now your feet are even further away from your hips.
All of this can be described by the term “Q-factor,” which both Cycling News and Cycling Weekly wrote great articles about.
12. Fat bikes aren’t as versatile as mountain bikes
In some ways, fat bikes are, in fact, more versatile. You can ride any terrain imaginable on a fat bike if you want. That isn’t the case for mountain bikes.
But on the other hand, their weight and wide tires mean a lot of the time, especially if you live in a warm and dry climate, a mountain bike would be the better and more versatile option.
At the end of the day, it really comes down to preference, but from an objective viewpoint, mountain bikes are going to be a more versatile option.
My Final Fat Bike Thoughts
Without a ton of snow, lots of rain, or deep sand, the need for a fat bike isn’t really there. A mountain bike will be an equal or better option for riding that terrain. But of course, needs and wants are two different things, and just because you don’t need a fat bike to ride your trails doesn’t mean you won’t want one to do exactly that.
If you can afford it, go for it; buy a fat bike. It opens the door to even more terrain in even crazier conditions and will keep you outdoors and on the bike more than you ever have before.
And for anyone that loves mountain biking, that is the goal – be on your bike as much as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best fat bikes currently available include the Kona Wo, Kona Woo, Rocky Mountain Blizzard series, Canyon Dude series, Giant Yukon series, Trek Farley series, Salsa Mukluk series, and Salsa Beargrease series.
The best fat bike frames currently available include the Corvus Rhino FLT Frame, Corvus Akio Frame, Otso Voytek Frame, Why Cycles Big Iron Frame, Trek Farley AL Frameset, Trek Farley C Frameset, Salsa Mukluk Carbon Frameset, and Salsa Beargrease Carbon Frameset.
The best fat bike tires currently available include the Maxxis Minion FBF, Terrene Johnny 5, Surly Bud, Schwalbe Al Mighty, and Bontrager Gnarwhal.
Pinkbike BuySell has hundreds of used fat bikes for sale. There are also used fat bike frames for sale and used fat bike parts for sale. This is where I’d look first to purchase a used fat bike. You can also look in local buy/sell groups on Facebook, ask around in local mountain bike/fat bike groups on Facebook, or look at Kijiji.
Yes, full suspension fat bikes exist. Full suspension fat bikes currently available include the Lenz Fatillac, ICAN SN04, and the LaMere Dopamine. Companies such as Ride Fat Bikes provide custom builds which can include full suspension fat bikes.
There are many places you can ride a fat bike. The most common places are public trail systems and paid trail systems like bike parks and conservation areas. If you live in or near the Greater Toronto Area, read my post on the top ten fat bike trails near Toronto to find some great options. If you live closer to Ottawa, you can read my post on 5 top-rated fat bike trails near Ottawa to discover some world-class options. If you live anywhere else in Ontario, you can read my post on where to go fat biking in Ontario to find some incredible fat bike trails close to you!
This is the rare article that hits it on the head. I am very worried though about those who think these things apply to a fat e-bike.
A fat tire bike is designed for off road speeds of 6-8mph (short stretches at 10-12). When you put that much dive and squirm on pavement, at 20mph, they are a serious hazard. I foolishly sold a half dozen with four resulting in hospitalizations and at least one other crash serious enough he won’t ride it any longer.
With tires inflated for pavement, they become like basket balls. Too soft and dive and squirm become rediculously hard to handle. I really wish The CPSC would look in to this problem. Sure they’re popular and REAL easy to sell, but they just aren’t safe!
Absolutely, fat e-bikes (especially as motors grow increasingly powerful) are in their own category and should not be compared to or considered the same as standard fat bikes.
Have you ever seen a
TML fat tire bike? I found
a really nice one online about a
week ago & it’s now hanging from my ceiling,
fresh lock & light installed… I have pics if your interested in seeing… The guy at the bike shop who helped tighten the front brake for me said he had never seen a toronto maple leafs bike before… I found a childrens TML bike a few years ago this TML fat tire bike comes with dual disc brakes and seat shock… It is a cruiser style bike… peace man, great article on the fat tire bikes! -mike from timmins (only lived here a few years, from eastern ON…)
Hey Mike, I have not. It sounds very cool though and Go Leafs Go, of course! Thanks for commenting!