Fat Bikes

A fat bike is a type of [mountain bike](/s/mountain-bikes designed to be ridden on snow, sand, and other types of soft and loose terrain. The most distinctive feature of a fat bike is its wide tyres, which can be up to 4 inches or more in width. These wide tyres provide a large contact patch with the ground, which helps to distribute the rider's weight more evenly and increase stability.

Fat Bikes Explained

Fat bikes are typically built with sturdy frames and components designed to withstand the stresses of riding in challenging conditions. They often feature suspension systems, such as front suspension forks, to help absorb shock and improve control on rough terrain. Fat bikes typically have a low gear range, allowing the rider to tackle steep inclines and loose terrain.

Benefits of a Fat Bike

One of the main benefits of riding a fat bike is that it allows riders to access areas impassable on a traditional mountain bike. The wide tyres provide excellent flotation on soft surfaces, such as snow and sand, making riding on these surfaces relatively easy. Additionally, the large contact patch of the tyres provides excellent traction, which helps to improve stability and control.

Fat bikes are also a great choice for riders who are looking for an all-season bike. They can be ridden on various surfaces, including snow, sand, and even pavement, making them a versatile option for riders who want to ride year-round.

Different types of fat bikes are available, such as rigid fat bikes, which don't have suspension, and full-suspension fat bikes, which have suspension in both the front and rear.

Fat biking has also become popular for winter sports enthusiasts, allowing them to continue riding when traditional mountain biking trails are covered in snow. Many ski resorts and other winter recreation areas now offer fat bike rentals and groomed trails for fat biking.

Fat Bike Maintenance

In terms of maintenance, fat bikes require more attention and care than traditional mountain bikes due to the wider tyres and bigger rims. The wider tyres tend to lose air pressure faster, so keeping them properly inflated is important. Additionally, the bigger rims can be more prone to damage if the bike is ridden in rocky or rough terrain, so it's important to be mindful of the terrain when riding.