7 Best Fat Tire Bikes: Your Buyer’s Guide

1. 1. Mongoose Dolomite

   Price: $465.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

   Shop at Amazon
   Pros:

   • Seven-speed Shimano rear derailleur
   • Easy twist shifters
   • Front and rear disc brakes

   Cons:

   • A bit heavy
   • A few mention the uncomfortable seat
   • Some taller riders suggest getting a longer seatpost

   All-terrain knobby tires keep you safe and secure in even the trickiest riding conditions as you take the Mongoose Dolomite fat tire mountain bike on your favorite trails. Sand, snow, dirt and other obstacles are no match for the large 26 x 4-inch tires, which can power through even the toughest riding conditions.

   As the well-priced Mongoose Dolomite proves, you don’t have to break the bank to get a sturdy and fun bike for year-round riding in poor conditions. 

   Regardless of the surface, the Mongoose fat tire bike’s hi-tensile steel frame provides a steady and secure ride. A seven-speed Shimano rear derailleur ensures you’ll never be left hunting for gears, even when climbing hills. If you really want to take your outdoor adventures to the next level, an electric cycle kit could be just what you need.

   User-friendly twist shifters make it easy to change gears as you ride, while alloy rims make the ride more stable without weighing the bike down. Front and rear disc brakes allow you to quickly and safely stop the men’s fat tire bike as needed.

   Beach cruiser pedals make rides safe and comfortable. The Dolomite is best suited for riders between 5’6″ and 6′ tall.

   Find more Mongoose Dolomite Men’s Fat Tire Bike information and reviews here.

2. 2. Trek Farley 5

   Price: $1,949.99

   Shop now at Trek
   Pros:

   • Massive 27.5-inch tires provide control on slippery surfaces
   • Adjustable horizontal sliding dropout improves handling
   • Internal cable routing offers a clean look and lasting protection

   Cons:

   • Front fork better suits cross country than downhill riders
   • Not intended for 29-inch wheels
   • Underwhelming disc brakes for a bike of this caliber

   The Trek Farley 5 is a value bike for all-weather riding. You can enjoy the great outdoors in any season on this fat bike, which features massive 27.5-inch tires to keep you in control over slippery surfaces. Experience safer cycling on snow, sand, and rocky trails without losing your grip.

   You’re tied into the bike’s general specifications, but an adjustable horizontal sliding dropout lets you play around with the bike’s geometry for improved handling in specific situations. For example, you can shorten the chainstays for a livelier ride and quicker cornering, or slide it back for maximum comfort on loose terrain and long rides. A proprietary redundant nut and bolt system locks these settings firmly in place, so you can focus on having fun.

   With a total weight of 32.33 pounds, the Farley 5 is relatively light and nimble. A lightweight aluminum frame ensures you won’t feel weighed down on steeper climbs and technical terrain.

   If you’re looking for explosive power or just responsive pedaling at opportune times, the Rapid Drive 108 rear hub has you covered. The Bontrager Haru fork with 100mm travel shines on cross country terrain, although it might feel a bit lackluster on descents. You can always upgrade to a 120mm fork. This bike does have a dropper post, however, so you can move the seat out of the way to comfortably tackle descents and sharp turns.

   No matter where you plan on riding, Tubeless Ready rims and tires lower your risk of a flat while providing better traction to keep you safe. The Trek Farley 5 comes in several sizes and fits most riders between 5′ and 6’8″.

   Find more Trek Farley 5 information and reviews here.

3. 3. sixthreezero EVRYjourney FATTIRE

   Price: $749.99

   Shop now at sixthreezero
   Pros:

   • Fits a wide range of rider heights from 5' to 6'4"
   • Sturdy enough for daily use
   • Forward pedaling works well for riders with knee pain

   Cons:

   • Bland styling
   • Only comes in one size
   • Not for aggressive trail rides

   From snow-packed trails to paved urban surfaces, this sixthreezero fat tire bike has large 26 x 4-inch tires to ride on any terrain. The semi-slick tires keep you in control in seemingly impossible riding conditions, such as mud and sand. Where a bike with slimmer wheels might reach its limits on especially tricky surfaces, the EVRYjourney fat tire bike confidently plows ahead for an uninterrupted riding experience.

   It’s not as flashy as the best electric beach cruiser or as powerful as an e-bike, but its simplicity is what makes the sixthreezero EVRYjourney FATTIRE so appealing if you’re shopping for a no-frills ride. Just because it’s basic doesn’t mean this bike is boring, though. Between its knobby four-inch fat tires and dependable components, this bike will go just about anywhere you command.

   Comfort matters when your itinerary involves spending consecutive hours in the saddle. That’s why sixthreezero outfitted this fat tire bike with an extra-wide saddle. You’ll also enjoy a more upright riding position and forward pedaling with proper leg extension. Synthetic leather grips invite you to securely grip the handles as you go without added fatigue and strain in your hands.

   A steel fork dampens vibrations from the road and trails for a smoother ride. When the going gets tough, you’ll have a Shimano Tourney TY300D rear derailleur with seven speeds to back you up. Whether you’re cruising around the city or tearing up the local trails, this fat tire bike has a solid 19-inch aluminum frame for maximum performance.

   This bike weighs 44 pounds and can support up to 300 pounds. It’s ideal for riders between 5′ and 6’4″ and is durable enough for daily use. Although it’s designed for comfort, this fat tire bike holds its own on trails.

    

4. 4. Pivot LES Fat Pro XT

   Price: $3,999.00

   Shop now at Competitive Cyclist
   Pros:

   • Lightweight carbon fiber frame and fork
   • Works with various tire sizes
   • High-quality XT components

   Cons:

   • Pricey
   • Pedals aren't included
   • Doesn't come with a dropper seat post

   The LES Fat 27.5 Pro XT is truly a hybrid fat tire bike, with carefully selected parts and components to give you the riding experience you’ve been craving. Instead of subjecting yourself to the boredom of indoor workouts when the weather isn’t great, you can hop on your Pro XT and head for the trails. XT components ensure you have the most dependable brakes and rear derailleur.

   This fat bike also comes with a lightweight carbon fiber frame that’s equally durable and spirited and all but guarantees you’ll be passing some of those heftier aluminum frame fat tire bikes during your rides. A 12-speed Shimano cassette means you won’t need to hunt for the right gears when you’re heading into steep hills. You may not reach the top speeds of the best fat e-bike, but you’ll have reliable gearing for just about any situation.

   Post-mount hydraulic disc brakes ensure you can stop on a dime when necessary. A 12 x 197mm rear thru-axle provides extra stability.

   This carbon fat tire bike comes with 27.5 x 3.8-inch tires for conquering mud and snow but is also compatible with 29+ wheels and 26-inch wheels with 4.8-inch tires. 

   A Swinger II dropout system not only allows you to use different wheel and tire combinations, it also adjusts the bottom bracket and chainstay length once you swap the tires out.

5. 5. Mongoose Juneau

   Price: $625.93

   Amazon Customer Reviews

   Shop at Amazon
   Pros:

   • Durable aluminum MTB-style frame
   • Shimano trigger shifters for precise gear changes
   • Fits most riders between 5'4" and 6'2"

   Cons:

   • Handlebars aren't adjustable
   • Not very nimble
   • Some find the seat uncomfortable

   This budget fat bike is equipped with 26 x 4-inch all-terrain tires for added stability during even the most challenging riding conditions. From sand to snow to sand and pavement, Juneau is a truly versatile bike for all-season riding and can go places most affordable hybrid bikes or mountain bikes simply can’t.

   An aluminum MTB-style frame keeps you in control even when the terrain gets rough. There’s also hydro-formed tubing for a more responsive ride.

   This fat tire bike’s six-speed Shimano drivetrain makes it easy to cruise and conquer inclines along the way. You’ll also find Shimano trigger shifters for precise gear changes.

   Whether you’re riding on a slippery surface or pavement, the front and rear disc brakes bring you to a stop as quickly and safely as possible. Riders between 5’4″ and 6’2″ can generally fit comfortably on this bike.

6. 6. Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Bike

   Price: $649.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

   Shop at Amazon
   Pros:

   • Mountain-style frame
   • Light and strong alloy rims
   • Comfortable mountain handlebars

   Cons:

   • A few mention the paint scratches easily
   • Some find the seat uncomfortable
   • A bit heavy

   The Mongoose Malus features four-inch wide knobby tires along with seven-speed gearing coupled with a Shimano rear derailleur for smoother shifting. The tires are wide and stable enough for your favorite off-road adventures, whether they include sand, mud or other types of terrain. The 26-inch tires are standard, but you can choose between dark grey or yellow rims.

   Although this Mongoose fat bike borrows some styling cues from more comfort-oriented bikes, including a beach cruiser frame with ample clearance for rides on any type of terrain, it’s certainly capable on more demanding terrain. Disc brakes in the front and rear help the bike stop quickly when necessary.

   Low-rise handlebars let you maintain speed when the bike isn’t conquering off-road obstacles. The saddle takes its design cues from mountain bike saddles to keep you comfortable when you head off-road.

   Find more Mongoose Malus information and reviews here.

7. 7. Outroad Fat Tire Mountain Bike

   Price: $329.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

   Shop at Amazon
   Pros:

   • Can support up to 440 pounds
   • Best for riders between 5'3" and 6' tall
   • Has 21 available speeds

   Cons:

   • Frame is a bit heavy
   • Brakes aren't the highest quality
   • Assembly can be tricky

   Riding through the elements is challenging, but this bike’s large 26-inch tires make it easier to ride along the beach, snow, mud and other obstacles. You don’t have to limit yourself to off-road riding, however, as the bike works just as well on the road and city streets.

   Anti-slip tires also keep you safe when the road is wet. A grip shifter lets you quickly and conveniently control the gearing as you ride. And with 21 available speeds, you’ll always have the appropriate gearing for the situation.

   This fat tire mountain bike features a sturdy alloy frame and can support up to 440 pounds. It’s best for riders between 5’3″ and 6′ tall.

What Is the Advantage of Buying a Fat Tire Bike?

A fat bike, sometimes referred to as a fat tire bike or fatbike, is essentially a mountain bike with larger, knobbier tires. The wider tires, combined with lower pressure for riding on trickier surfaces such as snow or sand, make the bike a popular choice for rugged adventures and rides in inclement weather.

The concept of a fat bike may still be relatively new, but its origins can be traced back to mountain biking.

According to the Marin Museum of Bicycling, mountain biking has been around since the 19th century, when there weren't many paved roads for driving or biking.

While these bikes needed to be stable enough to handle snow, a similar concept was being developed in warmer climates to suit other tough off-road obstacles such as sand and mud.

Now that you're ready to conquer the elements, you'll want the right gear to get through gnarly conditions. A heated vest is a great investment for a bit of extra warmth until you start to break a sweat.

How Are Fat Tire Bikes Different from Mountain Bikes?

While fat tire bikes are often heavier than your average budget mountain bike, they're better equipped to handle all weather conditions, even when the ground is covered in snow. If you want to go even faster without compromising the bike's ability to ride in just about any adverse weather conditions, consider investing in a fat tire e-bike or even converting your existing bike with an electric bike kit.

The extra surface of a fat bike tire keeps it from sinking into the softer ground as much as a traditional mountain bike tire would. As a result, you'll get a better grip on loose surfaces. Bikes with wider tires will often make you feel as though you're floating over the snow or sand, rather than sinking into it. They can be harder to transport than a traditional bike, though, which is where an ebike hitch rack can come in handy.

What Is the Best Tire Size for a Fat Tire Bike?

The larger the tire, the more suitable the bike is for tackling rugged terrain. For this reason, some enthusiasts find that the best fat tire bikes have larger 29-inch wheels, while others prefer smaller tires.

Most fat bikes are heavier than your average bike. The tires are generally four inches wide, which provides extra stability and traction on snow, sand and other surfaces. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, tire inflation can be adjusted to accommodate different surfaces, including bumpier stretches.