What Is The Best Fat Bike Under $1000?
TL;DR – In a hurry and just want to know what is the best fat bike for under $1000? The five top options available are
If you’ve looked around the mountain bike world at all, you’ve almost certainly noticed fat bikes. There are plenty of them out there, and they are instantly recognizable: the balloon-sized tires stand out in any company! Fat bikes have gained a reputation for stability, easy riding, and fun, and they are an ideal choice for less experienced mountain bikers. But what is a fat bike, why should you consider one, and what should you look for if you want to buy one? Let’s break down the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of the big-tired bike, and take a look at what you can expect to find at different price points.
A fat bike is usually defined as a bicycle using tires of 3.8” width or larger, ranging up to 5” wide. These oversized tires are usually mounted on rims 2.16” wide or wider. That’s twice the size of a standard mountain bike tire or more. The tires can seem almost freakishly large at first glance, and some riders never get used to the look, but there is a purpose to having all that rubber under you. The width of the tires provides stability and cushioning. The tire size allows you to run on very low tire pressures, keeping the tires squishy and allowing them to absorb bumps and grip the terrain under the tire.
The tires define a fat bike, but there are other typical fat bike characteristics, most of which are related to the tire size. Here are a few things you can expect to find on a fat bike:
All of those features contribute to the distinctive appearance and handling characteristics of the fat bike. Many riders love those characteristics, but they aren’t right for everyone, and you’ll have to decide whether a fat bike is right for you.
Fat bikes were originally developed for use on soft surfaces like snow and sand. Enterprising riders in Alaska and the southwest began experimenting with large-tired bikes in the 1980s, stitching rims together and using two tires side by side to produce custom bikes capable of riding on soft surfaces. These bikes remained at the fringe of the mountain biking world until 2005, when Minnesota-based Surly introduced the Pugsley, the first first commercially available fat bike.
Most riders don’t use their bikes in snow or sand, and if that was all fat bikes were good for they would have remained a niche product. That’s not what happened. Once fat bikes were readily available riders started trying them out on other surfaces and for other types of riding, and many people quickly fell in love with them. Enthusiasts praised their simplicity and stability, and beginning riders who saw staying upright as more important than going fast snapped them up. Enthusiasts raved about the sensation of “floating” over terrain and about the solid, secure feeling they got from riding on all that rubber.
That bike boom peaked in 2014 and 2015, with 37 new fat bike models introduced across those two years. Since then the market has stabilized: not all riders appreciate the aesthetics of the fat bike, and many preferred the agility, speed, and suspension of conventional mountain bikes. Fat bikes remain very popular, and they have staked out a solid market niche, but they don’t appeal to all riders.
So how can you tell if a fat bike is right for you? Consider these factors.
No bike is perfect for everyone, and there are also some potential drawbacks to fat bikes that you might want to consider before choosing one.
If a fat bike sounds the right ride for you, you’ll have plenty of options. Let’s look at what you expect to find at different price points.
If you’ve decided to buy a fat bike you’ll have to evaluate your options. Your budget will be the single biggest factor governing your choice, but there are a few features you’ll want to consider.
All of these factors are reflected in the price of your bike. More money will get you higher end parts and more quality, but you can still get a serviceable fat bike at a reasonable price. Let’s look at what you can expect at some different price points.
If you’re reviewing fat bike specs (or any bike specs) it’s easy to get carried away with the hype that surrounds high-end componentry. That can be a mistake, especially if you’re on a budget. The expensive parts are beautifully made and provide spectacular performance at a very low weight, but they can also be very expensive, and you can have a perfectly serviceable bike without spending the extra money. Don’t worry that your mid-range bike won’t be up to the job: even relatively cheap bikes will usually provide very solid service, and upgrading your legs, lungs, and skills will do more for your riding than upgrading most components!
TL;DR – In a hurry and just want to know what is the best fat bike for under $1000? The five top options available are
TL;DR – In a hurry and just want to know what is the best fat bike under 2000 Dollars? The best fat bikes at that
Fat bikes are popular for good reasons. They are sturdy, stable, and versatile, and they provide excellent service for beginning riders and many specialized riders alike. If you think you might want a fat bike but you aren’t sure, don’t let the odd appearance deter you! A test ride on a fat bike will tell you a lot, and if you’re like many riders it could be a revelation. It may seem like a new and unusual thing, but you may just find that it’s the right bike for you!