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Fat Bike

Fat bikes are defined as mountain bikes with tires wider than 3 inches. Most fat bikes are categorized as either 4-inch or 5-inch fat bikes, depending on tire width.

What’s a fat bike good for?

Fat bikes are designed for riding in loose conditions, usually snow. However, they work equally well for riding in loose sand. Wide tires also help beginning riders navigate technical terrain such as rocks and roots.

Contrary to popular belief, fat bike tires do not act as suspension in a mountain bike. While the high volume tires do provide rebound like a suspension component does, that’s only half of the equation. Tires cannot provide damping, resulting in a bouncy feeling that is not associated with proper bike suspension.

Which fat bike should I buy?

These are the best fat bikes, according to Singletracks readers.

  1. Trek Farley
  2. Specialized Fat Boy
  3. Salsa Beargrease
  4. Salsa Bucksaw
  5. Surly Ice Cream Truck
  6. Surly Pugsley
  7. Salsa Mukluk
  8. Rocky Mountain Blizzard
  9. Pivot LES Fat
  10. Framed Minnesota & Trek Farley EX (tie)

Get the latest fat bike news from Singletracks below.

Adventurer Kate Leeming on Planning a Cross-Continent Bike Expedition [Podcast #294]

Thibaut Ruffin Shows What's Possible in "Another Level of Fatbike" [Video]

REI Co-op Brand adds an Affordable Fat Bike to the Line

Salsa Launches 2021 Fat Bike Models

One Super Bike, or a Quiver of Average Ones? [Survey]

Why We Love Mountain Biking in the Snow

The Diamondback El Oso Dos is all the Fat Bike you Need [Review]

In for Testing: The Diamondback El Oso Dos Fat Bike

4 Years After the Fat Bike Explosion, Who is Still Making Fat Bikes?

MTB News Mix: New Norco DJ Bike, Hunt's $800 Carbon Wheels, Ride Concepts Releases More Shoes

I Tested the Latest Giant Yukon, 27.5-inch Fat Bike in Northern Wisconsin During the Polar Vortex

How to Bike in Winter, According to Arctic Bikepackers Huw and Annie [Podcast #188]

Watch: The Pursuit of Fattiness

This film profiles one man's fat bike journey while training for Jay Petervary's "Fat Pursuit," a 200k/200m winter bicycle race in the Greater Yellowstone region.

New Enve Carbon Fat Bike Fork, Wheels

Enve just launched a new fat bike fork, the Enve Fat Fork, and a fat bike wheelset called the M685.

Watch: Shredding NEW Bentonville MTB Trails

Pat Smage previews new mountain bike trails coming to Springdale, Arkansas.

Chris Farley's Family Settles Lawsuit With Trek Over Farley Fat Bike Name

Trek recently settled a lawsuit brought by the estate of comedian Chris Farley over the name of the Farley fat bike.

New Why Cycles "Big Iron" Titanium Fat / 29+ Bike

The Big Iron fat bike from Why Cycles is a titanium hardtail with internal cable routing capable of running multiple wheel sizes.

The Longest-Running Winter Night MTB Race Series is in Leadville

Fat bike races after dark are historically niche events. Though cold and often uncomfortable, these bike races are memorable thanks to the low-key environment, difficult conditions, and of course, the post-race party.

When Fat Is Fast: Fatback Corvus Review

The Fatback Corvus is fast and competent on everything from rocky, dry trails to groomed snow conditions. Designed to dominate the Iditarod Trail Invitational, this is a great fat bike for even a recreational rider.

What Type of Mountain Bike Should I Buy?

Choosing the perfect type of mountain bike can seem very complicated. Asking yourself these 5 questions can help make your bike buying decision significantly easier.

Terrene Cake Eater Fat Bike Tire Review

Terrene's new race-inspired Cake Eater fat bike tire performs well both on dry land, and on groomed snow.

Watch: Cannondale FAT CAAD Bike Review

The Cannondale FAT CAAD 1 aluminum fat bike features a Lefty Olaf suspension fork for control and stability in snow and dry conditions alike. The short chainstays and narrow Q-factor make the FAT CAAD a nimble bike that's comfortable to ride for hours on end.
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