Factors to Consider When Buying a Fat Bike

From the appearance, fat bikes may look the same. However, they have different features which mean that their performance also varies. When buying, you need to check the following;

1. Frame

Most fat bike frames are made of titanium, steel, carbon or aluminum. In terms of durability, steel frames are the best but they are a bit heavy. Aluminum is lightweight but it is not as strong as steel. On the other hand, carbon fiber frames are a bit expensive but they are the most lightweight. Titanium is the most expensive since it combines all the features of the other materials.

2. Size

Pick a bike that suits your height. If you are able to stand astride on the bike with your two feet, that bike will be the best for you. Also check the manufacturer’s sizing chart to determine the correct size. In case your height spans between two sizes, you should go for the larger size.

3. Brakes

Fat bikes either use disc brakes or rim brakes. Rim brakes are also referred to as V-brakes and they allow the bike to stop by clamping the rim to the wheel. They are not the best option in terms of safety since they are not reliable in case of an emergency. On the other hand, disc brakes use calipers on a disc. In terms of performance, disc brakes are the most reliable which makes them the ideal for fat bikes.

4. Wheel swapping

You will need to change the wheel from time to time to enhance the performance of the bike. Look for a bike that has a quick-release mechanism which will allow you to change the wheels easily.

Why Should You Buy A Fat Bike?

Unlike the standard bikes, fat bikes provide a better performance. Some of their benefits include;

1. Fun

If you love cycling, fat bikes will give you more fun to ride as compared to when you are using standard bicycles. Even if you have never used a fat bike before, you will still enjoy them just like you enjoyed the first time you learned how to ride a bike. You can also ride them fast or slow to boost your experience.

2. Comfortable

Due to their large tires, fat bikes have the best shock absorption properties. This means that they are very comfortable to ride on challenging or uneven surfaces. Again, the tires are able to absorb a lot of vibrations which means that you do not need to strain your hands and your back.

You can also adjust the tire pressure from 30psi down to 7psi depending on the type of tire you are using. This means that you can adjust the pressure according to the riding conditions. For extra shock absorptions, you can add a front suspension especially when you are doing a lot of trail riding during the summer.

3. Not prone to punctures

Just like other bikes, punctures are not inevitable but they are not common as when you are using the standard bikes. The large tires are more resistant to flats and punctures because they have excellent shock absorption properties. They are also able to absorb vibrations.

4. Easy to ride

Most people shy off from buying fat bikes because they think that they are not easy to ride. However, that is not the case. Since they have large tires, it means that they provide better balance when riding. As a result, they are suitable for beginners who want to have more adventure.

5. Versatile

Fat bikes were specially designed for areas with snow. However, today various improvements have made on these bikes especially on the frame designs. Due to this, today they can be used just like mountain bikes which means that you can use them on the trails during the summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are fat bikes good for?

One of the things you will love about these bikes is that they provide a better grip as compared to the normal bicycles. If you are searching for a perfect bike you can use on uneven terrains, fat bikes provides the best stability. They are the best to ride on dirt, mud, snow, rocks, gravel and sand.

1. Are fat bikes worth their price?

If you are in need of a bike that you can use for off road, rough terrains, snow or sand, fat bikes will give you the best perfeomanceand they are unquestionably worth the price. Unlike other bikes, these ones are sturdier and they provide the best stability.

1. Are fat bikes harder to ride?

As compared to other bikes, fat bikes are a bit hard to pedal even on normal terrains. You will be required to work a little harder which makes them a bit difficult to ride.

Conclusion

In terms of stability, performance and reliability, fat bikes are the best.  With these bikes, you can ride comfortable even on the most challenging terrains because they have exceptional shock absorption features. If you are searching for a perfect fat bike, you can never go wrong with any of those we have reviewed. They are all equipped with amazing features which gives them a better performance than the rest.