What is a fat bike intended for and how to choose it?

The advent of a bicycle with increased tire thickness once made a splash among fans of all-season rides. Today, the pros and cons of thick-wheeled bicycles are also often the subject of discussion. Fat bike is hardly cheap or affordable fun, but it certainly deserves the attention of those who prefer off-road traditional travel on the highway.

The first impression a bicycle with large wheels makes is from enthusiasm to rejection. In practice, fat bikes are characterized by an easy and soft ride, stability on any surface and high traffic.

A mountain bike with thick wheels or simply a fat bike is a type of two-wheeled vehicle, suitable for use regardless of seasons and climate. Suffice it to say that its official appearance occurred in Alaska - at a point on the planet that does not differ in favorable weather conditions.

Fat bike first Designed to overcome any off-road. Increased tires with intense inflation confidently feel on the highway and demonstrate good speed performance. And releasing pressure in them, you can get excellent cushioning and high traffic on a viscous, slippery surface, it is easy to overcome dirt or snow porridge.

According to its characteristics, this is a very classic mountain bike, but with a stiffer fork. Important tire pressure parameters include tire pressure. – it varies from 0.2 to 2 atmospheres.

A fat bike, or rather, its prototype, first appeared in an advertising campaign for Currys, a British retailer, back in the 30s of the 20th century. The image of a man riding a bicycle with thick tires illustrated a series of advertising sketches and was widely published in specialized publications for cycling enthusiasts. But the very term “fat bike”, as well as its actual embodiment, was introduced by a completely different person.

The creator of the first of the famous fatbikes is considered Mark Grunwald - A resident of Alaska, who decided to put a frame from a mountain bike on rims 80 mm wide. The standard 3 ″ tire has been extended to 3.5 ″. Minnesota Surley Launches Fatbike Production - Today it is she who is the recognized leader in the production of special rims for such equipment.

Launched in 2005, the Pugsley is truly revolutionary.. Fatbikes with tires up to 5 ″ wide and a single size front and rear wheel hubs made a real revolution in the world of bike extremes. Another important feature was the widest rim through which you can see the rubber of the inserted camera.

By 2014, fatbikes received a lightweight frame type - many modern models are available with a carbon base, as well as lighter rims. The minimum weight of the bike in the assembly decreased to 10 kg, while the handling remained at almost the same level as that of ordinary mountain bikes. Today, for athletes on fatbikes, special competitions are held - they are held in the winter on a snowy track in Iowa. Since 2015, this sport has been officially introduced in the US Championship.

The advantages of fatbikes are quite obvious - this type of mountain bike has a lot of advantages. Here are just a few of them..

• Versatility. They can be operated in winter and summer - this is a transport that has no seasonal restrictions.
• Original appearance. The bike is eye-catching, and since the fatbike culture in Russia is not yet very developed, you can stand out even at a mass thematic event.
• High traffic. On such a bicycle, you can storm any off-road, if you correctly adjust the tire pressure.
• Universality of plugs on some models. The front and rear can be interchanged, which may be relevant in long-distance conditions.
• Reliability and good handling. A fat bike almost never loses traction, even in the most extreme situations.
• Ability to use on the highway. With fully inflated tires, this bike is suitable for cycling using flat roads or moving around the city.

But it is not without its drawbacks. It is customary to relate to them high cost - The cheapest on the market are Chinese and domestic models, you will have to pay significantly more for American equipment. One more problem - heavy weight: A fully equipped fat bike can weigh up to 20 kg, which greatly limits the ease of transportation.

At first glance, a fat bike differs from a regular mountain bike only in tire size. But is it really so? It is enough to compare these two types of bicycles according to their main functional capabilities in order to find out their differences and draw conclusions.

• Patency. Even a mountain bike “shod” in mud tires will go far from all roads.Fatbike can overcome even off-road due to wide tires, the pressure in which can be reduced to very small indicators. The tires themselves are thick and reliably protect the camera inside from punctures.
• Weight. Here, light mountain bikes have a noticeable advantage, while on a fat bike alone wheels in a pair are hung out at 6-8 kg, and the total weight of the bike reaches 20 kg. Mountain models hardly reach 10 kg and require significantly less effort when traveling uphill or riding on the highway.
• Depreciation. Without an upgrade with the installation of a suspension fork, a mountain bike is much tougher and often vibrates on rough roads. Fatbike even without shock absorbers provides greater softness. However, it is problematic to find a model with a rigid fork in this class - almost all of them are equipped with additional components in front to soften the course.
• Outward appeal. This, of course, is a matter of taste, but in general, fatbikes have a much more impressive design. As befits SUVs, they demonstrate their power not only on the track. Mountain bikes are striking except for the variety and brightness of colors.
• Comfort and speed. If you want a quick ride, you should choose a mountain bike or electric fatbike. Ordinary models are simply unable to accelerate above 30 km / h. But in terms of comfort, fatbikes are confidently in the lead - it’s easy even for beginners to move on them.
• Performing tricks. A fat bike is not about extreme riding in the sense of a variety of jumps. He simply successfully overcomes road obstacles. On a mountain bike, an experienced rider may well perform tricks; he is more versatile in application.
• Service. Fatbike costs its owners clearly more expensive, because it is quite difficult to find spare parts for the original models. The market for mountain bike spare parts and consumables is much wider and more diverse.

If you compare both types of equipment on all counts, then both of them will receive an approximately equal number of pluses and minuses. About fatbikes we can say that they were created to solve specific problems and like any SUVs are heavier and slow.

Characteristics and device of fatbikes - that's what is customary to pay attention to. A bike with thick wheels needs a solid and sturdy support structure. For off-road driving, models with tires on alloy wheels and with a hardened 2-3 times in comparison with the classic frame solution are produced. In addition, the following parameters are considered important:

• increased steering wheel width - reaches 720 mm;
• curved, modified geometry of the fork and frame with curved "feathers" of the triangle at the back;
• hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes;
• bike weight - from 12 to 19 kg.

The standard width of a fat bike tire is 3.5 to 4.8 ″ with a diameter of 26 ″, this type of bike is even bigger. For example, top-end Hanebink models have tubeless wheels with wide tires with widths and diameters of 8 × 20 inches. Wheel sizes are basically the same as conventional mountain bikes - 26, 27.5, 29 ″.

It is worth a little more detail to consider the operating parameters at which the fat bike is operated. Tire pressure ranges from 5 PSI to 30 PSI or from 0.2 to 2 atmospheres. In the first case, the tire will gently wrap around any obstacles, providing excellent traction with the roadway - you need to pump it up to 5-7 PSI. The second will be hard and tough, optimal for a flat track or for asphalt. On average, simply raising the pressure level to 15-18 PSI for a comfortable ride.

According to the type of transmission, fat bikes are divided into models with a planetary hub and a conventional one with a tensioner. The first option is installed in offset frames, has a closed type of design, optimal for extreme conditions of movement. On the bezfsetnye usually are ordinary bushings. There are versions with shock absorbers and without them - with a rigid fork.One of the features of fatbikes is that the tires themselves greatly compensate for the vibration and roughness of the roadway. This option is usually made in single-speed performance.

A distinctive feature of a fat bike is rim. It has a box type construction and a width of up to 101 mm. Rims are made of carbon, aluminum alloys, steel. The spokes on fat bikes are quite standard. But the bushings are longer. There are options for:

• 135 mm;
• 142 mm;
• 150 mm;
• 170 mm;
• 190 mm.

Typically, model payloads are indicated in the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, this technique can withstand a rider weighing more than 100 kg. Rigid and reliable options are considered with a rigid fork.

Off-frame fat bikes have a feather displacement - they are deflected to the right by a distance of 17.5 or 28 mm. This provides a displacement of the sleeve relative to the axis of the frame in the longitudinal plane. Offset and call the offset of the holes in which the spokes are installed. With their symmetrical arrangement on the rear hub 135 mm wide and installed in the offset frame, the right end with the drum will be shifted sideways and will prevent the chain from contacting the thickened tire.

In fact, this combination of components makes it possible to adapt the mountain bike bushings to the fatbike design, while maintaining the full functionality of the transmission. In addition, planetary transmissions are used specifically for offset models. In general, this option is good precisely because it allows for the adaptability of spare parts from mountain bikes to the design of a fat bike. Another important point - such bushings can be interchanged, since the same modification is used on both wheels.

It is worth considering that this type of fatbikes is considered an old school option - they are almost never found in mass production. Some of the few exceptions - Surly Pugsley and Charge modelswhere the offset is stored specifically for fans. No-fatty fatbikes are the most common options today. Here, a wide rear hub of 170 or 190 mm is most often used. Symmetric fat bikes are more convenient to use, they are more stable and stronger than off-net.

When traveling on fat bikes, difficulties usually do not arise even for beginner riders. It is only worth considering that when climbing on such a bicycle, even a slight change in the slope significantly complicates the riding process and requires much greater physical effort. Another important point - the passage of any distance will take more time compared to a conventional mountain bike. On average, the coefficient will change by 1.3.

Driving style will also have to change. Constantly staying in the saddle will not work, periodically it will be necessary to work with your feet. Tire pressure adjustment is also very important. It will have to be changed at every transition from soft to hard ground, otherwise flat tires will literally stick to the asphalt. Difficulties arise even with overcoming small borders - to jump on them is much more difficult than on a regular mountain bike.

All existing types of fat bike can be divided into the following categories.

• Single speed. The easiest option with a rigid fork and the lack of speed variations.
• Classical. With a conventional or planetary hub, various number of gear speeds, offset or off-grid design.
• Electric. Good city option. You can find a mini-bike with a reduced wheel diameter. At the end of the battery charge, the electric bike moves due to muscular strength.
• Folding. Compact version, convenient for seasonal storage and transportation. The folding frame does not add any more advantages, but can be considered as a female version of a fat bike.
• Double pendant. Double suspension is a good solution for off-road driving.It significantly improves handling, which on a viscous coating (snow porridge, sand, mud) is of great importance.
• All wheel drive. Four-wheel drive makes it possible to increase the already good cross-country ability. It is found on electric models. In this case, 2 motor wheels are included in the general package.
• Tricycle. Tricycles are most often found in the electric version and are considered as cargo versions of conventional fatbikes, but with a large trunk at the rear. In addition, there are models with a pair of front wheels. They were created for riding in the sand where there is a problem with the prohibition of motor gasoline vehicles.

An overview of the most popular fatbike brands is impossible to imagine without representatives of the United States. But they are already successfully competing with firms from Asia and Russia.

The manufacturer of the first serial fat bike. The company has existed since 1998, is based in the USA (Bloomington), and the production is located in Taiwan. The company is considered a recognized authority in its industry and is really serious about the mission to popularize fatbikes. In its lineup there are 3 original models, each of which has its own bright features.

• Pugsly - Extreme fatbike designed for the most difficult off-road. The model has an increased wheelbase, offset sleeve 135 mm and is well adapted to ride on any surface, regardless of the weather. Many standard mounts allow you to hang luggage racks, water bottles, expeditionary equipment on the frame. The frame is made of chrome steel, the seatpost is stainless, 11 speeds. The model is equipped with tubeless rubber 26 × 4.3 ″ in the original configuration.

• Wednesday. A universal model for tourist trips and walks in the country. The fat bike is presented on rims of 80 and 100 mm with dimensions of 26 × 3.8 ″ or 26 × 4.6 ″. When creating this version, the best practices from the Turing and Trail series were used. The result was a balanced option for city skiing and off-road.

• Ice cream truck - fat bike for long trips. As the manufacturer promises, snow drifts, sand dunes and a meeting with a grizzly are not terrible with him. The model is implemented on a rim of 100 mm, with 26 × 5 ″ wheels. This fat bike has a long upper tube, a shortened seat on an inclined mount with an angle of 68 degrees.

A Chinese brand that has managed to gain popularity outside the Middle Kingdom. In Russia, they quickly appreciated his loyal sales policy and a good set of models. All Love Freedom fatbikes are equipped with aluminum alloy frames and high-carbon steel grades, original ergonomic seats. Among the most popular models, two can be noted.

• ATV4.20.4. A 21-speed model with Shimano transmission, 26-inch wheels and 17 ″ frame. The front shock absorber, the footboard are provided in the fat bike, the kit includes a flashlight, a saddle bag, and a horn.

• GA1. The off-road fat bike in the simplest version, the budget model is equipped with a lightweight aluminum frame, disc brakes, weighs 22 kg. The chain is protected against stones and dirt.

The company successfully produces fatbikes in an affordable price segment. Among the top models of the company can be noted White Bafang 750W with electric motor, lightweight aluminum frame, disc brakes and alloy wheels. Another interesting option - Land Rover Khaki on the needles. This is a budget analogue of top versions of other manufacturers. The fat bike is equipped with 26 × 4 ″ alloy wheels, can withstand loads of up to 130 kg due to the steel frame, and weighs only 17 kg.

A Chinese brand that successfully produces fatbikes for city driving and country walks. Among the models there are no very impressive and striking new products. These fatbikes can be attributed, rather, to the amateur segment - they are often chosen by teenagers. Models of the same type, differ mainly in colors, are designed for size from 155 cm. They are equipped with 26 × 4 ″ disks, withstand a load of up to 150 kg. The bike is quite heavy - 22 kg. It is equipped with disc mechanical brakes.

A manufacturer of not only fatbikes, but also sports bikes. The company operates in China, deliveries are made both to the Russian market and to Asian countries. The model range differs mainly in the design of the frame. Among the popular options stands out Petava 26-21 with a frame made of high carbon steel and size from 140 to 190 cm. This model is suitable for teenagers. The set includes mechanical disc brakes, Shimano transmission. Speed ​​switching is performed in 21 positions.

The Petava 24-52 model has an original frame shape, made on 24 × 4 'tires, suitable for children from 10 years old. The shifter fork is convenient to use, the kit includes a removable footrest. Tires are equipped with lugs for easy passage of dirt.

The Russian manufacturer of bicycle transport, based on the facilities of the former Kama plant in Perm. The company has a Bizon product line featuring fat bikes. For teenagers and a female audience, the Bizon Mini model is offered on 24 × 3 ″ tires. The fat bike is equipped with a lightweight aluminum frame, a front shock absorber, and is equipped with mechanical disc brakes.

The full-size version of Bizon 26 has a size 18 ″, suitable for people no higher than 180 cm. Lightweight aluminum fork and frame, no cushioning. Disc brake, mechanical. 26 × 4 '' wheels allow you to overcome obstacles on very rough roads. Wheel rims are also aluminum, double-walled.

Among electrobikes, there are also many noteworthy options.

• Eltreco. Russian brand offering various types of SUVs. Among the most popular models can be noted Insider with a battery that lasts 50 kilometers. Fatbike has a speed of up to 35 km / h, with mechanical control there are 7 speed modes.

Another brand model - Multiwatt 1000W, withstands rider weight up to 120 kg, equipped with front and rear hydraulic brakes. Folding electric bike, suitable for transportation in the trunk of a car.

• "Bear". The Russian manufacturer of electric wide wheel off-road vehicles in various configurations and designs. There is a folding version of the Bear 1000, which develops speeds of up to 45 km / h, with a shock absorber and disc hydraulic brakes. Popular and all-wheel drive model "Bear 2 × 500 watts." It has 2 driving motor wheels at once, all-wheel drive can be turned off, the power reserve is enough for 25-40 km.

• Wellness A Chinese brand that produces its electric motorbikes in vibrant colors. The most popular all-wheel drive model is Bad Dual 700. The model implements a host recognition system by fingerprint. The battery lasts for 45 km, the charging time is 8 hours. In mechanical mode, the rider has 6 speeds and 9 modes of assisted pedaling for the most comfortable rides.

The problem of choosing the right fat bike is facing every rider - from beginner to pro. Among the most important points when choosing, the following should be noted.

• Speed ​​characteristics. The maximum speed of a fat bike is determined by the type of coating on which it rides. Mechanical traction models rarely reach speeds of more than 30 km / h. Models with an electric motor can accelerate above 40 km / h.
• Carrying capacity. It exceeds 100 kg. Usually there are models designed for 80-140 kg of human weight. Even a rider with a heavy backpack behind him may not be afraid of discomfort while driving.And when installing the trunk, you can easily hang the load on the frame.
• Height. For a person’s height of 165-178 cm, 18 ″ frames are designed. Everyone else should choose option 20 ″. The distance from the groin to the saddle must be at least 10 cm.
• Weight. The lightest fat bike models weigh about 10-12 kg, but the vast majority of classic models are much more massive. If you want to feel the real power of an SUV, you need to choose versions weighing 14-18 kg.
• Tread type. To drive out of town you will need tires for dirt and gravel, designed for low or medium pressure. For riding on asphalt, slick and half-slick options are suitable. For winter, it is worth buying studded tires.
• Type of brake system. It is worth focusing on such moments as the intensity and range of planned trips. On long slopes and gentle slopes it is more convenient to move with hydraulic brakes. In the case of frequent driving through mud, it is wiser to choose a mechanic to reduce wear on the pads.
• Fork type. Rigid - a rigid version without shock absorbers is quite common and does not create special problems due to varying tire pressure. But if you have to drive along the highway with a full pumping of cameras, it is better to give preference to options with additional shock absorbers.
• Wheel diameter. The standard version is 26 ″. The larger the rider, the greater should be this figure.
• Origin. American fatbikes are still breaking records of popularity and remain the most reliable. Chinese manufacturers and Russian brands are reducing the price due to savings on quality and, on the whole, are still not very competitive.

About who needs a fat bike and why, see the next video.