Choosing a folding fat bike

A folding fat bike has some differences compared to a regular bike. Many potential buyers are often interested in whether it is worth overpaying for the ability to stack vehicles and whether this will affect its longevity. This article will talk about all the features of the product and its characteristics.

If you believe the statistics, then fatbikes are often bought by people who have the need to ride on snowy territories or on impassable roads.

A high degree of patency is achieved through thick wheels, but this is not the only difference. Before you go to choose a fat bike, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of such a product.

As mentioned above, very wide tires are installed here and this is the first thing that catches your eye when you see such a transport. The width of tires of some models of fatbikes reaches 4.5 cm, therefore, this design is able to ride without problems even through impassable dirt.

Based on his needs, the user can adjust the atmospheric pressure in the wheels.

• If you need transport for a trip to the mountains, then medium and high pressure are perfect for meeting this need.
• If the owners plan to use the bike to ride on rough roads or off-road, then low atmospheric pressure will make it possible to use a fat bike for these needs. But note that when riding with low atmospheric tire pressure, the cyclist spends a lot more effort.

The basic equipment of folding bikes and simple mountain bikes is no different. The design provides for brakes, cassettes and switches. A sports folding fat bike usually weighs about 17 kg, of which about 6 kg is on wheels.

If you examine one standard wheel in more detail, then the tire weighs 1.5 kg, about 400 g - the camera and 1 kg - the rim. Despite the heavy weight, at medium and high pressure, such wheels are quite easy to operate and are characterized by good maneuverability.

Another feature that distinguishes a bicycle from a folding fat bike. Together with large and weighty tires, a heavy-duty frame should be installed here.

If we compare the frame of the bike and the fat bike, then the second one has a number of differences.

• The frame is much stronger. This is the most important indicator to which manufacturers pay the most attention, starting from the purpose for which the bike will be used. Typically, such vehicles are bought if necessary to ride on clay or sand. A reliable frame is able to cope with any loads.
• Made of steel. Therefore, the strength of the structure does not greatly affect its weight.
• Convenient. There are no all unnecessary crossbars and pipes, which means that the functionality and comfort of the vehicle are increased.

Thanks to the design features, users can turn a dimensional fat bike into a small bike. For the assembly-disassembly of the transport will not require any additional keys and tools. Besides, some models of such products include the possibility of folding the pedals and a removable steering wheel. Thanks to this decision, the owners can easily transport products even in the trunk of a car.

Folding fat bikes are not in great demand on the Russian market, they are often used in the USA, and in Canada this is the most common two-wheeled transport. This bike can ride both adults and children. Thanks to its versatility, the unit is gaining more and more popularity every year.

Premium fat bikes with a wide frame triangle in most cases have the ability to mount an electric motor. Hybrid models are most often already equipped with an engine, thanks to which vehicles can cope even with the most difficult obstacles without any problems.

Regardless of model type fatbikes can be transformed from winter to summer and vice versa. For this reception, the owners must have two types of wheels. Oversized tires are used for movement in the winter, and for ordinary mountain trips it is advisable to buy a pair of tires up to 2.5 cm, so a fat bike can transform into a regular bike.

Typically, manufacturers produce different lines of fatbikes, each of which differs in its set of functions. Therefore, buyers can choose simpler products for relaxing walks or a powerful unit for out-of-town trips in difficult conditions.

Many owners make a big mistake when buying the cheapest fat bike model on the market. In this case, experienced experts recommend not saving, because this type of transport was created for driving in difficult conditions, and the simplest models can simply not last long enough.

The most popular models in Russia are fatbikes from Stels and Forward. And the Dahon and Brompton brands are deservedly recognized by the manufacturers of the most reliable units on the market.

Due to the small prevalence of such vehicles, modern stores rarely offer a decent range, so customers are forced to purchase bikes through online stores. In this case, there are several important points that you need to consider when buying in a foreign online store:

• all products must be delivered to Russia;
• should be able to return VAT;
• the seller should not require credit card details, however, a passport scan is acceptable;
• with caution, buy on sites that are in doubt, because you can inadvertently purchase fake goods instead of the original, it is advisable to purchase a fat bike only on the seller’s official website;
• Before buying, specify how much it costs to ship the product and who pays the commission - the buyer or seller.

To choose a folding fat bike, you should know what models are produced by manufacturers.

Hammer bikes boast a sturdy aluminum frame, sturdy wheels with a diameter of 20 inches and a width of 10 cm. The product itself in the maximum configuration weighs 20 kg, but, despite this, it is able to withstand a person weighing up to 130 kg and a height of 190 cm. The pedals, like the frame, are made of aluminum. The manufacturer provides a 24-speed gearbox and a reliable brake system, the seat height changes, it can be installed at different angles.

Mountain fat bike “Land Rover” with wide wheels is available in several colors, including white and black. Judging by user reviews, it can be said that the frame here is practically “not killable”. 26-inch wheels are installed, a disc brake system, a 7-speed gearbox. The bike is designed for people up to 195 cm tall, the rear wheel is equipped with a shock absorption system. According to the manufacturer, the unit can withstand up to 145 kg.

The main element of this line of models are alloy wheels. Thanks to the reduced air volume, a fat bike can smoothly ride even on impassable roads. The weight of each wheel is 4 kg, the bike itself weighs 17 kg. Installed transmission from Shimano, disc brake system on both wheels, transmission at 21 speeds. The frame is made of aluminum.

Students, food service providers, postmen and couriers often ride such a bike. In the basic configuration, there is a lock, a bag for small accessories, a double-hanging trunk and a rear flashlight. The flashlight is powered by a pair of finger batteries and makes driving easier at night.

The line of women's fatbikes belonging to the Italian brand Bad Bike. All models are equipped with an electric motor and battery, the charge of which is enough for 5 hours of continuous use. The manufacturer provides a seven-speed transmission.

Of the minuses, only the price can be noted. This is the most expensive bike whose value fluctuates around 80,000 rubles. But as buyers say, the price here is fully consistent with the quality and the owners will definitely not regret the money spent.

About whether it is worth buying a folding fat bike, see the next video.