A fat bike is a bicycle with extra-wide tires. These tires are typically four inches or wider, allowing the bike to travel over sand, snow, and other rough terrains. Fat bikes first became popular in the early 2010s and have since become a staple of off-road cycling. Many cyclists enjoy fat biking because it allows them to explore new trails and terrain. Thanks to their wide tires, fat bikes provide a smooth ride over even the roughest terrain. And because they don’t sink into soft surfaces like sand or snow, fat bikes can be ridden on beaches and in snowy conditions that would be inaccessible to other types of bicycles.
Check out our 5 best fat tire bikes list to help make your decision a little bit easier! We are sharing detailed reviews of each bike after testing them ourselves. Each bike has its unique set of features that make it ideal for certain types of riding. Besides, we have also highlighted some important factors to consider before buying a fat tire bike and answered the most asked questions from users.
5 Best Fat Tire Bikes | A Quick View
5 Best Fat Tire Bikes | Detailed Expert Review
1. Mongoose Dolomite Men’s Fat Tire Mountain Bike
| Bike Type | Mountain Bike |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Brand | Mongoose |
| Wheel Size | 26 Inches |
| Specific Uses For Product | Trail |
| Suspension Type | Rigid |
| Special Feature | Lightweight, Fat tire, Mountain bike |
| Included Components | Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Bike |
| Number of Speeds | 7 |
| Size | 17-Inch/Medium |
We are thoroughly impressed with the quality and performance of Mongoose Dolomite. This big-wheel bike is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality mountain bike that won’t break the bank. This model features a steel frame, 26-inch wheels, and 4-inch wide knobby tires that are perfect for tackling trails.
The 7-speed drivetrain gives you plenty of gears to choose from, while the front and rear brakes provide plenty of stopping power. This bike is available in multiple colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your style. The bike features a strong steel frame that is built to last, as well as wide tires that provide great traction on any surface. Additionally, the Mongoose fat tire bike comes with a comfortable saddle and adjustable handlebars, making it easy to customize your riding experience.
2. VELOWAVE Big Wheel Electric Bike
| Bike Type | Electric Bike |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Brand | VELOWAVE |
| Wheel Size | 26 Inches |
| Specific Uses For Product | Gravel |
| Suspension Type | Front |
| Special Feature | Rechargeable |
| Included Components | Kickstand |
| Number of Speeds | 7 |
| Color | Black |
The VELOWAVE big wheel electric bike is perfect for anyone looking for a little extra power on their ride. The BAFANG motor provides a boost of up to 750 watts, and the 48V battery gives you plenty of juice to get up to speed. The 15Ah removable battery is also great for extended rides, and the 26″ fat tires can handle any terrain. With a top speed of 28 MPH, this ebike is the best for those who want to explore the great outdoors.
The Shimano 7-speed drivetrain provides plenty of gears for climbing hills or cruising on the flats. And, with front and rear disc brakes, you will have no problem stopping on a dime. The tires are specifically designed for off-road use, and the large air volume helps to keep the ride smooth and comfortable. But, if you want something with extra flashy features and a little more trendy look, then take a look at the Mongoose Malus below. Moreover, VELOWAVE is also looking to step into the market for the best electric unicycle after an applauding success with the fat tire bikes market.
3. Mongoose Malus Adult Fat Tire Mountain Bike
| Bike Type | Mountain Bike |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Brand | Mongoose |
| Wheel Size | 26 Inches |
| Specific Uses For Product | Cruiser, Fitness / Transportation, Clincher |
| Suspension Type | Rigid |
| Special Feature | Fat tire, Mountain bike |
| Included Components | Bike |
| Number of Speeds | 7 |
| Size | 18-Inch Frame |
The next one on our list is the Mongoose Malus, which has a 26-inch wheel size and an 18-inch frame. The bike is a cruiser, fitness/transportation, and clincher and has 7 speeds and is rigid. The four-inch wide tires provide stability and traction on packed dirt trails and loose sand, and the suspension system helps absorb bumps and shocks.
This Mongoose fat tire bike also has an Aluminum Alloy frame that is both lightweight and durable, making it a good choice for both casual riders and competitive cyclists. What is more, the bike comes with 21-speed Shimano gears that offer a wide range of riding options, and the front and rear disc brakes provide reliable stopping power.
When we got the bike, the included components were the bike, pedals, and handlebars. This makes it easy to get around on any terrain. Overall, the Mongoose mountain fat tire bike also has a wide range of gears to choose from, making it easy to find the right gear for any situation.
4. SOHOO 48V500W13AH Folding Fat Tire E-Bike
| Brand | SOHOO |
| Wheel Size | 20 Inches |
| Suspension Type | Rear, Front |
| Special Feature | Odometer, Foldable |
| Included Components | Lock |
| Number of Speeds | 7 |
| Color | Step Over Matte Black |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Brake Style | Disc |
The SOHOO 48V500W13AH big-wheel bike is a great choice for those who want a durable and powerful bike that can handle all terrain. This bike features a 500W motor capable of reaching up to 25mph, making it perfect for those who want to get around quickly. The 48V13Ah battery gives this bike plenty of power to last for long rides, and the 4″ tires make it easy to navigate over rough terrain.
We were impressed with the bike’s front and rear disc brakes for quick stopping power and a comfortable padded seat for an enjoyable ride. If you want to customize your bike, you can easily attach an LCD display that shows battery life, speed, and distance, and a thumb throttle that makes it easy to control the motor. The SOHOO bike also easily fits and is compatible with a bike rack hitch to help you further explore your journey.
5. Mongoose Argus ST & Trail Fat Tire Mountain Bike
| Bike Type | Mountain Bike |
| Age Range (Description) | Youth |
| Brand | Mongoose |
| Wheel Size | 24 Inches |
| Suspension Type | Rigid |
| Special Feature | Fat tire, Mountain bike |
| Included Components | Bike |
| Number of Speeds | 7 |
| Size | 12-Inch Frame |
Coming to our last but awesome big wheel bike – Mongoose Argus ST. It is just the right bike for anyone who loves hitting the trails. This best mountain bike has a 20-inch wheel size and a rigid suspension type that is perfect for rough terrain. The fat tires help to absorb shocks and provide good traction, while the 7-speed shifter makes it easy to find the right gear for any situation.
The 11-inch frame is the perfect size for both adults and children, and the included components make this bike ready to ride right out of the box. The wide tires provide ample grip on loose surfaces, and the low-profile frame makes it easy to maneuver through tight spaces. Best of all, the frame is made of lightweight aluminum, making it easy to carry around, and the bike features a comfortable seat and handlebars, making it easy to ride for long periods of time.
12 Things to Consider Before Buying A Fat Tire Bike
Here are 12 things to consider before making your purchase:
1. Type of Terrain you will Ride
One of the main things to consider when choosing a fat tire bike is the type of terrain you will be riding on. If you are mostly going to be riding on trails or paved roads, then a mountain bike might be more suitable. However, if you plan on riding in snow or sand, a fat tire bike would be a better option.
2. Suspension
If you’re planning on riding on rough terrain, then you might want to choose an adult big wheel bike with suspension. This will help to absorb some of the bumps and make your ride more comfortable. However, suspension adds weight to the bike, making it more difficult to pedal.
3. Frame Material
Fat tire bikes typically have frames made from steel or aluminum. Steel is strong but heavy, while aluminum is lighter but not as strong. If you’re planning on doing a lot of riding, then you might want to choose a steel frame. However, an aluminum frame might be the better option if weight is a concern.
4. Suspension
Suspension is important to consider if you plan on doing any off-roading with your adult big wheel bike. A front suspension fork will absorb shock from bumps and rocks, making for a more comfortable ride. If you want a bike that can really handle any terrain, look for a full suspension mountain bike model with both front and rear suspension.
5. Brakes
Regarding brakes, you have two choices: disc brakes or rim brakes. Disc brakes are more expensive but offer better-stopping power in all conditions—they’re especially great for riding in wet or muddy conditions. Rim brakes are less expensive but can be less effective in wet or muddy conditions.
6. Tire Width
One of the most distinguishing features of a fat tire bike is, of course, the tires. These tires range from 3.7 inches to 5 inches (or even wider). Wider tires provide more stability and traction but are also heavier and slower to accelerate. This can provide more stability and traction, but it also makes the bike heavier and harder to pedal.
If you are doing a lot of climbing, then you might want to choose a bike with narrower tires. Narrower tires are lighter and faster but offer less stability and traction.
7. Wheel Size
Fat tire bikes have various wheel size options: 26 inches or 27.5 inches. 26-inch wheels are smaller and lighter, making them easier to maneuver—they’re especially great for riders who are shorter in stature. 27.5-inch wheels offer more stability and roll over obstacles more easily—they’re ideal for taller riders or those who want a bike that can really handle any terrain.
8 Gears or Single Speed?
Most fat tire bikes have either 7 gears that can go up to 18 gears—these numbers refer to the number of cogs on the rear cassette (the cluster of gears at the back of the bike). More gears mean more options for gearing (which can be helpful when climbing hills), but it also adds weight to the bike. Single-speed bikes have just one gear ratio, which makes them lighter but limits your gearing options—these bikes are best suited for relatively flat terrain.
9. Brakes
There are two main types of brakes available for fat tire bikes: disc brakes and rim brakes. Disc brakes are more effective in wet or muddy conditions but are also more expensive. Rim brakes are less expensive but can be less effective in wet or icy conditions.
10. Price
Fat tire bikes can range in price from around $500 to over $2000. It’s important to choose a bike that’s within your budget. However, you also don’t want to sacrifice quality for the price.
11. Warranty
When buying an adult big wheel bike, it’s important to ensure that it comes with a warranty. This will protect you in case anything goes wrong with the bike. Most reputable brands offer at least a one-year warranty on their products.
12. Return Policy
Before making your final purchase, check the return policy of the store or website you’re buying from. This way, you can return the bike if it isn’t what you wanted or if there are any problems with it.
These tips will help you choose the best fat tire bike for your needs. Be sure to research and try out different bikes before making your final decision.
Some Last Words
At the end of the day, we enjoyed testing out all three of these fat tire bikes. Each one has its own unique features and benefits that make it a great choice for different riders. If you are looking for an affordable option that still offers plenty of quality features, the Mongoose Dolomite is a great choice. If you want something with more speed and power, check out the SOHOO 48V500W13AH or VELOWAVE.
So, if you are thinking of buying your first fat tire bike – or upgrading to a better model – read on for our five picks. They may be more expensive than other types of regular/mountain bikes, but they are well worth the price.
See Also - 5 Best Full Suspension Mountain Bikes Under $1000
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is a fat tire bike?
A fat tire mountain bike is a bike designed for off-road riding, with wider tires than a traditional mountain bike. The wider tires provide more stability and traction, making them ideal for riding on rougher terrain. Fat tire bikes can also be ridden in snow and sand, making them a versatile choice for riders who want to explore different kinds of terrain.
While fat tire bikes are often associated with more extreme riding, they can also be great for simply taking a leisurely ride on a dirt path or camping trail. In short, a fat tire mountain bike can be good for many different kinds of riding, from casual to extreme.
Q2. Are fat bikes harder to ride?
Fat bikes have wide tires that provide extra traction and stability, making them ideal for riding in slippery or unstable conditions, that’s why it’s also known as wide tire bikes. However, the same features that make fat bikes so capable also make them more difficult to ride than traditional mountain bikes.
The wider tires make the bike heavier and harder to maneuver, and the extra traction can make it difficult to keep the bike moving forward in soft snow. As a result, fat bikes require a bit more effort to ride, but the reward is a bike that can take you places you never thought possible.
Q3. What is the best fat tire electric bike?
There are a few features that tend to make a fat tire electric bike stand out from the competition. Firstly, fat tires provide superior traction and stability, making them ideal for riding on rough or uneven terrain. X
Fat tires typically have a lower air pressure than regular bike tires, which helps to absorb shocks and protect against punctures. Many fat tire electric bikes come equipped with powerful motors and battery packs, making them ideal for riders who want to explore off-road trails or tackle steep hills.
Q4. What is a fat tire bike good for?
A fat tire bike is a bicycle with oversized tires, typically 3.8 inches or larger. These bikes are designed for off-road riding, and they excel in the sand, snow, and other challenging terrains. Fat tire bikes are often used for mountain biking but can also be a great choice for casual riding on roads and trails.
One of the benefits of fat tire bikes is that they provide good traction and stability, even on slippery surfaces. Additionally, the wide tires help to absorb bumps and shocks, making for a smoother ride. Fat tire bikes can be more expensive than traditional bicycles, but they offer superior performance in certain conditions.
Q5. Why fat tire bike is expensive?
The main reason is the tires. Fat bikes have much wider tires than traditional mountain bikes, and these tires can be very difficult to manufacture. In addition, the rims on fat bikes are often wider than normal, which further increases the cost.
Other factors that contribute to the high price tag include the frame (which must be sturdy enough to support the extra weight of the wider tires), and the suspension (which must be able to absorb more impact). But despite the high cost, fat bikes offer a unique riding experience that is well worth the investment.
