Is Bigger Really Better? Fat Tire Bike vs. Mountain Bike
This is the time you’ll be confined the entire season indoors. However, there is one new big thing that is making waves in the biking niche.
It is the rise of fat tire biking. The real origin of these bikes is somehow undefined, obscure and unclear, but believe it; they are taking over the trails.
They’ve become the biggest rivals, and soon they might overtake their mountain counterparts.
Call them multipurpose, all-terrain bikes that can crash through mud, dirt, gravel, snow, wetlands, beaches and more.
If you’re contemplating on whether to make the switch or not, then consider the following benefits of riding a fat tire bike over a mountain bike.
Fat tire bike vs mountain bike
Better traction than ever before
Traction is far much better on a fat tire bike than a typical mountain bike. Wondering how?
Consider it from this perspective; fat bikes have low-pressure tires that grab well to the terrain.
If you often ride up the mountains, fat tires have a better climbing ability.
Even with a 7 psi, a fat bike still copes up pretty well to those irregular terrains to give you a smooth ride.
Cornering traction is also superior. This is because of their excellent stability, yes the stability they provide.
Beginners don’t give a second thought to fat bikes because of their wide fat tires that provide better balance.
It is an advantage for those beginners seeking to advance their riding skills.
Furthermore, you won’t be afraid to stumble because these bikes cruise at a slower pace unless you have bigger muscle power.
Lightweight and flexible frames
You might think they’ll weigh you down from the first glance. Surprisingly, most fat tire bikes come with amazingly low weights.
The lightweight carbon frames provide just the right weight to keep you cruising at moderate speeds.
With a fat tire bike, you can ride not only on fat tires but on 27+, 29er, 29+ tires and wheels.
Are you looking for Folding Mountain Bikes? Check this list of Best Folding Mountain Bikes in 2019
Enhanced floatation implies extreme riding
Unlike mountain bikes that have lower footprints, bigger tires in fat bikes distribute the load over a broader ground surface allowing you to ride over all types of terrains ranging from snow to loose sand.
Riding in the alpine in the middle of horrid winter snow is possible with a fat tire bike. This bike opens up various biking opportunities.
Yes, you can bike during snow times and go to where you never thought for pure adventure.
Unique geometries
How rugged and steep your trail is determines the type of bike you’ll go for.
Fat bikes have distinct geometries that make them excellent for plowing and XC riding.
The absence of super slack angles makes these bikes unique from mountain types. A lot of emphasis is on the frame design and versatility.
Unlike regular mountain bike, fat bikes offer better dimensions and frame angles for enhanced handling capabilities.
A suspension-ready fat bike would be ideal in case you need one with a rigid fork.
Comfort is beyond expectations
You won’t deny the fact that fat bikes are the most comfortable around. These bikes have the maneuverability of sports bikes.
The conspicuously huge low-pressure tires have better-gripping abilities and tend to absorb all the shock, vibrations and bumps when riding on uneven terrains.
The strategic handlebars ensure less straining on both the hands and lower back.
You can also adjust your tire pressure depending on your comfort and riding conditions and preferences.
Driftless types come with front suspension that provides additional shock absorption.
Great workout companions
WIth a fat tire bike, you’re in for a real challenge. Riding a fat tire bike isn’t easy as it may sound.
They have a limited one-speed meaning you have to use a lot of muscle power to propel your machine forward.
The fat tire bikes also increase the weight and resistance of the bike.
This means they are slower and excellent if you want something challenging to help burn down those stubborn fats.
It works out both your upper and lower body.
Are there disadvantages of fat tire bikes?
They are slower than regular mountain bikes
Fat tire bikes have great rolling resistance in their tires which makes them boring to ride on the road. It is just but hard work.
Remember the under-inflated tires. Although they provide better traction, riding uphill can be tedious.
For you to clear and roll over the obstacles on your way, you have to pedal too much which might not sound good to most people.
If you need a faster bike, then opt for a mountain bike but remember that you cannot ride on all terrains.
Costly Maintenance
They are comfortable to ride but prepare to provide your fat tire bike the needed maintenance.
Some users have reported rust on disc brakes and slight squeak from the rear axle.
You must clear off the dirt after each messy ride. Worn out bearings need replacement.
Drivetrain also requires greasing after some time. The chain also requires lubing. Oil is great as it lasts a bit longer than wax.
Additionally, the huge tires are more likely to chew through your sealant quickly. Therefore, you should be careful in case yours is tubeless.
Don’t forget to freshen your bike. The price of acquiring a fat tire bike combined with maintenance cost make these bikes a bit expensive compared to mountain types.
So, which are the top fat tire bikes to consider?
Fat tire bikes have better and more refined features than mountain bikes.
Now that you’ve known how these bikes look, their wider tire compatibility, lightweight, suspension, better traction and the type of fun they bring to mountain biking, it is time to understand the best models to buy.
Mongoose notoriously leads when it comes to manufacturing different fat tire bikes. Some of the top selling models include:
Mongoose Malus Men’s Fat Tire Bike
It is made for comfort, and with the 26-inch tires and 4-inch thickness, this bike presents all the real features of a fat bike.
With Mongoose Malus, you don’t just do everything; you also go anywhere. Unstable terrains won’t stop you.
It packs nice features including the cruiser hardtail steel frame that delivers superb clearance while remaining durable.
It won’t break or bend even after several extreme rides. The steel together with the supersized tires provides extra cushioning against trail bumps.
Even on the shaky and wet ground, you will not topple at high speed due to the excellent geometry.
The rims and humongous 26-inch by 4-inch tires aren’t just mere décors. Forget about those nasty falls due to faulty brakes.
Mongoose Malus comes with dual disc brakes that provide extra safety when riding on slippery and unstable surfaces.
The beach cruiser pedals too are easy to ride. The low-rise handgrips deliver an athlete posture.
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Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Bike
It glides smoothly over sand, loose gravel, wet trails, and even rough off-road mountain paths. It is rideable on virtually all terrains.
It is a decent bike that has a durable tire frame with a great front suspension fork. This fat bike is for serious riders who are always on the go.
Mongoose Dolomite qualifies to be a fantastic racing bike. It has 7-speed gear shifters meaning you can engage in unique fat tire biking competitions.
Its headset is threadless so it can maneuver and adjust quickly.
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The Bottom Line
Fat tire biking is not just a fad, it is here to stay. It is fun thrilling and exhilarating. It offers exclusive fun and adventures that mountain biking can’t.
It doesn’t matter whether your riding season is over or not. Fat tire bikes are versatile and not limited to seasons and riding terrains.
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