Does the Difference Matter? Mongoose Malus vs Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike
If you answered to the “yes” to either of the questions, then what you need is a quality fat tire mountain bike.
Fat bikes are designed to cope well with rocky and on-road terrains as well as with risky, lose grounds.
In this review article, we will focus on two top-quality fat tire mountain bikes that you really should consider buying.
But hey, what is a fat tire bike?
What Is A Fat Tire Mountain Bike?
As the name suggests, a fat tire bike is a bike with thicker tires, wider rims, and wider forks as compared to those you would call “normal bikes”.
Their tire width mostly ranges between 2.5in and 5in, while their inflation pressure ranges between 7psi and 30 psi.
These bikes fall under the “mountain bikes” category because of their tremendous off-road riding abilities.
Why the Fat Tires?
Fat tire bikes entered the mainstream bike-riding arena in 2005.
Prior to that, bike enthusiasts and manufacturers alike had been looking for a bike which would extend the mountain bike season into the long, snowy winter.
It was previously impossible to ride a bike all-year-round.
Now, why the fat tires?
After experimenting with different tire sizes, bike riding enthusiasts realized that for a bike to effortlessly roll on slippery or even icy paths, it needed to have a pair of fat tires.
The big wheels made the bikes stable and safe to drift through corners even on snowy terrains.
That explains the tires’ “fatness” even after more than a decade of their use.
Is Bigger Really Better? Check Fat Tire Bike vs. Mountain Bike
Besides Snowy Terrains, Where Else Can A Fat Tire Mountain Bike Take You?
Fat bikes have a large surface area in contact with the ground, making them stable enough for nearly all terrains.
They are particularly popular because they can take you to grounds that other bikes would struggle on: muddy, sandy, and literally any lose ground.
If you like riding on rocky or graveled terrains, a fat bike will suit your needs perfectly because its big wheels can absorb a substantial amount of pressure.
Out of all the fat tire mountain bikes on the market, I have chosen 2 to compare and hopefully shorten your search just a little bit.
I introduce to you the Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire and the Mongoose Malus Fat Tire mountain bikes.
For the purposes of this review article, we will describe the key unique features in each model based on durability, size, weight specifications, pedal performance, braking capabilities, and gear systems.
Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike
It stands out from others due to the following unique features, among others.
Durability
With a high-tensile steel frame and aluminum wheels, this bike isn’t prone to rust or corrosion even when you use it in the middle of winter.
Its disc brakes, seat, brake levers, and handlebar clamps are also aluminum made, guaranteeing you of the bike’s overall durability.
Bike Size
This bike’s knobby tires are 26in in diameter and 4in in width, making it perfect for any on-road and off-road landscape. Skidding isn’t a concern when riding this sensational bike.
The recommended rider height for this bike is between 5’6” to 6’. You can, however, adjust the seat to accommodate a 6’4” rider for as long as he will bear with a little discomfort.
When assembled, the bike is approximately 70″ in length.
Weight Specifications
The manufacturer’s recommended weight limit for the Dolomite fat tire bike is 350lbs.
The frame is very sturdy, though, so if you will be riding it strictly on road, you can bet that it will be able to carry more weight.
The bike itself weighs 48lbs; definitely not the lightest to carry around.
Pedal Performance
The pedals are specially made for beach cruising.
Although the bike isn’t made for speed, you will always enjoy pedaling it because of how flawlessly it transfers your pedaling power.
Braking Capabilities
With a dual disc brake system, this bike gives you all the confidence you need in the face of braking emergencies.
The condition of the terrain you are on doesn’t matter much: The bike brakes smoothly in all conditions.
Gear Systems
This bike is fitted with 7 speeds; it is not as fast as many lightweight bikes but this is not a bad speed for a heavyweight bike.
It comes fitted with twist shifters meaning that its gear shifting capabilities are impressive when riding on mountainous terrains.
The chain functionality, on the other hand, is excellent particularly because it uses a 3-piece crank and sprockets that are designed for your pedaling comfort in mind.
Takeaway Pros:
- It is extremely easy to assemble
- The braking mechanism is perfect
- It is sturdy enough for large users
Takeaway Cons:
- Sometimes the brakes make irritating, squealing noises
- The saddle is too hard to be comfortable
Check also: A Good Type of Fat: My Mongoose Dolomite Mountain Bike Review
Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Bicycle
Durability
The frame is made of high-quality steel that makes the bike both sturdy and durable. The rims are alloy-made so they are equally durable.
Size
This bike is fitted with knobby tires that are 26” in diameter and 4.25” wide.
When fully assembled, this bike is 40” high, 71” long, and has a handlebar width of 26”. It is, therefore, suitable for 5’8” riders and shorter.
Because the seat is adjustable, however, you will still find a comfortable riding position if you are 6’ tall.
Weight Specifications
There isn’t a specified product weight capacity for this bike but according to most user reviews, riders of 300-400lbs can comfortably use this bike for both on- road and off-road adventures.
The bike itself weighs approximately 40lbs.
Pedal Performance
This bike has 9/16 beach cruiser pedals which transfer the user’s pedaling energy pretty well.
You don’t have to strain to keep the bike moving even on a sinking ground.
Braking Capabilities
This bike is fitted with disc brakes for its rear and front wheels. It brakes decently on both lose and firm grounds.
The Gear System
With twist shifter controls and 7 speeds, this bike will amaze you with its gear shifting abilities.
It has a superb acceleration power even though it’s not particularly a racing bike.
Takeaway Pros:
- Its saddle is well padded
- The bike is shipped together with a kickstand
- It is the easiest to assemble
- It is very durable
Takeaway Cons:
- The bike is bulky
- The brakes sometimes make squeaking sounds
What Separate These Two Bikes?
If you are to choose one of them, however, which differences should advise your decision?
What makes one bike better than the other? In this section, we will focus on the four key differences in these bikes.
Affordability
The Dolomite bike will cost you about $240. The Malus bike will cost you about $300. In this regard, therefore, the Dolomite bike beats the Malus hands down.
Stability
The Dolomite has 4” tires while Malus has 4.25” tires. This small difference translates to a huge stability difference on the ground.
The Malus is, therefore, more stable than the Dolomite.
Comfort
The Malus has a well-padded seat while the Dolomite has an extremely hard seat. In regards to comfort, the Malus is more comfortable.
Portability
The Dolomite is both heavier and longer than the Malus. The latter is, therefore, easier to carry around than the former.
Final Verdict
These two bikes are highly durable and have the best braking and gear systems.
But basing our judgment on the four differences above, the Malus would be the best choice for you if you prefer a lighter and more comfortable fat tire bike–although it may be on the pricier end of the spectrum.
Where Can You Buy These Bikes? These bikes are both available on amazon.com.
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