On the market sports equipment Just recently a new trend has emerged - a bicycle with wide wheels. This vehicle is designed for off-road travel, as it has all the necessary components for this. Among cyclists, this attribute is called a fatbike, which fully characterizes it as a bike with huge tires. What is special about a fatbike and which option is better to choose? Let's look at these questions in more detail so as not to make a mistake in choosing.
Characteristic features of a fatbike
In general, the design of a bicycle with wide wheels does not differ much from traditional ones. There are attachments in the form of gear shifting, a braking system, etc. The main distinguishing characteristic of this product is its versatility and cross-country ability.
These factors are achieved through the use of tires with different levels pressure from 5 to 30 PSI. With reduced pressure, the wheel setup absorbs vibrations that are transmitted from driving on uneven road surfaces. In this case, the cyclist will need to put more effort into moving, and turns will also become more difficult.
As the pressure level increases, the bicycle will behave on the road in the same way as a traditional bicycle. The products weigh approximately over 14 kg, with large tires accounting for most of the weight:
- tires - 1400-1600 gr.;
- rims - 1000 gr.;
- chamber - 500 g;
- rim tape- 150 gr.
Taking into account the hub and spokes, one unit comes out to more than 3.5 kg. Despite the fact that all-terrain bikes with wide, large-diameter tires have increased weight, their ride is practically no different from standard bikes. Thanks to an identical transmission, the user will be able to select the most suitable driving mode for comfortable movement.
The best bicycles with wide wheels under 30,000 rubles
The budget version has decent performance characteristics when driving on snow, smooth road surfaces or mountainous terrain. Due to the chassis width of 4 inches, the bicycle will completely ignore various branches, bumps, and potholes on the roads while driving. In addition, the model drives excellently through snowdrifts, which even some expensive variations cannot do.
Stalker weighs 19 kg, it contains suspension fork, which absorbs vibrations when moving. As for the braking system, the thick-wheeled Wind is equipped with Shinamo brand disc mechanical devices. Front and rear clearance increases the level of operational safety.
Wind Stalker 4.0 for off-road driving is available in two original colors - bright blue and green. The cost of models varies between 26,000-27,000 rubles.
An all-terrain bicycle, despite its aggressive appearance and the design weighs relatively little - 18 kg. He has high-speed installation with 8 riding modes. This allows you to select the most optimal mode for comfortable cycling at different conditions. The Shimano RD-M310 (ALTUS) brand rear shift system is used here.
In addition, the design includes a rigid fork, since it is the large tires that absorb most of the vibrations. This part is unpretentious in operation, since it does not require additional maintenance or careful handling. It uses a wheel setup with a large running width of 4.8 inches. Thanks to this wheelbase, the model is truly capable of driving through any obstacles without compromising the comfort of the cyclist.
Separately, it should be noted that the tires in the Nord 4.8 are 0.8 inches larger than the standard variations. The fatbike is equipped with Promax mechanical disc brakes. They work well in winter and summer.
The cost of the model on the sports equipment market is 27,500 rubles.
Fatbike Chreal
A Chinese representative of the bicycle industry, who, however, confidently refutes the attitude towards products from the Middle Kingdom. High-quality working units, not heavy weight, good tire material, rigid fork - in a word, all the components of a successful all-terrain vehicle are there.
Specifications:
Alloy frame |
|
Frame size |
for height 151-192 cm, maximum load: 124.7 kg |
XCM Santour, shock-absorbing spring-elastomer, stroke 100 mm. |
|
Number of speeds |
21(3*7) SHIMANO Japan |
Wheel diameter |
26 (Tire: 26*1.95) |
Rear derailleur 7 speed |
Shimano Tourney RD TX35 - Japan |
Front 3 speed derailleurs |
Shimano Tourney FD-TX50 - Japan. |
Type of brakes |
disk, mechanical 160 mm |
Tires |
26x4 Semi-slick. For off-road driving |
Disc Alloy. On industrial bearings |
|
Weight, kg |
Optionally, the kit also includes a running board, plastic fenders, anti-theft, LED brake light, pump, repair kit, chain guard and compass. The price of the model is 24,500 rubles.
VIDEO: What to expect from a cheap fat bike
The best bicycles with wide wheels under 100,000 rubles
For lovers of variety who can afford an expensive bike, a fat bike will provide a unique riding experience on any surface and in any season. Originally invented for traveling around North America, fat bikes literally became very popular in just a couple of years, even in hot countries. With very similar characteristics, in budget versions the frame is made of chrome-molybdenum steel, in the mid-price segment - from aluminum, in expensive versions - from carbon fiber.
INO Traveler SON 2.0
A fatbike has increased cross-country ability, due to which it is used for trips in the winter season. Weighs 16 kg, which is big advantage. The design has a rigid fork, since the function of shock absorbers is performed by big wheels. In addition, a rigid fork is considered less demanding to maintain, which significantly increases its service life.
Thanks to tires with a size of 26"x4.9, the all-terrain bike can easily move both around the city and in forested areas. The tubes can be inflated from 0.2 to 2 atm. The kit includes a Shimano M355 braking system, which instantly responds to the incoming task as in both hot and cold seasons.
The main technical characteristics of the INO Traveler SON 2.0 bicycle transport are the following parameters:
An all-terrain bike with wide tires of this brand costs 45,000 rubles.
This representative has a durable cockpit, improved compared to the previous version 1.0, thanks to which it is easier to control the road and overcome obstacle courses more easily. The frame and fork are made of aluminum alloy. Initially designed for driving in snowy areas, but with equal ease it overcomes gravel, crushed stone, and sand.
The advantages of the model are knot strength, durability, and low weight. Disadvantages according to reviews - it is inconvenient to ride for a long time for people less than 165 cm tall, the shortened body and the fact that there is only one mount for the bottle also cause inconvenience.
Price 60,900 rub.
From interesting features It is worth highlighting the world's first and so far only 10 cm eccentric bottom bracket and a modular lock on cable guides - this idea was first used for the derailleur of single-gear bicycles. The distance between the axles at the rear is 17 cm, at the front - 13.5 cm. The wheel clearance is 4.8 and 4.9 inches. The seatpost is 2.7 cm.
VIDEO: Why you need a fatbike (a bicycle with wide wheels)
The classic version of a two-wheeled vehicle does not allow you to move quickly and comfortably through liquid mud, off-road conditions and sand. Bicycles with wide wheels, which can be used even in fairly harsh climatic conditions, solve this problem. At the same time, you need to know what a fatbike is. Also special is what a fatbike is for. Appropriate equipment, a reliable bicycle and knowledge of some of the operating features of equipment will ensure comfortable movement off-road, in harsh conditions and in bad weather.
Purpose and design features
![](https://i1.wp.com/yvelo.ru/img/mini/440_img2.jpg)
Conventional classic bicycle models of any type do not allow efficient travel in difficult conditions. Therefore, manufacturers have released a fatbike, which is distinguished by wide and large wheels and practicality. Before choosing a specific model, you should know what a fatbike is, its types and characteristics, as well as what a fatbike is needed for. This approach allows you to choose the best option for a bicycle that will ensure safety and comfort while traveling on any road.
Many people who want to know what a fatbike is, highly appreciate the practicality of this vehicle. This is due to the fact that the design of the bicycle has a well-thought-out shape. Thus, we can highlight the following design features of this bicycle model:
- The main distinguishing detail of a fatbike is the wheels and the pressure in them. They are wider than other bikes;
- The rim width of the vehicle is also larger than that of mountain models or electric bicycles;
- The bike has wide and thick tires that provide high efficiency when driving on various routes;
- There are holes on the rims that are necessary to reduce the weight of the product, because massive tires and large width make the vehicle heavy;
- A fatbike can be equipped with both hydraulic and disc brakes. There is also an electric bicycle with wide wheels.
![](https://i0.wp.com/yvelo.ru/img/mini/440_img3.jpg)
A bicycle with wide and large wheels is optimal for off-roading, riding on loose snow or liquid mud and other similar routes. This practicality of the technology is due to the carefully thought-out tire width. In this case, it is possible to regulate the pressure inside these parts, if necessary, increasing or decreasing the traction area with the road. That is why a bicycle with large wheels is a tool whose popularity is quite high.
The design does not provide shock absorbers, but their absence is compensated by large wheels. With the help of such elements vehicle allows you to easily overcome various obstacles in the form of stones, potholes in the road and other areas. Such cross-country ability is not typical for a regular bicycle of any type. In this case, the pressure inside the tire of each wheel is about 0.5-1.5 atm. The usual version of the equipment has tires whose pressure is from 2 to 3.5 atm. Thus, the efficiency of adhesion of large wheels to the ground and the maneuverability of the vehicle increases, which provides pressure.
The main design differences that a fatbike has relate to the wheels and motor wheel. The remaining parts are slightly different from those of a classic bicycle. For example, the bushings are more durable, especially the rear one. Fat bikes also have spokes, which can be of variable or constant cross-section. The strong and reliable frame ensures the bike's durability in a variety of harsh conditions.
![](https://i0.wp.com/yvelo.ru/img/mini/440_img4.jpg)
The bike with unusual wide wheels is also very versatile. Such a vehicle can be easily transformed into both a winter and summer version. To do this, you need to purchase two pairs of wheels: one standard type, and the other large. In the first case, the equipment will resemble a mountain bike, and in the second, a fat bike will provide comfortable movement in difficult conditions, on snow or mud, rocks or off-road. It is worth considering that tires and wheels must be of high quality, and the pressure in them must be optimal.
Brake system
![](https://i0.wp.com/yvelo.ru/img/mini/440_img5.jpg)
Comfortable and reliable fat bikes are produced by only a few major manufacturers. Each company also provides all the necessary parts for this equipment, for example, a motor wheel. A company such as SURLY is especially well known, but the models produced by FATBIKES are also practical. In any case, each model of popular equipment most often has hydraulic disc brakes. At the same time, on a fat bike with wide and large wheels, you can install a motor wheel and make an electric bicycle, the popularity of which is high. This approach allows us to significantly improve the model of equipment produced by any company.
The range of popular manufacturers includes bicycles with hydraulic disc brakes, but you can also purchase an electric bicycle. This model has a motor wheel, and the pressure in it ensures easy movement. Before choosing an electric bicycle, it is worth determining what a fat bike is and what motor wheels are needed for. The terrain on which you plan to ride, the features of operation, the cost and characteristics of the motor wheel of the electric bicycle are taken into account. Various options popular types An electric bicycle and any motor wheel have the following features:
- The well-thought-out design of the bike ensures comfortable operation of the equipment;
- An electric bicycle and motor wheels can have different parameters and battery configurations, and if necessary, hydraulic disc brakes can be installed;
- High-quality bicycles and motor wheels produced by any well-known company can have either an aluminum or steel frame;
- The motor wheel, which has a bicycle with large tires, can be installed either in front or behind.
Various models of this equipment are practical and convenient to use. A reliable electric bike or regular fatbike is distinguished by large wheels, good maneuverability in various conditions and lightweight technical maintenance. These advantages are responsible for the high popularity of both the electric bicycle and the simple model.
Practical fat bikes with motor wheels are a reliable means of transportation, but the technology does not allow driving through large snowdrifts and swamps. A fatbike or electric bicycle will provide a comfortable ride in conditions in which the classic type of two-wheeled transport without a motor wheel will not travel even a short distance. At the same time, it is important to choose high-quality and durable brakes, large tires, and also monitor the technical condition of the electric bicycle or bike.
Before you rush to the store to buy a two-wheeled vehicle, you need to understand what types of bicycles there are. This is necessary in order to immediately purchase a suitable bike for specific tasks. In this article, we have listed bicycles and all their types.
Off road bikes
mountain bike
You can find its other names: MTB, ATB, mountain-bike, hardtail, sixster, nyner. According to their purpose, this type can be divided into bicycles for downhill, freeride, dirt, street, cross-country.
This is the most popular and widespread type of bicycle. Designed for off-road driving. But modern cyclists use mountain bikes to ride everywhere, from rough terrain to perfectly smooth highways.
Externally, such a bike is easy to identify. It is characterized by a massive, durable frame, wheels with wide tires and toothy tread, large number gears, rim or disc brakes.
A mountain bike is equipped for specific tasks in completely different ways, it all depends on whether you want to ride on country roads or participate in competitions, overcoming difficult obstacles. Prices for bicycles start from $200 and can reach several thousand.
Learn more about the types of mountain bikes and their attachments you can in the article.
Considering modern bicycles, the classification cannot ignore mountain double suspensions.
Double suspension
Bicycle with two suspension
Essentially, this is the same mountain bike, but on such bikes there is shock absorption on both the front and rear wheels. Rear shock absorption is much more complex than the front (fork). Each manufacturer strives to create its own unique rear suspension design.
Conventionally, they can be divided into two types:
- four-link suspensions
- single wishbone suspensions
Cost from $1000 dollars.
You can learn more about this type of bicycle and their scope of application in the article about.
Fatbike
A fat bike is a bicycle with fat tires. In terms of frame geometry and fit, it is similar to a mountain bike. Features increased cross-country ability. Able to easily overcome such difficult surfaces as loose sand, snow, mud.
The width of the tires is 3.5-5 inches, and the pressure in them is kept at 0.2-2 atmospheres. Fat bikes are great not only as a recreational bike, but also for backpacking in remote areas. Read on to find out more.
Sports bikes
Highway
Road bikes
Synonyms: highway, roadbike, roadbike, racing bike. This bike falls into the category of bicycles designed for road racing. Road bikes are characterized by:
- light weight
- steering wheel ram
- narrow tires (slicks)
All this provides an aerodynamic landing, so long rides at high average speed it's not a problem. But the road surface must be very good. You can’t hang fenders and a rack on such a bike, but it’s worth it for a breeze to ride a couple of hundred kilometers.
Cost from $700 dollars.
You can learn more about road bikes.
Cyclocross
Cyclocross bikes
Synonyms: cyclocross, cyclocrosser. Outwardly similar to a highway, but there are differences. This type of bike is adapted for fast off-road riding. It features a more durable frame and a slightly modified fit; toothed, cantilever or disc tires (more common).
Although this type is designed for off-road cyclocross racing, that doesn't stop cycling enthusiasts from using it as an all-around bike to ride everywhere. You can install fenders or a trunk. The thing about cyclocross is that during races the bike often has to be carried on the shoulder, so they are made as light as possible.
Price tag starts from $1000
You can get to know them in more detail and find out their differences from other types of bicycles in ours.
Trial
Trial and freestyle bike
Here we include BMX and trial bikes. Trial models are easy to recognize, they have long, low and light frames, no saddle, long stem and wide handlebars. The rear tire is often thicker than the front. All this allows you to perfectly balance on the rear wheel and perform complex sports tricks.
BMX bikes also have a low frame. Wheels 20 inches. Special tubes (pegs) are attached to the axis. On a BMX you can turn the handlebars as much as you like without the cables getting tangled. This trick is usually used in tricks.
Prices start at $200, but it is better to choose a more expensive model.
Track
Track bike
Also known as Track bicycle. This is a special type of bicycle designed for track racing. It also doesn't have brakes. The wheel is connected to the pedals, so there is no free play. As the pedals spin, the wheel spins. Ram handlebar - to achieve a sporty landing.
This is the lightest of all the bikes, but prices for professional track bikes start at several thousand dollars.
cutting
Trim bike
This is a subtype of road bicycle, it is used in time trial racing, and is also popular in triathlon. There is an emphasis on aerodynamics. Narrow wheels, a steering wheel with a sun lounger, the frame geometry is designed for maximum air flow.
Prices for cutting bikes start at $3,000
Bicycles for asphalt
Urban
City bike
Synonyms: citybike, citybike, road bike. The classification of urban bicycles is quite extensive. In short, these are bikes for commuting to work and walking in the park. Properties of a city bike:
- heavy
- comfortable
- Is there a trunk or basket?
- front and rear wings
- circuit protection
- wide saddle
- single speed or planetary hub
- rigid fork
- vertical or almost vertical landing
- step
In a word, this type is optimal for short trips around the city in any weather and in any clothing. City bikes are characterized by low maintenance. This type is very common in many European countries as the main means of transport.
Prices start from $200
Bicycle hybrid
Synonyms: Hybrid, hybrid, cross bike. The types of bicycles are so rich in their diversity that it was necessary to create a separate type, which took over the properties of mountain, road and city bicycles. Formally, this is a simplified mountain bike, more suitable for riding on asphalt.
Lighter and high frames, low-travel forks, disc or V-brake brakes. 28 inches, moderately aggressive tread to maintain stability on the ground and roll well on asphalt. Many people add fenders, racks, horns and other accessories to their bike. Who is this bike suitable for? For those looking for versatility.
Prices start from $300
Bicycle touring
Synonyms: Touring, tourist bike. These types of bikes are ideal for touring on asphalt roads. Outwardly it resembles a road type due to the ram steering wheel. However, touring has a number of its own differences:
- frame material steel, aluminum, chrome-mol or titanium
- trunk designed for heavy weight (front and rear)
- rigid steel fork
- strong and reliable wheels
- transmission with off-road calculation
- good protection against dirt
- powerful lighting technology
Since this type of bike is designed to cover long distances with luggage, reliability is more important than weight.
Not many manufacturers produce touring cars, so their prices are high, starting from $1000 and above.
Folding
folding bike
Also known as Folding bike. Great option for moving around the city. Due to the small wheels, the bike folds easily and can be taken with you to the office. Speed, comfort and handling are kept at an average level due to its compactness.
The roll-up on such a bike is rather weak, but if your goal is not tens of kilometers per approach, then this is an excellent choice. Prices from $300 and up.
Other bicycles: classification
Apparently it includes something that is not so often found on our roads, or requires a separate explanation.
Children's bike
There are a lot of them. Two-wheel, three-wheel and even four-wheel (2 additional side wheels). Most often they have one speed and foot brake. But some manufacturers equip their children's bicycles with multi-speed transmissions and different types of brakes, making them similar to adults.
Prices start from $120
Women's bicycles
Bicycles for girls differ in their design. Usually the differences show up in the frame geometry. The distance between the saddle and handlebars is also often reduced. The seats take into account the characteristics of the female anatomy.
There are mountain, road, city and many other types of bicycles created specifically for girls. However, the majority of the fair half of humanity prefers to ride traditional bicycles and do not experience any discomfort.
Cargo
Cargo Bikes and Trailer Bikes
It is not difficult to guess that these are bicycles for transporting goods. Trucks are most often made like three-wheelers and have a large basket at the back. Such a bicycle will be an excellent helper in the household somewhere in the village. They are also quite popular in some Asian countries.
Bicycle trailers are a design with which you can make a tandem. The one who sits in front is responsible for the direction, and the one who pedals on the trailer simply admires the beauty. Great, isn't it?
Electric bike
Electric bike
This is a type of bicycle that requires an electric motor. The main purpose of this approach is to assist in pedaling, but some people ride bicycles like mopeds.
You can make an electric bicycle from almost any bike by installing a wheel motor on it. However, many manufacturers produce their own models with very different designs and power reserves. This is a wonderful environmentally friendly form of transport, allowing you to easily cover distances of several tens of kilometers.
Tandem bicycle
A tandem is a bicycle that can be ridden by 2 people at the same time. The person sitting in front is responsible for shifting gears and steering. The person sitting behind pedals and admires the scenery.
Traditional tandems are used for driving on asphalt, but some manufacturers also produce off-road models. This bike is a lot of fun to ride.
Prices start from $500
Bicycle Ligerad
Also known as recumbent bike. Looking at the photo, you can understand that the rider’s back is placed on a special lounger. Ligeradas have good acceleration speed, high maneuverability, you can ride them for a long time and not get tired at all. Their only weakness is climbing.
Unicycle
Or a unicycle. This is a bicycle with one wheel, over which a person actually sits. Surprisingly, even this one unusual look can be classified into several types: stunt unicycles, mountain and road unicycles.
Choppers and cruisers
These are bicycles for city walks. They differ from classic models in their unusual design and fit. Often such models are called “rasta bikes”.
What are they good for? For a leisurely ride to a picnic, to work, to the park. You can ride them for a long time and not get tired, thanks to the very comfortable fit and wide saddle.
This concludes our selection of types of bicycles; we hope that this material was useful to you!
Over the past two years, fatbikes—or wide-wheeled bicycles—have become increasingly popular. Their homeland is the USA. The fashion for fat bikes reached Russia and other countries of Eastern Europe not so long ago. But it is here, in areas with long winters and a large number snow, these devices have every chance of becoming as popular as in their homeland.
History of origin
Appearance in the 1970s bicycles with a large number of gears, a powerful braking system, shock absorption, wide tires, lightweight and durable parts made it possible to significantly expand the geography of trips. Those devices were all-terrain in their own way, but they found their main application on mountain routes, which is why they received the name “mountain”. Their mass production took place in the early 1980s. By 1986, mountainbuck sales outstripped urban, tourist and road bikes. Cyclists appreciated all the advantages of all-terrain two-wheeled transport.
It was easy to drive on country roads, rough terrain, and rocky soils. But limitations remain: soft surfaces and steep slopes are difficult to pass by mountain bikes. Their production technology was improved: new, lighter materials were used, work was done on the suspension, and efforts were made to improve external characteristics. This improvement was aimed at increasing speed and improving rough terrain. On surfaces such as sand, mud and snow, the mining apparatus remained ineffective.
Further transformation of the mountain bike took place in the late 1980s. in two areas North America– in Alaska and Mexico. Alaska annually hosts winter competitions to overcome long distances. Participants themselves work to improve their vehicles, coming up with various design additions to them. Obviously, driving on snow requires a large area of contact with the rubber surface. This was the main direction of improvement: amateur engineering thought gave birth to bizarre devices, for example, with three rims on one wheel.
At the same time, in Mexico, a man named Ray Molina, who loved to ride on sand and ravines, made an 82 mm rim, on which he put a specially made 3.5-inch (8.9 mm) tube. A test ride through the sand dunes of Chihuahua showed that the resulting bike copes well with the task. Alaskan Mark Gronweld noticed Molina's invention at one of the international bicycle exhibitions in 1999. Having made minor changes to the design, he got what is now called a fat bike.
In 2000, Alaskan winter competitor Mike Kuriak won an incredible race over 1,500 km, becoming the first to complete the distance in 15 days. His fatbike was made based on the ideas that the Mexican Molina had previously implemented.
Mass production of devices on wheels of increased width began in 2005 by the American company Surly under the Pugsley brand. The first fatbike was made in purple with a 65 mm rim and wide 3.7-inch tires. By 2007, a dozen, mostly American, companies began producing fat bikes.
Advantages
- A fatbike is an all-terrain two-wheeled vehicle.It is effective on surfaces such as:
- snow and ice;
- stones and gravel;
- sand;
- dirt;
- off-road (including forest).
- Suitable for winter.
While a vehicle with extra-wide wheels can cope well with any challenging surfaces, its greatest value in regions with long winters is, of course, its snowmobile ability. In our latitudes, an ordinary bike can be used for a limited period of time a year.
For many, this is a problem, because they have the habit of riding, but it is impossible to implement it. One of winter options To keep fit are exercise bikes. Fat bikes open up new horizons in this regard and allow you to ski in winter even in the forest - where others go skiing.
- Ideal shock absorption.
Bumps, sticks, small logs and tree trunks, and other surface irregularities are not a problem for a wide-wheeled bicycle. Thanks to slightly inflated chambers and design features, the fatbike has the ability to move up to 7 cm of vertical travel without any discomfort for the rider.
- Saves energy.
On difficult surfaces, the fat bike has an easy roll. Where fatigue sets in after several kilometers of mountain biking, a fat bike continues to move at ease.
- Can be transformed into a regular bicycle.
An extra pair of wheels 2-2.5 cm wide and 29’’ in diameter will allow you to turn a fat bike into a regular mountain bike. This requires the frame to be offset. Frame offset is a displacement of the stays to the side by 1.75 or 2.8 cm. In this case, the axis of the bushing becomes offset relative to the axis of the frame. Rim offset is the displacement of the spoke holes on the rim relative to the plane of the rim. The offset frame allows the use of standard mountain bike hubs with a width of 13.5 cm, with rims up to 10 cm wide and tires up to 4.8’’.
Most well-known manufacturers produce fatbikes with offset frames.
- Bicycles with increased wheel widths require low pressure in the chambers. Their best qualities The fatbike is capable of overcoming sticky soils, sand and snow at a pressure of about 5 PSI.
- Don't rush. A fatbike is not designed for fast riding. He starts hard, is inert, but is always stable.
- Often 7-17 PSI is optimal. It allows you to both drive on prepared trails and overcome light off-road conditions.
- On hard surfaces with tire pressure below 15 PSI, the device is difficult to control.
- At pressures above 20 PSI, the behavior of a fat bike on hard surfaces is no different from mountain bike. However, on uneven surfaces there is strong shaking and difficult control.
- Fat bikes are not studded tires. Despite the fact that they cope well with overcoming icy surfaces, you should be careful, do not drive faster than 15 km/h, maintain balance, and do not make sharp turns.
- For any icy incline, it is recommended to get off the bike and climb it under your own power.
Manufacturers and prices
The main manufacturers of wide-wheeled bicycles are located in the USA. The cost ranges from $1000 to $5500.
Manufacturer | Material of manufacture | Model | Price from, $ |
Surly | Steel | Pugsly | 1750 |
Pug Ups (4”) | 1950 | ||
Moonlander (5") | 2550 | ||
Krampus | 1950 | ||
ECR | 2175 | ||
Salsa | Aluminum | Muk2 | 2399 |
Muk3 | 1850 | ||
Ti Mukluk | 4399 | ||
Steel | Beargrease | 3499-5499 | |
9:zero:7 | Whiteout | 4199 | |
Aluminum | Frame only | 799-2199 | |
Fatback | Steel | Corvus (frame) | 1850 |
Aluminum | Corvus (frame) | 999 | |
Specialized | Aluminum frame, steel fork | Fatboy | 2000 |
Fatboy Expert | 2600 | ||
Borealis | Steel | Yampa | 3599 |
Kona | Aluminum | Wo | 1699 |
Trek | Farley | 2699 | |
Carver | Titanium and steel | Ti O'Beast (frame only) | 1399 |
Gnarvester (frame only) | |||
Genesis | Steel | Caribou | 2500 |
On-One | Aluminum | Fatty | 1375 |
Nashbar | Steel | Big Ol' Fat Bike | 1100 |
Charge | Cooker Maxi | 1599 | |
KHS | Aluminum | 3000 | 1799 |
Motobecane | Various models | 699 | |
Eltreco | X4 | 600 |
Fat bikes, or fat bikes, were invented in the 1980s for riding on challenging surfaces. A fat bike differs from a regular mountain bike only in the presence of thick rubber tires and special forks.
Fat tires provide maximum cushioning to the surface and increase ride comfort, which is why manufacturers mostly equip fat bikes with rigid forks.
Fatbikes with soft fork:
- Fatbike dual suspension.
- Electric bikes and bikes made of carbon and titanium are lighter than aluminum and therefore are equipped with soft forks.
- A single-speed bicycle is not designed to accommodate a rigid fork.
- Fatbikes with .
Advantages and disadvantages of models with wide tires
Like any design, wide tires have their pros and cons.
Advantages:
- Beautiful design, unusual structure.
- Universal off-road capability.
- Ability to ride on any surface.
Flaws:
- Heavy weight.
- Difficulty in replacing a wheel (currently it is difficult to find a suitable part, so you have to order online from other countries).
- High cost of production.
Features of wide wheels
Wheels are the main structural elements; it is thanks to them that the bicycle moves perfectly and adapts to any surface and has increased maneuverability on any off-road.
Bicycles, scooters, components
Due to the air volume and reduced pressure, smooth maneuvering on rocky surfaces, asphalt roads and forest paths is achieved.
The average width of fatbike wheels varies between 3.6 (9 cm) and up to 4.6 (12 cm) inches, but there are exclusive tires that reach 5 or more inches (from 14 cm).
The rim width of fatbikes reaches 110 mm, and the weight ranges from 15 to 21 kg. Only bicycle wheels with wide tires weigh 4 kg. The frame weighs about two kg, and the fork, due to the lack of shock absorption, weighs less than 1 kg.
Annual bicycle transport exhibitions display new modified models, which are made from innovative materials and require lightweight, high-tech equipment.
The weight of the new models is up to 11 kg, so the bikes are placed on the same level as expensive racing bikes.
External characteristics of fats
The appearance of the bike differs from its counterparts due to modifications. Such bikes are characterized by reduced weight, but have a fairly high cost and are therefore not widely used.
Fat bikes are divided into models with symmetry and asymmetry:
- Offset up to 18 or 28 mm of frames and forks relative to the feather to the right or left.
- The place for attaching the spokes has been shifted in the wheel.
These two types of offset are used with a standard MTV hub with a width of 140 to 110 mm. The models also allow the use of a planetary gear shift system.
Characteristics of displacement
Advantages:
- The main advantage of having offset in fat bikes is the ability to use popular MTV hubs in the system.
- Wheel interchangeability: front and rear wheel It is assembled on the rear transmission so it can be easily swapped.
Flaws:
- Such offset wheels are not stable on the road and have a reduced degree of rigidity.
- Asymmetry: offset wheels look deformed and unreliable.
Symmetrical wheels
The symmetrical fat bike wheel also has pros and cons:
- Popularity of the product: most models are designed for bushings with sizes from 170 to 190 mm.
- Increased wheel strength and stability.
- The disadvantages include the lack of interchangeability of wheels.
- There are differences in standard wheel hubs (170, 190, 197 mm), which causes certain difficulties in equipping the bike.
Bicycle attachments
The accessories of a fat bike are basically the same as those of a regular mountain bike, but they still have their differences.
The fat frame and fork are characterized by a special structural geometry, which allows the use of thicker tires.
The fat rim reaches up to 110 mm in width, as does the size of the carriage. A fat bike can be equipped with a transmission system with a shaft size of up to 110 mm.
Symmetrical bikes are equipped rear hub up to 175 mm and front – 140 mm in diameter. Some derailleur models have multiple brakes, which improves the ability to pass any route.
The versatility of a fat tire bike allows it to be used in all road conditions and weather conditions.
It will handle long runs on snowy terrain, mountains, sand and smooth asphalt equally smoothly.
A high degree of natural shock absorption allows you to feel comfortable in any riding and extreme situations.
Major fat bike manufacturers
Currently, there are about 20 manufacturers specializing in the production of fat tire bicycles. Some companies can fulfill orders according to individual development and customer drawings.
The most popular fat manufacturers are:
Surly is the first manufacturer of fat wheel bicycles, the company is located in the USA and produces only chrome-molybdenum frames, which is reflected in increased strength, corrosion resistance and other distinctive characteristics.
There is not a single fat tire bike in the world that does not have spare parts from this company.
Salsa– one more large plant for the production of models. Produces aluminum and titanium frames for fat bikes.
Companies specializing in the production of fat bikes have also begun to appear in Russia, these include Nerco, Trek, Eltreco.
The Russian company Eltreco has a lower cost for bicycles with wide tires compared to other manufacturers.
The company also began producing electric fat bikes.
At a fairly affordable price, a fatbike has high technical characteristics and increased strength of the product, which was proven in practice during a 310-kilometer run along the Northern Arctic Ocean two St. Petersburg cyclists.