On the market sports equipment More recently, a new trend has appeared - 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 large with huge tires. What is the peculiarity of a fatbike and which option is better to give preference to? Let's take a closer look at these questions so as not to make a mistake in the choice.
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 brake 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 assembly absorbs vibrations that are transmitted from driving on uneven road surfaces. In this case, the cyclist will need to exert more effort to move, turns are also complicated.
When the pressure level increases, the bike will behave on the road in the same way as a traditional bicycle. Products weigh approximately over 14 kg, while most of the mass falls on large tires:
- rubber - 1400-1600 gr.;
- rims - 1000 gr.;
- chamber - 500 gr.;
- rim tape- 150 gr.
Taking into account the sleeve and spokes, one unit comes out more than 3.5 kg. Despite the fact that all-terrain bikes with wide tires with large diameter have increased weight, they are almost indistinguishable from standard bikes in the course. Thanks to the identical transmission, the user will be able to choose the most suitable driving mode for comfortable movement.
The best bikes with wide wheels under 30,000 rubles
The budget version has decent performance when driving on snow, flat road surfaces or mountainous terrain. Due to the width of the chassis of 4 inches, the bike will completely ignore various branches, bumps, and pits on the roads while driving. In addition, the model rides perfectly in snowdrifts, which even some expensive variations cannot.
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 trademark disc mechanicals. Front and rear clearance increases the level of operational safety.
Wind Stalker 4.0 for off-road driving is produced in two original colors - bright blue and green. The cost of models varies between 26,000-27,000 rubles.
All-terrain bike despite its aggressive appearance and the design weighs relatively little - 18 kg. He has high-speed installation with 8 driving modes. This allows you to select the most optimal mode for comfortable cycling under different conditions. It uses a rear shifting system brand Shimano RD-M310 (ALTUS).
In addition, the design includes a rigid fork, since it is the large tires that absorb most of the vibrations. Such a detail is unpretentious in operation, since it does not require additional maintenance and careful treatment. It uses a wheeled unit with a large running width of 4.8 inches. Thanks to this wheelbase, the model is really able to pass through any obstacles, while not violating 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 seasons.
The cost of the model in the sports equipment market is 27,500 rubles.
FatbikeChreal
A Chinese representative of the bicycle industry, who, however, confidently refutes the attitude towards products from the Middle Kingdom. Qualitatively executed work units, not big weight, good tire material, a rigid fork - in a word, there are all the components of a successful all-terrain vehicle.
Specifications:
|
alloy frame |
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frame size |
for height 151-192 cm, maximum load: 124.7 kg |
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XCM Santour, shock-absorbing spring-elastomer, 100 mm travel. |
|
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Number of speeds |
21(3*7) SHIMANO Japan |
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Wheel diameter |
26 (Tire: 26*1.95) |
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Rear derailleur 7 speed |
Shimano Tourney RD TX35 - Japan |
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Front derailleurs 3 speed |
Shimano Tourney FD-TX50 - Japan. |
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Type of brakes |
disk, mechanical 160 mm |
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Tires |
26x4 Half Slick. For cross-country driving |
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DiscAlloy. On industrial bearings |
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Weight, kg |
Optionally, the kit also includes a footboard, plastic fenders, anti-theft, LED brake light, pump, tool kit, chain protection and a compass. The price of the model is 24500 rubles.
VIDEO: What to expect from a cheap fat bike
The best bikes with wide wheels under 100,000 rubles
For lovers of variety who can afford an expensive bike, a fatbike will provide a unique experience of riding on any surface and at any time of the year. Originally invented for trips around North America, fat bikes have become very popular in just a couple of years, even in hot countries. With very similar characteristics in the budget versions, the frame is made of chrome-molybdenum steel, in the mid-price segment it is made of aluminum, in expensive versions it is made of carbon fiber.
INO Traveler SON 2.0
Fatbike has increased cross-country ability, due to which it is used for trips in the winter season. Weighs 16 kg, which is great advantage. The design has a rigid fork, since the function of shock absorbers is performed big wheels. In addition, a rigid fork is considered less whimsical to maintain, which significantly increases its service life.
Thanks to tires with a size of 26 "x4.9, the all-terrain vehicle is able to easily move both around the city and in the forest. The chambers can be inflated from 0.2 to 2 atm. The package includes a Shimano M355 brake 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 as follows:
An all-terrain vehicle with wide tires of this brand costs 45,000 rubles.
This representative has a solid, improved cockpit compared to the previous version 1.0, which makes it easier to control the road and easier to overcome obstacles. The frame and fork are made of aluminum alloy. Initially designed for driving on snowy areas, but with equal ease overcomes gravel, crushed stone, sand.
In pluses of model durability of knots, durability, small weight. Cons 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 60900 rub.
From interesting features it is worth highlighting the world's first and so far the only 10 cm eccentric bottom bracket and a modular lock on cable guides - this idea was first applied to the derailleur of bicycles with one gear. 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 (bike with wide wheels)
The classic version of a two-wheeled vehicle does not allow you to quickly and comfortably move through liquid mud, off-road and sand. Bicycles with wide wheels that can be used even in fairly harsh climatic conditions solve such problems. In this case, you need to know what a fatbike is. Also a special point is what a fatbike is for. Appropriate equipment, a reliable bike and knowledge of some of the features of the operation of the equipment will ensure comfortable movement on the road, in harsh conditions and in bad weather.
Purpose and design features
Ordinary classic bicycles of any kind do not allow for efficient travel in difficult conditions. Therefore, manufacturers have released a fatbike, which is distinguished by wide and large wheels and practicality. Before choosing a particular model, you should know what a fatbike is, its types and characteristics, and why you need a fatbike. This approach allows you to choose the best option for a bike that will ensure safety and comfort on the road on any road.
Many people who want to know what a fat bike is, appreciate the practicality of this vehicle. This is due to the fact that the design of the bike has a thoughtful shape. Thus, the following design features of this bike model can be distinguished:
- 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 wider than mountain bikes or e-bikes;
- The bike has wide and thick tires that provide high efficiency when driving on various routes;
- There are holes on the rims necessary to reduce the weight of the product, because massive tires and large widths make transport heavy;
- The fatbike can be equipped with both hydraulic and disc brakes. There is also an electric bike with wide wheels.
A bike with wide and large wheels is optimal for off-road riding on loose snow or liquid mud and other similar trails. Such practicality of technology is due to the carefully thought-out width of the tire. In this case, it is possible to regulate the pressure inside these parts, if necessary, increasing or decreasing the area of adhesion to the road. That is why a bicycle with large wheels is a means whose popularity is quite high.
The design does not provide shock absorbers, but their absence is compensated by large wheels. With these elements vehicle allows you to easily overcome various obstacles in the form of stones, bumps on the road and other areas. Such cross-country ability is not distinguished by an ordinary bicycle of any type. At the same time, inside the tire of each wheel, the pressure is about 0.5-1.5 atm. The usual version of the technique has tires, the pressure in which is from 2 to 3.5 atm. Thus, the effectiveness of the adhesion of large wheels to the ground and the patency of the vehicle are increased, which provides pressure.
The main design differences that a fat bike has relate to wheels and motor wheels. The rest of the details are slightly different from the elements of a classic bike. For example, bushings are more durable, especially the rear. Fat bikes also have spokes, which can be of variable or constant section. The strong and reliable frame ensures the strength of the bike in various harsh conditions.
A bike with unusual wide wheels is also very versatile. Such a vehicle is easy to transform both in the winter version and in the summer. To do this, you need to purchase two pairs of wheels: one is a standard type, and the other is large. In the first case, the technique will resemble a mountain bike, and in the second, a fatbike will provide comfortable movement in difficult conditions, on snow or mud, stones or off-road. At the same time, it is worth considering that tires and wheels must be of high quality, and the pressure in them must be optimal.
Brake system
Comfortable and reliable fatbikes are produced by only a few major manufacturers. Each company also provides all the necessary parts for this technique, for example, a motor wheel. Such a company as SURLY is especially famous, but the models produced by FATBIKES are also practical. In any case, for each model of popular vehicles, they most often have 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 bike, whose popularity is high. This approach allows you to significantly improve the model of equipment that any company has released.
The range of popular manufacturers includes bicycles with hydraulic disc brakes, but you can also buy an electric bike. On such a model there is a motor wheel, and the pressure in it ensures easy movement. Before choosing an electric bike, it is worth determining what a fatbike is and what motor wheels are for. The area on which the ride is planned, the features of operation, the cost and characteristics of the motor wheel of the electric bicycle are taken into account. Varied Options popular types electric bicycle and any motor wheel have the following features:
- The thoughtful design that distinguishes 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 that any well-known company produces can have both aluminum and steel frames;
- The motor wheel, which has a bicycle with large tires, can be installed both in front and behind.
Various models of this equipment are practical and convenient in use. A reliable electric bike or a regular fat bike is distinguished by large wheels, good cross-country ability. various conditions and easy maintenance. These advantages are due to the high popularity of both the electric bike and the simple model.
Practical fat bikes with motor wheels are a reliable means of transportation, but the technique does not allow driving through large snowdrifts and swamps. A fat bike or an electric bike will provide a comfortable ride in those 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 bike or bike.
Before you rush to the store to buy a two-wheeled vehicle, you need to figure out what types of bicycles 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, niner. By purpose, this type can be divided into downhill, freeride, dirt, street, cross-country bikes.
This is the most popular and widespread type of bicycle. Designed for off-road driving. But today's cyclists use mountain bikes to ride everything from hard-packed terrain to perfectly flat highways.
Outwardly, such a bike is easy to identify. It is characterized by a massive, durable frame, wheels with wide tires and a toothy tread, a large number of gears, rim or disc brakes.
For specific tasks, a mountain bike is completed in completely different ways, it all depends on whether you want to ride on country roads or participate in competitions, overcoming difficult obstacles. Bicycle prices start at $200 and can reach several thousand.
Learn more about the types of mountain bikes and their attachments you can in the article.
Considering modern bikes, classification cannot bypass mountain double suspensions.
double suspension
Bicycle full suspension
In fact, this is the same mountain bike, but on such bikes, depreciation is present on both the front and rear wheels. Rear depreciation is much more complicated than the front (forks). Each manufacturer strives to create their own unique rear suspension design.
Conventionally, they can be divided into two types:
- four-arm suspensions
- single-lever pendants
Cost from $1000 dollars.
You can learn more about this type of bicycle and their scope in the article about.
fatbike
A fatbike is a bike with thick tires. In terms of frame geometry and fit, it is similar to a mountain bike. Differs in the increased passability. 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 the level of 0.2-2 atmospheres. Fatbikes are great not only as a pleasure bike, but also for backcountry touring. Read to find out more.
Sports bikes
Highway
road bikes
Synonyms: highway, roadbike, roadbike, racing bike. This bike belongs to the category of bikes designed for road racing. Highway riders are characterized by:
- a light weight
- steering wheel ram
- narrow tires (slicks)
All this provides an aerodynamic fit, 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 trunk on such a bike, but it’s worth it to ride a couple of hundred kilometers with the breeze.
Cost from $700 dollars.
You can get acquainted with road bikes in more detail.
cyclocross
Cyclocross bikes
Synonyms: cyclocrosser, cyclocrosser. Outwardly similar to the highway, but there are differences. This type of bike is adapted for fast off-road riding. It features a stronger frame and a slightly modified fit, toothy, cantilever or disc tires (more common).
Although this type is designed for off-road cyclo-cross racing, this does not prevent cyclists from using it as an all-around bike for riding everywhere. You can install fenders or a trunk. A feature of cyclocross is that during races the bike often has to be carried on the shoulder, so they are made as light as possible.
The 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 included 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 type 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 feature 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 bike designed for racing on the track. It also lacks brakes. The wheel is connected to the pedals, so there is no free play. The pedals are spinning, and the wheel is spinning. The steering wheel is a ram - to achieve a sporty fit.
It is the lightest of all bikes, but professional track bikes start at a few thousand dollars.
chopping
Cutting bike
This is a subspecies of a road bike, it is used in time trial races, and is also popular in triathlon. There is an emphasis on aerodynamics. Narrow wheels, steering wheel with sunbed, frame geometry sharpened for maximum airflow.
Prices for cutting bikes start at $3,000
Asphalt bikes
Urban
city bike
Synonyms: citybike, citybike, road bike. The classification of urban bicycles is quite extensive. In short, these are bikes for commuting and walking in the park. Properties of a city bike:
- heavy
- comfortable
- Do you have a trunk or basket?
- front and rear fenders
- chain protection
- wide saddle
- single speed or planetary hub
- rigid fork
- vertical or near-vertical landing
- step
In a word, this type is optimal for short trips around the city in any weather and in any clothes. City bikes are characterized by unpretentious maintenance. This type is very common in many European countries as the main vehicle.
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 that took over the properties of a mountain, road and city bike. Formally, this is a simplified mountain bike, more suitable for driving on asphalt.
Lighter and high frames, low travel forks, disc brakes or V-brake. 28" tread is moderately aggressive to keep you stable on the ground and roll well on pavement. Many complete their bike with fenders, racks, horns and other accessories. Who is this bike for? For those looking for versatility.
Prices start from $300
Bicycle touring
Synonyms: Touring, touring bike. These types of bikes are ideal for touring on asphalt roads. Outwardly, it resembles a highway type due to the steering wheel of a ram. However, touring has a number of its differences:
- frame material steel, aluminium, chromoly or titanium
- heavy-duty trunk (front and rear)
- rigid steel fork
- strong and reliable wheels
- off-road transmission
- good dirt protection
- powerful lighting technology
Since this type of bike is designed to cover long distances with luggage, reliability is more important than weight in it.
There aren't many manufacturers that make touring, so prices are high, ranging from $1,000 and up.
Folding
Folding bicycle
Also known as Folding bike. Great option to move 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 the compactness.
Rolling on such a bike is rather weak, but if your goal is not tens of kilometers per approach, then this is a great choice. Prices from $300 and up.
Other bikes: classification
Judging, it includes something that is not so common on our roads, or requires a separate explanation.
Children bicycle
There are a lot of them. Two-wheel, three-wheel and even four-wheel (2 extra side wheels). Most often they have one speed and foot brake. But some manufacturers pack their children's bikes with multi-speed transmissions and different types of brakes, making them look like adults.
Prices start from $120
Women's bikes
Bicycles for girls differ in their design. Usually the differences show up in the geometry of the frame. Also, the distance between the saddle and the handlebars is often shortened. Seats take into account the peculiarities of the female anatomy.
There are mountain, road, city and many other types of bikes designed specifically for girls. However, most of the beautiful half of humanity prefers to ride traditional bicycles and does not experience any discomfort.
Cargo
Cargo Bikes and Bicycle Trailers
It is not difficult to guess that these are bicycles for transporting goods. Trucks are most often made as three-wheeled and have a large basket at the back. Such a bike will be a great helper in the household somewhere in the village. And they are 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. It's great, isn't it?
electric bike
Electric bike
This is a type of bicycle that implies the presence of an electric motor. The main purpose of this approach is to help with pedaling, but some people ride such bicycles as mopeds.
You can make an electric bike from almost any bike by installing a motor-wheel on it. However, many manufacturers produce their own models with a wide variety of designs and ranges. This is a wonderful environmentally friendly mode of transport that allows you to easily cover a distance of several tens of kilometers.
Tandem bike
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 is pedaling and admiring the scenery.
Traditional tandems are used for driving on asphalt, but some manufacturers also produce off-road models. Riding this bike is a lot of fun.
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 sunbed. Ligerads have a good acceleration rate, 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 unusual view can be classified into several types: stunt unicycles, mountain and road.
Choppers and cruisers
These are city bikes. They differ from the classic models in an unusual design and fit. Often such models are referred to as "rastabikes".
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 a very comfortable fit and a wide saddle.
This concludes our selection of bicycle types, we hope that this material was useful to you!
Over the past two years, fat bikes - or wide-wheeled bicycles - have gained a lot of popularity. Their homeland is the USA. The fashion for fat bikes has reached Russia and other countries of Eastern Europe not so long ago. But it is here, in areas with long winters and big amount snow, these devices have every chance of becoming as popular as in their homeland.
History of occurrence
Appearance in the 1970s bikes with a large number of gears, a powerful brake system, shock absorption, wide tires, light and durable parts, made it possible to significantly expand the geography of trips. Those devices were all-terrain vehicles in their own way, but they found their main use on mountain routes, which is why they got the name “mountain”. Their mass production took place in the early 1980s. By 1986, mountain buck sales outstripped urban, tourist and road bikes. Cyclists appreciated all the advantages of all-terrain two-wheeled transport.
It could easily be driven on country roads, rough terrain, rocky soils. But the limitations remain: soft surfaces and steep slopes are difficult for mountain bikes to ride. The technology of their production was improved: new lighter materials were used, work was carried out with the suspension, efforts were made to improve external characteristics. This improvement was aimed at increasing speed and improving the passage of rough terrain. On surfaces such as sand, mud and snow, mining apparatuses remained ineffective.
Further transformation of the mountain bike took place in the late 1980s. in two districts North America in Alaska and Mexico. In Alaska, winter competitions are held annually to overcome long distances. Participants themselves are working on improving their vehicles, coming up with various constructive 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 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 in the sands and ravines, made an 82 mm rim, on which he put a specially made 3.5-inch (8.9 mm) camera. A test ride through the sand dunes of Chihuahua showed that the resulting bike did a pretty good job. Alaskan Mark Gronweld noticed Molina's invention at one of the international bicycle exhibitions in 1999. With minor changes to the design, he got what is now called a fat bike.
In 2000, Alaskan winter competitor Mike Kuriak won an incredible 1,500+ km race, the first to complete the distance in 15 days. His fatbike was made on the basis of the ideas that the Mexican Molina had previously implemented.
Mass production of devices on wheels of increased width begins in 2005 by the American company Surly under the Pugsley brand. The first fatbike came in purple with a 65mm rim and 3.7" wide tires. By 2007, about 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 the wide-width vehicle handles any problematic terrain perfectly, its greatest value in areas with long winters is by far its snowmobility. In our latitudes, an ordinary great can be used for a limited period of time per year.
For many, this is a problem, because the habit of skating is there, but it is impossible to implement it. One of winter options keeping fit are exercise bikes. Fatbikes in this respect open up new horizons and allow you to ride in the winter even in the forest - where the rest go skiing.
- Perfect cushioning.
Bumps, sticks, small logs and tree trunks, and other surface irregularities are not a problem for a wide-wheel bike. Thanks to weakly inflated chambers and design features, the fat bike has the ability to move up to 7 cm without any discomfort for the rider.
- Saves power.
On difficult surfaces, the fatbike has an easy roll. Where fatigue sets in after a few miles of mountain biking, the fatbike continues to move effortlessly.
- Can be transformed into a regular bike.
An extra pair of wheels with a width of 2-2.5 cm and a diameter of 29 '' will allow you to make an ordinary mountain bike out of a fat bike. This requires the frame to be offset. Frame offset is the displacement of the feathers to the side by 1.75 or 2.8 cm. In this case, the axis of the sleeve becomes offset relative to the axis of the frame. Rim offset is the offset of the spoke holes on the rim relative to the plane of the rim. The offset frame allows you to use 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 larger wheel widths require less chamber pressure. Their best qualities to overcome viscous soils, sand and snow, the fatbike shows at a pressure of about 5 PSI.
- Do not hurry. A fatbike is not made for fast riding. He starts hard, inert, but always stable.
- A pressure of 7-17 PSI is often optimal. It allows you to both ride on prepared tracks and overcome light off-road conditions.
- On hard surfaces with tire pressures below 15 PSI, the machine is difficult to control.
- At pressures above 20 PSI, the behavior of a fatbike on hard surfaces is no different from mountain bike. However, on uneven surfaces, the strongest shaking and control complexity are provided.
- Fat bikes are not studded tires. Despite the fact that they do a good job of overcoming ice surfaces, you should be careful not to go faster than 15 km / h, maintain balance, and do not make sharp turns.
- On any icy slope, it is recommended to get off the bike and overcome it on your own.
Manufacturers and prices
The main manufacturers of wide-wheel bicycles are located in the USA. The cost ranges from $1000 to $5500.
| Manufacturer | Production material | 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 | fat boy | 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 | different models | 699 | |
| Eltreco | X4 | 600 |
Fat bikes, or simply fat bikes, were invented in the 80s for riding on difficult surfaces. A fatbike differs from a regular mountain bike only in the presence of thick rubber tires and special forks.
Thick tires are maximally cushioned to the surface and increase ride comfort, so manufacturers mainly equip fat bikes with rigid forks.
Fatbikes with a soft fork:
- Fatbike full suspension.
- E-bikes and bikes made of carbon and titanium are lighter than aluminum, so they are equipped with soft forks.
- A single speed bike is not designed to fit a rigid fork.
- Fat bikes with .
Advantages and disadvantages of models with wide tires
Like any design, wide tires have their pros and cons.
Advantages:
- Beautiful design, unusual structure.
- Versatile off-road capability.
- The ability to ride on any surface.
Flaws:
- Heavy weight.
- Difficulty in replacing a wheel (currently it is problematic to find a suitable part, so the order has to be made via the Internet from other countries).
- High cost of production.
Features of wide wheels
Wheels are the main structural elements, it is thanks to them that the bike moves perfectly and adapts to any surface and has increased cross-country ability 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 wideness 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 width of the rim of fatbacks 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 depreciation is less than 1 kg.
Annual cycling exhibitions showcase new modified models that 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 put on a par with expensive racing bikes.
External characteristics of fats
The appearance of the bike differs from its fellow modifications. Such bikes are characterized by a reduced weight, but they have a rather high cost, therefore they are not common in mass mode.
Fat bikes are divided into models with symmetry and asymmetry:
- Offset up to 18 or 28 mm frames and forks relative to the pen to the right or left sides.
- The place for attaching the spokes has been displaced in the wheel.
These two types of offset are used with a standard MTB sleeve with a width of 140 to 110 mm. Also, the models allow the use of a planetary gearshift system.
Displacement Features
Advantages:
- The main advantage of having offset in fatbikes is the ability to use popular MTB bushings in the system.
- Interchangeability of wheels: front and rear wheel is assembled on the rear transmission so it is easy to change places.
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 fatbike wheel also has pros and cons:
- Popularity of the product: most models are designed for bushings with sizes from 170 to 190 mm.
- Increased strength and stability of the wheels.
- The disadvantages include the lack of interchangeability of wheels.
- The difference in standard bushings for wheels (170, 190, 197 mm), which causes certain difficulties in equipping the bike.
Mounted bicycle equipment
Fatbike accessories are basically the same as the equipment of a regular mountain bike, but still have their differences.
The frame and fork of the feta is characterized by a special geometry of the structure, which allows the use of thicker rubber.
The rim of the fat reaches up to 110 mm wide, as does the size of the bottom bracket. The fatbike can be equipped with a transmission system with a shaft up to 110 mm in size.
Symmetrical bikes are equipped rear hub up to 175 mm and front - 140 mm in diameter. Some derailleur models have multiple brakes, so it rises in any route.
The versatility of a bike with fat tires allows it to be used in all road conditions and in any weather.
It will handle long distance runs across snowy terrain, mountains, sand and smooth asphalt equally smoothly.
A high degree of natural cushioning allows you to feel comfortable in any skiing and extreme situations.
Major manufacturers of fat bikes
At the moment there are about 20 manufacturers specializing in the production of bicycles with fat tires. Some firms can fulfill an order according to an individual development and drawing of the customer.
The most popular fat manufacturers are:
Surly- This is the first manufacturer of bicycles with thick wheels, the company is located in the USA and manufactures only chromium-molybdenum frames, which is expressed in increased strength, corrosion resistance and other distinctive characteristics.
There is not at least one bike with fat tires in the world where there are no spare parts manufactured by this company.
salsa- Another one large plant for the production of models. It produces aluminum and titanium frames for fatbikes.
Firms specializing in the production of fat bikes also began to appear in Russia, these include Nerco, Trek, Eltreco.
The Russian company Eltreko is notable for its low cost for bicycles with wide tires compared to other manufacturers.
The company also began producing electric fatbikes.
At a fairly affordable cost, the fatbike is distinguished by high technical specifications and increased strength of the product, which has been proven in practice during a 310-kilometer run along the Northern Arctic Ocean two St. Petersburg cyclists.
