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Fat Bike Do Fat Bikes Really Belong Outside of Snow and Sand?

Shawn

Shawn

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Can you really use a fat bike in any other configuration than sand or snow?

Are these bikes limited to these specific terrains?

I'd love to see what fat bike riders think about this topic - do you use them effectively outside of snow and sand?

Defend your bike!!
 
Even though fat bikes are originally designed for a soft and unstable surfaces like sand and snow, it doesn't mean they are restricted to being used in such terrain only. They are equally capable of handling different other terrains like in the mud, gravel, rocks, pavement as well as traditional mountain bike trails.
 
Heatman said:
Even though fat bikes are originally designed for a soft and unstable surfaces like sand and snow, it doesn't mean they are restricted to being used in such terrain only. They are equally capable of handling different other terrains like in the mud, gravel, rocks, pavement as well as traditional mountain bike trails.
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I'd ride one and see how it is.

I never have. But my MTB tires are 29ers so they're pretty big and wide when compared to other bike tires, but nothing like a fat bike.
 
Shawn said:
I'd ride one and see how it is.

I never have. But my MTB tires are 29ers so they're pretty big and wide when compared to other bike tires, but nothing like a fat bike.
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29ers are very good.

What do you think about driving mixed wheels? Have you had any experience with riding that kind of bike? I'm being tempted by a friend to give it a try.
 
Mixed wheels? Like two different sizes on the bike?
 
I follow Biker's Edge on YouTube, this is one of the video explanation of a mixed wheels bikes.

 
Interesting, I'll have to look more into it. Maybe there is something there!! :D
 
Shawn said:
Interesting, I'll have to look more into it. Maybe there is something there!! :D
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I've been impressed with that for a while since I started following that channel. Maybe I'm going to consider it when getting another bike.
 
I like that bike on the video cover. My mountain bike is definitely not as nice as that one but for its age (12 years old), it still runs like new :)
 
Shawn said:
I like that bike on the video cover. My mountain bike is definitely not as nice as that one but for its age (12 years old), it still runs like new :)
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One thing I know about bikes is that when you take good care of them, they never let you down or disappoint quickly which is why your 12 year old bike still kicks up nicely.
 
Heatman said:
One thing I know about bikes is that when you take good care of them, they never let you down or disappoint quickly which is why your 12 year old bike still kicks up nicely.
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I'd ridden it pretty hard over the years. However, I keep it clean and replace core components when needed. That's why it stays in a condition to at least keep me enjoying it for as long as possible. However, it is getting old and I'm hankering for a new one LOL
 
Shawn said:
I'd ridden it pretty hard over the years. However, I keep it clean and replace core components when needed. That's why it stays in a condition to at least keep me enjoying it for as long as possible. However, it is getting old and I'm hankering for a new one LOL
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Unfortunately, they can't run forever no matter how much we wish it. The most important thing is that you've taken it on your ride as far as possible. So, getting a new one when it's time is inevitable.
 
Honestly I think they work great on regular trails too.. Yeah they are heavier and slower on pavement but those fat tires give you crazy grip on rocky or muddy stuff. Plus they are just fun to ride like driving a monster truck. If you enjoy it who cares what it's supposed to be for..
 
Scorpion Girl said:
Honestly I think they work great on regular trails too.. Yeah they are heavier and slower on pavement but those fat tires give you crazy grip on rocky or muddy stuff. Plus they are just fun to ride like driving a monster truck. If you enjoy it who cares what it's supposed to be for..
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Actually, they are not so great on pavements and smooth trails because the fat tires create more rolling resistance. As a result, it makes them slower and less efficient.
 
I have seen fat bikes used on trails that were not snow or sand and they worked well. They do not go as fast on pavements, but comfort and stability are more important than speed.
 
1stop said:
I have seen fat bikes used on trails that were not snow or sand and they worked well. They do not go as fast on pavements, but comfort and stability are more important than speed.
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Yeah, knowing how to handle yourself and drive carefully when riding on pavement and smooth surface is all that's need to enjoy your riding session.
 
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