Six Advantages of Riding a Fat Bikes Bicycle

Wide-tire rigid electric bikes continue to gain prominence in the mountains and on the roads. These models with fat tires known by the technical name of Fat Bikes are ideal bikes to ride on terrain where it would be impossible to cross with a conventional bike.

All of us, at some point in our runs (bike path, outing with friends or a walk in the mountains) have been able to see some bikers maneuver a bike with extra wide wheels. The “thickened” design of these machines makes them a kind of “mini tractor” with notable benefits in terms of stability on rough terrain.

The Fat Bikes are ideal for rough terrain

Challenge more complex floors and achieve better traction with the fat wheels of the Fat Bikes.

And it is not for less, since in its origins (approximately at the end of the 19th century) Fat Bikes were conceived as working tools to facilitate the movement through the polar areas of Alaska. Its oversized tires, ideal for traversing frozen roads, allowed the wheels to not sink or get stuck in any broken span.

Now, let’s get into the matter and list the main characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of this type of bike.

The natural habitat of Fat Bikes

The six advantages of riding on Fat Electric Bikes

Snow, muddy roads, and sandy soils are the best places to roll on top of a fat bike. Image: La Bicikleta

Fat Bikes have left their natural habitat (deserts and snow) to conquer new roads in cities and rural areas. However, there is currently a discussion about their usefulness, since some bikers consider that they are only efficient in extreme terrain where some traditional mountain bikes are not capable of riding; while other riders consider riding a fat-wheeled bike on highways, urban streets, and countryside.

eye! Although performance increases depending on rugged roads, we should not rule out its use on any type of terrain.

Six reasons why Fat Bikes are good

Now, if we focus on its main advantages we could start by saying that Fat Bikes can be considered as the most stable bikes on the market. By having a wider deck area (between 3.8 ”and 5”) they manage to achieve extreme grip in sections where it would be impossible to stand with thinner tires.

Another feature that incorporates this style of bicycles has to do with damping. Some experts assure that it is not necessary to carry a suspension fork on a Fat Bike, because the wheels (due to their width and size conditions) can inflate at very low pressures, thus guaranteeing a kind of suspension at the time of rebound or contact with the surface.

High pressure reduces stability

In descents or descents with curves and technical steps of great demand, Fat Bikes are guarantors of safety. The feeling of well-being increases and the risks of falls or accidents are reduced because the width of the cover guarantees traction (greater grip) and increases the feeling of stability.

The Fat Bikes incorporate much longer and larger handlebars, which translates into better maneuverability and balance conditions. Some amateur bikers choose to arm themselves with a fat-wheeled bike because they feel that they can challenge some dangerous roads without so much risk of failing.

Don’t be afraid of anything with your extra wide tire rims

The Fat Bike, ideal for touring the snow

Although these bikes can be maneuvered on any type of terrain, it must be recognized that they are ideal for facing muddy roads, steep areas and dangerously uneven passes. The concern about punctures disappears when we ride with extra wide wheels since its design conditions make it much more difficult for any nails, rocks or branches to reach the camera or tire.

Another technical aspect of the popular fat-style bikes is related to their transmission system. Most models available on the market are mounted with single or double chainring transmissions (it is not ruled out that they come equipped with the three main types of systems).