Fat Bikes Are Fun Bikes

Fat Bikes are everywhere. I’m sure you have seen fat bikes on the lakefront trail or in the bike lane in front of you and thought, what is that?! It has huge knobby tires and if you didn’t see it, you could probably hear it coming. It is the monster truck of bikes, but what is the point, and why would you need one? Let us explain!

What are fat bikes?

Fat bikes are just like other bikes but they have have larger tires, hence the name, fat tire bikes. Similar to their mountain bike cousin, they have a flat handlebar and are geared like a mountain bike with lower gears for easier pedaling across varying terrain.

Why do they have such large tires?

Larger wider tires can be run at very low air pressure, allowing a smooth and stable ride across loose or unstable ground. This allows for easy riding over soft ground like snow, mud and sand. This also makes fat bikes ideal for winter trail riding or even traditional mountain bike trails.

Won’t the big tires slow me down?

At low tire pressures, such as those used for loose or bumpy terrain, wider tires have less rolling resistance. Wider tires bulge less and cause less deformity in the shape of the tire. This causes less energy loss as the tire is rolling. In other words, the larger surface area of the tire allows it to keep its round shape and roll faster!

Why do they have such wide forks and chain stays?

Fat bikes have larger forks and chain stays to accommodate the large wheel and tire. These simply would not fit on a normal bike. As a result, the tubing shapes of the bike have been modified to fit the new tires, while maintaining the frames integrity.

Where do you ride them?

The Answer: EVERYWHERE!

Fat bikes are literally the monster trucks of bikes. Super stable on loose terrain, fast rolling on pavement, and will roll over just about anything that stands in your way. Ride through messy mountain bike trails, across sand dunes, or even tackle a Chicago winter. The sky’s the limit. No matter what you choose, the bike will put a big smile on your face.

Are there different types?

Yes. Fat bikes can have different frame, tire, and wheel sizes. They are available in sizes 15.5”, 17.5”, 19.5”, 21.5”, and even a 24” youth frame. That’s fat bikes for all! They can take 27.5” as well as 26” wheels. Fat bikes also take a range of tire width sizes, up to 5” wide! There are a variety of component levels to meet your needs, as well different frame materials. Fat bikes come in both aluminum and full carbon options.

Where do I get one?

Right here at Village Cycle Center! We have the largest selection of bicycles in Chicago, which means lots of fat bikes too. Here at Village we have the full line of Trek Bicycle’s Farley fat bikes. Shop all 6 models of the Farley at villagecycle.com