Today, on the streets of our cities, you can increasingly find bicycles that attract the eyes of passers-by with their unusually large wheels. Sometimes it seems that the tires of these bikes literally float above the terrain. A rider without any problems and very easily overcomes impassable dirt or snowdrifts, that is, crosses the terrain, which is a serious obstacle for ordinary bicycles . This is a fat bike, reviews of which indicate the ever-increasing popularity of a vehicle so unusual for our eyes. The high demand for such models, even despite their unusual appearance, is also confirmed by specialists working in specialized sports stores.
What is a fat bike? Maybe someone again decided to "invent a bicycle"? Or is it a new round in the development of mountain models? Let's try to understand this issue.
Where did this name come from?
A fat bike is nothing more than a Russian spelling of the two-part English word fatbike. It translates fat as “fat,” and bike as “bicycle.” In general, the name of the new SUV model is obtained. Literally, it sounds like a "fat bike."
Based on the first part of this word, it becomes clear that the main difference between such a vehicle is the size of its wheels, which are much thicker than that of mountain models.
From the history of creation
For the first time, printed information about the appearance of the new bicycle model is dated 1932. It was published by one of the most popular bicycle magazines in America. A picture appeared on the pages of this publication, which depicted an ordinary bicycle, but having incredibly large tires. Of course, the reaction of many readers could be predicted in advance. They took this drawing as a regular rally.
For many years, the idea of creating a bicycle that allows you to overcome difficult terrain has excited the minds of inventors. At the same time, there were attempts to create a similar model. However, the case was limited to single copies and could not find its further continuation.
His second birth was due to a resident of Alaska Mark Grunwald. This ardent cycling enthusiast and true inventor was able to create three-inch tires, bringing them to a size that has a standard bicycle rim. This allowed Mark Grunwald to ride a bike even during the harsh northern winters.
The brainchild of an inventor from Alaska quickly gained popularity. Many cycling enthusiasts began to ride with pleasure not only on smooth roads in the warmer months, but also in snowy areas in the cold seasons.
According to experts, the invention of the fat bike became one of the most remarkable events after the invention of the mountain model.
On this amazing bike in 2013 even the South Pole was conquered. This difficult path has passed Maria Leierstam. Today, a new and very promising area is actively developing by leading bicycle manufacturers. Fatbikes are constantly being improved and supplemented with new spare parts and accessories that have more functionality.
Model Features
What is a fatback? The reviews of people who are new to the world of bicycles confirm that at first this name seems incomprehensible to many. Not even a literal translation from English helps, which only says that there is something thick in this model.
This applies to wide tires, which at first glance resemble motorcycle tires. In addition, a fat bike is a bike with a reliable and durable frame.
The tire width of such a vehicle is in the range of 3.8-4.5 inches. This impressive thickness of the tires and provides the bike patency of the all-terrain vehicle. Tires, or more precisely, an indicator of their pressure, allows us to consider this model as universal. What is this feature of the bike? The versatility and all-terrain model creates the use of various pressures in its tires. It may be low (from 5 PSI). Then the bike “absorbs” the obstacles encountered on the road and easily overcomes bumps on the road.
Are there any drawbacks to this fatbike ride? User reviews of such models suggest that at low pressure in the tires it becomes difficult to pedal and enter into a turn. However, this drawback is fully compensated by the ability to overcome such a path that is unavailable for a regular bicycle.
But tire pressure can be raised up to 30 PSI. Then by touch they will become the same as stone. Then the bike turns into a regular mountain bike, suitable only for trips along standard tracks.
All other components of the fat bike are no different from those that are designed to move along steep slopes. These are the same as mountain bikes, brakes, switches and cassette.
As a rule, the total weight of a fat bike ranges from 14 to 17 kg. A considerable part of it, of course, falls on the wheels (6 kg), in which the following components make up the weight:
- tires - 1.5 kg;
- rim - 1 kg;
- camera - 300 g.
How does this impressive weight behave with frightening fatbike tires? User reviews suggest that on a trip it is impossible to distinguish it from a regular mountain bike equipped with standard tires.
In combination with heavy and large wheels, the construction of fat bikes provides for the most durable frames. This element can be compared with the skeleton of a bicycle, to which the main number of elements is attached.
In appearance, the frame of the fat bike is no different from that which is mounted on a standard mountain bike. However, it has a number of key unique features. One of them is wheel clearance. It was created so as to accommodate thick tires, and for this, a modified rear triangle and front fork are provided in the fat bikes. In this case, the use of rim brakes becomes impossible. They are not able to stop the rapidly spinning massive wheels. In this regard, disc brakes are used in fatbikes.
The model also has some features in connection with the transmission characteristic of it. As a rule, in fatbikes the manufacturer provides for low gear. This allows the tire to grip on various surfaces, especially if they are as difficult as sand, snow or mud. In addition, low gear contributes to the easy driving of large tires and wheels. Thanks to this, the bike, according to the owners, ensures a quiet ride.
Reasons for popularity
As for the residents of Canada, the USA and Western Europe, then for them riding a fat bike is by no means a novelty, but the norm. The north the country is located, the more likely it is to meet a cyclist traveling on a bike with thick wheels on the road. This model has gained particular popularity among middle-aged people and young people. Some of them use fatbikes to have a good time in any season of the year. Others prefer these bikes because of the possibility of getting daily exercise. There are cyclists who simply cannot live without their “iron friend”.
Fatbikes have also gained popularity due to the fact that when buying a “winter” bike, users can easily acquire its “summer” option. To do this, you need to purchase only two pairs of wheels. One of them should have rims designed to fit large tires. The second pair of wheels is standard, with tire widths up to 2.5 cm. Such an acquisition will allow you to easily transform a fat bike into a regular mountain bike designed for out-of-town walks.
Bicycle mechanics are advised not to save when buying accessories. After all, a fat bike is designed to overcome difficult terrain, and should therefore have increased reliability.
Negative points
Of course, this vehicle has many advantages. However, sometimes negative comments are expressed about the bike. Among its shortcomings are noted:
- heavy weight, reaching 20 kg in some models;
- unusual view of the wheels;
- high price due to the use of only high-quality components and parts, which is in the range from 500 to 1000 dollars;
- significant costs for repairs and equipment.
Despite the existing shortcomings, the bike gets the overall bike reviews as a wonderful vehicle, which has significantly more advantages than disadvantages. Currently, many are trying to get it, pushing into the background the classic two-wheeled options.
Model Views
Fatbikes are different. A person who understands bicycles, looking at one or another version of the model, is able to determine where his owner is riding.
The common features of all bikes are their charisma. The differences lie in two main features. They consist in the presence or absence of offset, as well as in the maximum size of rubber, the width of which can be 4 or 4.8 inches. In addition, in the United States there is a separate class of inexpensive beach bikes that are well suited for conversion into a full-fledged type with minimal use of funds.
What is an offset?
The design of some fatbikes provides for an offset position of the sleeve relative to the wheel and the center axis of the bicycle. It is called an offset. This design feature makes it possible to use standard planetarki and MTB bushings with thick rubber worn over wide rims, while maintaining the full transmission functionality. With the same offset of the rear and front wheels, their interchangeability is possible, which is especially true in the Far North and at extreme temperatures, when any element breaks or stalls.
Advantages and disadvantages of offset models
What is attractive to users like this bike? Feedback from the owners of the offset models indicates the following:
- a significant reduction in the cost of the bike due to the possibility of using Shimano Acera bushes, as well as its planetary types Rohloff, NuVinci, Shimano;
- convenience in connection with the interchangeability of wheels.
The disadvantages of offset, according to cycling enthusiasts, are as follows:
- in a somewhat strange appearance of a bicycle;
- the inconvenience of adjusting the rear brake due to the narrow clearance of the brake machine covered by the wheel;
- the impossibility of installing any rim;
- the difficulty of assembling conventional 29-inch wheels.
Bezfsetny models
The second type of bike is a regular bike, only adapted for wide rubber. To install large treads in the front wheel of such models, a sleeve with an OLD of 135-150 mm is used. At the same time, OLD 170-197 mm is installed on the rear.
What are the advantages of off-net fatbikes? These include:
- the use of wheels having straight spokes, which allows you to evenly load both sides of the rim;
- a more familiar look of the bike;
- the ability to easily assemble wheels;
- the use of rims of various widths without the need for a substantial modification of the transmission;
- the ability to install narrow summer wheels on 3.8-inch tires and 55 mm rims.
Among the disadvantages of an unofficial Internet account:
- expensive bushings;
- problems with tire capacity;
- expensive framesets.
Folding fat bikes
Manufacturers have taken the path of lightweight construction. As a result, a bulky fat bike turned out from a bulky bike. User reviews confirm that this design can be easily assembled and disassembled without using special tools.
The design of folding fatbikes provides a frame made of steel or made of durable aluminum. It is due to these materials that high reliability and lightness of the model are achieved. In addition, some fatbikes of this type have a removable steering wheel and folding pedals. These design features make the bike as convenient and compact as possible when transporting.
Sometimes manufacturers complete with folding fatbikes offer a special bag. The entire unit is quietly placed in it after removing the steering wheel and folding the pedals.
The highest quality fatbikes on the market are Brompton and Dahon. The most widespread products of the Forward company and the Feltbike Stealth. Reviews of those who want to purchase this unique model say that a large assortment of folding models is presented in online stores. However, online sellers do not always have the right option.
Electric bicycles
Reliable and convenient bikes are produced by only a few major manufacturers. At the same time, each of these companies offers all the details that are required by this technique. One of them is a motor wheel. When installing a similar element on a fat bike, you can make an electric bike out of it, which is very popular among consumers. Using this approach, you can improve any model of a bike with thick wheels.
In addition, some companies offer customers to purchase a ready-made electro-bike. Customer reviews of these bikes suggest that these vehicles:
- have a well-thought-out design that allows you to operate the equipment with comfort;
- equipped with a reliable aluminum or steel frame;
- have the ability to install disc hydraulic brakes on them .
Electro-bikes are a great way to get around. However, it is impossible to ride them through swamps and large snowdrifts.
Hammer Fatbikes
The desire to buy a new unique bike with wide wheels arises from many. However, looking closely at the model, it becomes obvious that storing and transporting it will be extremely problematic. In this case, you can buy a fat bike from China. Feedback on Hammer folding models suggests that this impressive unit is easily halved. This allows you to place it in the trunk of a full-size machine without the need to install additional devices for moving.
Mostly positive gets a Hummer reviews. Its frame is made of high strength aluminum. To add to it in case of accidental exposure to the switch will not allow a special device. In addition, the manufacturer offers a footrest complete with this folding bike. It is attached to the frame.
What are the other characteristics of the Hammer fat bike? User reviews indicate that the carriage of the model of this manufacturer has a cartridge in which industrial bearings are located. The connecting rods are mounted per square. Pleases users and the material from which the pedals of the bike are made. Their manufacturer made of aluminum.
Hammer foldable fat bike has a standard 80 mm semi-integrated steering column extension. But its main advantage is the presence of large lightweight wheels with a diameter of 26 inches and a width of 4 inches. A standard automotive-type nipple is installed in the chamber.
The wheels of the Chinese folding fatback have 36 spokes. Its tires have pronounced lugs. The bike is equipped with mechanical disc brakes.
The saddle of this fat bike is made of a leather substitute. At the same time, for the convenience of the cyclist, it provides for the adjustment of the angle of inclination and depth.
In addition, a lot of pleasant and useful little things contains this folding Chinese fat bike in its kit. Customer reviews indicate the following:
- drinking bowls (bottles) with fastening on a frame;
- footboards;
- pump (without mounting on the frame);
- a set of hexagons necessary for assembling a bicycle;
- a bag fixed to a frame into which the necessary tools are folded;
- The rear light, mounted on the seat post;
- protect the frame from the chain;
- anti-theft cable;
- a front lamp mounted on the steering wheel;
- LED caps on wheels;
- steering wheel call.
The manufacturer provides a guarantee for the frame - 12 months, and for attachments - six months.
Fatbike Love Freedom
These bicycles from the Chinese manufacturer are real champions at their low cost. But not only a small price sets them apart from fatbikes. This, among other things, is a very stylish bike with good technical characteristics and the possibility of further modernization.
What is the first thing that attracts attention when considering a Freedom bike? The reviews of those who first saw the model of this manufacturer indicate that the frame is unusual in it. She rises sharply and goes towards the steering column.
That is why this fatbike is also called the "Jaguar." User reviews suggest that it is most comfortable to ride such a bike for those whose height is 175-190 cm. The maximum weight declared by the manufacturer on a person sitting in the saddle is 130 kg. The mass of the fat bike itself is 23 kg. Its frame is strong enough and made of steel.
Why is Freedom fatbike called “Jaguar”? User reviews claim that this model itself resembles a cat preparing to jump. This is the shape of the fat bike frame. A jaguar in a jump is also depicted on its lateral parts.
Enough extensive equipment was endowed by the manufacturer of fat bike Love Freedom. Customer reviews confirm that in this bike:
- the carriage contains cartridges in which the industrial bearings are located;
- the mounting of the connecting rods is provided per square;
- pedals are made of plastic;
- fork elastomeric spring type without the possibility of adjustment with a stroke of 80 mm;
- Standard semi-integrated steering column with 80 mm offset.
What is the biggest advantage of a Freedom fatbike? User reviews point to its large wheels, which are 26 inches in diameter and 4 inches wide. Such tire sizes, which are also equipped with wonderful lugs, allow you to ride in almost any terrain.
The wheels have 36 spokes. The camera has a car standard nipple. As for accessories, they are in the same assortment as in the model described above.
Fatbikes Beinaiqi cavalier
These are bicycles with enlarged tires, giving freedom of movement and confidence when moving on off-road, snow, ice and sand. What are the main characteristics of Beinaiqi fatbikes? The reviews of experts confirm that in these models there are declared by the manufacturer:
- high carbon steel frame;
- Front shock absorber fork AZD AN2HID;
- one front and seven rear speeds equipped with a Shimano switch;
- KMK chain;
- front mechanical disc brakes and rear Shimano;
- side step;
- rear hub 170 mm wide;
- 100 mm bearing bracket BB;
- steering wheel made of aluminum alloy 720 mm wide;
- outer diameter of tire tires - 1000 mm.
So, we examined the main features of fatbikes and listed the most popular manufacturers.