The five-level pedal assist system features a magnetic cadence sensor that makes assisted pedaling feel more natural, and the seven-speed derailleur makes steep hills a snap. If you plan on riding over normal or only slightly cracked pavement, gravel paths, or modestly bumpy trails, a fat tire bike with a rigid fork suspension and hardtail might be exactly what you’re looking for. They’re also better if you like mongoose bicycle riding in extreme cold. For the past several years, the Salsa Mukluk earned a following among fat tire fans doing it all and doing it well. Mountain bikers love how it handles winter-weather, slick surfaces, sand, or mud, as well as how it delivers a smooth ride for cruising around town. The classic Mukluk has gotten a refresh and a new name–the Salsa Heyday–which is just as versatile as its predecessor.
If you already have a mountain bike and tend to stick to dry trails, that’s probably all you need. Fat tire bikes are made for off-road mountain biking, or riding on uneven surfaces like gravel paths, forest trails, or mongoose fat bike sandy beaches. They can also be an asset for negotiating city streets slicked with rain or snow. Beyond their improved surefootedness, riders often prefer them because those big, cushiony tires give you a smooth ride.
Different fat tire bikes have different hub standards, so you’ll likely need to purchase tires that meet your model’s specific hub. Make sure to check your bike’s specs before you buy a new set of wheels or tires. Our fat bikes are designed for riders who want to tackle snow, sand, or other soft terrain. With wide tires and a low tire pressure, these bikes offer excellent traction and stability on unstable surfaces. Fat tire bikes are great for soft or slick conditions, which is why you frequently see fat tires on mountain bikes. For a daily commuter in the city or suburbs, you should buy a standard road bike or hybrid for riding to work or errands, then buy a fat tire bike for outdoor adventure or bad weather.
Hardtail bikes have a rigid rear end, which makes them more efficient for climbing and more affordable than full-suspension bikes. Full-suspension bikes have a rear suspension that absorbs more shock and provides more comfort on rough terrain. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of bike is right for you.
These bikes are designed specifically for kids, with smaller frames and components that are easy for them to handle. QuietKat’s Jeep-inspired fat tire ebike is a high-performance monster that can carry you powerfully and confidently over whatever the great outdoors throws your way. Designed to take off-road trails like an SUV, the QuietKat Jeep bike can tackle mud, sand, snow, and even large rocks thanks to its robust suspension. Though the wheel radius is slightly reduced compared to that of other fat tire bikes–24 inches–to accommodate a smaller rider, the Argus ST features a 4-inch tire width and a seven-gear drivetrain. The tires themselves only do some of the work, though.
Over the years, Schwinn has empowered millions of people, earning a special place in the hearts and minds of generations of riders. We have spent over a century building the bicycle industry into what it is today, and we’re not done yet. For a small bike, the Sinch’s 68 pounds is probably too heavy to carry around. (Though that’s a general compromise you’ll have to make with most ebikes, I’m afraid.) But the Sinch will take up less space in your shed or garage than our other picks. I wish it had a few accessory mounts on the frame for backpackers, but this is an undeniably capable mountain bike.