Expert consulted: Fat tire bikes excel at carrying you over all types of terrain, including snow, sand, pavement, gravel, and rough trails. Fat bikes can accommodate tires between 3- and 5-inches wide, which provide extra traction on soft, shifting surfaces that might send you falling to the ground on narrower tires. Most riders are cautious the first time they try one, until they realize the almost comically huge tires let you roll over obstacles that would be insurmountable on standard bikes.
Fat bikes have grown in popularity in recent years, and almost every major bike brand manufacturer makes at least one model, though they’re often marketed as trail bikes, mountain bikes, or as capable “city bikes.” (The latter is especially true of Fat Tire E-bikes.) No matter what your intentions, goals and habits, there’s very likely a fat bike that will make it more enjoyable than you thought it could be.
More Off-Roading Gear: Best Mountain Bikes●Best Mountain Bike Shorts●Best Gravel Gear
The Best Fat Tire Bikes
- Best Overall: Kona Woo Fat Tire Bike
- Best Value: State 6061 Trail and Fat Bike
- Best All-Arounder: Salsa Heyday Fat Tire Bike
- Best Carbon: Trek Farley 9.6
- Best Folding: Aventon Sinch.2
The Expert (Vanessa Nirode): As an NYC-based, all-weather bike commuter, I’ve been writing about bikes, gear, health and wellness and adventure travel for 15 years at publications like Bicycling, Runner’s World, Time, HuffPost, Adventure Cycling Magazine, and many others. I’m also an avid bikepacker, and have cycled through most of Europe, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Mongolia, Russia, Iran and Turkey, among others.
What to Consider in a Fat Tire Bike
Join Bicycling All Access for more gear advice
How We Selected
Several bikes on our list were selected by our test team, which spent significant time riding each of them in various conditions. The internal team also spent time researching the market, consulting user reviews, and speaking to bike shop mechanics and owners. The bikes were evaluated based on handling, comfort and feel, reliability, and the quality of components.
For these updates, I leveraged my personal experience riding all types of bikes on and off road, through city streets, rural gravel roads, mountain trails, and farmers’ fields. I consulted user reviews and my own professional bike shop mechanic network in New York City to select the best fat bikes for different scenarios. I took into consideration overall value, components, durability, comfort, and handling capabilities in all sorts of conditions.
Our Full Fat Tire Bike Reviews
Pros
- Lots of accessory mounts
- Powerful hydraulic brakes
- Light for a fat bike
Cons
- No rear rack mounts
Key Specs
| Weight | 33 lb |
|---|---|
| Wheels Size | 26 in. |
| Tire Width | 4.8 in. |
| Tubeless ready | Yes |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Fork | Kona Wo Fat Carbon |
| Brakes | Shimano MT410 hydraulic |
With 4.8-inch-wide tires, a plethora of accessory mounts, powerful Shimano MT410 hydraulic brakes, and trail geometry, the Kona Woo is both versatile and dependable. Equipped with a 12 speed Shimano Deore drivetrain and 11 x 51 rear cassette, the Woo climbs steep, snowy mountains without fear (regardless of your reservations).
Three pack-cage mounts on each side of the carbon fork as well as two sets of water bottle cage mounts on the down tube make it an excellent choice for bikepacking expeditions. If you just want to take it out for some snowy single-track riding, the trail geometry provides balance while ascending and stability when descending.
The internal headset allows for bar and stem height adjustability, while the tire width means you can pedal over most any surface (sand, snow, rocks, and roots) without giving it a second thought. At 33 pounds, it’s also one of the lighter fat bikes on our list, which adds to its versatility. It’s not so heavy that you’ll unduly struggle to get it up and down stairs when necessary, or up into a train car or vehicle mount.
Pros
- Rear rack mounts
- Internal cable routing to rear
- Integrated headset
Cons
- No fork mounts
- Heavy wheels
Key Specs
| Weight | 39 lb |
|---|---|
| Wheels Size | 26 in. |
| Tire Width | 4.5 in. |
| Tubeless ready | No |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Fork | Alloy A-head |
| Brakes | Tektro mechanical |
At just around $1,000, the State 6061 Trail+ is an exceptional value. If you’re thinking about adding a fat bike to your stable, it’s an affordable way to dip your toe in the water, so to speak. Its aluminum frame and integrated headset boasts a streamlined look. Its 4.5-inch tires roll confidently over snow, sand and rocks, making it a wonderful explorer bike, though the shorter reach geometry makes it better suited for flatter trails. The rear rack mounts make it a great choice for commuting and shopping trips.
It features a nine-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain and mechanical Tektro disc brakes, which aren’t elite components, but offer sufficiently strong and reliable performance in line with its price. The lower gear ratio (11 x 36 rear cassette), though, will likely make steep climbing (in snow or otherwise) quite challenging, and the bike’s overall geometry can make descending at fast speeds feel a bit harrowing – especially if you are a novice single-track mountain biker like me.
Pros
- Multiple cargo mounts
- 5-inch tire clearance
- Supports single-speed and geared drivetrains
Cons
- No rack mounts on rear
- No dropper seat post (but one can be routed)
Key Specs
| Weight | 34.5 lb |
|---|---|
| Wheels Size | 26 in. |
| Tire Width | 4.6 in. |
| Tubeless ready | Yes |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Fork | Kinesis aluminum |
| Brakes | Tektro hydraulic |
Salsa’s versatile Heydey fat bike, formerly known as the Mukluk, represents an almost perfect marriage of speed and off-road capability. Salsa has been making a version of this bike since 2010 and it seems to be one of the most popular bikes within the bikepacking community based on my adventures.
The Alternator 1.0 dropouts support both single-speed and geared drivetrains (it comes equipped with microShift’s Advent nine-speed version with derailleur clutch) as well as different tire and wheel sizes. The dropouts include a swinging dropout design that makes adjusting the chain-stay length quick and easy. The low center of gravity near the rear of the bike makes it comfortably stable when rolling over rocks, roots, and other bumpy terrain. You can also order the Heydey with 27.5- or 29-inch wheels and tires.
It features lots of clearance–enough to accommodate tires up to 4.8-inches wide–and a slew of cargo mounts, which explains why it’s so popular among bikepackers. It has two water bottle mounts in the frame triangle, down tube mounts for an additional bottle, pump, or other accessory, and two sets of fork mounts designed to hold Salsa Anything Cages and other similar three-hole accessories.
It’s also compatible with the Salsa Alternator 190 rear rack by installing a Salsa Rack-Lock or Post-Lock. (The rack lock keeps your seat post in place and provides mounts for a rack, while the post lock only works as a rack mounting device.)
All of this means the Heydey can easily be dressed up or down depending on where you plan to ride and for how long. It performs well as a touring bike for long expeditions, an overnight winter bikepacking rig, and a rigid mountain bike. All in all, it’s an excellent, well-rounded and reliable fat tire bike.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adjustable dropouts
- Cage and bag mounts on fork
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a suspension fork
Key Specs
| Weight | 29 lb |
|---|---|
| Wheels Size | 27.5 in. |
| Tire Width | 4.5 in. |
| Tubeless ready | Yes |
| Frame | Carbon |
| Fork | Farley carbon |
| Brakes | SRAM Level Bronze hydraulic |
This is Trek’s flagship fat tire, and the brand has pulled out all the stops to make a bike that will likely be the answer to every off-road lover and downhill bomber’s winter bike wish. Like many fat bikes, Trek's Farley 9.6 has stud-ready 4.5-inch-wide tires. However, those tires are wrapped around larger 27.5-inch rims. The larger diameter means smoother rolling and better traction, emphasizing the best qualities of any fat bike.
In addition to larger wheels, the Farley 9.6 has a dropper post and a carbon suspension fork. The dropper post gives you control at higher speeds, and the fork provides additional traction and control on hard surfaces. On a fat tire bike, more traction is always better.
It’s also lightweight at 29 lbs., and comes with a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and SRAM Level TL brakes. The Farley’s handling befits this all-season versatility, proving predictable at slower speeds on soft surfaces and surprisingly predictable at higher speeds on dirt trails. If you’re the kind of rider who goes out no matter how gnarly the conditions might get, this is the perfect fat bike.
Pros
- Integrated turn signals in rear lights
- Concealed USB port
- Foldable design makes it easy to store and transport
Cons
- Heavy
Key Specs
| Weight | 68 lb |
|---|---|
| Wheels Size | 20 in. |
| Tire Width | 4 in. |
| Tubeless ready | No |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Fork | RST GUIDE-ML-20 45mm travel, with lockout |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc |
If you want a folding bike that can handle bumpy roads or mild trails, the Aventon Sinch.2 is a Class 2 electric bike that brings some fat bike fun to the commute-friendly folding bike form factor. It features a powerful 500-watt sustained rear hub motor (750 watts at peak speed) with an Aventon eight-speed drivetrain, a range of 55 miles (which should be more than enough to get a few days errands/commutes done), a top speed of 20 miles per hour and an integrated 48-volt battery.
The bike has four different power settings including eco, tour, sport, and turbo as well as a throttle on demand. The throttle itself can be unplugged and removed if you’re riding somewhere they are prohibited.
Notable perks include a fender- and rear rack, front suspension with 45mm of travel for a smooth ride no matter what sort of terrain you’re pedaling over, and a step through frame which, makes it easy to hop on and off when running errands. The Sinch.2 design adds a new torque sensor, which measures how much pressure you’re applying to the pedals and provides assistance accordingly (this helps to alleviate unexpected power bursts.)
Oh, and there’s a concealed USB port for phone charging and a clear LED display that shows speed, battery life and pedal assist level. All of this makes the Sinch.2 a great choice for commuters who want to ditch their car, but would prefer to avoid arriving at every destination looking sweaty… Like me.
Before you invest in a Sinch.2, it’s worth taking note that Aventon recalled Sinch.2 bikes sold between April and August 2023 due to reports of bikes accelerating unexpectedly. Should you purchase the device and experience such an issue, Aventon can fix the issue with a software update, which technicians will install at your nearest authorized dealer.
Pros
- Lightweight frame
- Powerful mechanical disc brakes
Cons
- 90-pound weight limit
Key Specs
| Weight | 24.5 lb |
|---|---|
| Wheels Size | 24 in. |
| Tire Width | 2.6 in. |
| Tubeless ready | No |
| Frame | SmartForm C3 Aluminum Alloy |
| Fork | SmartForm C3 Aluminum Alloy |
| Brakes | Tektro mechanical disc |
Cannondale’s lightweight, durable aluminum Trail Plus comes with 2.6-inch tires for rolling over roots, garden hoses, curbs, branches, rocks and anything else that might end up in your kid’s path. With powerful Tektro mechanical brakes and an eight-speed trigger shifter, your little mountain biker can join you on the trails.
As far as I’m concerned, that’s one of the best ways to spend quality family time. Plus, this version of the Trail Plus features an eye-catching khaki and orange paint job, helping it look as good as it performs during rides close to home and on the trails.
Pros
- Handily maneuverable, even fully loaded
- Quality stock parts and components
Cons
- Relatively small frame triangle can make it hard to fit a frame bag
Key Specs
| Weight | 34.7 lb |
|---|---|
| Wheels Size | 26 in. |
| Tire Width | 4.8 in. |
| Tubeless ready | Yes |
| Frame | Surly Chromoly Steel |
| Fork | Surly Chromoly Steel |
| Brakes | Tektro Gemini HD-M520 Disc |
Built with 100-percent steel and equipped with 4.8-inch tires, Surly’s Ice Cream Truck will roll comfortably over almost anything in its path. This capable bike features a Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain for hilly rides, and hydraulic disc brakes that function well in sub-freezing temperatures. We were particularly happy about the versatile mounting options for bottle cages and bags, making this handy for commuting as well as packing overnight gear.
It’s also quite customizable, with a frame geometry compatible with internal dropper post routing and suspension forks if you want to add some travel to your ride. Either without modifications, the massive tires and sturdy frame provide enough cushion and stability to take you most anywhere you want to go.
Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus Utility Bike
Pros
- Semi-integrated battery
- Comes with built-in back rack and LED lights
- Powerful hydraulic disc brakes
Cons
- Heavy
Key Specs
| Weight | 75.5 lb |
|---|---|
| Wheels Size | 20 in. |
| Tire Width | 3.3 in. |
| Tubeless ready | No |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Fork | RST spring fork with 60mm travel |
| Brakes | Tektro Hydraulic HD-E350 |
Generally speaking, many riders don’t consider fat-tire bikes as well suited to commuting as hybrids or gravel bikes. The larger tires slow you down with the added resistance on pavement, and the majority of fat-tire bikes don’t handle as nimbly as those with skinnier tires. We found a good middle ground with this electric bike equipped with wider tires and a strong battery life that can hold up in cold conditions.
This convenient commuter is a recent addition to Rad’s RadRunner line. It features a low step-through frame that makes it easy to hop on and off when running errands, 750 watts of power, and a 45-mile battery range, all floating on a suspension fork with 60mm travel and 3.3-inch tires. This bike comes with an integrated back rack with 120 pound carrying capacity, a moped-style saddle, integrated LED head and tail lights, plus a heavy-duty kickstand. There’s also an intuitive dual screen display with a speedometer, odometer, clock and information on battery level and pedal assist level.
Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus Electric Fat Tire Bike
Pros
- Lights included
- Comes with fenders
- Comfortable ride
Cons
- Heavy
Key Specs
| Weight | 74 lb |
|---|---|
| Wheels Size | 26 in. |
| Tire Width | 4 in. |
| Tubeless ready | No |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Fork | RST spring fork with 60mm travel |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc |
Available as a high-step or step-through, the RadRover is a Class 2 e-bike that makes sense for everything from tooling around town to exploring unpaved trails. It’s also our top pick among all the fat-tire e-bikes we tested. With a 750-watt hub motor and Shimano’s Altus seven-speed drivetrain, the bike has a maximum range of 45 miles and a top speed of 20 mph. A simple LED display makes it clear how much juice you have left, and the bike has five levels of pedal assist you can shift through with the push of a button.
The bike comes equipped with front and rear fenders, a bell, kickstand, and electric lights. You also have the option to add a wide array of accessories. These accessories are sold separately, but make the RadRover 6 a highly versatile leisure bike. It is heavy though, and can feel sluggish at times regardless of gear or pedal-assist setting.
Q+A With Our Experts
Vanessa Nirode is a freelance writer who covers wellness, culture, outdoor adventure and travel for Hearst, HuffPost, PopSci, BBC Travel, and Threads, among others. She’s also a pattern maker and tailor for film and television but most of the time, she’d rather just be riding her bicycle.
Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.
As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.
