Updated May 27, 2021
The first time you saw a fat bike (aka fat tire bike), it probably looked pretty wild – something like a monster-truck designer’s parody of what a bicycle should look like. When you finally get a chance to ride one some of the advantages become clear. The oversized tires and rims make traveling over soft surfaces like sand, snow, and mud much easier. With low-inflation pressure, a shock is more easily absorbed making for a smoother ride over rocky or rough terrain, as well, great for trail-riding and mountain biking.
There are many on the market today at all price levels and variable quality. To help you find one of a high standard at an affordable price between $400 and $2,000, some top fat bikes that meet those criteria have been selected as an introduction. The chosen models are presented in a simple comparison table, followed by reviews with descriptions, key features, photos, videos, and a basic buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more information on bikes, please check these reviews:
Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
Best Fat Bikes for 2021
- Mongoose Dolomite Fat Bike
- Gravity Bullseye Monster 5X FS Fat Bike
- Mongoose Juneau Fat Bike
- Framed Minnesota Men’s Fat Bike
- Framed Minnesota Women’s Fat Bike
- Diamondback El Oso Tres Hardtail Mountain Fat Bike
- Mongoose Vinson Fat Tire Bike
- Diamondback El Oso Nino Fat Bike
Best Fat Bikes Comparison Table
| Photo | Bike | Frame | Gears | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Mongoose Dolomite Fat Bike | Steel | 1 x 7 Shimano | $ |
  | Gravity Bullseye Monster 5X FS Fat Bike | Aluminum | 1 x 10 SRAM | $$$ |
  | Mongoose Juneau Fat Bike | Aluminum | 2 x 8 Shimano | $ |
  | Framed Minnesota Men's Fat Bike | Aluminum | 1 x 10 Shimano | $$ |
| Framed Minnesota Women's Fat Bike | Aluminum | 1 x 10 Shimano | $$ |
  | Diamondback El Oso Tres Hardtail Mountain Fat Bike | Aluminum | 1 x 11 Shimano | $$$$ |
  | Mongoose Vinson Fat Tire Bike | Aluminum | 3 x 8 Shimano/SRAM | $$ |
  | Diamondback El Oso Nino Fat Bike | Steel | 1 x 7 Shimano | $ |
| Photo | Bike | Frame | Drive Train | Price |
Durable Steel Frame, Bargain-Priced, All-Around Fat Bike
With a great reputation among BMX and MTN riders, Mongoose has created the Dolomite Fat Bike with a sturdy slightly heavy steel frame, lightweight alloy rims, and an easy-adjust seat suitable for riders from 5’6” to 6’0”.
The 1 x 7 Shimano gears have easy-to-use twist shifters when you need to climb a hill or change levels and the 4-inch knobby tires can handle a range of terrain surfaces including sand and snow.
The dual disc brakes stop you effectively, it is equipped with a sport seat and beach cruiser pedals, and is currently available in navy blue.
- Size: 18 inches (for riders 5’6”-6’0”)
- Weight: 48.5 pounds
- Frame/Fork: high tensile steel frame, lightweight corrosion-resistant alloy fork
- Tires: 26 x 4-inch all-terrain knobby
- Wheels: corrosion-resistant alloy
- Gears: 1 x 7 Shimano rear derailleur with a twist shifter
- Brakes: dual mechanical disc brakes
- Easy to adjust saddle height to suit a big range of adult riders with a threadless headset
- Comfortable beach cruiser pedals
- Color: navy blue
- Low-priced
Gravity Bullseye Monster 5X FS Fat Bike
Front Suspension, 
Extra-Wide Tires, High-Quality Fat Bike
The Gravity Bullseye Monster 5X FS Fat Bike has through-axle front suspension and extra-wide 4.9-inch tires for a setup ready to absorb the most severe bumps and shocks you might encounter in the snow or on rocks.
High-quality Shimano hydraulic brakes front and rear provide reliable stopping power for this lightweight aluminum bike with an SRAM 10-speed drivetrain.
Available in a range of sizes to handle riders from 5’5” to 6’6”, it comes in matte black or lava red.
- Size: 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 inches (for riders 5’5”-6’6”)
- Weight: NA (different based on size)
- Frame/Fork: aluminum
- Tires: extra-wide 26 x 4.9-inch all-terrain
- Gears: 1 x 10, high-quality SRAM components
- Brakes: reliable dual Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- RST Renegade TNL front suspension with through-axle
- Color: matte black, lava red
View More From Gravity Bullseye Monster
Lightweight, Budget Fat Bike
The Mongoose Juneau Fat Bike is durable and lightweight with a hydro-formed aluminum frame.
All-terrain tires with extra-wide 3-inch alloy rims provide enhanced support, and a Shimano 16-speed drivetrain with trigger shifters enables fast switches when new challenges arise.
With an easy-adjust seat, it fits a range of riders from 5’4” to 6’2”, and dual disc brakes bring you to a quick stop when necessary.
Currently available in slate grey, the pricing is quite reasonable.
- Size: one size, measurement unavailable (for riders 5’4”-6’2”)
- Weight: 36.6 pounds
- Frame/Fork: aluminum hydro-formed tube frame, rigid suspension
- Tires: 26 x 4-inch all-terrain
- Wheels: 3-inch wide drilled rim, corrosion-resistant alloy
- Gears: 2 x 8 Shimano drivetrain with Shimano trigger shifters
- Brakes: dual disc brakes
- Easy to adjust saddle height
- Color: slate grey
- Low-priced
Framed Minnesota Men’s Fat Bike
Affordable, Lightweight Fat Bike
The Framed Minnesota Men’s Fat Bike is a newly revamped base model for the Frame line.
This year it comes in 3 sizes for riders up to 280 pounds with lightweight high-quality TIG-welded 6061 tubular aluminum in the frame and fork.
They have switched to the high-quality 10-speed Shimano Deore M6000 drivetrain with precision index shifting of trigger shifters.
The design also includes quick-release axles for tool-free tube and tire changes.
It comes in grey or black/red with a comfortable, adjustable Velo S2 saddle, and Wellgo composite plastic trail pedals.
- Size: 18, 20, and 22 inches (for riders up to 280 pounds)
- Weight: 34.25 pounds (18-inch frame)
- Frame/Fork: durable, lightweight TIG welded 6061 tubular aluminum frame, lightweight corrosion-resistant alloy fork
- Tires: 26 x 4-inch all-terrain knobby
- Wheels: 32-hole corrosion-resistant alloy
- Gears: 1 x 10, Shimano Deore M6000 derailleur and trigger shifters
- Brakes: dual Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes
- Comfortable easy-adjust Velo S2 saddle
- Wellgo B223BN dense composite plastic trail pedals
- Color: black/red, grey
- Warranty: ask the seller for full details
- Reasonably-priced
Framed Minnesota Women’s Fat Bike
Affordable, Women’s Fat Bike
The Framed Minnesota Women’s Fat Bike is basically the men’s version reviewed above in slightly smaller frame sizes of 15 and 17 inches suitable for slightly smaller women’s body sizes.
The other components are the same as the ones on the men’s bike to upgrade in 2020 from previous models.
Frame recommends the women’s fat bike for riders up to 300 pounds for aggressive trail, off-road, touring, and racing adventures.
This one comes in attractive seafoam coloration.
- Size: 15, and 17 inches (for riders up to 300 pounds)
- Weight: under 34.25 pounds
- Frame/Fork: durable, lightweight TIG welded 6061 tubular aluminum frame, lightweight corrosion-resistant alloy fork
- Tires: 26 x 4-inch all-terrain knobby
- Wheels: 32-hole corrosion-resistant alloy
- Gears: 1 x 10, Shimano Deore M6000 derailleur and trigger shifters
- Brakes: dual Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes
- Comfortable easy-adjust Velo S2 saddle
- Wellgo B223BN dense composite plastic trail pedals
- Color: seafoam
- Warranty: ask the seller for full details
- Reasonably-priced
Diamondback El Oso Tres Hardtail Mountain Fat Bike
Premium, Front Suspension, Extra-Wide Tires, Lightweight Fat Bike
The Diamondback El Oso Tres Hardtail Mountain Fat Bike is the premium model in the class of fat bikes reviewed here.
It is lightweight with high-quality 6061 aluminum in the frame with a suspension fork and extra-wide 4.5-inch tires for gripping and overcoming any obstacles the terrain and conditions offer up.
Available in 3 sizes with a comfortable saddle and dropper seat post for riders from 5’4” to 6’1”, it has through axles front and rear to enhance steering precision.
Also equipped with a Shimano drivetrain and shifters and Mt 500 hydraulic disc brakes, it has a fairly high price but comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame to offset it somewhat.
- Size: 16, 18, and 20 inches (for riders from 5’4” to 6’1” pounds)
- Weight: 35.6 pounds
- Frame/Fork: durable, lightweight 6061 double-butted aluminum frame, and a RockShox Bluto 100mm travel fork
- Tires: wide 26 x 4.5-inch all-terrain
- Gears: 1 x 11, Shimano SLX M7000 drivetrain and shifters
- Brakes: dual Shimano Mt 500 hydraulic disc brakes
- Comfortable saddle with dropper seat post
- DB DNC platform pedals
- Through axles front and rear for enhanced steering precision
- Warranty: lifetime on the frame for the original buyer
Affordable, Small Person’s Fat Bike
The Mongoose Vinson Fat Tire Bike is a solid all-terrain mountain bike with a rigid MTB fork that is a great match for smaller adults and older children from 4’ to 5’2”, with a 14-inch lightweight aluminum frame and 24 x 4-inch tires.
Matched with the versatile gear range of the 3 x 8 Shimano and SRAM drive train and shifters, and dual disc brakes, it is ready to tackle whatever conditions you can encounter.
The pricing is moderate.
- Size: 14 inches (for riders 4’ to 5’2”)
- Weight: 34 pounds
- Frame/Fork: durable aluminum frame, rigid suspension
- Tires: 24 x 4-inch all-terrain knobby
- Wheels: alloy
- Gears: 3 x 8 Shimano front derailleur, SRAM X4 rear derailleur and trigger shifters, and 3-piece alloy crank
- Brakes: dual mechanical disc brakes
- Color: blue
- Reasonably-priced
Diamondback El Oso Nino Fat Bike
Sturdy, Affordable Kid’s Fat Bike
The Diamondback El Oso Nino Fat Bike lets the kids in on the off-road fun with these 20-inch fat tires on a durable steel frame that will take whatever the mud, snow, gravel, and the kids can dish out and then some.
It has a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain and easy-to-use grip shifter for versatility in the pedaling and dual disc brakes for quick stops that will go a long way toward keeping them safe.
They’ll pedal in comfort on the padded seat.
This bike will get them off to a good start and you’ll be happy to make it happen with the affordable pricing.
- Size: 20 inches (for riders 3’8” to 4’8”, 4 to 11 years old)
- Weight: 35.5 pounds
- Frame/Fork: durable high-tensile steel frame and fork
- Tires: 20 x 4-inch Chaoyang all-terrain knobby
- Wheels: 32h jr. fatty alloy
- Gears: 1 x 7 Shimano drivetrain and grip shifter
- Brakes: dual disc brakes
- Padded jr. diamondback seat
- Low-priced
Best Fat Bikes Buying Guide
Wheels
As with mountain bikes, the most common wheel size is 26 inches. It is possible to find 27.5 or 29-inch wheels and these generally will suit taller riders. 24-inch and 20-inch wheels are available for smaller adults and children.
Tires
Wide tires are the signature component on fat bikes and they range from 3.8 inches to 5 inches in width compared to 1.95 inches to 2.5 inches for standard mountain bike tires. Most of the bikes reviewed here have tires 4 inches in width. If you change over to fatter tires on your fat bike or any bike make sure that you have enough frame and fork clearance to accommodate them. Take into consideration the type of surface you will be riding on, as well, to help determine the type of tread you choose. Some surfaces require a better grip to be most effective.
Frame
The frame is the foundation of a bike that it depends on for structural integrity, strength, and performance. The materials used on fat bike frames are steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber. Each has its strengths and weaknesses.
- Steel is strong but more expensive than aluminum and relatively heavy. Rust is a factor so a good anti-rust and corrosion treatment or paint job are essential.
- Aluminum is lighter than steel and strong but more brittle. Aluminum alloy is most commonly used, though pure aluminum can be found which is even lighter but more expensive. Quality welding is also important to look for.
- Carbon fiber is the most expensive and is very light and sturdy. None of the bikes in the price range reviewed here use it.
Gears/Drivetrain
When you pedal your bike, the drivetrain takes the power generated from pedaling and transfers it to the rear wheel.
A drivetrain has at minimum one chainring attached to the pedals and a cog or cassette of cogs attached to the rear wheel. With more than one chainring and a cassette, it is possible to implement different gear combinations by shifting the chain from one chainring to another and one cog in the rear to another. The different combinations require different levels of exertion to achieve more or fewer revolutions. If you are hill climbing, for example, you may find it preferable to have easier pedaling with more revolutions.
Drivetrains can be configured with a variable number of chainrings to go with the cassette of cogs in the rear. If there is 1 ring in front and 11 cogs in the rear, the bike has a 1 x 11 drivetrain. If it has 3 rings in the front and 8 cogs in the rear, it has a 3 x 8 drivetrain.
Drivetrains with multiple chainrings and a cassette use derailleurs for shifting gears. It is important that the drivetrain and components are reliable and durable. Shimano and SRAM are companies that manufacturers count on for high-quality levels.
Additional Advice: How to Use Bike Gears
Brakes
Most of the best fat bikes and all reviewed here use disc brakes. These come in two versions, mechanical and hydraulic. Mechanical disc brakes are reliable, effective, and inexpensive but require manual adjustment as pads wear down. Hydraulic disc brakes self-adjust for pad wear, and provide better sensitivity and control with less stress on the hands but come at a higher price. The top brands to look for are SRAM and their subsidiary, Avid, and Shimano.
Forks and Suspension
The fork holds the front wheel in place and connects it to the frame. Because fat bikes have such large tires that use low inflation, they are squishy and absorb shock fairly efficiently even with a rigid fork, which is most common. There are models that employ a suspension fork with springs or hydraulics that can help to make the ride smoother. Of the bikes reviewed here, the Gravity Bullseye Monster 5X FS Fat Bike and the Diamondback El Oso Tres Hardtail Mountain Fat Bike are such models. Suspension forks for fat bikes require wide clearance with a special design to suit the wide tires.
More on Fat Bike Selection
For more information on bikes, please check these reviews:
Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
Feedback and Comments
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