Why you need a Fat Bike!
As outdoor enthusiasts, we all know that having the right gear is essential to enjoying and succeeding in our chosen activities. Whether we are hitting the trails for a hike, hitting the slopes for some skiing, or hitting the water for some kayaking, having the right equipment can make all the difference in our experience.
One piece of equipment that is often overlooked, but can be incredibly useful in a wide range of activities, is a fat bike. Also known as a fat-tire bike, a fat bike is a type of mountain bike with oversized tires, typically 4-5 inches in width. These wide tires provide a number of benefits that make them ideal for a variety of outdoor adventures.
Our choice of a fat bike is the one that is more trail orientated, so with a head tube angle of 66 to 68 degrees. This helps a lot with handling, likewise light wheels. When buying a bike, we are also looking for hydraulic disc brakes, a 1x drivetrain, 27.5in, and a ridge - so no suspension.
Our choice of bikes:
One of the most obvious benefits of fat bikes is their ability to handle rough and uneven terrain. The wide tires provide a large contact patch with the ground, giving the rider better traction and stability on loose or uneven surfaces. This makes fat bikes ideal for off-road adventures, whether you are tackling rocky trails or sandy beaches.
Another advantage of fat bikes is their ability to float over soft surfaces. The wide tires provide a low-pressure, high-volume design that allows the bike to literally float on top of sand or snow. This makes fat bikes perfect for exploring remote areas that are inaccessible to other types of bikes, such as snowy trails down south in the winter or sandy beaches in the summer.
In addition to their off-road capabilities, fat bikes are also incredibly versatile. The wide tires and sturdy frames make them ideal for carrying heavy loads, making them a great option for bikepacking or touring. And, because they are mountain bikes at heart, they can also handle technical singletrack trails and other challenging terrains.
But perhaps the biggest advantage of fat bikes is the pure fun factor. Riding a fat bike is a unique and exhilarating experience, and it's hard not to smile when you're cruising over rough terrain or floating through the snow. And, because fat bikes are becoming more and more popular, there are a growing number of fat bike-specific trails and events to explore.
In conclusion, if you love the outdoors and are looking for a versatile and fun piece of equipment, a fat bike is definitely worth considering. Whether you're tackling rugged trails, exploring remote beaches, or just looking for a new way to have fun, a fat bike has a lot to offer. So why not give one a try and see for yourself? You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
See our list of local fatbiking adventures.
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