Top 7 Fatbikes

For lovers of extreme driving on mountain slopes, off-road fields, sand dunes of deserts and beaches there is a special kind of bike - fatbike. It differs from the urban or sports prototype wheels with full tires, enhanced drive and a larger frame. We present the rating, which includes 7 best fatbayks according to experts from the online magazine EXPERTOLOGY, compiled on the basis of the opinions of athletes and bikers.

How to choose a fatback

Like any other type of sports equipment, fatbayki differ among themselves in different parameters. They need to be considered when choosing a “fat bike” (as fatbike literally translates) for a particular person.

Wheels

Wheel thickness determines how comfortable the ride will be. The calculation is simple: the wider the tire, the lower the pressure per unit surface, the easier it is to travel off-road. Plus, narrow wheels are more susceptible to drowning in snow or mud than thick ones, the indicator for fatbikes is 3.5 ... 4.8 inches versus 2 inches from a bicycle.

Wide wheels require an increased size of discs and sleeves: they are made of metal, respectively, the total weight of the bike is significantly increased compared with the urban and even mountain counterpart.

The wheel diameter is determined by the height of the bike and the growth of the rider, the minimum size is 26 inches. However, an increase of even 1 inch significantly increases the price of a bike, so if you want to save money, you should choose the minimum wheel diameter.

Frame and transmission

It is impossible to install wide wheels with tires on an ordinary bicycle - a narrow frame will not allow. In the fatback it is broadened, the rear triangle is modified, the front fork is reinforced. Mechanical or hydraulic clamping discs are used as brakes that can slow down and stop heavy wheels even in slope or off-road conditions. To transfer the traction to the wheel low gear is provided - only it can hold the grip of complex surfaces and wheels without much effort. High gear on such a vehicle is uncomfortable - the pedals will have to be turned, putting a lot of strength, and the stability of the drive leaves much to be desired.

Bike size

As in the case of footwear, it is not expedient to make a mistake when choosing the size of the bike, as it will be uncomfortable with too little transport due to limited movement, too large, on the contrary, it will be heavy and non-maneuverable on the roads.

Frame size	Literal value and size	Height, cm
13,5"…15"	XS	148…158
16"…17"	S	158…168
17"…18"	M	168…178
19"…20"	L	178…185
21"+	XL	185 and above

The second way to determine the appropriate frame size is to measure the inside of the leg from the groin to the base of the heel. So you can find out the distance from the saddle to the pedal more accurately, because the proportions within the same height of people are different. Those are followed by 2 ways of buying a Fetbike in size:

Come to the store and "ride" your favorite bike, suitable in size in accordance with the growth of the above methods.

Find in the documentation of the landing scheme of the biker, in it all the dimensions and distances between key points are specified more precisely. The method is suitable for those who want to save on the purchase and purchase a fatbike in the online store.

What to choose a bike or mountain bike

In order to more accurately determine the need for a fatbike, let's compare it with the prototype - the more famous and popular mountain bike.

Comparison option	Mountain bike	Fatbike
Wheel type	Bicycle, reinforced	With a thick tire and deep tread
Wheel diameter	From 26 "(adult models)
Internal wheel pressure	From 2 to 4 atmospheres	0.5 ... 2 atmospheres
Wheel width	2 inches	3.5 ... 4.8 inches
Maneuverability	High	Average
Passability over snow, sand	Low even with special tires	Good
Smooth ride	Optimum thanks to the air damper	Ideal with and without shock absorber due to reduced wheel pressure
Design features	Classic	With a wider frame, rear triangle and a modified triangle for a wide wheel
Weight	On average, 14 ... 20 kg	1-2 kg more than a regular bike bike for highlands
Price	From 7,000 rubles	From 28 000 rubles and above + very expensive repairs

Analyzing the results of the comparison, we conclude: the fatbike will be useful for true cyclists, overcoming difficult off-road in the form of snow, sand, quagmire. By riding on relatively flat or hard grounds a mountain bike will fit - it is much easier and cheaper, besides, pedaling is much easier and easier to turn. In addition, the choice of decent fatbaykov in Russia is small due to the poor development of the sports direction.

Top Fatbike Ratings

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Top Fatbike Ratings	1	Haibike Fatcurve 6.20 (2016)	135 900 ₽
	2	Silverback Scoop Fatty (2017)	84 600 ₽
	3	Momentum iRide Rocker 3 (2018)	42 625 ₽
	4	FORWARD Bizon (2018)	23 500 ₽
	5	STARK Fat 26.2 D (2018)	27 900 ₽
	6	STELS Navigator 680 MD 26 V040 (2018)	21 560 ₽
	7	STELS Pilot 280 MD 20 (2017)	14 319 ₽

Haibike Fatcurve 6.20 (2016)

Rating: 4.9

The first in the rating of the bike Haibike Fatcurve 6.20 model 2016 release. This is a real “shark” among cyclists: it is designed for an athlete with a height of 167 ... 168 cm with a total weight of 14.3 kg and an aluminum frame size of 15.74, 17.71 or 19.68 inches (3 sizes). Fatbike wheels are small - a minimum size of 26 inches, praise deserves powerful wide Schwalbe Jumbo Jim Evolution tires by 4.8 inches on an aluminum rim. If you do not fully inflate the wheels, the ride will be soft and comfortable in the absence of the road, a Hard tail damper is provided for extra smoothness.

The RST Renegade Air TRL 100 mm professional-grade air-oil plug with a height of 100 mm is responsible for the confidence of maneuvering and control, allows you to overcome obstacles without shaking and softens the course along with pneumatic wheels. For it, you can adjust the stiffness and speed of compression of the spring, the speed of the reverse and blocking the course, the plug communicates with the threadless steering column by a semi-integrated connection. The whole design is reliable, works flawlessly and does not fail on the road.

Haibike Fatcurve Fatbike steering wheel curved, suitable for an athlete with any constitution and fit. It is located on the switch provided 20 speeds, connected by a chain of front and rear. On such a powerful fatbike, it is simply necessary to have strong and durable brakes: semi-professional discs on hydraulics in front and behind, both 180 mm each, fixed on a sleeve, fork or frame.

The impressive characteristics of the Haibike Fatcurve 6.20 Fatbike make the bike versatile: it is suitable for traveling in the fields, mountains, snow and mud, all the small parts and the frame are made soundly, but for repairing individual parts you will have to pay a lump sum, because the cost of the boiler itself is about 135,000 rubles . But travel enthusiasts on their own does not stop it, because maintenance of the bike is almost not required - it is so securely made.

Silverback Scoop Fatty (2017)

Rating: 4.8

Silverback Scoop Fatty 2017, the second place in the second place, is heavier than the leader - its weight slightly exceeds 15 kg, but it differs slightly from bikes for different height due to differences in frame sizes.

The frame part and the fork are also made of aluminum, the wheels are also 26 inches in diameter, but slightly less in width - 4.7, although the difference from 4.8 is practically not felt. Vee tire Bulldozer tires, 26x4.7, Foldable, 120TPI show themselves well on any roads, keep the tread and soften the ride, especially since there are no shock absorbers in the fetbike, and the fork is hard - on a rocky terrain the rider will be uncomfortable. A straight wheel on a threadless column transmits to the hands all the bumps from the road, which the tire volume has not paid off, so the Silverback Scoop Fatty needs to sit only in good physical shape.

The lack of depreciation and somewhat stiff riding do not provide for ultrafast acceleration, so the rear disc brake is reduced to 160 mm against the front 180 mm. The difference is small, but still noticeable at considerable speed.

Switches of 20 speeds are sporty and semi-professional, they have no problems with them, they work harmoniously, in particular, thanks to high-quality two-lever trigger shifters and integrated carriages, in a 10-star cassette.

The average price of the Silverback Scoop Fatty fatback (2017) is significantly lower compared to the leader - about 85,000 rubles.

Momentum iRide Rocker 3 (2018)

Rating: 4.8

Fatbike Momentum iRide Rocker 3 was released in 2024 and managed to earn the confidence of fans to ride outside the roadway. It has the same wheel by 26 inches, reinforced with two rims, but the tire width is already 4 inches, i.e., it is moving a little on snow and sand on it, albeit a bit worse than on previously considered fatbikes. There is no depreciation, the fork is hard - on the Momentum iRide Rocker 3 in the mountains will not be very comfortable. Well, that curved steering wheel allows you to make a comfortable grip to simplify taxiing. It is not possible to speed up on such a bike quickly - it has only 7 speeds, while the rear derailleur is walking, as is the 160-mm disc brake without pneumatics. It can be mounted on a frame or fork. The shifters are also walking, the carriages are not integrated. Everything suggests that Momentum iRide Rocker 3 is rather a big bike for riding gravel roads, field trails, but not over mountains and rough terrain. It has a convenient parking step and a bottle cage.

The average price of a fatback is 51,000 rubles.

FORWARD Bizon (2018)

Rating: 4.7

Fourth in the FORWARD Bizon rating is a two-dimensional fatbike with a frame of 16 "(150-165 cm) and 18" (167-178 cm). It has the same 26-inch wheels as its predecessors, the width of the tire CST C-1752, 26x4.0 ", 60TPI 4 inches - enough for walking on the road, but not extreme terrain. In addition, there are no shock absorbers on the wheels, the fork is hard A curved steering wheel on a semi-integrated threadless column comes to the rescue.

The speed of the bike is 8, but the transmission is adapted for unhurried walks, just like the brake system of mechanical discs of 160 mm. The carriage is not integrated, the lever arms, but reliable, rarely need replacing.

In general, the 2024 FORWARD Bizon fatbike is a more powerful alternative to mountain bike for off-road driving in moderately rough terrain. Its average price is 28,500 rubles.

STARK Fat 26.2 D (2018)

Rating: 4.6

The fifth in the STARK Fat 26.2 D 2024 Fatbike rating in two sizes of 18 and 20 inches and five color options for the frame and wheel rim. It has more speeds than its predecessor FORWARD - all 21, it switches on the steering wheel, but the rear switch is not completely reliable - its level is defined as the initial one, and the front switch is sporty, more maneuverable and practical, which is especially important with a hard fork in the absence of shock absorbers .

The wheels are similar to the predecessors - 26x4 inches, on them tires Chaoyang H5176, known for optimal reliability and maneuverability, despite the Chinese origin. However, they are not designed for cold weather and should not be taken in the winter. Metal cords, not composite, with careful handling and proper care does not rust.

Brake discs 160 mm mechanical walking type. The shifters are also the initial two-lever Shimano ST-EF500, walking carriages, and the mounting portion of the carriage shaft is square, so it is securely fixed without the need for additional fastening.

Like the previous models of fatbikes, STARK Fat 26.2 D is not suitable for professional driving, but for the city and country walks - the very thing. The average price is 33,000 rubles.

STELS Navigator 680 MD 26 V040 (2018)

Rating: 4.5

The STELS Navigator 680 MD 26 V040 bike has two frame sizes - 18 "for height 167-178 cm and 20" for 178-185 cm and total weight 16.26 kg. Wheels with tires 26x4.0 inches from stock rubber are not equipped with shock absorbers, but even without them they extinguish road bumps and create a smooth ride on the bike. By the way, the wheel has no double rim, therefore high loads are contraindicated for it! Metallic cords, requires attention and care.

The speed of the STELS Navigator 680 MD 26 V040 bike is only 8, but their switches can give a surprise on the road - the circuit from time to time on maneuvers drops. You will not have to ride in difficult off-road conditions - neither the wheels nor the components of the walking level, suitable for beginners in the city and parks, will withstand. The shaft of the carriage is rigidly placed on the square. A nice bonus is the established call.

The average price of a fatback STELS Navigator 680 MD 26 V040 (2018) is 30,800 rubles.

STELS Pilot 280 MD 20 (2017)

Rating: 4.5

At the end of the rating, we can’t pass by the STELS Pilot 280 MD 20 model 2017 teenager for teenagers. It is designed for children 80 ... 135 cm tall, frame 11 inches. High loads do not threaten the bike, so there is no cushioning, and the front fork is stiff. The shaking is compensated by soft wheels of reduced diameter of 20 inches on Chao Yang tires, 20x4.0, 30TPI with a double rim profile.

Brakes at feta STELS Pilot 280 mechanical disc front and rear, both 160 mm each. Speed ​​7, but for children they are quite enough. The switches of the walking level are well assembled, the chain does not fall off - this is important for the child. The steering wheel is straight, anatomically uncomfortable, but there are practically no complaints about it. Decoration steering and security element - the bell.

The average price of a fatbike STELS Pilot 280 MD 20 (2017) is 22,000 rubles.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase.Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.