15 Best Fat Tire Bikes You Can Get 2023

Fat bikes provide more comfort than any average mountain bike at the expense of speed. They are the best bikes to ride in muddy, snowy, or sandy regions.

If you want a comfortable bike for all-terrain, you won’t get it wrong with a fat bike. Here are the best fat tire bikes you can buy.

Best Fat Tire Bikes in 2023

1. Surly Ice Cream Truck

No ice cream in the fridge? Simply walk to the ice cream truck. If you happen to love bikes the same way you love ice cream, perhaps you should get the most unique fat bike I’ve come across, the Surly Ice Cream Truck.

It’s not a coincidence that the bike got that name, but it appeared like ice cream when I looked at it for the first time. Surly has perfected the art of building fat bikes for decades, and they never got it wrong with the Surly Ice Cream Truck.

Equipped with a 12-speed Shimano SLX drivetrain and Tektro brakes, the Ice Cream Truck is more of a trail bike than it’s for touring, although it can perform the latter well.

It comes with a rigid fork, which for a fat bike is no issue, considering the amount of shock absorption the wheels offer. Although the bike comes with a Chromoly steel frame, the bike’s geometry is up to par and modern.

The bike offers quick maneuverability, even on a twisted course. With the 80 mm rims holding the 26″ wide tires, you won’t help but get impressed by how this bike rolls over mud and snow. Whatever you are looking for in a fat bike, the Surly Ice Cream Truck will give you.

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2. Marin Nail Trail E2

Looking to nail it? You might as well do so with the Marin Nail Trail E2. With a tubeless system set up, not even a trap of nails on your track would stop you.

If you are looking for a fun-to-ride fat bike doubling up as an electric bike, the Marin Nail Trail E2 got you covered with its 80 mm rims and 27.5″ + tires.

Featuring a durable butted alloy frame, the bike was made for perfection, and it also comes with a dropper post and, of course, the dropper internal routing system.

However, what excited me was the massive RockShox Revelation RC fork with a massive 140 mm of travel. That’s quite something in the world of fat bikes.

E-mountain bikes are here to stay. Ever found yourself in a situation where you have to ride up a hill to get home, and your legs have no energy left?

One of the Marin Nail Trail benefits is that it comes with an electric motor to get you where pedaling won’t. The Marin Nail Trail was built to handle any trails, and this is the bike to have if you want to push your limits.

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3. Salsa Mukluk Carbon NX Eagle

Salsa is not just a dancing style. It’s also a bike manufacturer that values customer satisfaction over anything else.

Every bike, including the Salsa Mukluk Carbon NX Eagle, is built innovatively just for you, and you get to feel it every time to sit on the saddle. The bike’s geometry of Mukluk is of excellent quality and one of the best I’ve seen in a fat bike.

The Salsa Mukluk Carbon NX Eagle is impressive in terms of performance, weight, and it also offers the option of a dropper post. The rigid fork also is for weight reduction as the wheels do a better job of absorbing vibrations.

The bike’s rims are 80 mm in size and paired with the 26″ wide tires so that you can ride on just any type of terrain with confidence.

Mukluk’s drivetrain, the NX Eagle, offers incredible performance and combined with the lightness of the bike, you can expect to have an enjoyable ride all the way.

Besides, if you want to upgrade to a suspension fork, you can go ahead since the bike’s headtube is compatible with most forks.

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4. Borealis Crestone Eagle

I must admit that the Borealis Creston Eagle is the most affordable carbon-fat bike I’ve seen so far.

That could be why the bike is out of stock on the main website for the company. However, if you know the alleys of the internet, you can find shops that still have the bike.

Borealis works with Specialized, but they do have their bikes, and Crestone is one of the trailblazing bikes in the company. \What’s even unique about this bike is that it can run 29er wheels just fine, but it mostly takes 27.5-inch and 26-inch wheels.

Borealis Crestone Eagle comes with an SRAM Eagle drivetrain, but you get to decide which one you prefer between NX, XO, GX, XX, AXS.

You can upgrade the fork afterward to a suspension fork. Crestone is the right bike for you if you want a great bike at a few thousand bucks.

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5. Salsa BlackBorrow GX Eagle

If you are searching for a fat bike that you can haul your groceries with, you might as well get the real fat bike truck – Salsa BlackBorrow GX Eagle bike.

The brand is closely related to Surly bikes, but Salsa lifted the bar with their cargo fat tire bike. With an SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and fat wheels, the Salsa BlackBorrow GX Eagle is the most efficient hauling bike.

Besides, it gives you a lot of room to use different sizes of wheels. Depending on your mood or situation, you can decide to go with the 26″ + or 27″ + wheels. The bike looks long, but that’s the advantage of it. You reap the benefit of better handling.

The longer behind accommodates a huge rear rack which you can carry essential items or shopping.

Alternatively, you can pack it with bags for adventure riding. The Salsa BlackBorrow GX Eagle is such a big deal of a bike for me I’ve been saving up for it. Consider going for it if you prefer a bike that can carry your items through snow and mud.

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6. Canyon The Dude

Dudes take things easy and work hard. So, the Canyon The Dude – one of the lightest fat bikes I’ve had the chance to ride.

This performance-focused high-end fat bike is everything you’ve always wanted on a road bike. Besides, Canyon invests heavily in innovation, and the progressive geometry of The Dude is one of a kind.

The quality build of this bike and the accessories make it worth every dollar it costs, and it also comes with a carbon fork and frame.

However, what caught my attention was the DT Swiss wheels which fit 27.5-inch wide tires. The bike also comes in three different sizes, although Canyon doesn’t have any bikes currently in stock. They will be updating soon!

The bike is suitable for any mountain biker that loves adventure. With the Shimano MT420 robust wheels and an SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain, the bike will take you anywhere you desire. It’s definitely a good buy if you understand the value of a Canyon branded fat bike.

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7. Mongoose Dolomite

You probably thought fat bikes are all expensive, and you’ll never get any fat bike below a thousand bucks.

Mongoose Dolomite is one of the most affordable bikes on the market right now. There’s no fuss about it that you can get a fat bike with a $600 price range.

You don’t get the high-end components for that price, but it will offer you the versatility of the fat tire bike any day.

However, you get more than what you pay for with this bike, especially the strong steel frame. The wide wheels are just as great, and the mechanical disc brakes of this bike are really powerful.

For the drivetrain, Shimano Altus rules here, and it’s such a great entry-level system that provides efficient and long-lasting service.

What disappointed me about Dolomite is that there are only a few things that you can do in terms of upgrades, but it’s the bike to go if you are on a budget.

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8. Why Cycles Big Iron

There are many fat-tire bikes in the market, but none left a permanent mark in my heart like the Why Cycles Big Iron. The Big Iron has one of the most expensive fat bikes I’ve ever seen, and it makes sense because of its unique design.

You’ve seen frames made of alloy, steel, and carbon, but have you come across a titanium fat bike?

The big iron is a modern bike that is comfortable and playful. It also comes with a rigid titanium fork with a lot of clearance for wheels wider than the standard 27.5″ plus tires it comes with.

The titanium frame dampens vibration to improve the quality of your ride but makes the Big Iron an expensive bike.

The Big Iron is available in three options: the SRAM GX Eagle kit, X01 Eagle Kit, and the XX1 Eagle Kit, the last two come with Bontrager fat bike tires.

This is the best bike for you if you love backpacking and cruising on snow. Moreover, you can switch the tires to 29er or 26-inch wheels plus for your own convenience.

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9. Specialized Fatboy & Fatboy Comp Carbon

When it comes to bikes, you are well aware that Specialized have a say in every niche.

The manufacturer does not take chances and every bike constructed in their facility is results proven. Their fat bike line is known as the Fat Boy, and it’s very successful in the market.

The Fatboy comes with an alloy frame, while the Fatboy Comp Carbon comes with a carbon frame. Both bikes do come with carbon frames. All this is offered to you without an insane price tag.

The bike features 27.5″ plus Maxxis tires which are tubeless-ready to ride on tough and soft surfaces. The bikes also get an SRAM 1×12 drivetrain to reduce your struggles ad provide you with a quality ride.

The Fatboy also comes with TL disc brakes, making it a great racing rig for the Sahara dunes or Alaskan snow. This is indeed the bike to buy if you only do Specialized.

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10. Rad Power Bikes RadRover 5

I must admit that the Rad Power’s RadRover 5 is not the best bike for you if you are looking for a high-end bike in the $2,000 price range, but every bike has its good side. Forbes named the RadRover the best electric fat bike of 2023, which means it’s a good bike for the buck.

The bike comes with a seven-speed drivetrain and 80Nm of torque produced by the hub motor. The motor will only propel you to a speed of 20mph. To move faster than that, you’ll need to depend on gravity or the power in your legs.

The bike is fun to ride and affordable, and absolutely nothing will stop you from enjoying it, except when the 14Ah lithium-ion battery runs out of power. The manufacturer does not recommend you ride the bike when it’s extremely cold, which appears odd.

A fat bike is the most suitable to ride on snow, but if you don’t mind the restrictions, this could be the best bike for you.

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11. Scott Big Jon

There’s nothing about Scott Big Jon on the official Scott Sports website because the bike is no longer in stock, but you can wait for the 2023 model.

Scott Big Jon comes in varieties, the most affordable one going for $1600. Being a Scott fanatic, I tried this bike years back, and I was super excited by how it handled the trails.

The 80mm Syncros wheels with 26×4.8″ wide tires deliver top performance as you ride on ice, mud, or sand. The bike also uses through-axles and Shimano brakes.

Your budget will determine whether your bike will come with a Deore drivetrain or the top-of-the-range SRAM Eagle X01 drivetrain. This is the best bike for you if you ride heavily and looking for the perfect rig to explore the beach with.

It’s also an excellent bike for backpacking, but you’ll need to buy the rack to make it possible. Otherwise, it’s a great bike to ride if you don’t want to spend much.

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11. Trek Farley 5

Trek is not a new name when it comes to bikes. Trek’s Farley range is a family of fat bikes that the company produces, with three options, namely Farley 5, Farley 7, and Farley 9.6. Farley 5 is the most affordable of them all.

The Farley 5 consists of mid-range components, an alloy frame, and carbon forks. It comes with a 1×10 Shimano Deore drivetrain which is not that bad. The bike also features 80 mm rims and 27.5″ plus Bontrager wheels.

For maximum stopping power for the gigantic wheels, the bike is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes.

This is the right fat bike for you if you want a solid fat tire bike that will not disappoint you. Besides, it’s a Trek, and you know the brand does not compromise on quality.

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12. Pivot Les Fat

I don’t know about most things, but I’m sure you can never get it wrong with a Pivot Les Fat fat bike.

With this bike, the dirt and muddy tracks will be easier to maneuver. The Les Fat is adventure-packed with such fantastic geometry, and the price is just worth it.

Pivot Les Fat is as comfortable as a full-suspension bike, and with its 27.5-inch wheels, you can be confident it can pass just anywhere.

You get to decide whether to go with a Manitou air fork with 100 mm of travel or a Pivot carbon rigid fork. There’s very little difference made by the suspension fork, though.

The bike rolls on Maxxis Minion fat tires, which will make people want to test ride your bike. Other features include the Shimano XT drivetrain with a Race Face crankset.

It also uses Shimano XT brakes with enough stopping power to stop the bike on its track. This is your type of bike if you are willing to spend on a beautiful and capable bike.

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13. Giant Yukon 1

Giant is the most popular bike brand, and it’s for good reasons. The company is on top of its game with innovative and affordable bikes, including the Giant Yukon 1. The Yukon is not just an enjoyable bike to ride but also beautiful to look at and marvel at.

It gets an alloy frame with a rigid carbon fork which you can switch to a suspension fork. The rims are 90mm wide and 27.5″ plus wheels for better rolling. The bike also gets an SRAM 1×12 drivetrain with SRAM hydraulic disc brakes.

The Yukon will do everything you have ever wanted with a fat bike unless you are looking for a full carbon bike and are willing to spend more dollars on it.

What’s more, it’s the first bike on the list to come with a dropper post. Get yourself a Giant Yukon, and there will be no complaints.

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14. Otso Voytek

The Otso Voytek can take a set of 26-inch wheels and also standard 29er wheels. That’s fantastic as it allows you to diversify.

Here is a racing rig with the best XC geometry built to win and win the cup. It’s not just for racing, but the Voytek is also suitable for fun riding, touring, and adventures.

While most fat bikes have wider bottom brackets that tire you whenever you ride long distances, the Otso has a narrower BB. With a 1×12 drivetrain, you can edge out the rest of the competitors in the race.

Although it comes with a rigid fork, the Otso Voytek can take a 120 mm travel suspension fork as long as it fits the wheel.

Voytek is an alloy hardtail fat bike that will get you just anywhere. The only thing I didn’t like about the bike is that it can’t fit a 5″ wide tire. That said, this is the bike for you if you are looking for a single bike for everything.

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15. Kona Wo

I’m not a great admirer of Kona bikes, but they have great models for the buck, such as the Kona Wo.

The Wo is a fat bike that is beyond fantastic that it should have been called Kona “Wow!” It’s the best Kona bike I got to try, and I must admit I was impressed.

The bike has an alloy frame, which is rather obvious, and the fork, too, is an alloy that makes the bike relatively light and stiff.

The 80mm rims are double-butted, and the bike comes with 26-inch wheels, which can be upgraded to larger wheels like 27.5″ plus.

The Wo also comes with a 1×11 Shimano Deore drivetrain paired with Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc brakes for efficient transmission and stopping power.

The bike might be what you’ve been dreaming about. The only way you can tell is to test ride it before purchasing the bike.

Otherwise, the Kona Wo is an excellent bike for bike-packing and the best of that price, but if you were looking for a professional rig, then this is not the most suitable bike for you.

What to Consider When Choosing Best Fat Bike Tires

Floatation

Fat bikes should have wide tires for the obvious benefits of riding on sand pr snow. They shouldn’t be too wide because if they do, problems will occur. The perfect floatation in your tires should be 4-inches around there.

There is no need to go for the wide tires as they will be sluggish, and your comfort will be limited. Just go with the correct width, and you’ll enjoy riding your fat bike. Also, make sure your tire pressure is correct.

Suspension

Most fat bikes come with rigid forks, and must I mention that they are the most affordable?

For fat bikes, a suspension fork does little to nothing as the bike comes with wide tires that run on low pressure, thus cushioning most of the irregularities on the trail. Despite that, some riders may prefer a fat bike with suspension for riding on rough terrain.

However, if you prefer trail riding your fat bike with your tires fully packed with air, a front suspension would help cushion obstacles such as roots and rocks on the trails.

Most of the fat bikes above will allow you to upgrade from a rigid fork to a suspension one. Alternatively, you can buy one with a front suspension fork already installed.

Frame Weight

Fat bikes come in different frame types. It can be alloy, carbon, steel, or titanium. Carbon frames are the lightest but cost more. For cheaper options, you’ll have to go for an alloy or steel bike as titanium is expensive as well.

Those who opt for titanium do so because of its shiny and attractive look. The frame is heavy and expensive but also unique. It’s up to you to decide whether you want the looks, a lighter bike, or a bike that will save you a few bucks.

Wrapping Up

That’s it, folks. We’ve reviewed the best fat tire bikes in the market right now. You can be sure that whatever options you go with, your needs will be met with any of the fat tire bikes above. Don’t hesitate to text us if you have any questions.