Carbon Fiber Fat Bikes
Two of the biggest advances in the development of mountain bikes have been the fat bike and the carbon frame. The combination of the two is truly revolutionary. While you might think from the name that its the bike frame that gives it the name, its actually the wheels and tires that are the source of the fat bike revolution. With wide low pressure tires, fat bikes can go places no other bicycle can dream of going.
What Makes a Fat Bike?
Theres more to making a fat bike than just slapping a different set of wheels on your existing mountain bike. Theres quite a bit more to it than that, including the need for a dedicated fat bike frame. Its all about building a bike for the experience. Fat bikes have the following features and advantages:
- Ground Pressure: Fat bikes originated in Alaska, where riders were tired of having to lock up their bikes the moment the snow hit. By using big low pressure tires, they were able to build a bike that could ride on top of the snow. This also gave the bike the grip it needed for rocks, mud, and other difficult terrain that stopped other bikes in their tracks.
- Frame Design: While the key is in the tires, fatbiking also required some adjustments to the frame. Wider tires mean that the pedals need a wider spacing, and that means everything from the chainstay to the brakes need adjustments to fit. It can be difficult to keep the tires wide without moving the pedals so far out that its uncomfortable to ride.
What about Carbon Fiber?
There are four main material choices when it comes to making a bike frame; each has its own advantages and tradeoffs.
- Steel: This metal is heavy, strong and durable. It has excellent cold resistance but for many people its just too heavy.
- Aluminum: Lighter than steel, its also less resilient. Aluminum dents easily and is subject to fatigue.
- Titanium: Lighter than aluminum and stronger than steel, Titaniums two drawbacks are that its expensive and hard to work.
- Carbon Fiber: Light and strong, carbon fiber is also very stiff. Its a great choice for most bikes and riders. The one concern is that you do have to be aware that you might not notice damage, which can lead to surprise failures.
Riding Fat
Riding a carbon fiber fat bike is like riding no other bike you have ever seen. The soft tires take up the work of a suspension giving your ride a dreamlike quality. Once you put a leg over your fat bike frame, its like riding a horse. This is a bike you can take anywhere in almost any weather. Those big wheels and that fat bike frame give you the confidence to just keep riding. You dont need a full suspension because the low pressure tires absorb the impact. Its a new world of riding.
Content provided for informational purposes only. eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by Fat Bike.