Mountain Bike vs Fat Bike – Detail Guide

Mountain Bike vs Fat Bike? Which one we should buy? Let us explore the difference between a mountain bike and a fat bike.

For all those adrenaline junkies looking to bike-pack or ride through rough terrains like mountains and hills, choosing the right bike is of utmost importance. When it comes to off-roading, mountain bikes have always been the go-to bikes.

However, now, fat bikes are becoming an increasingly popular alternative. These monster truck lookalikes have a unique design that leaves people both intrigued and apprehensive.

But the decision on which is the right one for you might leave people confused and wondering which one to go with. There are a few considerations that you need to look at for both bikes in order to decide the right one. Moreover, depending on your fitness level, budget, and preferences, you can make the right decision.

We’re here to dispel all those confusions you might be having and provide you with a thorough comparative analysis between the two bikes. If you have been wondering what the difference between a mountain bike and a fat bike and which one of the two is better is, keep reading this guide.

What is a Fat Bike?

Though they have been around for decades, fat bikes are becoming increasingly popular these days because of how unique and versatile they are. Their fat and extra-wide tires, with a width of over four inches, resemble those of monster trucks, making them appear far more fun than any of the other bikes.

Read Best Fat Tire Electric Bikes with 1000W Power Output

Not only are these bikes perfect for riding on mountains, logs, and gravel, but they are also ideal for riding on loose sand or snow because of how much stability they provide. This is due to the overall frame, handles, and fork of the bike designed to provide comfort on uneven and slippery surfaces.

Moreover, fat bikes tend to have low air pressure in their tires. This helps the tires deform around sharp objects like logs, rocks, and potholes instead of getting caught and bouncing off, hence providing you with stability.

Basically, the large width and lower air pressure allow for greater grip around any uneven or slippery surface. And since the tires themselves are large, this helps you to glide over unstable surfaces easily.

Besides this, they also are excellent for riding on mud, bogs, deep snow, deserts. If you require extra traction for sliding on the ice, you can also install studded tires.

Therefore, because of the design features of the fat bike, you can use them for both off-roading and daily commutes. All in all, you are definitely getting in a workout when riding a fat bike since you will need to bike through with some effort.

What’s more is that the rims of these bikes are pretty wide and typically weigh a lot, adding more weight to the overall bike. However, this also contributes to providing you with stability while riding.

One of the best things about fat bikes is that you can easily ride them all year round in any weather condition. Whether it is raining or snowing, or if you want to ride on mud or ice, you can easily do so with the help of fat bikes. This feature separates this bike from all others because there are no other bikes that are this versatile.

Another feature that makes fat bikes incredibly versatile is swapping out the wheels for narrower ones. You can thus essentially turn a fat bike into a mountain bike, depending on your needs. All you will need to do is keep a set of narrow wheels around for when you have to ride in the mountains.

Read: Mountain Bike vs. Road Bike vs. Hybrid Bike

Main Features of a Fat Bike

• They have wide forks
• Highly versatile since you can ride them in any weather
• They have extremely wide tires
• Larger and heavier rims
• Low tire pressure
• Have a wide range of gears, which allows for greater control
• Larger than normal frame
• They have an upright handlebar, which is comfortable and puts less strain on the neck and back
• Tend to have a combination of disc and hydraulic brakes
• The oversized features can make pedaling difficult
• Considering the large features of the fat bikes, they tend to weigh a lot
• While there are some fat bikes with full suspension, most come without it

Pros and Cons of a Fat Bike

Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of a fat bike that you should know about, which will help you make a more informed decision:

Pros of Fat Bike

• The low pressure in the tires allows you to have more traction on uneven surfaces
• Since the tires provide grip and traction, some fat bikes don’t require front suspension
• The large width of the tires give you more grip on slippery surfaces as well
• Larger wheels allow you to roll over even surfaces or even sand or snow swiftly
• Highly versatile since you can ride them any time of the year and anywhere
• The soft tires provide a comfortable riding experience
• Shock absorbent
• They are easy to ride, which means that they are perfect for beginners

Cons of Fat Bikes

• If speed is what you prefer, then these might not be for you because fat bikes tend to be extremely slow
• Fat bikes use nonstandard parts, so if you lose or break one, it can be hard to find a replacement
• You have to spend a lot of energy when riding fat bikes because they are slow and heavy
• You will likely have to pedal more when riding fat bikes
• Since they are bulky, it is often challenging to maneuver the bike on technical terrain because the handlebars are not responsive to steering
• Fat bikes tend to have a smaller gear range compared to mountain bikes
• Depending on the terrain, you will have to keep changing the tire pressure, which can get tiring

Read: Mountain Bikes vs. Hybrid Bikes

What is a Mountain Bike?

When you think of off-roading, you definitely think of mountain bikes. These are one of the most popular bikes out there. These bikes are essentially designed to ride off the beaten path, such as on uneven terrains, dirt trails, hills, slopes, and of course, mountains.

Moreover, they are also made for rugged conditions. For these reasons, these bikes are the most durable and sturdy you can find anywhere.

Though these bikes have narrow wheels, they can still help move quickly over uneven surfaces simply because of their knobby design. The knobby surface of the tires helps with traction and creates more friction.

Moreover, these bikes tend also to be lightweight. Their narrow tires and lightweight help you glide over and maneuver through hills and mountains easily. If you plan to ride on technical terrain, then these bikes are best for you. All in all, they provide a very comfortable ride throughout.

Even if you run into bumps and rocks, the great thing about mountain bikes is that their suspension system helps absorb any such shocks. This provides you with more control and also means that they are quite safe while riding.

Additionally, most modern mountain bikes are equipped with a wide variety of gears; in fact, they might have as many as thirty gears. This means that you can have more control on the bike and move up and down the steepest hills quickly.

The tire pressure in mountain bikes is typically more than fat bikes but less than road bikes. This means that you can more easily ride over mountains with mountain bikes without less effort.

However, mountain bikes may not be helpful when it comes to riding on smooth and paved surfaces since they would be slower. If you want a bike that you can ride on paved roads, it’s best that you consider other options besides fat and mountain bikes.

However, a solution to this problem is to easily swap out the wide and knobby tires on mountain bikes with narrower ones. This means that you can easily ride your bike on paved surfaces. However, changing tires can often be a hassle.

Furthermore, the handlebars on mountain bikes tend to be flat, allowing you to have an upright position. This helps give you more control while riding as you can easily see where you are going. However, it might also tire you out quickly.

For someone who is used to riding bikes, especially on rough terrains, mountain bikes are an excellent fit. This is because mountain bikes can teach you a wide range of techniques.

For example, how to balance your bike, how to turn to a corner, or climb mountains with your bikes. Clearly, if you are looking for a bike for your daily commute, this bike is not for you.

Read Electric Bike Vs. Hybrid Bike – Which One Should You Choose?

Main Features

• Flat handlebars that give you more control and stability
• Wide range of gears that can help you maneuver through technical terrains
• Suspension to absorb any shocks from rocks or potholes
• Narrow and knobby tires that provide traction
• Sturdy frame that allows you to ride easily over rough surfaces
• Low air pressure, which means that you cannot easily ride it over paved surfaces
• They have a strong, durable, and lightweight structure
• They have firm, comprehensive, and durable rims
• Designed to take more stress and abuse while riding, which makes them ideal for mountains and hills
• They are versatile since you can use them for climbing, touring, or occasional commutes

Pros and Cons of a Mountain Bike

Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this popular bike to help decide whether purchasing a mountain bike would be a suitable idea for you.

Pros of Mountain Bikes

• Highly versatile
• They are available nearly everywhere
• They are lightweight, strong, and durable
• You can easily use them for descents or climbs due to their suspensions and gears
• The suspension helps to absorb any shocks, making them safe
• Flat handlebars give you more control and vision
• Designed for rough riding
• You have more traction and grip on rocks, pebbles, potholes, and generally rough terrains
• They can teach you a wide range of technical skills
• You cannot easily repair or replace certain parts of the mountain bikes

Cons of Mountain Bikes

• The narrow tires can easily sink into mud or loose sand
• They cannot handle snow as easily, either
• Mountain bikes are not suitable for beginners
• The wheels tend to be structurally weak, which means that they are prone to damage
• When on a slippery surface, your mountain bike might slip

Read Mountain Biking For Weight Loss

Difference between Mountain Bike and Fat Bike

By this point, you might know everything there is about mountain bikes and fat bikes. Yet, you are likely still confused about which of the two is a better choice. If so, then a comparative analysis might be helpful for you.

By comparing the features of the two and understanding the difference between a mountain bike and a fat bike, you will likely make a more well-informed decision.

Let’s take a look at the main differences between them:

1. Fat Bikes Generally Provide More Traction

When it comes to grip and traction, fat bikes tend to take the cake. This is because of the wide structure of their wheels. Though mountain bikes’ wheels have knobs, they do not do a sufficient job in providing friction. Moreover, the higher air pressure in mountain bikes wheels does not add to the traction either.

2. It is Difficult to Replace Parts of Fat Bikes

When you compare the two, mountain bikes are definitely much more popular and common. This means that if you need a part of a fat bike replaced, it may be difficult and often more expensive to find a replacement.

3. There are Some Terrain You Cannot Ride Mountain Bikes in

Fat bikes can be used on any type of terrain, whether it is rocky, rough, slippery, and whatnot. However, that is not the case with mountain bikes because you cannot easily ride them on smooth surfaces or own loose sand, mud, or snow.

4. Wheel Damage is More Common in Mountain Bikes

Compared to the wheels of fat bikes, mountain bikes tend to be narrower and have a wider diameter. This means that they are weaker. They also have more air pressure, which means that they do not absorb shocks as well either. This can lead to damage as well.

5. You Cannot Ride Mountain Bikes in All Climates and Conditions

Moreover, if you need a bike that you can ride all year round, you should get a fat bike. This is because fat bikes are designed to be ridden on all kinds of terrains, climates, and weather conditions.

6. Mountain Bikes are More Efficient

Since they are more lightweight and durable, and their tires are narrower and have more air pressure, mountain bikes tend to be more efficient. When you compare the two, fat bikes, tend to be much slower because of the lack of air pressure and heavier weight.

Moreover, you can also maneuver mountain bikes through different technical terrains, which you cannot do with fat bikes.

7. Fat Bikes Are Ideal for Any Type of Rider

Since you require a bit of experience and technique to ride mountain bikes, it is believed that they are not ideal for beginners. When you compare the two, fat bikes are easier to ride and the perfect bike for beginners.

Here is a glance at the main differences between mountain bikes and fat bikes:

Mountain Bikes	Fat Bikes
Quicker and more efficient because of the frame and high air pressure	Slower because of lower air pressure
Lighter weight	Heavier weight
Not ideal for beginners	Perfect for beginners
It cannot be ridden on every type of climate	You can ride it easily on any weather condition and climate
You can easily replace the parts	Not as easily replaceable
Not as expensive	More expensive
Don’t offer as much traction as fat bikes	Provide greater grip, traction, and friction
Wheel damage is more common	Wheel damage is not as common
Do not absorb shocks as easily	Absorbs shocks easily
Not as versatile	More versatile than mountain bikes

You may like the following Bike articles:

• Mountain Bike vs Gravel Bike: What’s the difference?
• How Do Tubeless Bike Tires Work and Should You Switch to Them?
• Can Mountain Bikes Get Wet?
• Do Electric Bikes Save You Money?
• How to Remove Rust from Bikes [6 Best and Doable Ways]
• How much air pressure in bike tires

Final Words

When it comes to deciding whether mountain bikes or fat bikes are better, the decision relies heavily on you in terms of your riding level, budget, preferences, where you plan to ride your bike, and how you will use it. For the most part, the better choice would be fat bikes because they are also durable and versatile. If you plan to ride them on various kinds of terrain, then they will be ideal. However, fat bikes are hard to find and can be expensive.