The Best Fat Tire Bikes of 2024

If winter rambling is your jam, you might be surprised to learn that Kona has one of the most capable foul weather and ferocious terrain fat bikes out there — penny for penny. The Kona Wo ($1,300) — and its more expedition-minded big brother, the Woo — brings a formidable physique and a completely serviceable component group to tackle any challenging environment.

While $1,300 may not qualify as cheap (nothing is with bikes these days), it certainly falls into the budget category among fat bikes. And for that price, Kona packs tubeless-ready, 26 × 4.8-inch treads (Schwalbe Jumbo Jim or Vee Tire Snow Avalanche) onto an aluminum frame and fork.

The geometry is semi-relaxed for a fat bike. It’s not as playful or aggressive as a high-end fatty like Revel’s Big Iron, but it’s not overly relaxed, either. Overall, the Wo rides fairly neutral relative to other fat bikes, which is exactly what we need them to do.

And that neutrality carries on throughout the component spec and feature set. The 1x gearing pairs a 10-speed Microshift Advent X derailleur with a 28-tooth chainring — it’s better than bargain basement, but it leaves room for an upgrade if you want to build it up for slightly better performance.

Hydraulic Tektro brakes offer a slice of premium performance that we were pleasantly surprised to see. That said, you’ll have a tough time getting too much speed with any gruppo, as our XL tester came in north of 30 pounds.

Beyond that, the frame is pretty clean — two bottle mounts, and that’s it. For more versatility and customization for packs or racks, you’ll have to level up to the Woo. But for the ride quality for the money, the Kona Wo is stable, fun, and reliable — well suited to low-pressure, mellow-paced rambles rather than fast, aggressive expeditions.

With cross-country race geometry and the ability to take any size wheels — from 26-inch wheels with 4.6-inch fat tires to 29-inch wheels and plus-size or standard mountain bike tires — Otso’s Voytek  (starting at $3,195) is the multitool of bikes. It’s ready for riding, racing, touring, and adventures of every kind all year round.

One of the biggest challenges of fat bikes is that riding long distances can make your knees hurt. That’s because many fat bikes have much wider cranks than normal mountain bikes to accommodate 4-inch and wider tires. Otso’s Voytek has the narrowest crank width (called the Q-factor) available.

The brand achieves it with a custom offset chainring, a dedicated 1x drivetrain, and a creative chainstay design. The result is a bike that puts minimum stress on your knees and handles like any great mountain bike hardtail because your feet aren’t spread so far apart.

One of the reasons the Voytek is such a fun and responsive ride is its fast, stable, flexible geometry. According to Otso, the bike is designed with a longer top tube and the shortest chainstays of any fat bike. That’s paired with a 68.5-degree headtube angle for responsiveness, stability, and a racy feel.

It can also accommodate a 120mm suspension fork for rugged terrain or for riders who opt for a second wheelset and run this bike as a hardtail mountain bike when they’re off snow and sand. The Voytek’s chameleon-like characteristics come from a tuning chip at the rear dropout that allows riders to change the Voytek‘s wheelbase up to 20 mm while raising or lowering the bottom bracket by 4 mm.

With the chip set in the forward position, the Voytek has aggressive, responsive geometry with the feel of a race hardtail. With the chip in the rear position, the bike is stable, steerable, and easy to manage while loaded or in snow and ice. A middle position gives this bike an all-mountain feel.

There are more than a dozen ways to set up the Voytek, and you can explore the options using a handy tool on Otso’s website. The Voytek can run multiple wheel sizes — including 27.5-inch wheels with plus-size MTB tires or 26-inch wheels with 4.6-inch fat tires — and Otso’s rigid carbon fork or a suspension fork with up to 120 mm of travel. The EPS-molded carbon frame of the Voytek takes an internally routed dropper post.

The base build comes with a wide range of gears on a Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain, and Otso gives you the option to build your bike up how you like with their custom configurator. At 25.4 pounds, it’s also the lightest fat bike we tested and lighter than many regular mountain bikes.

With the explosion of electric bikes on the market in recent years, there are now lots of fat tire e-bikes to choose from. Of course, many of them are pretty darn expensive, but there are quite a few brands making models that come in under the $2,000 mark. The Aventon Aventure.2 ($1,799) is one of them, and arguably the best reasonably priced fat tire e-bike you can buy.

What sets the Aventure.2 apart from similarly priced fat tire e-bikes is its class 3 capability, which gives it a top pedal-assist speed of 28 mph. It also has a throttle to whisk you along at up to 20 mph without even needing to turn the cranks.

It comes with a big, 720Wh battery that provides an impressive range on a single charge. Like most similar bikes, it comes with fenders and lights, but it also comes with a rear rack, and it has a total weight capacity of up to 400 pounds.

With four pedal assist settings, you can choose the level of support that’s right for the terrain and situation, whether that’s keeping up with traffic around town or casually cruising on a gravel road near your camp spot. The 750W rear hub motor has plenty of power, and the torque sensor gives it a more natural feeling of power delivery.

The Aventure.2 comes in two frame styles — step-over and step-through. Each frame style comes in two sizes, Regular and Large. With those options, riders between 4’11” and 6’4″ should be able to get a good fit. Unlike non-electric fat tire bikes, it has more relaxed and upright geometry and seated pedaling position. This ends itself well to the power it has and the type of terrain its best suited for.

What really sets the Aventure.2 apart from standard electric bikes are the big, 4-inch wide knobby tires. Add the 80mm suspension fork to the equation, and this bike really helps to smooth out rougher surfaces, and it works really well on gravel roads and smoother singletrack trails. At the same time, it does great on paved roads and bike paths, making it a highly versatile bike that can function as a commuter and adventure bike for mixed surfaces.

The biggest drawback of the Aventon is its weight. At 77 pounds, it’s heavy and difficult to transport. That weight also affects its handling, and we can’t recommend it for properly tackling technical mountain bike singletracks. It’s also a lot to push should you encounter spots that you can’t ride.

Still, if you’re looking for a powerful fat tire electric bike to expand your horizons, the Aventon Aventure.2 is a great, reasonably priced option to consider.

Rad Power Bikes was one of the first to market with a quality, affordable, fat-tire electric bike and helped to popularize what has become a common option from other brands. Made for rec path rambles, sandy beach soirées, groomed nordic trails, and winter commuting, the RadRover 6 Plus ($1,599) is the latest version of this fat tire cruiser. With 4-inch-wide rubber, this affordable and dependable e-bike gives you an extra boost for cruising along the beach, gravel roads, or around town.

It has a 750W geared hub motor and a 672Wh battery. With pedal assist, this bike rolled for 25 to 45 miles per charge during testing. It’s worth noting the battery didn’t last as long in the cold. Rad doesn’t recommend riding this bike under -4 degrees Fahrenheit, as colder temperatures can damage the battery.

The RadRover’s seven-speed Shimano drivetrain and 80Nm torque geared hub motor powered us up steep hills. It got us up to speed quickly and relatively quietly despite the bike’s hefty 73-pound weight. It’s a Class 2 electric bike, so it will only assist you to 20 mph, unlike the class 3 Aventon described above.

Yes, you can go faster, and on downhills, you likely will. But over 20 mph, the speed will have to come from your legs or gravity. Because it has both pedal assist and a throttle, riders without the stamina for extended pedaling can venture farther. Post-ride, the RadRover 6 recharges in 5-6 hours plugged into a standard wall socket.

Some fat bikes are made for singletrack and other less-traveled roads. This one is more at home on smooth trails, gravel roads, and paved paths. Its upright geometry makes it a great bike for cruising, but, along with its heavier weight, doesn’t make it a great option for serious technical trail riding.

The RadRover 6’s fat tires are extremely stable, which helps riders feel confident on a wide range of surfaces all year round as long as it isn’t too rough. The step-thru frame makes it easier to get on and off, and riders between 5’2″ and 6’2″ should be able to find the right fit.

The most recent update to the RadRover gave it a more streamlined frame design that includes a semi-integrated battery. It still comes with integrated lights and fenders and Rad Power has a robust selection of accessories so that you can dial it in for your specific needs. Still, it’s well-equipped to handle changing weather and lighting conditions right out of the box.

For riders seeking a fun, utilitarian electric fat tire bike, the affordable Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus is a great option to consider. This versatile model can pretty much do it all, from commuting around town to far-flung weekend adventures, no matter the season.

Several members of the GearJunkie team are avid hunters, and they have recently discovered the convenience and functionality of using electric bikes for hunting. It makes sense, too. Electric bikes are typically less expensive, quieter, and easier to transport than more traditional gas-powered hunting transportation. They don’t emit smelly fumes or loud noises that may scare off game. They can help you cover serious miles with little effort and haul your gear more easily.

Of the current options on the market, we think the QuietKat Apex XD ($6,350-7,000) is one of the best. The 26 x 4.8-inch wide knobby tires help you navigate through tough conditions and rugged terrain, while the 120 mm suspension fork adds extra comfort and control. An included dropper seatpost is also included for increased control on descents and easier mounts and dismounts.

And you can get where you’re going quickly if you want. The super powerful 1,000 W VPO mid-drive motor puts out an outrageous 200 Nm of torque and is capable of speeds up to 36 mph. Fortunately, the rider can make adjustments to the top speed through the controls, so you can configure it as a class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike well. Still, all that torque means there shouldn’t be a hill you can’t climb.

If you’re heading way out into the field, you want to know your battery is going to last, so we appreciate that QuietKat provides two battery size options, 15 Ah and 30 Ah, so you can choose between 720 Wh and 1,440 Wh. The latter will cost you an extra $650 over the base price but essentially doubles your range potential.

Mechanical issues can derail your hunt or leave you stranded way out in the woods, so we also applaud the move to a 5-speed internal drivetrain. This removes the fragile derailleur from the equation and also reduces the amount of grass and brush you’ll need to pull out of your gears.

The beefy aluminum frame is made to handle up to 325 pounds of weight, 100 of which can be carried on the rear rack. The frame comes in kick-through and step-over styles, so you can choose what works best for your needs. QuietKat also sells a full range of accessories, like cargo baskets, panniers, weapon holders, gear trailers, and more, to deck out and haul your gear in style.

The Apex XD is quite expensive, but QuietKat also sells the Apex HD with a similar build but a rear hub motor that goes for nearly $2,000 less. Either way, if you’re a hunter, we think QuietKat’s Apex hunting bikes are worth a serious look.

The best bikepacking experience is when you’re riding a light and stable bike with the flexibility to set it up how you like it. This rack-ready, geometry-adjustable, super-configurable carbon fat bike checks all the boxes.

The Salsa HeyDay!‘s ($2,899) high-modulus carbon frame is light and stiff, but it won’t rattle your teeth out when navigating endless miles of brake bumps along the Alaska Highway. The carbon is layered to make the bike efficient to pedal but shock-absorbing, too.

The HeyDay! comes with 26-inch rims and 4.6-inch tires, but the tires and wheels can be configured in almost any way you want them. Its 45NRTH Dillinger custom-studdable tires gave us incredible traction on every surface, from sand to glacier ice. Because we mostly ride fat bikes in winter conditions and our home trails are often icy, we studded them immediately.

The HeyDay! comes with a full-carbon Kingpin Deluxe Fork that’s light and durable with loads of accessory mounts for bags and bottles.

The bike has options for two dropout positions — one compatible with 26-inch wheels and 4.6-inch tires, which is what the bike comes with. The second position accommodates larger wheels. And for the rider who wants more control and the ability to change the bike’s ride feel incrementally, Salsa sells an infinitely adjustable dropout kit.

The HeyDay! has a reasonably slack 69-degree headtube angle and relatively narrow Q-factor cranks. Cables are routed internally to keep them out of the weather. And though the bike comes as a 1x, it can also be set up with a 2x or single-speed drivetrain.

Currently, the only build offered is the Deore 12, which has the reliable Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain. Salsa also makes an aluminum frame version that comes with MicroSHIFT’s Advent 9-speed drivetrain and goes for a shockingly low price of $1,699.

The HeyDay! really got our attention when riding fully loaded. Short chainstays make the bike feel energetic, and the low bottom bracket was stable even with all our camping gear on board.

Combined with a slight dip in the top tube, it made getting on and off the bike a stress-free affair. The HeyDay!’s center of gravity is farther back than on some bikes. The steering was responsive even in soft conditions.

The Salsa HeyDay! comes with 26 × 4.6-inch tires. We prefer a larger wheel and tire for winter riding, and we plan to swap what came on the bike before our next tour. Bonus: When fat tires aren’t needed, you can run this bike with 29er mountain bike wheels and 2.3- to 3.0-inch tires to make it an adventure bikepacking rig for all seasons.

The Giant Yukon 1 ($2,150) is among the most well-rounded and versatile fat bikes on the market. With a sturdy aluminum frame and a stiff yet responsive carbon fork, the Yukon 1 thrives on all sorts of terrain where a fat bike is the logical choice.

Thanks to the included dropper post, this fat bike is able to climb comfortably and descend with nimble agility. We especially appreciate the Yukon’s spot-on frame geometry, which provides noticeable balance and predictable handling at high speeds.

In general, the design features of the Yukon 1 prioritize versatility above all else. The moderately long 1,171mm wheelbase and 460mm chainstays make for a stable ride that remains maneuverable on descents.

Like most fat bikes, the Yukon was designed primarily for moderate terrain. Its 27.5-inch wheels and high-volume tires eliminate chatter on semi-bumpy trails and packed snow, but it probably isn’t the best choice for rock hopping and large drops.

The frame can fit two water bottles, and there’s a set of mounts for a top tube bag. The front triangle can also easily accommodate a frame-mounted bag and there are threaded mounts on the legs of the fork too.

Our only real complaint about the Yukon is the SRAM NX drivetrain, which works well enough but isn’t the most reliable or smooth. Still, the Giant Yukon 1 is a great option to add to the quiver to keep the cranks turning through the winter months. It also happens to look fantastic and sells for a fair price.

If you mourn the end of mountain bike season and count the days until you can once again snake down a ribbon of singletrack, you’re going to love this bike. With a wide range of build options and somewhat conservative fat bike geometry, the Borealis Crestone (complete builds between $2,199 and $4,549) is about as classic as a fat bike gets.

Borealis calls the Crestone its “tried and true flagship model.” It ships with 26-inch wheels but is compatible with 27.5 and 29-inch wheels, giving it the potential to be a four-season, singletrack-slaying, snow-shredding, sand-stomping hardtail. We tested it with a 100mm suspension fork, an option that enhances its comfort and inspires confidence to ride singletrack and rough terrain the way you normally wouldn’t on most fat bikes.

For a fat bike, the high-quality carbon components — including the frame, handlebars, and seat post — keep the total package relatively lightweight. Internally routed cables keep the aesthetics clean and tidy. Lizard skin protectors on the down tube and drive-side chainstay prevent damage to the carbon frame.

Though most fat bikes don’t come with a suspension fork, certain riders simply can’t stay away from the big hits. While it may have a steeper, 70-degree head tube angle, the 100mm of travel provides the confidence and comfort to tackle rougher terrain.

Suspension forks can’t take bags or bottles, but our experience was there’s plenty of space to store gear on this hardtail even without fork mounts. If you don’t need or want front suspension, Borealis sells the Crestone with a rigid carbon fork as well.

The Borealis Crestone is sold in an array of complete builds ranging in price from $2,169 to $4,499, or you can choose your own components in their custom configurator.