Are Bmx Bikes Good For Beginners

[Billy Cromer]

Afew weeks ago, Salty Beard shared an Impossible Routes video with me that completely changed my perspective on all things fat biking. The video features Jeremiah and Tyler braving a challenging two-day winter journey in Montana coached and cheered on by Jay Petervary. Their adventure encapsulated everything I love about off-road and backcountry cycling: absolute remoteness, battling environmental conditions, gear nerdery, and most importantly, the presence of pretty cool-looking bikes. Watching their adventure, I was struck by the realization that fat biking represents a form of true exploration that I have shut my mind off from, subconsciously.

My approach to understanding new things usually involves research and writing about my discoveries. This guide is the fruit of that labor. It's written with the assumption that the reader has a good grasp of off-road biking and might share my 'fat curiosity,' but lacks any knowledge about what delving into fat biking entails. In the following sections, I've compiled what I've learned, including advice from expert fat bikers and a curated list of bikes to consider. But before diving into the specifics, I'd like to send a huge shout out to our friends at Panorama Cycles and Salsa who helped tremendously in putting this guide together. Alright, let's take a brief look at where fat bikes come from.

The origin of fat bikes is a compelling tale of adaptation, innovation, and a community's passion for development. The genesis of the fat bike can be traced back to the 1980s in Alaska, a time and place where necessity spurred creativity. Cyclists in the region began modifying their bikes to navigate the challenging snowy terrain, a task that often involved welding two or three rims together. This ingenious modification provided better flotation on snow, crucial for traversing Alaska's rugged landscapes. Many of these early riders were pioneers in the early races of the Iditarod, one of the hardest competitions on earth through the frozen Alaskan backcountry. It wasn't until 2005 that the first production fat bike, the Surly Pugsley, hit the market, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of fat bikes. Since the introduction of the Pugsley, the world of fat biking has continued to expand and evolve globally.

This article is written with the assumption that you, the reader, have some foundational knowledge about adventure bikes. However, the question remains: how does a fat bike truly differ from say, your average mountain hardtail? Let's take a look.

What exactly qualifies as a fat bike tire? The answer lies in its width: typically, fat bike tires are 3.8 inches or wider. This is a significant increase from the 2.1-2.6 inch tires commonly found on mountain bikes that usually run at pressures between 20-30 psi. In contrast, fat bike tires range from 3.8 to 5 inches in width and operate at much lower pressures, around 5-10 psi, making them feel like absolute marshmallows. In snowy conditions, riders typically use 3 to 8 psi on 4.5'' to 5'' tires. While it's possible to run these larger tires tubeless, just as with mountain bikes, there is still a weight penalty due to the sheer amount of rubber involved.

Exploring the differences between fat bikes and mountain bikes, weight, handling, and speed emerge as critical factors. Advances in materials have led to lighter fat bikes, some nearing 25 lbs, enhancing maneuverability and ease of handling.

In terms of gearing, fat bikes designed for snow often have smaller chainrings, typically 28T, as opposed to the 32T or 34T on mountain bikes, yet use similar 10-51T/10-52T cassettes. This setup counters the higher resistance of snow, aiding in tougher terrain and uphill climbs. The handling of fat bikes is also adapted to their generally slower speeds. Their geometry is less aggressive, focusing on staying maneuverable and nimble at lower speeds for better control, especially in snowy conditions where stability is key.

When choosing your first fat bike, it's important to recognize that the term "Fat Bike" encompasses a vast range of options, much like the term "Mountain Bike." Both categories represent entire universes filled with various types, options, and styles. Navigating this variety can be overwhelming, especially for those new to fat biking. So, where should you start, and what are the fat bike-specific factors to consider when selecting your bike?

As with any bike, the initial and most crucial question to ask yourself is about the type of riding you plan to do. Are you looking to tackle trails, embark on adventure or bikepacking expeditions, or participate in cross-country racing? This overarching question is vital as it sets the stage for the subsequent decisions you'll need to make. Knowing the primary use of your fat bike will guide you in determining the appropriate bike geometry, materials, and sizes for tires and wheels. Whether you're seeking a bike for leisurely trail rides, long-distance adventures, or competitive racing, aligning these specifications with your riding goals is the key to finding the perfect fat bike for your needs.

The choice of material in fat bike frames not only influences the cost but also significantly affects the bike's handling. Carbon frames, which are found in higher-end fat bikes, are the lightest, enhancing the bike's responsiveness and offsetting the weight of all that additional rubber.

Titanium frames offer a unique blend of lightweight and strength, similar to aluminum, but with the added resilience and durability of steel. This combination results in a frame that is not only corrosion-resistant but also provides a comfortable ride with its natural flex. The handling of titanium frames is often praised for being both responsive and forgiving on rough trails. In contrast, steel frames, which are usually the most affordable option, are the heaviest. This added weight can make the bike feel more grounded and stable, but it also means they can be less nimble and require more effort to maneuver, particularly in challenging terrains.

Fat bikes typically feature 26-inch or 27.5-inch wheels. The 26-inch option is more traditional and offers a lower center of gravity, which is particularly beneficial for maintaining stability on challenging terrains like snow and sand. On the other hand, the slightly larger 27.5-inch wheels provide better rollover capabilities, making them ideal for navigating over uneven surfaces and obstacles. Additionally, the rims of fat bike wheels are notably wider than those on standard mountain bikes, usually ranging from 60mm to 100mm. This width is crucial as it supports the broad tires unique to fat bikes, ensuring a stable base for the tire and enhancing overall performance.

In the realm of fat biking, the Q-factor is a pivotal aspect that warrants careful consideration. Essentially, it refers to the distance between the outer sides of the crank arms. Fat bikes typically feature a wider Q-factor to accommodate their broad tires and rims, ensuring ample clearance and preventing any interference with the rider's feet. This wider stance, however, influences the riding experience, affecting the alignment and comfort of hips, knees, and ankles. It's crucial for riders to be mindful of this when selecting a fat bike, as a Q-factor that is too wide can lead to pedaling inefficiencies and discomfort, particularly on extended rides. Riders transitioning from bikes with a narrower Q-factor might need an adaptation period to get accustomed to the wider stance. Moreover, the choice of pedals can complement the Q-factor, enhancing comfort and efficiency. High-end fat bike models often strive to optimize the Q-factor, balancing the need for tire clearance with a natural, comfortable riding position. For example the Panorama Torngat (listed below) has spindles allowing for an adjustable stance.

Adjustable chain stays, often implemented through sliding dropouts, add a versatile dimension to fat bikes, enhancing adaptability to various riding styles and conditions. These sliding dropouts typically allow for adjustments ranging from 10 to 20mm. This adjustability significantly alters how the bike handles. A shorter chainstay length results in a 'whippier' feel, making the bike more agile and responsive, ideal for maneuvering through tight trails or technical terrains. In contrast, extending the chainstay lengthens the bike's wheelbase, enhancing stability, which is especially beneficial for high-speed descents or when traversing challenging, uneven landscapes. This feature is invaluable as it allows riders to 'change modes' depending on their ride activity. Moreover, it provides the flexibility to easily switch between a summer setup with 29+ wheels for smoother, faster rides and larger, wider wheels for winter conditions, where stability and traction in snow are paramount.

The necessity of suspension on fat bikes is a topic of some debate. Often, the cushioning provided by the 3.8+ inches of fat tires is considered sufficient for most terrains, negating the need for additional suspension. However, for those riders who do seek extra comfort and control, especially on more challenging trails, there are options available. Most fat bike forks are designed with around 100-120mm of travel. There are also a few full-suspension fat bikes like the Trek Farley EX 8, but this seems a bit overkill to us.

We reached out to a global network of experts, including innovative bike designers, intrepid fat bike explorers, and dedicated aficionados. Their experiences and knowledge are invaluable in understanding the depth and diversity of fat biking.

Now that we've covered the essentials, let's dive into some exciting options to kickstart your journey. Below is a curated selection of fat bikes that have caught our attention. This list is just the beginning, showcasing a diverse mix of frame materials and options to suit various budgets.

Throughout my cycling journey, I've always embraced a 'get on, ride, and improvise' approach. This philosophy has generally served me well. Yet, the process of creating this guide has been an eye-opening experience, teaching me more than I ever anticipated. I came in expecting topics like tire pressure and layering to be significant, but the actual numbers, especially the surprisingly low tire pressures, were a revelation. Beyond the technical learning, this journey has been enriched by the wonderful people I've encountered and the incredible stories they've shared.

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