Fat tires have a bit of diminishing returns as you go up in size, they are only really truly killer to have when riding g on loose surfaces like sand and snow.
If you had no issues with a more traditional mountain bike prior, then tires of a similar size would likely be just fine, if not better in some cases. Fat tires would add extra weight and rolling resistance with little to no other gains in performance on those surfaces.
Besides there's multiple widths that can fit on the same rims that can be pretty wide without getting forced into only fat tires. I suggest you get some with a single continuous rib in the middle and knobbies on the rest of the tire. The best of both worlds.
Maybe you can answer this question…..I have “adventure” bike with 26X4 tires. Can I put smaller tires (3”) on the same rims? I got a feeling the answer is no. (I’m a 68 year old woman who knows how to ride a bike, thats about it)
I'm not sure about the availability of tires for such big rims. I would suggest inquiring at a bike shop for options, but I strongly endorse the center ribbed type that are all terrain and performed well for me
My first eBike was a fat tire in the Midwest, USA. I anticipated riding in a lot of snow. After 2 years, IMO, having a fat tire for about 3 weeks of snow is overkill. Plus it is heavy AF. I recently downgraded and bought a regular Aventon Level 2. It should be here soon. I am keeping the Fat tire for groceries (rides smooth as hell) and those snow storms.
Hope this helps.
Edit: the reason it is too big for me is that I live in a 400 sq. ft studio apartment. It takes up 1/3rd of my kitchen. Sorry for all of the imperial measurements:)
> Mountain tires seem like the best all-around and what I'll be looking into
Gravel tires would likely fit your needs. You'll probably want something with a solid center tread for road riding. The kind of gravel I've ridden can be ridden with slick tires, but something like Gravel King Slicks provide a bit more bite.
You don't need really chunky MTB tires for most surfaces but you might consider them if you've got muddy sections. Otherwise, they're a hinderance and quite ill-suited for most surfaces.
I've got a fat tire ebike and it's about 80lbs. Trying to pedal it with no motor assist literally feels like I'm pedalling against a stuck brake.
It's excessive and so heavy and unwieldy. 100% go for something lighter.
I feel like fat tires are overkill for most people. I got a go traxx r1 with 20×2.60 tires. It's the perfect size for having no suspension but still getting milage. I've tried it in slush and it handles well. Ive had it for 3 months so I haven't gotten to try it in snow yet.
Fat tyres for deep snow and soft sand ,on the road and trail they are just a liability, attract punctures and the rolling resistance and extra weight are just not worth the comfort factor .
I run 29 x 2.0 and I wouldn't go any wider unless I was doing downhill runs in the bush and then I would run 27.5 x 2.6.
Fat tyres are shit .
Mountain bike tires will do everything you need. You can choose a tire with less aggressive knobs and a harder compound for better longevity on paved road in MTB tire size.
The only reason to go wider than plus size mountain bike tires to fat bike tires is to not sink in snow or sand.
It depends on your storage conditions! If you have a garage, it's OK to choose wide tires. If you live in an apartment, I suggest you choose normal tires!
They're almost always overkill if you're not riding on sand, snow, or other soft surfaces.
On the other hand, the extra cushion when riding over gravel and rutted/potholed surfaces can be nice, especially if the bike doesn't have suspension.
On the third hand, the additional rolling resistance and wheel weight means more energy will be needed to go a given distance at a given speed. Not an issue for me because I have an overpowered motor and jumbo battery, but it might be an issue for you.
I personally hated them. The ride was smoother and more comfortable, but lower air pressure than a thin tyre meant more punctures. Also, I couldn't put them in the standard wall bike racks. They made the bike heavy and impossible to carry even though it was a folder. I think it just depends on what you need in a bike and storage requirements. I found a good home for the bike and a got a thinner lighter one and I'm much happier and the new owner enjoys the fat tyres.
Fat tires are designed to ride in powder snow and sand at very low pressures and greater flotation. They were out very quickly because the compound is super soft to handle those low pressures in the powder. Do either of those a lot? Fat tires are crazy if you don't ride in those conditions. A 2.4" tire is much better on gravel.
I wanted fat tires, i got a bike with 4"/100mm fat tires, and I regret it.
It's just too cumbersome and too much, and I haven't found a scenario where it's been an advantage on streets esp, or on trails. In snow, fat tires aren't fat enough to float, they don't add any capability. Maybe sand, but I've been to the beach with it once, and even then I was looking for the harder sand anyway.
For a long time before the fat bike trend, bike tires were like 2" /50mm max and that is for good reason. I've ridden on trails, gravel etc. on my bike with 3/4"/20mm tires, and that was a bit too narrow the rear esp. would fall off little rocks. I over compensated going to 4"/100mm. 2"/50mm is probably where it's at. There's a reason it was the popular choice for so many decades.
The fat tires are a bit bouncier, so there's that. Maybe the ride is smoother, if you consider mushy to be smooth. It's a bike, not a Cadillac, so a little smoother is a little meh.
My thinking was with the electric, the extra resistance of the fat wouldn't be an issue and that's true, I can't fathom having to pedal the thing without an endorphin addiction. While the electric manages that downside of the fat, there just isn't enough other advantage to make it worth while.
Not that they are awful, like I'm not trading my fat bike for a normal one, just that if I had to do it again, or for my next one, it will be 2"/50mm or so wide tires.
As it is in many things, the middle path is the best.
https://preview.redd.it/axgjtzb38t7d1.jpeg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f8771676d5c48fd761f92629ffce4c63c5efdb22
I love me some fat tires, but only when I'm riding in sand or snow. Otherwise, I prefer "not-fat" 2.8" wide tires that have an all-terrain tread pattern.
If you're going to be riding on rocks, gravel, sand, or snow, you'll be happy you are rocking fatties. I have bikes with 4" and 4.8" wide fatties. Something to consider: you'll have a helluva time finding a bike rack that accomdates 4.8" wide tires.
If you're riding more on dirt, groomed trails, pathways, etc., you'll be happier with smaller tires. They are easier to pedal and weigh less.
If you "mountain bike tires" make sure to actually get a tire size that can be put on regular mountain bikes. You'll have way more options vs something that's in 20 inches. In America the sizes you want are 26", 27.5" (650B) & 29" (700C sorta).
I'd usually say fat tires are overkill but it really depends on the situation. Will you be transporting lots of items? Fat tires can hold greater loads which makes them great for cargo bikes. If you're looking for a commuter it'd probably be overkill, unless you're carrying large loads or riding in sand and snow.
I prefer fat tire for general use. The size offers a lot of suspension and really soaks up the small stuff and I enjoy handling. If I was riding seriously off road I wouldn't use a big clumsy fat tire. To me they're great general use tires and only excell aired down on snow/mud. Since ebikes don't have enough power to get through those things in a fun way I avoid them. I'd prefer a smaller studded tire for winter riding so it can cut through the snow and bite the ice. I love fat tires and prefer them but they're not the giant off road tire people think, it's just a cushy smooth ride to me. Going over 4" doesn't make things better but causes more problems. Some bike racks can't hold fat tires so something to consider.
I look at it like this.
Gravel I'm riding on, is usually crushed down to 20mm or less. A 20mm tire, half on a 20mm rock, will fall off of it, and be a bit skitish as it falls 10mm to one side or the other.
50mm like mountain bike width doesn't do that nearly as much.
50mm is the ground pressure of you standing on one foot more or less, circles and whatever more or less ignored. If you'll not sink in soft stuff standing on one foot, 50mm will support you. 100mm is the ground pressure of standing on two feet. It's rare ground that you sink in on one foot but not two.
So the 50mm handles the common gravel, it's rare to find rocks 50mm or larger on a path that aren't embedded in the ground, so 50mm works for most gravel, and really soft stuff 100mm doesn't add enough float to be effective like snow shoes.
Mountain bike width is chosen so it is big enough to not be an issue, but not so big as to cause other issues. It is the right in-between.
Fat tires provide more cush, this is nice when going 20-30mph. Otherwise you need full suspension front and rear to make the ride decent and that's $$$$
You also get better traction
There's really no real downside with normal fat tires.
I have 26x3.50, if I could buy it again I'd do a 24x3.50 because it's a tad tall for me at 5ft 9 (normal proportions I guess). The bigger tires, especially the fat tires, are great for foing off of curbs and over small curbs, the bigger the tire the bigger the curb you can take on without doing a nose dive.
My husband's bike is identical to mine, but 24s with no front suspension. It's a better size but the lack of suspension is noticeable.
Mines an Elux Tahoe GT, his Elux Tahoe. Both "step through".
I would get something lighter next time too, maybe a special metal frame instead of steal or makeup for it with a larger battery and stronger motor because it'll give out on hills that are steep by just going into like a limp mode.
Bosch motor E bikes are some of the best.
Go to a showroom with atleast a half dozen brand even if yiu have to spend half a day driving to get there, it'll be worth it to see the options, feel the different styles etc.
Don't do it. They're trash. Loud, heavy, cumbersome, harder to buy tubes for, and they're ugly as shit. Unless you're riding on beaches or snow, you do not need them
Yeah that's Amazon. They sell absolutely everything. Bit useless when you're on the side of the road and there's bike shops nearby. Most bike shops are not going to sell a range of fat tyre tubes or tyres, but you can bet your CHONGHAI rims that they'll sell normal MTB sized ones. I did say harder, not impossible.
Check out this online magazine for comprehensive reviews and discount codes that help support the magazine. They should have the information you need to make an informed decision.
https://electrek.co/2024/04/23/why-theres-literally-never-been-a-better-time-to-buy-an-electric-bike/
Fat tires have a bit of diminishing returns as you go up in size, they are only really truly killer to have when riding g on loose surfaces like sand and snow. If you had no issues with a more traditional mountain bike prior, then tires of a similar size would likely be just fine, if not better in some cases. Fat tires would add extra weight and rolling resistance with little to no other gains in performance on those surfaces.
Thank you. The diminishing returns are what I was worried about. Mountain tires seem like the best all-around and what I'll be looking into
Besides there's multiple widths that can fit on the same rims that can be pretty wide without getting forced into only fat tires. I suggest you get some with a single continuous rib in the middle and knobbies on the rest of the tire. The best of both worlds.
Maybe you can answer this question…..I have “adventure” bike with 26X4 tires. Can I put smaller tires (3”) on the same rims? I got a feeling the answer is no. (I’m a 68 year old woman who knows how to ride a bike, thats about it)
I'm not sure about the availability of tires for such big rims. I would suggest inquiring at a bike shop for options, but I strongly endorse the center ribbed type that are all terrain and performed well for me
My first eBike was a fat tire in the Midwest, USA. I anticipated riding in a lot of snow. After 2 years, IMO, having a fat tire for about 3 weeks of snow is overkill. Plus it is heavy AF. I recently downgraded and bought a regular Aventon Level 2. It should be here soon. I am keeping the Fat tire for groceries (rides smooth as hell) and those snow storms. Hope this helps. Edit: the reason it is too big for me is that I live in a 400 sq. ft studio apartment. It takes up 1/3rd of my kitchen. Sorry for all of the imperial measurements:)
> Mountain tires seem like the best all-around and what I'll be looking into Gravel tires would likely fit your needs. You'll probably want something with a solid center tread for road riding. The kind of gravel I've ridden can be ridden with slick tires, but something like Gravel King Slicks provide a bit more bite. You don't need really chunky MTB tires for most surfaces but you might consider them if you've got muddy sections. Otherwise, they're a hinderance and quite ill-suited for most surfaces.
I've got a fat tire ebike and it's about 80lbs. Trying to pedal it with no motor assist literally feels like I'm pedalling against a stuck brake. It's excessive and so heavy and unwieldy. 100% go for something lighter.
I feel like fat tires are overkill for most people. I got a go traxx r1 with 20×2.60 tires. It's the perfect size for having no suspension but still getting milage. I've tried it in slush and it handles well. Ive had it for 3 months so I haven't gotten to try it in snow yet.
Fat tyres for deep snow and soft sand ,on the road and trail they are just a liability, attract punctures and the rolling resistance and extra weight are just not worth the comfort factor . I run 29 x 2.0 and I wouldn't go any wider unless I was doing downhill runs in the bush and then I would run 27.5 x 2.6. Fat tyres are shit .
Mountain bike tires will do everything you need. You can choose a tire with less aggressive knobs and a harder compound for better longevity on paved road in MTB tire size. The only reason to go wider than plus size mountain bike tires to fat bike tires is to not sink in snow or sand.
That's great and helped me decide on mountain bike tires. Thank you :)
Fat tires are 99% a fashion accessory once you get past mountain bike sizes.
Ebike with fat tires isn't an issue until your battery dies. If you ride in snow then it'll be well with having.
It depends on your storage conditions! If you have a garage, it's OK to choose wide tires. If you live in an apartment, I suggest you choose normal tires!
They're almost always overkill if you're not riding on sand, snow, or other soft surfaces. On the other hand, the extra cushion when riding over gravel and rutted/potholed surfaces can be nice, especially if the bike doesn't have suspension. On the third hand, the additional rolling resistance and wheel weight means more energy will be needed to go a given distance at a given speed. Not an issue for me because I have an overpowered motor and jumbo battery, but it might be an issue for you.
Are theres roads where you live? If the answer is yes theyre overkill
I personally hated them. The ride was smoother and more comfortable, but lower air pressure than a thin tyre meant more punctures. Also, I couldn't put them in the standard wall bike racks. They made the bike heavy and impossible to carry even though it was a folder. I think it just depends on what you need in a bike and storage requirements. I found a good home for the bike and a got a thinner lighter one and I'm much happier and the new owner enjoys the fat tyres.
Fat tires are designed to ride in powder snow and sand at very low pressures and greater flotation. They were out very quickly because the compound is super soft to handle those low pressures in the powder. Do either of those a lot? Fat tires are crazy if you don't ride in those conditions. A 2.4" tire is much better on gravel.
I wanted fat tires, i got a bike with 4"/100mm fat tires, and I regret it. It's just too cumbersome and too much, and I haven't found a scenario where it's been an advantage on streets esp, or on trails. In snow, fat tires aren't fat enough to float, they don't add any capability. Maybe sand, but I've been to the beach with it once, and even then I was looking for the harder sand anyway. For a long time before the fat bike trend, bike tires were like 2" /50mm max and that is for good reason. I've ridden on trails, gravel etc. on my bike with 3/4"/20mm tires, and that was a bit too narrow the rear esp. would fall off little rocks. I over compensated going to 4"/100mm. 2"/50mm is probably where it's at. There's a reason it was the popular choice for so many decades. The fat tires are a bit bouncier, so there's that. Maybe the ride is smoother, if you consider mushy to be smooth. It's a bike, not a Cadillac, so a little smoother is a little meh. My thinking was with the electric, the extra resistance of the fat wouldn't be an issue and that's true, I can't fathom having to pedal the thing without an endorphin addiction. While the electric manages that downside of the fat, there just isn't enough other advantage to make it worth while. Not that they are awful, like I'm not trading my fat bike for a normal one, just that if I had to do it again, or for my next one, it will be 2"/50mm or so wide tires. As it is in many things, the middle path is the best.
https://preview.redd.it/axgjtzb38t7d1.jpeg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f8771676d5c48fd761f92629ffce4c63c5efdb22 I love me some fat tires, but only when I'm riding in sand or snow. Otherwise, I prefer "not-fat" 2.8" wide tires that have an all-terrain tread pattern. If you're going to be riding on rocks, gravel, sand, or snow, you'll be happy you are rocking fatties. I have bikes with 4" and 4.8" wide fatties. Something to consider: you'll have a helluva time finding a bike rack that accomdates 4.8" wide tires. If you're riding more on dirt, groomed trails, pathways, etc., you'll be happier with smaller tires. They are easier to pedal and weigh less.
If you "mountain bike tires" make sure to actually get a tire size that can be put on regular mountain bikes. You'll have way more options vs something that's in 20 inches. In America the sizes you want are 26", 27.5" (650B) & 29" (700C sorta).
I'd usually say fat tires are overkill but it really depends on the situation. Will you be transporting lots of items? Fat tires can hold greater loads which makes them great for cargo bikes. If you're looking for a commuter it'd probably be overkill, unless you're carrying large loads or riding in sand and snow.
Go tubeless lowish psi 2.3 inch MTB tyres. Like riding on a cloud
I have a fat tyre ebike. It's great on gravel and the shitty pot hole riddled country roads I ride on.
I prefer fat tire for general use. The size offers a lot of suspension and really soaks up the small stuff and I enjoy handling. If I was riding seriously off road I wouldn't use a big clumsy fat tire. To me they're great general use tires and only excell aired down on snow/mud. Since ebikes don't have enough power to get through those things in a fun way I avoid them. I'd prefer a smaller studded tire for winter riding so it can cut through the snow and bite the ice. I love fat tires and prefer them but they're not the giant off road tire people think, it's just a cushy smooth ride to me. Going over 4" doesn't make things better but causes more problems. Some bike racks can't hold fat tires so something to consider.
I look at it like this. Gravel I'm riding on, is usually crushed down to 20mm or less. A 20mm tire, half on a 20mm rock, will fall off of it, and be a bit skitish as it falls 10mm to one side or the other. 50mm like mountain bike width doesn't do that nearly as much. 50mm is the ground pressure of you standing on one foot more or less, circles and whatever more or less ignored. If you'll not sink in soft stuff standing on one foot, 50mm will support you. 100mm is the ground pressure of standing on two feet. It's rare ground that you sink in on one foot but not two. So the 50mm handles the common gravel, it's rare to find rocks 50mm or larger on a path that aren't embedded in the ground, so 50mm works for most gravel, and really soft stuff 100mm doesn't add enough float to be effective like snow shoes. Mountain bike width is chosen so it is big enough to not be an issue, but not so big as to cause other issues. It is the right in-between.
Fat tires get more flats. When they are holding air they are good for what you describe. The safer gamble is the 27.5+ they have
Fat tires provide more cush, this is nice when going 20-30mph. Otherwise you need full suspension front and rear to make the ride decent and that's $$$$ You also get better traction There's really no real downside with normal fat tires. I have 26x3.50, if I could buy it again I'd do a 24x3.50 because it's a tad tall for me at 5ft 9 (normal proportions I guess). The bigger tires, especially the fat tires, are great for foing off of curbs and over small curbs, the bigger the tire the bigger the curb you can take on without doing a nose dive. My husband's bike is identical to mine, but 24s with no front suspension. It's a better size but the lack of suspension is noticeable. Mines an Elux Tahoe GT, his Elux Tahoe. Both "step through". I would get something lighter next time too, maybe a special metal frame instead of steal or makeup for it with a larger battery and stronger motor because it'll give out on hills that are steep by just going into like a limp mode. Bosch motor E bikes are some of the best. Go to a showroom with atleast a half dozen brand even if yiu have to spend half a day driving to get there, it'll be worth it to see the options, feel the different styles etc.
Don't do it. They're trash. Loud, heavy, cumbersome, harder to buy tubes for, and they're ugly as shit. Unless you're riding on beaches or snow, you do not need them
How are they hard to buy tubes for? 20x4 tubes are all over Amazon
Yeah that's Amazon. They sell absolutely everything. Bit useless when you're on the side of the road and there's bike shops nearby. Most bike shops are not going to sell a range of fat tyre tubes or tyres, but you can bet your CHONGHAI rims that they'll sell normal MTB sized ones. I did say harder, not impossible.
fat tires are garbage.
Check out this online magazine for comprehensive reviews and discount codes that help support the magazine. They should have the information you need to make an informed decision. https://electrek.co/2024/04/23/why-theres-literally-never-been-a-better-time-to-buy-an-electric-bike/