What exactly is a fat bike? Is it a bold leap forward in mountain biking or merely another attempt to reinvent the wheel? Let's dive into what defines a fat bike, and who might benefit from it.

When you look at a fat bike, the first thing that stands out is its oversized tires, which are significantly wider than those found on typical mountain bikes. Fat biking is still regarded as a relatively new sport, yet it has gained traction worldwide for nearly three decades (though the first mention of thick-wheeled bicycles dates back to the 1930s).

So, what exactly is a fat e-bike? Think of it as the SUV of bicycles—a rugged, all-terrain vehicle designed for those who crave unrelenting adventure throughout the year. Thanks to its broad tires, a fat bike excels in traversing rough terrains that would challenge even the heartiest mountain bikes. It effortlessly cruises over sandy trails, muddy plains, swamps, loose soil, snow, and other challenging landscapes. This versatile machine is ideal for anglers, hunters, outdoor photographers, wilderness explorers, and anyone who thrives on extreme off-road experiences. Recognizing this niche, Delfast, a company renowned for producing electric vehicles tailored for tourism, couldn’t overlook the fat bike market. Within their collection, the esteemed Delfast OFF-ROAD model proudly represents the fat bike family.

Historically speaking, fat biking emerged as a winter pastime in America during the 1990s before spreading globally. Mark Gronewald, based in Alaska, is credited with coining the term "fat bike." Driven by his passion for cycling, Gronewald stretched the tires of his bike to an unprecedented width of three inches (7.62 cm), effectively allowing him to cycle through snow-covered forests in February. Bicycle expert Sheldon Brown even hailed this innovation as one of the most significant developments for cyclists since the advent of mountain bikes. Interestingly, it was a fat bike that enabled cyclist Maria Leierstam to conquer the South Pole in 2013—no other bike model had ever achieved this feat. Consequently, fat bikes are sometimes referred to as snow bikes.

With a fat bike, winter adventures are bound to be anything but dull. You can engage in thrilling activities, stay active, and explore the outdoors simultaneously. If you find fellow enthusiasts, you can venture beyond city limits to traverse snow-covered trails that are off-limits to vehicles due to their fragility. Additionally, you can head to frozen riverbanks or even venture onto ice, driving several kilometers along the riverbed in pursuit of winter fishing spots. However, safety should always come first; ensure the ice is sturdy and avoid hazardous conditions. Winter cycling demands proper attire—exposed skin areas (typically the neck and wrists) quickly lose sensation and can suffer frostbite. This caution is particularly crucial when riding an electric fat bike, given its higher speeds and the possibility of complete reliance on the motor. Therefore, if you're serious about winter fat biking, investing in specialized gear is essential. Layered clothing, long-sleeved garments, and thermal undergarments are recommended. Regular cotton clothing is unsuitable due to its tendency to absorb sweat and remain damp, increasing the risk of hypothermia. Moreover, your cycling backpack should include a thermos, spare hat, gloves, nutritious snacks, and a repair kit for minor fixes.

Fat bikes aren't limited to icy and snowy terrains; their versatility extends to sand-covered landscapes, including sun-soaked beaches. In fact, riding on sandy shores has grown increasingly popular, with enthusiasts enjoying the thrill of gliding alongside the ocean waves. Surfing aficionados have embraced this capability, opening access to beaches that were once unreachable by traditional bikes.

While the wide tires are a defining characteristic of fat bikes, they aren't the sole factor. The real game-changer lies in the low tire pressure, which ranges between 0.5 and 2 atmospheres. This is possible thanks to robust tires that often measure up to 5.5 inches and rims spanning 65 to 100 mm. These specifications allow fat bikes to maintain optimal pressure without risking punctures or tire damage. The physical attributes of these tires include large air chambers, offering superior shock absorption. Low pressure also increases the contact area with the ground, reducing pressure per square centimeter, enhancing overall passability. This principle is why low-pressure tires are widely adopted by manufacturers of all-terrain vehicles like BRP, Polaris, and Arctic Cat.

Conventional fat bikes typically lack suspension due to the unique characteristics of their tires. However, our Delfast OFF-ROAD model includes a front suspension with a shock absorber. For many riders, this is even more crucial than the all-terrain capability itself. The wide tires provide additional comfort during rides. Potholes and bumps are barely noticeable on a fat bike because the tires absorb them effortlessly. This difference is particularly evident on gravel roads and other minor irregularities, which can cause a regular mountain bike to jolt and its rider to feel a slight vibration. Nevertheless, we still incorporate front suspension because our bike can reach significantly higher speeds compared to a standard, non-electric fat bike. During high-speed off-road rides, the shock-absorbing effect of just the tires may not suffice. It’s worth remembering that a typical fat bike rarely exceeds speeds of 10-15 km/h, whereas an electric fat bike can accelerate up to 45 km/h!

We’ve also installed a rear shock absorber in the Delfast OFF-ROAD model to counteract the high torque of the motor wheel, whose maximum output reaches 5000W! Another undeniable advantage of fat bikes is their distinctive appearance. Despite their growing popularity, they remain relatively scarce, ensuring you'll attract attention from both pedestrians and motorists alike. This is especially true for powerful electric models. Naturally, curiosity about how to manage such a bike arises, and the question lingers—are they difficult to ride?

At first glance, it might seem that riding a fat bike is extraordinarily challenging, with an unstable and somewhat unwieldy feel. Yet, this perception is far from accurate. Modern fat bikes are remarkably stable and dependable while in motion. Despite their large wheels, the handling of a fat bike is scarcely different from that of a standard bike. Riding an ordinary fat bike becomes notably more demanding only at speeds exceeding 25-30 km/h due to the increased resistance of wide tires. If higher speeds are desired, a traditional fat bike falls short. Fortunately, there’s a solution—the electric fat bike Delfast OFF-ROAD. Conveniently, the pedals remain intact, allowing you to use them even with a depleted battery (just in case of emergencies).

The obvious advantages of an electric fat bike include impressive speeds. A single battery charge (depending on capacity and intensity of use) is sufficient for trips exceeding 100 km. Additionally, the motor can assist in pedaling, which conserves battery life. Alternatively, you can pedal manually and let the electric motor guide you home when fatigue sets in. Most importantly, an electric fat bike empowers individuals who previously lacked the opportunity to explore off-the-beaten-path routes. Literally.