Best Kids' Fat Bikes Review 2022

Snowy climates are part of our experience, but cutting the mountain biking fun for it can be boring. The fat bikes or fat tire bikes as they are also known extend the MTB season to all year-round.  Even when the grounds/trails are wet, a fat bike will perform greatly thanks to its grippy giant wheels.

Besides, fat bikes are also handy during bike packing, bike camping, family tours, and riding on extremely sandy surfaces. The larger tires perform their magic by maintaining low pressure over soft surfaces, which makes a ride smooth even when your bike is unequipped with suspension systems.

If you are looking for kids’ fat-tire bikes, you can find both high-end-priced fat bikes and cheap fat-tire bikes. Even though there are 16-inch fat-tire bikes and 18-inch fat-tire bikes, our focus is drawn more to 20-inch and 24-inch fat-tire bikes. (We are also exploring the option of including 26-inch fat bikes soon)

Fat bikes are quite literally the new talk of the town but let’s be real; not everyone knows what these bikes are, how they function, or why there are models that are sized for kids.

Worry not; that is what we are here for, we have it all figured out in this best fat tire bikes for kids review.

Let us take a deep dive into everything you need to know about fat bikes.

All You Need to Know about Fat Bikes/ Fat Tire Bikes

What are fat bikes?

As the name suggests, fat bikes; also known as fat tire bikes or fatties, are special kinds of bikes that are equipped with massive tires that run 4 inches or wider.

How do fat-tire bikes function?

Tires with big volumes run at much lower pressures as compared to normal bike tires. This factor makes them great for loose and muddy trails because tire pressure (which we’ll dig into later) greatly affects the force impacted upon a trail.

To avoid sinking, the tire pressure needs to be low in order to also lessen the force of impact. That is the mechanism of fat-tire bikes.

With that said, fat tires have an advantage over the average bike tires in that because they can run at entirely low pressures, they can float on surfaces where normal bikes would sink in.

The increased floatation is what makes these bikes perfect in heavily snowy and sandy areas where normal mountain bikes, roads, or cross tires just wouldn’t do.

In addition, the ability to run at low pressures allows these tires to cover greater surface areas and in turn, the wider distribution enables increased traction; great for both dirt and snow.

A brief history of fat bikes

So where exactly did the idea of fat bikes come from?

Well, fat bikes date all the way back to the 1980s when Alaskan riders previously accustomed to riding mountain bikes found shortcomings in the machine as they could not journey through snow and ice.

Soon after, the riders would lace two rims side by side and install four tires; two at the front and the other two at the rear; through what was known as the tandem rim concept. This was the earliest version of the fat bike.

Over time, various modifications took place including removing the inner walls of the side by side rims to create a singular wide rim; although these versions were limited to wheel dropout spacing.

Thereafter the popularity of fat bikes still continued to rise with great challenges such as how to get the chain around the fat tires and even greater solutions such as a wider crankset and an offset frame became abound.

 In recent years, the attempt to conquer sand dunes through fat bikes and fat bikes has evolved to accommodate lighter frames and symmetrical designs.

Today, almost every bike brand offers fat bikes while there are also a number of specialty brands that limit their production solely to fat bikes.

The wide variety of makes and models have left riders spoilt for choice with new creations such as e-fatties that offer much-needed pedal assist when riding uphill.

Let’s see how beneficial these machines are.

What are the benefits of fat bikes?

You’re probably wondering. “Why exactly should I invest in a fat bike?”

Primarily, fat bikes were created to thrive over sandy and snowy trails. This means that fat bikes can extend not only when you ride a bike but also where you can ride.

Although there are many advantages that come with fat biking, these are the main ones:

1. Fat bikes extend the riding season.

Gone are the days when bikes would be locked up in garages when winter season came crawling in.

Fat bikes promise great stability when riding over snow.

With them, you can ride through all seasons but especially so in the fourth season as there is no chance of the bike sinking into the snow and you get stuck in the frigid conditions.  

Fat bikes have such an impressive record of riding in winter conditions that a lot of cyclists now invest in these bikes with the goal of exploring sub-zero cycling and previously unridden ungroomed winter tracks.

This new winter sport also fetches income for tourism agencies that engage touring cyclists where they were previously limited.

But their use extends beyond one season as these bikes are well-equipped to be able to be ridden any time of the year! How’s that for versatility goals?

2. Fat bikes create and extend the trails riders can explore

If there’s anything else that fatties can take the credit for, it’s that they have also extended trails for frequent and adventurous riders.  

Whereas before, cyclists would be unable to ride over sandy stretches, today cyclists are not just limited to previously ridden trails. In fact, there are a lot of recreational organizations that are grooming trails specifically for fat bikes

Other daredevils have made their own legacies through fat biking. For instance, in 2014, Daniel Burton became the first person to cycle to the South Pole on a fat bike.

This proves just how reliable, convenient, and pioneering these bikes are.

Originally, they were invented for snowy and sandy trails but the truth be told you will appreciate the extra travel on trails that only fatties can promise to reach.

Their ability to conquer any terrain is certainly unmatchable.

3. Fatties help keep you in shape during winter

Fat biking is a rad style of riding that ensures that when the winter season arrives, your fitness goals don’t have to suffer.

While gyms get less crowded, these super-wide tires enable riders to burn calories and still enjoy themselves through a sport they love.

Fat tire bike buying guide

Fat bikes are designed for extreme riding.

Like we mentioned; a lot of evolution has taken place since the first fat bike and needless to say, a lot goes into the creation of a fat bike.

Different models of fat bikes exist and as expected, these models vary in terms of materials, standards, weights, capabilities, pricing points and so much more!

However, a little research can guide you in the right path to finding the ideal fat bike especially if you are looking to purchase one for your kid.

Here are the key pointers to purchasing a fat bike.

• Floatation/ tire width

The question that you need to ask yourself is “How fat do I want to get it?” In other words, “how much floatation do you want from your bike?” The choice here is whether to get 4-inch tires or bigger.

By now, we all know that fat bikes are not limited to certain seasons or trails. With that said, the size of your tires will be dictated by the type of riding you intend to do.

If you will be riding local groomed tracks or in normal conditions then you might have no use for the extra inch of the tire. They’ll be sluggish and generally just no fun!

However, if you will be venturing into sandy areas for long periods at a time then you might want to look into fat tires.

• Rim widths

Rim width and tire width need to be in sync.

Fat bike wheels cost an arm and a leg so you need to be careful before you make your purchase.

If the rim width and tire width are not in line then the shape of the tire can be affected. Additionally, incorrect pairing such as a wide tire fused with a narrow rim can lead to the tire burping

Typically, rim widths are within 50mm to 100mm and above

For 4inch tires, stick to rims between 60mm and 80mm wide while for 5inch tires, you need to pair them with 80-100mm wide rims.

Riding tubeless is another consideration that is recommended. It’s a great way to shed weight and simultaneously avoid flats.

• Sizing

We highly advise that you purchase a frame that can accommodate a fat tire of the largest size you will want. That way, later on, you can install a smaller wheelset for a plus tire.

 There’s a difference between fat tires and plus tires so the reverse cannot work as fat tires won’t fit on frames that are meant for plus tires at the largest.

So be sure to choose the right frame depending on the type of riding you will be doing.

• Rigid, front, or full suspension

Fat tires use their volume to greatly increase traction by increasing the amount of contact the tires have with the ground when pressure is exerted 

A lot of people are often confused with regards to the suspension factor.

In essence, suspension entails an ability to control external forces such as bumps and hard corners. Additionally, the suspension helps stabilize the bike by enabling the bike to accurately track the terrain as opposed to bouncing off and deflecting from it.

Most fat bikes being sold now are rigid.  Go for a rigid bike if you intend to add the fat bike to your fleet of bikes as opposed to having it as your primary bike.

However, if you intend to use your fat bike as your primary bike then consider one with a suspension fork.

You want to buy a bike with a suspension system or alternatively get a suspension system that you can attach to the bike separately such as RockShox suspension.

Front suspension bikes, also known as hardtails; entail a front suspension fork but no rear shock. Good front suspension enables the bike to soak up bumps and easily roll over them

Front suspension bikes certainly have additional weight and cost but you will appreciate the extra travel offered. These bikes take you farther than you could ever imagine on a bike!

Full suspension bikes have a suspension fork as well as a rear shock. You want to invest in a full-suspension bike if you will be riding advanced technical trails as opposed to cross-country trails.

Trek Farley and the Salsa Bucksaw are great examples of full-suspension fatties that exist in the market today.

• Tire pressure

Tire pressure dictates the amount of contact/ interaction that the fat bike has with the ground.

The thing about tire pressure is that it can be changed for different conditions, and how well your bike rolls through sand or snow relates directly to your PSI

A difference of just 1 or 2 psi can be felt in a fat tire because of the large air volume. And this significantly affects how the tire interacts with the terrain.

8psi is common for fat bikers riding in soft conditions although depending on the right conditions fat bikers have experimented with psi as low as 5!

That said, a digital pressure gauge is a great tool to have if you plan on using the fat bike regularly.

On firmer trails, you can increase the pressure up a couple of psi to inflate the tires for a smoother ride.

Inflation on soft surfaces such as mud and sand, and snow needs to be low to not put pressure and sink.

The reason why fat tires do not perform as well on firmer surfaces, such as paved roads, is that they are under-inflated for such surfaces. They also do not have enough grip on the terrain.

Naturally, fat tires are designed in such a way that they have rolling resistance. This feature is both advantageous and disadvantageous, depending on the terrain.

While on soft surfaces such as snow or sand, the rolling resistance enables them to grab or grip the terrain, but this tends to diminish for firmer surfaces.

Fat bikes can be used on all types of terrains, but you need to know what tire pressures work best for the different terrains.     

Related Reading: Best PSI for bikes.      

• Q factor

The Q factor of a bike is the distance between the pedal attachment points on the bike’s crank arms. In other words, it is the measurement between each foot/pedal.

Due to the clearance needed for wider tires, the Q factor tends to also be a lot bigger as compared to normal bikes.

• Hubs and bottom brackets

Q factors vary depending on the bike’s crankset, pedals, and how wide the cleats are set apart.

Fat bikes have a bottom bracket whose width varies between 100mm and 120mm and a Q factor of 200mm and above depending on the crankset used.

• Pedals

Contrary to how it sounds, clipless riding is a system whereby the rider’s shoe clips into the bike pedal whereas flat pedal is where the he show just lies on a flat surface.

Flat pedals are advisable over clipless pedals especially when riding in frigid conditions

Clipless pedals can be difficult to use especially with wide cranks which is why you will certainly feel the difference of wider q factors.

If you’ve had knee issues in the past then the combination of wide q factors and clipless pedals will certainly be uncomfortable.

• Frame material

As with other bikes, frame material has a significant effect on the bike’s weight. Solid construction is always important so the material needs to be premium but weight optimization is just as important.

Fat bikes do not necessarily ride fast and at low speeds, the momentum is also usually low; which means that the weight of the bike needs to be manageable.  Otherwise, moving the bike can easily become a challenge.  

The lighter the material the better for you, especially if you plan to have the fat bike as your primary machine

Aluminum and steel are common, although carbon fiber is quickly gaining momentum. A few titanium models exist but they are more visually appealing than anything else. Plus they cost a lot more.

The thing about carbon frames is that they are more expensive but they save weight

Opt for steel and aluminum frames. These are great options as they are sturdy and have optimal weight.

On the same note, you also need to take note of the wheel, rim, and frame combination as it plays a huge role in the overall weight of the bike.

The rule of thumb here is to go for lighter materials but to also ensure that the bike is sturdy enough for the type of riding you intend to put it to.

Shedding pounds off a bike, later on, can be quite difficult especially if the frame/tire combination isn’t flexible.

Alternatively, you can opt for electric assistance for a better experience.

• Brakes

When it comes to brakes you need to consider the ease of setting it up, adjusting it, and generally using them.

Disc brakes can be hydraulic or mechanical; both of which are great for fat bikes as they offer increased control and extra stopping power with minimal effort.

Although hydraulics disc brakes are more expensive, they require less maintenance and adjustment as compared to mechanical disc brakes whose only advantage is that they can be mechanically repaired if they go wrong.

Mechanical disc brakes are highly advisable if when riding in the arctic, but let’s be real, what are the odds that you’ll be riding in the Arctic Circle?

Hydraulics disc brakes work great for warmer temperatures.

If you intend to use them in cold conditions, one that uses DOT fluid would be a better consideration as it has a lower operating temperature and retains a consistent feel in frigid conditions as compared to mineral oil (Shimano).

SRAM and Magura are good examples that use DOT fluid

• Gearing

It is important that you consider the type of gearing of your bike as well as the ease of use/adjustability.

Riding uphill and downhill can be made so much easier with gear changing. 

Low gear would work great for tours especially considering the added weight that comes with wider rims and tires. Not to mention any additional gear that you will be carrying.

There’ll be less strain on your legs with low gears.

Aside from low or high speeds, you also need to consider the gain ratio and shifting mechanism.

The gain ratio determines how easy it is to start pedaling the bike and how fast it can go.

It is determined by the wheel size, crank arm length, and number of teeth on the front and rear cogs

A high gain ratio requires more effort to get started but allows the bike to travel further with every pedal stroke. It works as a high gear on an adult bike

On the other hand, a low gain ratio requires less effort to get the bike started but requires more pedal spinning to get the bike going. It works like a low gear on an adult bike

As for the shifting mechanism, aggressive riders, especially mountain bikers, prefer trigger shifters- operated by pulling or pushing levers with your fingers; over grip shifters.  

• Grips

Foam grips are a better alternative to rubber or plastic grips as they do a better job at insulating your hands from the handlebars

• ACCESSORIES

Fat bikes are especially popular for winter riding and truth be told; staying warm as you ride has to be among your first considerations.

Although working on the bike helps generate heat, there are other considerations that you need to keep in mind.

Be sure to always dress warmly, especially if you intend to venture into winter riding.

An additional layer in case of an emergency, pogies for hands, and the appropriate riding boots/shoes will have you ready for the journey on a fat bike

When to replace fat tires on a bike?

As with other bikes when they are worn out or when their performance is bad.

By bad performance, we mean if you have a sudden streak of flats then you know that your tires need to be replaced.

All the same, be sure to check out the tires regularly and especially before embarking on a trip to avoid being stuck with a flat tire in freezing temperatures.

Parting Shot

When it comes to fat biking, any people ask “why?” But the real question is “why not?”

If properly equipped with the right fat bike and appropriate clothing, there really is no excuse for staying indoors.

Fat bikes will have you cruising sandy beaches, climbing up mountains, and riding over the snow as they are designed precisely for this type of riding.

There are a few things that you need to keep in mind before pulling coins out for a fat bike. These include:

• Tire width is dictated by the riding you intend to use the fat bike for
• The lower the tire pressure, the greater the tire’s capability on soft terrain
• The lighter and sturdier the frame, the better for the rider
• Suspension is a plus for rolling over external forces such as bumps
• Wider tires have wider rims and Q factors that offer a unique riding experience/ stance.
• Disc brakes are the best for instantly stopping fat bikes
• Hydraulic disc brakes (with DOT fluid) work better than mechanical disc brakes, especially in warmer conditions

Keep that in mind, and you’ll be good to go.

If you want to convert the tires to tubeless, use our tubeless bike conversion guide.

Happy riding!