Introduction- Fat Tire vs. Regular Tire E-bikes
Guess contribution by Redwan
Cycling has become one of the most popular means of transport among people who wish to become independent of public transportation schedules and like to exercise while commuting. And one of the convenient ways to do that is to get an e-bike, especially one with fat tires. However, this use of bikes has brought some debate regarding the best setups and gear.
This article will reveal what fat tire bikes are and their pros and cons. In addition, we will also see both benefits and drawbacks of using fat tire electric bikes for commuting.
What Is a Fat Tire Bike?
Fat tire bikes, also known as fat bikes, are bicycles with oversized tires. The goal of these rides is to enable easy riding on soft, unstable terrain. These surfaces include snow and mud, among others. Tires fall into the “fat” range when they are about 3.8 inches or larger. Rims are also wider than 2.16.
However, tires are not the only element that surpasses regular bikes in size. Frames are typically chunkier and sturdier to ensure stability in terrains where other bikes may fail in doing so.
Since their first appearance in 1980 – although previous versions had been around in the early 1900s – fat bikes have become more than just a solution to soft, irregular terrains. Nowadays, many people use them for other purposes, such as commuting.
There are three main types of fat bikes. Here are the main characteristics of each.
- Fat beach cruisers are fat tire bikes that ensure extra comfort while riding on sand. This practice tends to be pretty tricky if done with regular bikes.
- All-rounders are practically any fat bike that provides enough stability due to their wider tires. This includes commuter and e-bikes as well.
- Folding fat e-bikes, just as their name says, are fat e-bikes that provide foldability features. This has become a trendy choice among commuters.
What Are the Pros And Cons of Fat Tire E-bikes?
If we had to state the first and most popular reason riders choose a fat tire e-bike to commute, we would have to mention its looks. While still trying to be as objective as possible, fat bikes look cooler than the rest. So if you like to flaunt and have heads turn around when you pass by on your ride, a fat tire e-bike will surely do the trick.
But there’s more to fat tire e-bikes than just looking great on them. These bikes are an optimal option if you live in an area that enjoys four well-defined seasons. While hot summers might not be a problem, you also need a ride that endures extreme winters when snow or ice may appear. By commuting on a fat bike, you’ll ensure a safe, stable ride to work.
However, there are also some cons to fat tire e-bikes, and you should be aware of them before going to your local shop and purchasing one. On the one hand, they logically are slower than regular bikes. Their wide tires make it much more difficult to gain speed, and momentum can be lost.
On the other hand, with larger dimensions comes heavier bikes. Tires, rims, and frames add overall weight to your ride. This also makes it more difficult to gain speed while riding them. So you should think of leaving for your appointments a bit earlier than you did with your regular bike.
What Benefits Do Fat Tire E-bikes Have When Commuting?
We know that having an electric bike for adults to commute to work is a convenience. Additionally, having a fat tire e-bike brings other benefits too.
Firstly, if you are lucky enough to live on the coast, you can enjoy a beautiful ride on the beach while going to work or heading back home. Imagine how relaxed your days would start and end by enjoying some sea breeze while commuting.
Secondly, fat tires have the same effect on bikes as cars. Stability, balance, and control are present throughout your whole ride. This is an excellent advantage if you live in an area with heavy traffic, where you may need to make radical turns to dodge cars or through bumpy roads.
As a commuter, you may have noticed that getting to work, a date, or any other place you need to get to after riding a regular bike might become quite painful. With a fat tire e-bike, you should experience a more comfortable ride.
Finally, we can also mention that riding a fat tire bike is excellent exercise. Due to their weight, it may even be more significant than riding a regular bike. You will need more momentum to start riding and keep up speed, thus providing a good workout.
What Are The Drawbacks of Fat Tire E-bikes for Commuting?
So far, commuting on a fat tire e-bike sounds like a win-win situation. While it pretty much is, there are certain drawbacks you should consider. Keep them in mind, and look for possible solutions to avoid turning this beautiful experience into a negative one.
On the one hand, fat tire bike replacements may be hard to find. Despite their popularity, not all bike shops provide this type of gear, and you may need to look for a specific bike shop to modify your ride or solve any issues you may encounter.
Following up with the disadvantages of fat tire e-bikes for commuting, we might mention that they’re not usually for those with small budgets. Purchasing a fat bike will typically result in a significant expenditure, whatever the type or brand.
Finally, another drawback for commuting is that you always need to be fully aware of tire pressure. This is a crucial aspect for fat bikes, as it may affect your ride to the point of making it quite unpleasant if tire pressure is not properly set.
Summary
Fat tire e-bikes present both advantages and disadvantages when compared to their regular tire counterparts. When thinking of purchasing a fat tire e-bike, try to evaluate if it works well in your situation!
Images: Unsplash
Author Bio
Redwan is a contributor at Magic Cycle Bike. He blogs about sports and recreational topics, and how to lead a happy, healthy lifestyle.