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Fat bikes are all the rage these days and for good reason! They’re incredibly versatile machines that can handle a variety of terrain and conditions. But what’s the best fat bike tire to use? There are a lot of different options on the market, so it can be tough to decide.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best fat bike tires available and help you choose the right one for your needs.
Our Favourite Fat Bike Tire
Schwalbe Jumbo Jim Evo Super Ground MTB Tire
Key Features:
- Wheel Size = 26”
- Tire Width = 4.0” or 4.6″
- Threads per Inch = 127
- Studs = None
- Tread Type = Open Tread
- Bead Type = Folding
This tire is perfect for 3 season riding, with an open tread reducing rolling resistance on flat surfaces.
How to Choose the Right Fat Bike Tires
Tire Width
There’s a lot of variation between different fat-tire bikes when it comes to widths. Some bike manufacturers go for a wider tire, while others keep it more standard. So, what’s the right width for you?
The average width of a fat tire is approximately 3.8 to 4.8 inches, with some variants in between. There are pros and cons to choosing each type of tire, which relate to how much friction you will get with the riding surface.
If you’re looking for more grip on loose surfaces, wider tires are the way to go! They create more contact points with the ground, which increase the friction and therefore traction.
On the other hand, narrower tires mean less surface area in contact with the ground, which results in reduced rolling resistance. So when you’re riding on smooth surfaces, like roads and pavements, narrower tires are a much better option.
Casing Strength (TPI)
The casing used to make bike tires is typically measured using the number of threads per inch (TPI). TPI represents the number of threads that are crisscrossing through one square inch of a single ply of the casing of the tire. This number is important because it determines how strong and durable your tires will be.
The higher the TPI, the better the quality and durability of the tire. Entry-level tires usually have a TPI of around 30, but the higher quality tires have a TPI of 120 or more! So your car is going to ride so much better with better tires!
Tread Type
The tread pattern is very important when choosing gravel tires for your fat bike as these will influence how well you are able to grip the loose surface.
Slick tires, which come with a very smooth tread pattern, provide less grip on the gravel surface than those with more knobs. This means they’re not ideal for off-roading, but they’re perfect for paved roads and track racing.
With more knobs on your tire, you’ll have more contact with the loose surface and the surface beneath the gravel, keeping you stable and in control. This means that when you choose your route, you will be able to ride faster and have more fun without your wheels skidding around as much!
Think about the sorts of rides you’ll be taking to find out whether you’ll require fully slick tires, tires that include many knobs and paddles, or something in between.
Studs
To stud or not to stud, that is the question.
Studded bike tires are great for use in winter conditions, with the metal studs penetrating the ice below and providing the grip you need to make sure your tires don’t slip when taking corners.
Bike riders know that extra traction can be a lifesaver during the winter. That’s why when it comes to buying studded tires, the more studs the better.
There is a balance to be struck though as the more studs you have in your tires the heavier they will be. The best winter fat bike tires will usually come with studs or the option to add them later.
Best Fat Bike Tires
Vee Tire Snow Avalanche Studded Fat Bike Tire
Key Features:
- Wheel Size = 26”
- Tire Width = 4.8”
- Threads per Inch = 120
- Studs = 240
- Tread Type = Knobby
- Bead Type = Folding
The Vee Snow Avalanche XL Studded tires is an excellent choice for those who don’t want to miss out on cycling in the winter months.
This tire has been designed for fat bike wheels measuring 26”, which should fit the majority of fat bikes. With a width of 4.8”, these tires is on the top end when it comes to general tire width, giving you a lot more surface area when riding in the snow and ice, which will provide much better traction. This will give you a much more pleasurable riding experience.
For added grip, these tires also come equipped with 240 studs, which will cut into the ice and stop your bike from slipping out when turning. There is also the aggressive tread, which allows you to ride over thicker snow without the same loss of performance you would get with some other tires.
The casing of this tire boasts a TPI of 120, which is very high and means that you will get a very high-quality winter bike tire for your money.
Whilst these tires should definitely be considered premium, the features and quality of this tire make them ideal for winter riding.
If you opt for the studless option but want to add studs at a later date, you can get a separate Vee Tire Stud Kit, which is easy to use and install.
45NRTH Wrathchild Studded Tire
Key Features:
- Wheel Size = 26”
- Tire Width = 4.6”
- Threads per Inch = 120
- Studs = 252
- Tread Type = Knobby
- Bead Type = Folding
Another contender for the best winter tire has to be the 45NRTH Wrathchild Studded Tire.
This tire is designed for use on 26” bike wheels, which is standard for most fat bikes. These tires are 4.6” wide, which isn’t the largest out there, but is still a very good width for providing the traction you will need in snowy conditions.
This tire comes with 252 concave studs, which will provide you with excellent traction in the ice, as the tips of the studs will grip the surface far better than a smoother tire surface. The extra-deep lugs and knobs will also provide extra stability in thicker snow, making cornering a far less worrying experience, as the bike is less likely to slip out when turning on snow.
The quality of this tire is very high, with the casing boasting a TPI of 120. This will reduce the risk of you getting punctures when riding and makes for a very durable, long term tire.
Another great choice for those who are looking for a premium tire for winter riding, that will last for years to come.
Schwalbe Jumbo Jim Evo Super Ground MTB Tire
Key Features:
- Wheel Size = 26”
- Tire Width = 4.0” or 4.6″
- Threads per Inch = 127
- Studs = None
- Tread Type = Open Tread
- Bead Type = Folding
For those looking for an all-round great fat bike tire, the Schwalbe Jumbo Jim Evo Super Ground MTB Tire might just be the best tire you can get.
These high-quality tires boast 127 threads per inch, making them very strong and durable. This means they are great for taking off-road as they won’t be affected too much by the lumps and bumps of the trail, so you won’t find yourself getting punctures too easily.
They are designed to fit 26” fat bikes wheels, which makes them suitable for the majority of fat bikes on the market. Coming in 4.0” and 4.4” widths, you have the option of dropping to a narrower, yet still fat, tire if you are wanting stability without compromising on speed. Or you can go for the wider option if you want a very stable ride and fun on looser surfaces.
These tires also come with an open knobbed tread, designed to reduce the rolling resistance of the tire on smoother surfaces, but still give some grip on off-road surfaces. This tread is great for those wanting a tire for use in the milder months that can be used on multiple surfaces.
The Schwalbe Jumbo Jim Evo Super Ground MTB tire is probably the best 3 season tire you can buy. It won’t cut into the snow and ice like some of the studded tires, but for the rest of the year, it will make for a fine fat bike riding companion.
Maxxis Minion FBR Mountain Bike Tire
Key Features:
- Wheel Size = 26”
- Tire Width = 4.0” or 4.8″
- Threads per Inch = 120
- Studs = None
- Tread Type = Sports with ramped center line
- Bead Type = Folding
The Maxxis Minion FBR Mountain Bike Tire is a great option for those who want a fat bike tire that can be used for some serious off-road riding.
This fat bike tire has been designed for use on 26” wheels. Coming a 4.0” and 4.8” width, the 4.0” option is a good choice for those who are less concerned about stability and are more concerned about speed. If stability on off-road surfaces is what you are looking for, then the 4.8” option will be a good choice. This larger size will also serve you well in the winter months, where more contact points with the ground will significantly increase stability.
These are also very high-quality tires, with a TPI of 120 providing a very durable tire, which is far less likely to tear or puncture compared to a tire with a lower TPI number.
The tread on this tire is described as “sports with a ramped centre” by Maxxis and as you will see from the picture, the tread is quite aggressive, with deep paddles in the centre designed to give you superior grip on off-road surfaces and the larger side knobs giving you stability when turning.
This tire is a great choice for those who are looking to take their fat bike off-road and want a fat tire that will give them that extra grip they have been looking for vs. a mountain bike. There are separate front and back versions of this tire, so make sure you get one of each and put them on in the right order!
Mongoose Fat Bike Tire
Key Features:
- Wheel Size = 20″ and 26”
- Tire Width = 4.0”
- Threads per Inch = Unknown
- Studs = None
- Tread Type = Aggressive, Knobby Tread
- Bead Type = Folding
The Mongoose fat bike tire is a great choice for those on a lower budget who don’t want to risk buying from an unknown brand in the fat biking world.
This fat bike tire has been designed to fit both 20” and 26” fat bike wheels, which is great for those riding on a lower profile, BMX style fat bike, which Mongoose is particularly famous for. The tire width is 4.0”, which is on the narrower side for a fat bike tire, but still fat enough to give you the extra traction and coo look you would hope for in a fat tire.
The tread of this tire is aggressive, with plenty of thick, deep knobs for taking your fat bike off-road. This tread will give you a great grip when riding along dirt trails.
If you are budget conscious and want a fat bike tire that will last you a good couple of years of riding, then the Mongoose Fat Bike Tire will be a great option for you.
Kenda Juggernaut Pro
Key Features:
- Wheel Size = 26”
- Tire Width = 4.0”, 4.5″ and 4.8″
- Threads per Inch = 120
- Studs = None
- Tread Type = Open Tread
- Bead Type = Folding
The Kenda Juggernaut Pro is a fat bike tire designed for speed.
This tire is designed to fit 26” wheels and comes in three widths: 4.0”, 4.5” and 4.8”. If you are a fan of the Kenda tire brand, which is known for making high quality, affordable tires, then you know you have a wide choice of tire widths at your disposal. Mainly using your fat bike to commute? go for the 4.0”. Want a tire for the winter months? The 4.8” is a great choice. Or are you simply after a good all-round choice? The 4.5” will serve you well.
The open tread on these tires makes them a great choice for those who will be largely riding on smoother surfaces and lighter trails. They will give you a good amount of traction across smoother surfaces, without too much rolling resistance. The tread is not ideal for winter riding though, as you may find it lacking depth when compared to other fat bike tires.
The quality of the tire casing is high, with a TPI of 120 meaning you are less likely to get punctures when riding on the trails.
A great choice for those looking for a high-quality tire without wanting to break the bank.
Which Is the Best Fat Bike Tire?
Deciding which fat tire is best is hard as each tire has its strengths, depending on the conditions. The following list identifies what I believe are the best tires for different riding conditions and budgets:
- Best Fat Bike Tires for Winter Riding = Vee Tire Snow Avalanche Studded Fat Bike Tire
- Best Fat Bike Tire for Commuting = Schwalbe Jumbo Jim Evo Super Ground MTB Tire
- Best Fat Bike Tire for All Round Performance = Schwalbe Jumbo Jim Evo Super Ground MTB Tire
- Best Fat Bike Tire for Budget Conscious = Kenda Juggernaut Pro
- Best Cheap Fat Bike Tire = Mongoose Fat Bike Tire
- Best Fat Bike Tire for Off-Road and Trails = Maxxis Minion FBR Mountain Bike Tire
Summary
So there you go. I hope you have enjoyed reading through this guide to the best fat bike tires. There are plenty of good quality fat bike tires to choose from and which one of best for you will depend on the type of riding you do and the conditions you ride in.
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Andy is an avid cyclist who enjoys nothing more than a ride out in the hills. Competing in track, road, time trial and mountain bike events in the past, he prefers slower rides out with his family these days.
