We love writing these guides for you and sometimes we are compensated when you use one of our links to buy a product. This doesn’t impact the final price you pay. If you want to learn more about how this works, please see our Affiliate Disclosure page.
I love cycling and in particular fat bikes. Not only do they look cool, but they are so versatile, making them a great all-weather machine.
After finally convincing my wife that we should look to get her one, I realized that most of the fat bikes that came to mind simply wouldn’t be suitable. It turns out that most fat bikes are designed to fit the average male rider and it is only those that have smaller frame sizes that would be suitable for women.
So that you don’t struggle as I did to find make the right choice, I have rounded up in the following guide the best fat bikes for women that I could find. I have also included in this guide some of the areas for you to consider before making a purchase, to make sure you get the right fat bike for you.
Sound good? Then read on…
Best Women’s Fat Tire Bike
Framed Minnesota Ltd Fat Bike – Womens
Product Features:
- RRP = $2000
- Bike Weight = 34lbs
- Tire Size = 27.5″ x 4″
- Gears = 12
- Frame Material = Aluminium
- Brakes = Hydraulic Disc
Our Ratings = Overall 9.6 | Price 9.7 | Bike Weight 8.9 | Gears 10.0
The Framed Minnesota Ltd Fat Bike – Womens is a top-of-the-line, versatile and stylish option for any female bike enthusiast looking for a comfortable ride on any terrain. This bike boasts a range of impressive features that make it a must-have for any cyclist, from its lightweight aluminum frame to its powerful SRAM Level Hydraulic Disc brakes.
One of the key selling points of the Framed Minnesota Ltd Fat Bike – Womens is its lightweight frame. At just 34 lbs, it’s easy to carry and maneuver, making it the perfect choice for riders who want a bike that’s both nimble and robust. The aluminum frame also ensures that the bike is durable and long-lasting, making it a smart investment for those looking for a reliable ride.
Another impressive feature of the Framed Minnesota Ltd Fat Bike – Womens is its tire size. The 27.5 x 4 tires are the ideal size for a fat bike, providing excellent traction and stability on any terrain. The 12 gears ensure that riders can tackle any challenge, from steep climbs to technical descents, with ease and confidence.
The SRAM Level Hydraulic Disc brakes are another standout feature of the Framed Minnesota Ltd Fat Bike – Womens. These brakes provide powerful, precise stopping power, allowing riders to feel confident and in control at all times. Whether you’re descending a steep mountain trail or navigating a tight city street, you’ll feel confident knowing that you have the best brakes available.
Finally, the Framed Minnesota Ltd Fat Bike – Womens is stylish and attractive, making it a great choice for those who want to stand out from the crowd. The sleek design and bold colors make this bike a real head-turner, and the attention to detail in the frame and components is sure to impress even the most discerning cyclist.
The Framed Minnesota Ltd Fat Bike – Womens is an excellent choice for female bike enthusiasts who want a comfortable, reliable, and stylish ride. With its lightweight aluminum frame, powerful SRAM Level Hydraulic Disc brakes, and impressive tire size, this bike is sure to provide a thrilling experience on any terrain.
Trek Farley 5
Product Features:
- RRP = $2000
- Bike Weight = 32lbs
- Tire Size = 27.5″ x 3.8″
- Gears = 10
- Frame Material = Aluminum
- Brakes = Hydraulic Disc
Our Ratings = Overall 9.1 | Price 9.7 | Bike Weight 9.4 | Gears 8.0
The Trek Farley 5 is a premium-grade fat bike that combines style, performance, and versatility in a way that is unmatched by other bikes in its class. This bike is the perfect choice for riders who are looking for a high-quality ride that will take them anywhere they want to go, whether it’s through the mountains, the city, or on a leisurely weekend ride.
One of the key selling points of the Trek Farley 5 is its lightweight frame. At just 32 lbs, it’s one of the lightest fat bikes available, making it easy to carry and maneuver. The aluminum frame also ensures that the bike is durable and long lasting, making it a smart investment for those looking for a reliable ride.
One of the outstanding features of the Trek Farley 5 is its 27.5 × 3.8 inch tires. These inch-wide tires excel on many types of terrain and are an excellent choice for fat bikes. With an 11-speed drivetrain, this unit is built for any challenge, from difficult climbs to technical descents.
The SRAM Level Hydraulic Disc brakes of the Trek Farley 5 are another highlight of this bike. Their high-quality stopping power allows riders to feel secure and stable at all times, whether they’re zooming down a steep slope or navigating a bustling urban area.
The Trek Farley 5 also has a sleek and stylish design that sets it apart from other fat bikes on the market. With its bold colors and attention to detail, this bike is sure to turn heads wherever you go. The bike also features a range of high-quality components that make it a pleasure to ride, from its comfortable saddle to its responsive handlebars.
The Trek Farley 5 is an excellent choice for riders who want a high-quality fat bike that will take them anywhere they want to go. With its lightweight frame, powerful SRAM Level Hydraulic Disc brakes, and impressive tire size, this bike is sure to provide a thrilling experience on any terrain. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, you’ll love the Trek Farley 5.
Framed Minnesota Women’s – Fat 26″
Product Features:
- RRP = $1800
- Bike Weight = 34lbs
- Tire Size = 26″ x 4″
- Gears = 10
- Frame Material = Aluminum
- Brakes = Mechanical Disc
Our Ratings = Overall 9.1 | Price 10.0 | Bike Weight 8.9 | Gears 8.0
The Framed Minnesota Women’s – Fat 26 is a fat bike that’s specifically designed to meet the needs of female riders. With its lightweight aluminum frame, powerful brakes, and versatile tire size, this bike is the perfect choice for women who want a high-quality ride that’s comfortable, reliable, and fun.
One of the standout features of the Framed Minnesota Women’s – Fat 26 is its 26 x 4 tire size. These tires provide excellent traction and stability on any terrain, making it easy for riders to tackle a wide range of terrains with confidence. The 10 gears ensure that riders can easily switch between a leisurely pace and a more aggressive one, depending on their needs and desires.
Another key selling point of this bike is its Avid BB5 Mechanical Disc brakes. These brakes provide reliable and powerful stopping power, making it easy for riders to control their speed and navigate technical terrain with ease. Whether you’re on a steep descent or navigating a tight turn, you’ll feel confident knowing that you have the best brakes available.
The lightweight aluminum frame is another major advantage of the Framed Minnesota Women’s – Fat 26. At just 34 lbs, this bike is easy to carry and maneuver, making it an excellent choice for riders who want a bike that’s lightweight and nimble. The frame also ensures that the bike is durable and long-lasting, making it a smart investment for those looking for a reliable ride.
The Framed Minnesota Women’s – Fat 26 also has a stylish and modern design that sets it apart from other fat bikes on the market. With its bold colors and attention to detail, this bike is sure to turn heads wherever you go. The bike also features a range of high-quality components that make it a pleasure to ride, from its comfortable saddle to its responsive handlebars.
The Framed Minnesota Women’s – Fat 26 is an excellent choice for female riders who want a high-quality fat bike that’s designed specifically for their needs. With its lightweight frame, powerful Avid BB5 Mechanical Disc brakes, and versatile tire size, this bike is sure to provide a thrilling experience on any terrain.
Salsa Mukluk
Product Features:
- RRP = $2149
- Bike Weight = 32lbs
- Tire Size = 26″ x 4.6″
- Gears = 10
- Frame Material = Aluminum
- Brakes = Hydraulic Disc
Our Ratings = Overall 9.0 | Price 9.4 | Bike Weight 9.4 | Gears 8.0
The Salsa Mukluk is a fat bike that’s designed for riders who want a top-quality experience on any terrain. With its lightweight aluminum frame, versatile tire size, and powerful SRAM Level Hydraulic Disc brakes, this bike is the perfect choice for riders who want to tackle any trail with confidence and ease.
One of the standout features of the Salsa Mukluk is its 26 x 4.6 tire size. These tires provide excellent traction and stability on any terrain, making it easy for riders to tackle a wide range of terrains with ease. The 10 gears ensure that riders can switch between a leisurely pace and a more aggressive one, depending on their needs and desires.
The SRAM Level Hydraulic Disc brakes are another major selling point of this bike. These brakes provide reliable and powerful stopping power, making it easy for riders to control their speed and navigate technical terrain with ease. Whether you’re on a steep descent or navigating a tight turn, you’ll feel confident knowing that you have the best brakes available.
The lightweight aluminum frame of the Salsa Mukluk is another major advantage. At just 32 lbs, this bike is easy to carry and maneuver, making it an excellent choice for riders who want a bike that’s lightweight and nimble. The frame also ensures that the bike is durable and long-lasting, making it a smart investment for those looking for a reliable ride.
The Salsa Mukluk also boasts a sleek and modern design that sets it apart from other fat bikes on the market. With its bold colors and attention to detail, this bike is sure to turn heads wherever you go. The bike also features a range of high-quality components that make it a pleasure to ride, from its comfortable saddle to its responsive handlebars.
The Salsa Mukluk is an excellent choice for riders who want a top-quality fat bike that’s designed to provide an unforgettable experience on any terrain. With its lightweight frame, versatile tire size, and powerful SRAM Level Hydraulic Disc brakes, this bike is sure to provide a thrilling ride that you’ll never forget.
Salsa Beargrease C Deore 11
Product Features:
- RRP = $2949
- Bike Weight = 30lbs
- Tire Size = 27.5″ x 3.8″
- Gears = 11
- Frame Material = Carbon
- Brakes = Hydraulic Disc
Our Ratings = Overall 8.9 | Price 8.0 | Bike Weight 10.0 | Gears 9.0
The Salsa Beargrease C Deore 11 is a high-performance fat bike that’s
designed to provide riders with the ultimate off-road experience. With its
carbon fibre frame, powerful Tektro HD-M275 Hydraulic Brakes, and 11 gears,
this bike is the perfect choice for riders who want to tackle any terrain with
confidence and style.
One of the standout features of the Salsa Beargrease C Deore 11 is its
carbon fibre frame. Carbon fibre is one of the strongest and lightest materials
available, making this bike incredibly durable and easy to handle. The frame
provides excellent stability and responsiveness, allowing riders to tackle even
the toughest terrain with ease.
The 11 gears of the Salsa Beargrease C Deore 11 are another major selling
point. These gears make it easy for riders to switch between a leisurely pace
and a more aggressive one, depending on their needs and desires. Whether you’re
climbing a steep incline or cruising down a mountain, you’ll have all the gears
you need to get the job done.
The Tektro HD-M275 Hydraulic Brakes are another key feature of this bike.
These brakes provide reliable and powerful stopping power, making it easy for
riders to control their speed and navigate technical terrain with confidence.
Whether you’re on a steep descent or navigating a tight turn, you’ll feel
secure knowing that you have the best brakes available.
The 27.5 x 3.8 tire size of the Salsa Beargrease C Deore 11 is another
important aspect of this bike. These tires provide excellent traction and
stability on any terrain, making it easy for riders to tackle a wide range of
terrains with ease. Whether you’re navigating snow, mud, or rocks, you’ll have
the confidence to tackle any challenge that comes your way.
In addition to its impressive performance, the Salsa Beargrease C Deore 11
also boasts a stylish design that sets it apart from other fat bikes on the
market. With its bold colors and attention to detail, this bike is sure to turn
heads wherever you go. The bike also features a range of high-quality
components that make it a pleasure to ride, from its comfortable saddle to its
responsive handlebars.
The Salsa Beargrease C Deore 11 is an excellent choice for riders who want a
top-quality fat bike that’s designed to provide an unforgettable experience on
any terrain. With its carbon fibre frame, powerful Tektro HD-M275 Hydraulic
Brakes, and 11 gears, this bike is sure to provide a thrilling ride that you’ll
never forget.
Norco 2022 Bigfoot 1 Fat Bike
Product Features:
- Price Range = $2599
- Bike Weight = 37lbs
- Tire Size = 27.5″ x 4.8″
- Gears = 12
- Frame Material = Aluminum
- Brakes = Hydraulic Disc
Our Ratings = Overall 8.8 | Price 8.6 | Bike Weight 8.0 | Gears 10.0
The Norco 2022 Bigfoot 1 Fat Bike is a truly impressive piece of engineering, designed to tackle the toughest terrains and provide riders with a truly unforgettable experience. This bike is designed to be sturdy, durable, and packed with features that will make your journey a memorable one.
Weighing in at a substantial 37 lbs, the Norco 2022 Bigfoot 1 Fat Bike is a powerhouse of a machine, built to take on anything that comes its way. The bike is constructed from high-quality aluminum, ensuring that it is both lightweight and strong, allowing riders to easily maneuver through rough and challenging terrain.
The Norco 2022 Bigfoot 1 Fat Bike is equipped with 27.5 x 4.8 tires, providing the perfect balance of speed, stability, and grip. The 12 gears on the bike allow for smooth and effortless gear changes, helping riders to tackle any incline with ease. The Avid G2 Hydraulic Brakes provide reliable stopping power, ensuring that you can bring your bike to a safe and controlled stop whenever you need to.
The Norco 2022 Bigfoot 1 Fat Bike is designed to be a workhorse, providing riders with an exceptional level of comfort, even on the longest rides. The bike’s geometry is carefully crafted to provide a smooth, stable ride, and the carbon fibre frame material ensures that riders are able to effortlessly transfer power to the wheels.
The Norco 2022 Bigfoot 1 Fat Bike is a truly magnificent machine, designed to provide riders with a thrilling and memorable experience. With its sturdy construction, powerful features, and exceptional level of comfort, the Norco 2022 Bigfoot 1 Fat Bike is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a truly unforgettable ride. Whether you’re an experienced rider looking for a new challenge, or a beginner looking for a reliable and easy-to-use bike, the Norco 2022 Bigfoot 1 Fat Bike is the perfect choice for you. So, don’t hesitate, and experience the thrill of riding a true champion of the trails with the Norco 2022 Bigfoot 1 Fat Bike.
What to Look for When Buying a Women’s Fat Bike
When looking for a women’s fat bike, the following are some of the key factors you should consider.
Frame
The size and shape of the fat bike frame is the first thing you should consider.
Unless specifically advertised as for women, most bike frames are designed for the average person, not specifically male or female. With women on average being smaller than men, this means that you should consider your size in relation to the average human, rather than female when thinking about selecting a bike frame size.
This means that if you are an average height female, you will probably need a bike that is between a small and medium-size. Unfortunately, manufacturers don’t stick to the same sizes, so make sure you check the details on the manufacturers’ website before purchasing.
The shape of the frame is also an important consideration. With women being generally shorter than men, a female-specific bike will have a shorter stack (the height between the chainrings and the seat post) and normally a shorter reach (distance between the handlebars and seat post).
Again, you should make sure you check the details on the manufacturers’ website to make sure it is a comfortable fit for you.
Frame Material
The material that the bike is made from is also another thing to consider as this will have an impact on the durability of the bike as well as the weight.
In general, there are three main materials used for the manufacturer of fat bikes, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. Selecting the right frame material for you is a matter of personal preference, so below is a summary of the main materials used and the pros and cons of them.
Steel Frames
Steel is known for its strength and durability, and the same applies fr bikes as well. For many years, steel was the go-to material for building bikes as it was cheap to buy, very easy to shape into the tubes needed for the frames and could be welded together very easily.
Steel bikes will last a long time, as long as you keep the paint touched up and avoid the frame getting rusty.
One of the main downsides of steel bikes is their weight. Steel has not necessarily been designed to be a light material and as such steel bikes tend to be heavier than bikes made from other metals.
On the whole, if you are looking for a budget fat bike, a steel frame is a good choice as you know you will get a decent bike that will last a long time.
Aluminum Frames
Once reserved for those with a bigger budget, over the past decade aluminum frames have come down in price significantly, making them a much more affordable option.
Aluminum frames are generally considered a lighter alternative to steel framed bikes, making them much easier to manoeuvre than steel-framed bikes. This is particularly useful when riding off-road and on looser surfaces, such as snow and sand.
Bike frames are not made of pure aluminum, as they are usually alloyed with another metal to help improve the strength of the frame. This means that you get a lighter bikes frame than steel, but a frame that is still just as strong.
Aluminum framed bikes tend to be more expensive than most steel frames bikes, with the lowest end aluminum frames being comparable in price to a mid to high-end steel framed bike.
Carbon Frames
Fat bike frames that are made with carbon are usually a lot more expensive than those made with steel and aluminum, however, there is a very good reason for this.
Carbon framed bikes are far lighter than other frames, making them much easier to ride and throw around when riding offroad.
Whilst carbon is very light, it is actually a very brittle material compared to other metals. This is why carbon fibre is mixed with resin to create a composite material, which is then shaped to create the material for manufacturing bike frames. This combination results in a very strong and light material, perfect for creating really light bike frames.
If budget isn’t an issue for you, then a carbon framed bike is the way to go.
Gears
The number of gears you get with your bike is another factor to think about when choosing your fat bike.
For most people, a fat bike is going to be used in numerous situations, which will include riding on flat surfaces as well as uphills, both on and off-road.
Having a wide range of gear options is therefore important as it gives you the flexibility to apply more power when wanting to go quickly on the flats and downhill, as well as the option to drop down and spin your way up the hills.
Brakes
Choosing a bike with a good set of brakes is also something you should look out for, as some work better than others and are easier to maintain.
The following are just some of the brake types you are most likely to encounter with fat bikes.
Mechanical Disc Brakes
Mechanical disc brakes use a wire to help slow you down when you pull your brakes. The wire is attached to your brake lever at one end and to the brake pads on your wheel. When you pull the brake lever, the pad closes together against a metal disc, which is on your bike rim.
These brakes are known for being very reliable as well as fairly easy to maintain when compared with other brakes.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Hydraulic disc brakes are similar to mechanical disc brakes in the way that they slow you down by clinching against a metal disc that is part of your wheel to slow you down.
There is one major difference though, which is that instead of using a wire to brake, the pads come together based on the pressure that passes through the tubes as you squeeze the brake lever.
Hydraulic brake systems are super reliable, even compared to mechanical disc brakes. However, they are also quite hard to maintain and will most likely require professional assistance to get set up correctly.
Wheel Size
The size of your wheels will have a significant impact on the comfort of your ride, due to how large the bike will be and how much effort you have to exert in order to ride.
Typically, the wheels on an adult fat bike will have a diameter of 26” or 27.5”. The width of the tires will be between 3.8” and 5”, with tires most commonly being 4.0” or 4.8”.
The diameter and the width of the tires play slightly different roles in your riding experience:
Diameter
The wheel diameter influences both the size of the bike and the effort you will need to put in when pedalling.
Wider tires, at the 27.5” size, are typically found on larger framed bikes. This means that you are less likely to get them on women’s fat bikes, other than those with slightly larger frames.
This larger wheel size gives one main advantage over smaller diameter wheels. Larger wheels take less effort to rotate, meaning that you essentially get more output for the same input as you would get with a smaller wheel.
Width
The width of the tire will influence both the effort that you have to put in to ride, as well as the stability of the bike on multiple surfaces.
Wider tires typically mean more grip. This is because fat tires have a larger surface area and therefore more of the tire is in contact with the surface.
More grip can be good, for instance when you are riding off-road, riding on wet surfaces or on ice. The extra grip will give you more stability and allow you to push your bike harder on these surfaces.
However, on smoother surfaces, this extra friction will slow you down and mean you have to work a lot harder to get up to a decent speed compared to other bikes.
Bike Weight
A further factor to consider is the weight of the bike, as this can impact how easy it is to ride your bike, as well as transporting and store your bike.
When riding a bike, the general rule is that the heavier the bike is, the harder it is to ride. This is largely due to gravitational forces affecting the bike, meaning that a heavier bike is effectively being slowed down more when you are travelling uphill compared to a lighter bike. This means that you need to put more effort in to get up the hill compared to when using a bike with a lot less weight and therefore you will feel more tired after riding a heavier bike.
All is not lost though! On the positive side, you get a much better workout and will lose more weight on a fat bike. You also have the benefit that when riding downhill, your bike will go faster.
When it comes to storage and transportation of your bike, weight has the obvious disadvantage of making it hard to lift and carry around. A lighter fat bike will therefore be easier for you to carry and lift up onto your bike rack.
FAQs
Is it harder to pedal a Fat tire bike?
Fat tire bikes can be harder to pedal due to the larger tire size and added weight, but this can also provide more stability and traction for rough terrain. The level of difficulty will also depend on the specific design of the bike, as well as the rider’s strength and experience.
What are the disadvantages of fat tire bikes?
Some of the disadvantages of fat tire bikes include their bulkiness and added weight, making them less maneuverable than other types of bikes. They also tend to be more expensive and may not be as efficient for general commuting or road riding. Additionally, they can be more difficult to find replacement tires for, as not all bike shops carry the larger sizes.
Are fat tire bikes good for street riding?
Fat tire bikes can be suitable for street riding, but they are better suited for off-road adventures and uneven terrain. They provide more stability and traction, but their larger size and added weight can make them less efficient for street riding and general commuting.
How do I choose a fat bike?
Choosing a fat bike will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the type of terrain you will be riding on, your budget, and your preferred riding style. It’s also important to consider the bike’s frame material, tire size, and the number of gears, as these can all impact the bike’s performance and versatility. Make sure to test ride several bikes before making a decision to find the one that best fits your needs.
Do fat tires get more flats?
Fat tires can be more resistant to flats due to their larger size and lower pressure, but this will also depend on the specific design of the tire and the conditions you are riding in. To minimize the risk of flats, make sure to properly inflate your tires and inspect them regularly for any signs of damage.
Do you burn more calories on a fat tire bike?
Burning more calories on a fat tire bike is possible due to the added resistance and stability required for off-road riding. However, the amount of calories burned will also depend on factors such as the intensity of the ride, the rider’s weight, and the terrain. To maximize calorie burn, focus on longer rides with more intense off-road elements, and incorporate interval training and resistance training into your routine.
Summary
I hope you have enjoyed this guide and I have helped you to find the perfect fat tire bike for you. For me, the Framed Minnesota Ltd Fat Bike – Womens is the pick of the bunch as you get a lot for your money.
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.
