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Buying a new fat bike can be a daunting task, especially when you are planning on spending over $1,000 on one. Choosing the right fat bike can be a minefield and as someone who has recently gone through the process, so I decided to write this guide to the best fat tire bike under $1500.
After reading this guide, you will not only know what to look for when choosing your next fat bike but will also have 6 great recommendations for a fat bike under $1500.
Interested? Then read on…
Recommended Fat Tire Bikes Under $1500
Product | Features | |
Framed Minnesota Men's Fat Bike  |
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Framed Minnesota Women's Fat Bike  |
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Mongoose Malus Fat Bike  |
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Ecotric 500W 26" Fat Tire Beach Snow Electric Bike  |
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Nakto 500W Super Cruise Fat Tire Electric Bike  |
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Rattan 750W LF Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike  |
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How Do I Choose a Fat Bike Under $1500?
Fat Bike Frame Material
The material that the frame of your bicycle is made from is the first thing you should consider. The material of the frame will have an impact on both the weight and durability of your bike.
Typically, bikes will come in one of three main materials: steel, aluminum, or carbon. Each of these materials has its own advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into account when deciding which type is right for you. Selecting the right frame for you is a matter of striking the right balance between price, durability, and weight.
Steel Frame Fat Bikes
Steel frame bikes are strong, durable and long-lasting. They’re the perfect option for those just starting out with purchasing a bike.
Steel, however, is the heaviest material for constructing bike frames.
Steel-framed bikes are generally cheaper as well and most bikes at the budget end of the scale will be made of steel.
Aluminum Frame Fat Bikes
Aluminum is a light metal that has been used in the construction of bicycle frames for many years. Historically steel frames were the most popular option, but now they are considered to be heavier and less environmentally friendly than aluminum bikes.
You typically don’t find frames that are made completely of aluminum, as they often add in other metals such as magnesium, copper, and zinc.
Aluminum bikes are known for being lighter than steel frame bikes, while still being strong and durable.
These aluminum alloy bikes can be a bit more expensive than steel-framed bikes, with the lower end models being close to the price of mid-range steel-framed bikes. This is because they require less maintenance and are lighter weight making them great for off-road riding.
Carbon Frame Fat Bikes
Bikes frames made with carbon tend to be more expensive than those made with steel or aluminum, because the material is more expensive to make.
Carbon fibre is a fairly brittle material, so it is often mixed with a resin in order to create a composite material. This composite is then used to create a variety of materials that can be shaped into the desired shape for use in bike frames, electronics casings, and even some advanced medical applications.
Carbon bikes can be much lighter and stronger than other frame materials which makes them a coveted option for many cyclists. Carbon frames are also very resilient and resistant to pressure which makes them perfect for mountain bikers who enjoy cycling on rugged terrain.
The downside to these frames is that you can’t always tell when the material becomes damaged, such as after a crash. The only way to find out if the material has become brittle is to put it under stress, which will lead to failure when you are out on your ride.
Fat Bike Components
Bikes are not just frames and wheels, they also include a significant amount of other parts and components, such as handlebars, brakes, gears and drivetrains, to name but a few. However, the frame and wheels are typically the most expensive parts of the bike, with most people investing in high-quality frames.
When choosing the right fat bike for you, it is important to consider the types of components that would suit your needs and how well they’ll hold up. You should also make sure to find out about the company’s warranty coverage, as well as any other helpful information.
The following are some of the key components you should think about:
- Gears/Drivetrain – How much flexibility do you want for off-road and uphill riding? If you answer with a great deal of flexibility, then we recommend for you to go with a large number of gears. If you answer with just a few gears, we recommend that the gears only be able to handle flat roads.
- Brakes – Do you want an option that is easy to maintain, such as v-brakes, or is it more important for you to obtain a more reliable option, such as disc brakes?
- Handlebars – Would you prefer a flat handlebar for a more traditional style or would you like a bullhorn style handlebar for more options in how you hold the handlebars?
Tire and Wheel Size
Another consideration when buying a fat tire bike is the size of the tires and the wheels.
Tire Size
When it comes to tires, most people automatically think of the width of the tire. This is where “fat” tires got their name, as they are generally wider than 3.8 inches. The widest you will find these types of tires is 5 inches. The most common width of tires is 4.0 inches on lower priced fat bikes, with more expensive versions also including tire sizes up to 4.8 inches.
Tire width is important as it affects how the bike rides on different surfaces.
Wider tires typically mean more rolling resistance when riding, which will reduce the speed of your bike. This can make your bike feel sluggish on flat surfaces, such as roads and pavements. Additionally, wider tires have a lower profile and a less rounded shape than narrower ones. This makes it so they do not roll as easily on surfaces with a small radius of curvature, such as those found in urban areas.
However, wider tires are great for riding on looser surfaces, such as snow and sand as the extra surface area helps to spread your weight and allows you to ride across the top of the surface.
If you will largely be using your bike on pavement that is not too bumpy, narrower tires will provide a smoother ride and are better for general performance. If you want your bike to stand up to rougher terrain, invest in wide tires that are about 4.8 inches wide or greater.
Wheel Size
The size of the wheels refers to the internal diameter of the wheel, meaning the distance from one side to the other.
With a wide range to choose from, the wheel size of a bike is an important consideration as it can help you get the right size bike for your body and therefore give you a more comfortable riding position. It’s worth noting that different bike styles may have different wheel sizes suited to them.
Most bikes you will find come with 26-inch wheel size. This wheel size will suit the majority of riders, with it providing the best riding position for the majority of people, meaning adults that are between 5 and 6 feet tall. If you are taller or shorter than this height range, you may still fit a bike with a 26-inch wheel, however, you might need to make some adjustments to ensure that you can reach the bars properly or that the seat can go high enough.
For this smaller than 5 feet or taller than 6 feet, there are some alternative wheel sizes available. For those on the shorter side, you could opt for a 24-inch wheel. For those that are taller, 27.5-inch bikes are fairly common with some manufacturers making bikes designed for a 29-inch wheel.
Bike Weight
A further consideration before choosing your fat bike is the overall weight of the bike.
A heavy big might feel strong and durable, but there are two major disadvantages over lighter bikes.
The first issue is that they are simply heavier to move around. This means that when you need to take it out on your car or store it in your garage, the weight of the bike will make it harder to lift and hold in position compared to lighter bikes.
The other major disadvantage is that more weight generally means that it is harder to ride uphill. If you are looking to do a lot of hill climbing with your fat bike, you should opt for a lighter bike as this will not feel as sluggish up hills. The reason that it feels slower is that gravity will pull you back as you are climbing.
The good news here is that if you are planning on doing mainly downhill riding, then a fat bike will be a good choice as you can use gravity to your advantage!
Best Fat Bikes Under $1500
For a fat bike priced under $1500, you can expect to get a decent entry-level fat tire bike. You will also find that at this price point there are a number of electric fat bikes available. Generally, these will be lower-end e-bikes, but they are still worth a look.
Best Men’s Fat Bike Under $1500 – Framed Minnesota Fat Bike
Key Features:
- Frame = Aluminum Alloy
- Gears = 10 Gears
- Brakes = Mechanical Disc brakes
- Wheel Size = 26” x 4”
- Weight = 34 lbs 4 oz
If you want a fat bike that is light in weight as well as on the wallet, the Frames Minnesota Fat Bike is a really good choice and in my opinion the best fat bike for men under $1500.
This aluminum alloy bike weighs just 34 lbs and 4 oz, which is pretty light for bikes in this price range.
This bike is not just about being light as it also comes with some great components. You get 10 gears, which should provide a good range of high and low gears for taking on hills and speeding along flats roads. This is based on an 11-42 cassette, with a 28 tooth front chainring and a Shimano Deore M6000 drivetrain. This means you get good quality as well and a good range of gears.
The tires are on the thinner side for a fat tire bike, with a 26-inch x 4-inch wheel. The stock tires are also 60 threads per inch (TPI), which means you get a strong tire as well.
You also get a set of Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes, which is perfect for slowing you down when flying downhills.
Why we love it:
The balance of good quality components and also using aluminium for the frame is rare in this price range.
Best Women’s Fat Bike Under $1500 – Framed Minnesota Women’s Fat Bike
Key Features:
- Frame = Aluminum Alloy
- Gears = 10 Gears
- Brakes = Mechanical Disc brakes
- Wheel Size = 26” x 4”
- Weight = 34 lbs
If you’re a female cyclist and you’re after a bike that is designed for your frame, the Framed Minnesota Women’s Fat Bike is a great choice.
When looking for bikes, you will often find that they have been designed for the male body shape, even when they are referred to as unisex. This means that most bikes will have a reach that is too long, making it difficult for women to find a comfortable riding position. Designing a bike specifically for women, Framed has created an excellent fat bike, that women will find far more comfortable to ride.
RELATED: Best Fat Bikes for Women
In spite of these changes, there is no compromise in components or price when compared to the unisex bike. If anything this bike is better, with it weighing just 34 lbs (4 oz less than the unisex bike). Ok, that is probably not a noticeable amount, but at least it weighs less!
For gears, you get a Shimano Deora M6000 wide-range 1×10 drivetrain, meaning you get 10 gears, which is great for riding both on and off-road. Coupled with the 28 tooth front chainring and the 11-42 cassette, you should have all the gears you need for a comfortable ride.
This bike comes with aluminum alloy rims, fitted with 26-inch x 4-inch tires as standard.
The brakes are Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes, which will easily slow you down when hurtling along the trail and provide great control on steep descents.
A great option for female cyclists who struggle to get comfortable when riding unisex bikes.
Why we love it:
There aren’t many fat bikes designed for women and this one delivers on comfort as well as quality.
Best Unisex Fat Bike Under $1500 – Mongoose Malus Fat Bike
Key Features:
- Frame = Steel
- Gears = 7 Gears
- Brakes = Mechanical Disc brakes
- Wheel Size = 26” x 4”
- Weight = 45 lbs
Mongoose makes a wide range of fat bikes, all of which are very reasonably priced. The pick of the bunch though has to be the Mongoose Malus.
This steel frame bike is a good budget fat bike that is built in the style of a BMX bike and is ideal for those looking to dip their toe in the water of fat bike riding, without spending a fortune.
With a wheel size of 26” x 4”, this bike is designed to fit people between 5’4” and 6’2”, which is a great size for most of the population.
This bike comes with 7-speed twist shifters, which gives you a good range to work with when needing to take on small, less challenging hills. You also get mechanical front and rear disc brakes, which will give you secure stopping power when you need it.
At 45 lbs, this bike is heavier than other options on the market. This is largely due to the steel frame and lower-end components.
Why we love it:
A solid fat bike from a brand known for building good, entry-level models.
Best Electric Fat Bike Under $1500 – Ecotric 500W 26″ Fat Tire Beach Snow Electric Bike
Key Features:
- Frame = Aluminum Alloy
- Gears = 7 Gears
- Brakes = Mechanical Disc brakes
- Wheel Size = 26” x 4”
- Weight = 55 lbs (with battery)
- Motor = Rear Hub 36v 500w
- Battery = 36v 12ah
If you’re looking for an electric fat bike that can give you an extra boost when you’re flagging, the Ecotric 500W Electric Bike is a solid option.
This electric fat bike has been designed for heavy-duty use, with the rear hub providing 500w of power, which should give you a good boost for taking on hills.
It also comes with Shimano gears, providing 7 different ring sizes for when you are not using the motor to drive you along.
The aluminium alloy frame helps to save some weight on this bike, with the total weight, including the battery, coming in at 55lbs. This is pretty reasonable for an electric bike in this price range.
It also comes with 26” x 4” tires and mechanical disc brakes.
Why we love it:
All in all, this is a solid option for those who want to get out and ride, with a little bit of support along the way.
Best Electric Cruiser Fat Bike Under $1500 – Nakto 500W Super Cruise Fat Tire Electric Bike
Key Features:
- Frame = Steel
- Gears = 6 Gears
- Brakes = Mechanical Disc brakes
- Wheel Size = 26” x 4”
- Weight = 75 lbs (with battery)
- Motor = 500w Brushless Motor
- Battery = 48v 10ah / 48v 12ah Lithium Battery
For those in the market for a comfortable fat bike ride, that can deliver some electric power when you need it, the Nakto 500W Super Cruise Electric Bike might just be the perfect choice for you.
With a cruiser-style frame shape, this bike has been designed to provide you with a comfortable ride over long distances, meaning you can ride for longer without developing any aches and pains due to being in a cramped position.
The 500w motor, powered by a 48v battery is designed to help you ride for longer, delivering enough power to get you up hills on long, mountain rides.
You also get 6 Shimano gears with this bike, for when you are not using the electric power. This should be enough for tackling some of the easier hills under your own steam.
One of the downsides is the weight of this bike, which is 75lbs. This is pretty heavy for an electric fat bike, but this isn’t unexpected with a cruiser bike, which tends to be heavier due to its size and shape.
It also comes with 26” x 4” tires as well as mechanical disc brakes.
Why we love it:
This bike provides comfort and power for long rides, meaning you can spend more time in the saddle.
Best Folding Electric Fat Bike Under $1500 – Rattan 750W LF Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike
Key Features:
- Gears = 7 Gears
- Brakes = Mechanical Disc brakes
- Wheel Size = 20” x 4”
- Motor = 750w Brushless Motor
- Battery = 48v 13ah Lithium Battery
If you need a bike that you can fold up for storage or for using public transport, the Rattan 750 LF Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike may be your go-to bike.
This bike comes with 20” x 4” wheels, which have been specifically designed to allow this bike to fold down to a compact size. This doesn’t mean that this bike won’t fit taller riders, as this is bike comes with a long seat post and handlebars that can be raised to a comfortable height.
You get a 750w high-speed brushless motor with this bike, designed to provide you with plenty of power when riding around town and taking on hills on your commute. When not using the motor for power, the 7-speed Shimano gears give you a good range to get from A-B under your own steam.
Providing between 40-60 miles of power, this bike is a great choice for those who don’t want to be needing a recharge after every ride they complete.
Why we love it:
This bike is a great mix of power output, battery range and compact size, all with the added comfort and balance of 4” tires. What’s not to like about it?!
Summary
Thanks for reading this guide. I hope I have helped you find your next fat tire bike. With a budget of up to $1500, you can get yourself a high-quality starter fat bike, or an entry-level electric bike. Are fat tire ebikes better than non-electric fat bikes? In this price bracket, they probably aren’t, but if it isn’t an either/or decision then you should certainly go for one!
If you would prefer to spend a little less on a fat bike and are happy with an entry-level fat bike, check out one of our guides below to get the perfect one for you.
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.
