Big Tires, Small Price | 7 Best Fat Tire Bikes Under $500

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Fat bikes are fun to ride and very versatile bikes, but if you have never ridden one, you might still be a sceptic.  I used to be one, thinking that fat bikes were just there to help you stand out.

If you’re tempted to dip your toe in the water of the fat bike world but don’t want to spend a fortune, you might just want to get yourself a cheap ride before splashing the big bucks.

If this is you, this guide is for you.  I’ve hunted out the best fat tire bikes under $500.

Interested?  Then read on…

Best Fat Tire Bikes Under $500


Outroad Fat Tire Mountain Bike

Product Features:

  • Price Range = $300-$350
  • Weight Limit = 440lbs
  • Bike Weight = 60lbs
  • Tire Size = 26″ x 4″
  • Gears = 21
  • Frame Material = Steel
  • Brakes = Mechanical Disc

Our Ratings = Overall 8.7 | Price 9.4 | Weight Limit 10.0 | Bike Weight 5.0 | Gears 10.0

The Outroad Fat Tire Mountain Bike is a versatile and durable option for those who enjoy off-road cycling. With its 26 x 4 inch tires, this bike is designed to handle a variety of terrains, making it a great choice for riders who like to take their cycling adventures off the beaten path. The 21 gears on this bike allow riders to tackle steep inclines and descents with ease, and the 440 lbs weight limit ensures that it can accommodate riders of various sizes.

One of the standout features of the Outroad Fat Tire Mountain Bike is its steel frame, which provides a strong and sturdy foundation for the bike. This frame is built to last, and it is able to withstand the demands of off-road cycling. Additionally, the mechanical disc brakes on this bike provide reliable stopping power, giving riders the confidence they need to tackle steep descents and rough terrain.

In terms of weight, the Outroad Fat Tire Mountain Bike weighs in at 60 lbs, which is a little on the heavy side, but this is to be expected with a fat tire mountain bike. This weight can make the bike a bit harder to maneuver, but it also adds to its stability, making it a great choice for riders who want a bike that is able to handle demanding terrain with ease.

One of the benefits of the Outroad Fat Tire Mountain Bike is that it comes with a guide price of $300-$350, making it an affordable option for those who are looking for a high-quality fat tire mountain bike. This bike is a great choice for riders who are just starting out with off-road cycling, as well as more experienced riders who are looking for a durable and reliable bike that can handle a variety of terrains.

The Outroad Fat Tire Mountain Bike is a versatile and durable option that is well-suited for off-road cycling. With its 26 x 4 inch tires, 21 gears, and steel frame, this bike is built to last and handle the demands of off-road cycling. Additionally, the mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, and the guide price of $300-$350 makes this bike an affordable option for riders of all levels.


Krusher Men’s Dynacraft Fat Tire Bike

Product Features:

  • Price Range = $250-$300
  • Weight Limit = 275lbs
  • Bike Weight = 19lbs
  • Tire Size = 26″ x 4″
  • Gears = 1
  • Frame Material = Steel
  • Brakes = Mechanical Disc

Our Ratings = Overall 8.6 | Price 10.0 | Weight Limit 5.7 | Bike Weight 10.0 | Gears 5.0

The Krusher Men’s Dynacraft Fat Tire Bike is a stylish and affordable option for those who are looking for a fat tire bike. With its 26 x 4 inch tires, this bike is designed to handle a variety of terrains, making it a great choice for riders who like to take their cycling adventures off the beaten path. The 1 gear on this bike may not be ideal for tackling steep inclines, but it makes it an easy bike to ride and maintain. The 275 lbs weight limit ensures that it can accommodate riders of various sizes.

One of the standout features of the Krusher Men’s Dynacraft Fat Tire Bike is its steel frame, which provides a strong and sturdy foundation for the bike. This frame is built to last, and it is able to withstand the demands of off-road cycling. Additionally, the mechanical disc brakes on this bike provide reliable stopping power, giving riders the confidence they need to tackle steep descents and rough terrain.

In terms of weight, the Krusher Men’s Dynacraft Fat Tire Bike weighs in at 19 lbs, which is relatively light for a fat tire bike. This makes it easy to maneuver, and it is ideal for riders who are looking for a bike that is easy to handle and control. The light weight of this bike also makes it easy to transport, making it a great option for riders who want to take their bike with them on trips or when they are traveling.

One of the benefits of the Krusher Men’s Dynacraft Fat Tire Bike is that it comes with a guide price of $250-$300, making it an affordable option for those who are looking for a high-quality fat tire bike. This bike is a great choice for riders who are just starting out with off-road cycling, as well as more experienced riders who are looking for a stylish and affordable bike that can handle a variety of terrains.

The Krusher Men’s Dynacraft Fat Tire Bike is a stylish and affordable option that is well-suited for off-road cycling. With its 26 x 4 inch tires, 1 gear, and steel frame, this bike is built to last and handle the demands of off-road cycling. Additionally, the mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, and the guide price of $250-$300 makes this bike an affordable option for riders of all levels.


Mongoose Argus ST & Trail Youth

Product Features:

  • Price Range = $350-$400
  • Weight Limit = 350lbs
  • Bike Weight = 30lbs
  • Tire Size = 26″ x 4″
  • Gears = 7
  • Frame Material = Steel
  • Brakes = Mechanical Disc

Our Ratings = Overall 7.8 | Price 7.8 | Weight Limit 7.8 | Bike Weight 8.7 | Gears 6.5

The Mongoose Argus ST & Trail Youth Bike is a versatile and durable fat tire bike that is designed specifically for young riders. With its 20 x 4 inch tires, this bike is built to handle a variety of terrains, making it a great choice for kids who love to explore and have adventures. The 7 gears on this bike provide a range of options for riders, allowing them to tackle a variety of terrains and inclines with ease.

One of the standout features of the Mongoose Argus ST & Trail Youth Bike is its steel frame, which is built to last and provide a sturdy foundation for the bike. This frame is designed to handle the rough and tumble of off-road cycling, and it is able to withstand the demands of young riders. Additionally, the mechanical disc brakes on this bike provide reliable stopping power, giving young riders the confidence they need to tackle steep descents and rough terrain.

In terms of weight, the Mongoose Argus ST & Trail Youth Bike weighs in at 30 lbs, which is relatively light for a fat tire bike. This makes it easy to maneuver, and it is ideal for young riders who are just starting out with off-road cycling. The light weight of this bike also makes it easy to transport, making it a great option for families who want to take their bikes with them on trips or when they are traveling.

One of the benefits of the Mongoose Argus ST & Trail Youth Bike is that it comes with a guide price of $350-$400, making it an affordable option for families who are looking for a high-quality fat tire bike for their kids. This bike is a great choice for young riders who are just starting out with off-road cycling, as well as more experienced riders who are looking for a durable and versatile bike that can handle a variety of terrains.

The Mongoose Argus ST & Trail Youth Bike is a durable and versatile fat tire bike that is designed specifically for young riders. With its 20 x 4 inch tires, 7 gears, and steel frame, this bike is built to last and handle the demands of off-road cycling. Additionally, the mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, and the guide price of $350-$400 makes this bike an affordable option for families who are looking for a high-quality fat tire bike for their kids


Mongoose Hitch All-Terrain Fat Tire Bike

Product Features:

  • Price Range = $350-$400
  • Weight Limit = 250lbs
  • Bike Weight = 40lbs
  • Tire Size = 26″ x 4″
  • Gears = 7
  • Frame Material = Steel
  • Brakes = Mechanical Disc

Our Ratings = Overall 7.3 | Price 8.2 | Weight Limit 5.0 | Bike Weight 7.4 | Gears 6.4

The Mongoose Hitch All-Terrain Fat Tire Bike is a versatile and durable bike that is built to handle a variety of terrains. With its 26 x 4 inch tires, this bike is designed to tackle any type of surface, making it a great choice for riders who love to explore and have adventures. The 7 gears on this bike provide a range of options for riders, allowing them to tackle a variety of terrains and inclines with ease.

One of the standout features of the Mongoose Hitch All-Terrain Fat Tire Bike is its steel frame, which is built to last and provide a sturdy foundation for the bike. This frame is designed to handle the rough and tumble of off-road cycling, and it is able to withstand the demands of riders who are looking for an adventure. Additionally, the mechanical disc brakes on this bike provide reliable stopping power, giving riders the confidence they need to tackle steep descents and rough terrain.

In terms of weight, the Mongoose Hitch All-Terrain Fat Tire Bike weighs in at 40 lbs, which is relatively light for a fat tire bike. This makes it easy to maneuver, and it is ideal for riders who are looking for a bike that can handle a variety of terrains while also being easy to transport.

One of the benefits of the Mongoose Hitch All-Terrain Fat Tire Bike is that it comes with a guide price of $350-$400, making it an affordable option for riders who are looking for a high-quality fat tire bike. This bike is a great choice for riders who are just starting out with off-road cycling, as well as more experienced riders who are looking for a durable and versatile bike that can handle a variety of terrains.

The Mongoose Hitch All-Terrain Fat Tire Bike is a versatile and durable bike that is built to handle a variety of terrains. With its 26 x 4 inch tires, 7 gears, and steel frame, this bike is built to last and provide riders with an adventure-filled cycling experience. Additionally, the mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, and the guide price of $350-$400 makes this bike an affordable option for riders who are looking for a high-quality fat tire bike.


Mongoose Juneau Fat Tire Bike

Product Features:

  • Price Range = $400-$450
  • Weight Limit = 350lbs
  • Bike Weight = 43lbs
  • Tire Size = 26″ x 4″
  • Gears = 16
  • Frame Material = Steel
  • Brakes = Mechanical Disc

Our Ratings = Overall 7.2 | Price 6.7 | Weight Limit 7.6 | Bike Weight 7.1 | Gears 8.8

The Mongoose Juneau Fat Tire Bike is a high-performance bike that is designed to provide riders with a smooth and comfortable ride, no matter what type of terrain they are cycling on. With its 26 x 4 inch tires, this bike is built to handle a variety of terrains, and its 16 gears allow riders to tackle steep inclines and descents with ease.

One of the standout features of the Mongoose Juneau Fat Tire Bike is its steel frame, which is both durable and lightweight. This frame provides the bike with a solid foundation, and it is designed to withstand the demands of off-road cycling. Additionally, the mechanical disc brakes on this bike provide reliable stopping power, allowing riders to confidently navigate a variety of terrains.

In terms of weight, the Mongoose Juneau Fat Tire Bike weighs 43 lbs, which is relatively lightweight for a fat tire bike. This makes it easy to maneuver, and it is ideal for riders who are looking for a bike that can handle a variety of terrains while also being easy to transport.

The Mongoose Juneau Fat Tire Bike comes with a guide price of $400-$450, making it an affordable option for riders who are looking for a high-quality fat tire bike. This bike is a great choice for riders who are looking for a bike that can handle a variety of terrains, and it is also ideal for more experienced riders who are looking for a bike that can provide them with a smooth and comfortable ride.

The Mongoose Juneau Fat Tire Bike is a high-performance bike that is built to provide riders with a smooth and comfortable ride, no matter what type of terrain they are cycling on. With its 26 x 4 inch tires, 16 gears, and steel frame, this bike is built to last and provide riders with an adventure-filled cycling experience. Additionally, the mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, and the guide price of $400-$450 makes this bike an affordable option for riders who are looking for a high-quality fat tire bike.


Mongoose Dolomite Men’s Fat Tire Bike

Product Features:

  • Price Range = $350-$400
  • Weight Limit = 350lbs
  • Bike Weight = 52lbs
  • Tire Size = 26″ x 4″
  • Gears = 7
  • Frame Material = Steel
  • Brakes = Mechanical Disc

Our Ratings = Overall 7.0 | Price 7.4 | Weight Limit 7.6 | Bike Weight 6.0 | Gears 6.5

The Mongoose Dolomite Men’s Fat Tire Bike is a high-quality bike that is designed to provide riders with a comfortable and reliable ride, no matter what type of terrain they are cycling on. With its 26 x 4 inch tires, this bike is built to handle a variety of terrains, and its 7 gears allow riders to tackle steep inclines and descents with ease.

One of the standout features of the Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Bike is its steel frame, which is both durable and lightweight. This frame provides the bike with a solid foundation, and it is designed to withstand the demands of off-road cycling. Additionally, the mechanical disc brakes on this bike provide reliable stopping power, allowing riders to confidently navigate a variety of terrains.

In terms of weight, the Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Bike weighs in at 52 lbs, which is on the heavier side for a fat tire bike. However, this added weight provides the bike with stability, and it is ideal for riders who are looking for a bike that can handle a variety of terrains while also being stable and secure.

The Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Bike comes with a guide price of $350-$400, making it an affordable option for riders who are looking for a high-quality fat tire bike. This bike is a great choice for riders who are looking for a bike that can handle a variety of terrains, and it is also ideal for more experienced riders who are looking for a bike that can provide them with a stable and secure ride.

The Mongoose Dolomite Men’s Fat Tire Bike is a high-quality bike that is built to provide riders with a comfortable and reliable ride, no matter what type of terrain they are cycling on. With its 26 x 4 inch tires, 7 gears, and steel frame, this bike is built to last and provide riders with an adventure-filled cycling experience. Additionally, the mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, and the guide price of $350-$400 makes this bike an affordable option for riders who are looking for a high-quality fat tire bike.


Mongoose Malus

Product Features:

  • Price Range = $450-$500
  • Weight Limit = 250lbs
  • Bike Weight = 43lbs
  • Tire Size = 26″ x 4″
  • Gears = 7
  • Frame Material = Steel
  • Brakes = Mechanical Disc

Our Ratings = Overall 5.6 | Price 5.0 | Weight Limit 5.0 | Bike Weight 7.1 | Gears 6.5

The Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Bike is a top-of-the-line bike that is designed to provide riders with a comfortable and reliable ride, no matter what type of terrain they are cycling on. With its 26 x 4 inch tires, this bike is built to handle a variety of terrains, and its 7 gears allow riders to tackle steep inclines and descents with ease.

One of the standout features of the Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Bike is its steel frame, which is both durable and lightweight. This frame provides the bike with a solid foundation, and it is designed to withstand the demands of off-road cycling. Additionally, the mechanical disc brakes on this bike provide reliable stopping power, allowing riders to confidently navigate a variety of terrains.

In terms of weight, the Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Bike weighs in at 43 lbs, which is a relatively lightweight for a fat tire bike. This weight allows riders to easily maneuver the bike, and it is ideal for riders who are looking for a bike that can handle a variety of terrains while also being nimble and agile.

The Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Bike comes with a guide price of $450-$500, making it a premium option for riders who are looking for a high-quality fat tire bike. This bike is a great choice for riders who are looking for a bike that can handle a variety of terrains, and it is also ideal for more experienced riders who are looking for a bike that can provide them with a stable and secure ride.

The Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Bike is a top-of-the-line bike that is built to provide riders with a comfortable and reliable ride, no matter what type of terrain they are cycling on. With its 26 x 4 inch tires, 7 gears, and steel frame, this bike is built to last and provide riders with an adventure-filled cycling experience. Additionally, the mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, and the guide price of $450-$500 makes this bike a premium option for riders who are looking for a high-quality fat tire bike.


What to Look for When Buying a Fat Bike Under $500

Choosing between different fat bikes can be difficult, particularly if your looking for the best budget fat bike and don’t know how to work out which is the best choice for you.

The following are some of the key things to look out for when choosing a fat tire bike and help you pick the right one for you.

Weight Limit

Understanding how much weight your fat bike can take is very important.  Whilst the bike itself might look like it can support more weight than a standard bike, this is not always the case.

This factor is particularly important when looking to buy a cheaper fat bike, as cheaper materials are often used, reducing the strength of the bike and therefore the weight capacity.

You will usually be ok if you weigh under 300 pounds but should check with the manufacturer if you weigh more than this.

Bike Weight

Thinking about how much the bike itself weighs is another consideration before buying.

Ultimately, it is harder to pedal a fat tire bike compared to other bikes, with extra weight will make it more difficult for you when riding up hills and on flats.  This is because you are essentially fighting gravity and the bikes propensity to roll back down the hill.

Another reason to think about the weight of your fat bikes is when it comes to storing and transporting the bike.  If you are going to be storing your bike in a garage high up, you need to be able to lift the bike as well as have brackets to store it that can support the weight of the bike.

If you need to transport your bike to where you will be riding, such as on your car, you need to be able to lift the bike onto the rack.  If your bike is too heavy for you to lift, you might struggle with this.

Generally, cheaper bikes tend to be heavier as they use materials and components that have not been optimised for being lighter.

Wheel Size

Fat tire bikes come in a range of shapes and sizes, with the size of the wheels being one of the many factors that change between brands and models.

The diameter of the wheel is the first factor to consider.  Fat tire bikes generally come with either a 20” or 26” wheel.

The 20” wheels tend to be smaller frames, designed for older kids and smaller adults.

26” wheels are the most common and are your typical adult bike frame size.

There is also variety in the width of the tires as well.  Typically a fat tire bike will be somewhere between 3.8” and 5” wide.  The most common tire sizes you will find are 4” and 4.8”.

Wheel size can have a significant impact on your enjoyment of your bike.  Larger diameter wheels will generally enable you to go faster when riding, as each revolution of the pedals is driving a larger wheel circumference (depending on the gear ratios of course).

Wider tires will create more drag, meaning that the bike will go slower than bikes with narrower tires, however, they will provide a lot more stability than narrow tires and as better on softer surfaces such as sand and snow.

My personal preference for wheel size is a 26” x 4.8”, as I believe if you are going fat, you might as well go REALLY fat with your tires.

Quality of the Components

Another factor to consider with fat bikes under $500 is the quality of the components that will be included with the bike.

Components like pedals, saddles and handlebars can vary significantly in quality, not to mention parts such as the drivetrain.  Lower priced bikes tend to cut back on quality when it comes to the components to keep the cost of the bike down.

If you think that a $500 fat bike frame will do the job, you could simply upgrade the components on the frame and customise the bike to your liking.

Warranty

When buying a lower-cost bike, there is always the risk that something might break.  This is why you should make sure that you have the right to return the product should anything happen.

Most bikes will come with a warranty when you purchase them, however, at a lower price point, you might find that your warranty is fairly short.

Make sure you check how long your warranty lasts to ensure that if anything does go wrong you know that you can return the bike or get it repaired without being out of pocket.

Where The Bike Is Shipping From

Similar to whether your bike comes with a warranty, thinking about where your fat bike comes from is important as this could determine how easy it is to get faults repaired or even return it.

At the sub $500 mark, some of the options available to you include products shipping directly from China.  Whilst this doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be of lower quality, it does mean that if there was an issue, you would struggle to get it repaired or returned to the manufacturer.

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of fat tire bikes?

Increased weight: Fat tire bikes tend to be heavier than traditional bikes, which can make them more difficult to maneuver and transport.
Slower speed: The wide tires on fat tire bikes provide more traction and stability, but they also create more friction, making the bike slower than a traditional bike.
More expensive: Fat tire bikes are typically more expensive than traditional bikes, and can be a considerable investment for some people.

Is a Fat tire bike good for street riding?

Not ideal, but ok: Fat tire bikes are designed for off-road use and are not optimized for street riding. The wide tires can make it difficult to navigate through tight spaces and the slower speed can make it less efficient for commuting or recreational street riding.

Is a fat tire bike harder to ride?

More effort required: Fat tire bikes require more effort to pedal due to the added weight and friction from the wide tires. However, the stability and traction provided by the wide tires can make them easier to handle in challenging off-road conditions.

How long do fat tires last?

Depends on usage: The lifespan of a fat tire bike can vary depending on the frequency and intensity of usage, as well as the quality of the tire. On average, a well-maintained fat tire bike tire can last between 2-4 years, with heavy usage potentially reducing the lifespan.

Summary

I hope that in this guide I have helped you to find the best fat tire bike under $500. My recommended bike is the Outroad Fat Tire Bike, which has the best all-round features compared to the other bikes available