Last time we explained how to choose a fat bike, and this time we would like to talk about how to choose a fat bike frame. We hope this will be helpful.

Frame Weight

When considering a fat bike, people start to think about how to reduce weight and frame weight. One of the options available to most people is to buy an aluminum fat bike frame. An aluminum frame seems to be the most affordable way to reduce weight.

What most people don't realize is that our high-end carbon frames cost about the same as most companies' mid-range aluminum fat bike frames.

Aluminum is generally considered to have a fatigue life of five years before cracking. We all know someone who has had an aluminum frame that lasted longer than that, but generally, that is the average lifespan you can expect. The fatigue life of carbon fat bike frames is currently considered to be infinite.

We've already covered fat bikes, but since they use parts that are significantly different from standard mountain bikes, if you're building your own custom fat bike, you need to make sure all the necessary parts work in harmony with each other and fit together.

Hardtail or Full Suspension Fat Bike Frame?

You want to choose a frame that suits the majority of your riding. If the majority of your riding time is spent at trail centers, then a full suspension fat bike is recommended. It will make downhill riding a bit more fun, and you won't be afraid of falling on the descent.

You also need to remember that tires provide a fair amount of travel and rebound. So, you don't need to look for a 140mm rear travel setup like on a trail bike. You'll also want to spend more time setting up your bike correctly. Taking the time will result in one of the best fat bike experiences money can buy.

If you want to venture far, ride on beaches, swamps, or snow, then a hardtail fat bike is recommended. A hardtail will allow you to maintain your pedal stroke easily and help you navigate the worst terrain. If you prefer trail center action, you can add a suspension fork.

Rear Spacing

If you plan on buying a frame to replace your current frame, you should already be considering the width of your rear wheel. As already mentioned for most fat bikes, most wheels are 177mm, 190mm, or 197mm wide. All frames will fit a 197mm hub and help bring the maximum tire clearance to your bike.

Fat Bike Frame Sizes

As already mentioned, fat bike fitting can be a bit subjective. If you're riding a full suspension frame, you'll want to check the standover height to avoid unnecessary injury when dismounting the bike downhill. Standard advice if you're on the cusp of sizes is to go for the smaller size and make it bigger, which we follow.

If you're riding a hardtail and want a stable frame, go as large as possible. This will give you stability and comfort for hours on the bike. However, you must ensure you have standover clearance.

Which Fat Bike Wheels

Most fat bike wheels come with aluminum rims. Aluminum is one of the popular ways to make wheel rims in the bicycle industry. Aluminum rims are easy and inexpensive to manufacture. However, it is difficult to design all the necessary qualities into an aluminum rim.

There is a material that allows you to design all the qualities you want in a wheel rim. Carbon fiber allows engineers to build super strong and stiff wheel rims. This method also has another advantage: you can make a lightweight rim. Purchase carbon fat bike wheels here.

A lightweight wheelset is what every fat bike owner wants, and thanks to the engineering process and the fact that we sell directly, you can get a carbon wheelset at a very affordable price.

Hub Width

As mentioned above, you need to make sure the front wheel fits into the fork. Fat bike wheels tend to come with 135mm or 150mm front hubs. The 150mm front hub is becoming the preferred option for most manufacturers as it allows for easy interchangeability between rigid and suspension forks. We offer both 135mm and 150mm carbon forks to suit your needs.

How much fork travel?

Fat bike tires are generally considered to provide about 30mm of travel, which is worth remembering when buying a suspension fork for a fat bike. Essentially, a 100mm travel fork will provide 130mm of travel, which is more than enough for most trails. With the grip provided by the tires and the tracking ability of a 100mm fork, you'll find that crashes become something you know is coming rather than spending all your time trying to avoid them.

How to Choose a Fat Bike Groupset

Typically, choosing a groupset is the same as choosing one for a standard mountain bike. If you prefer SRAM, buy SRAM. If you prefer Shimano, buy Shimano. Modern 1x systems offer a wide gear range and also help prevent mud and debris from getting stuck around the bottom bracket.

A rear derailleur with a clutch will greatly benefit a fat bike. You'll inherently be riding on a lot of unforgiving terrain, and a feature that helps keep your chain on is well worth the money. SRAM's Type 2 derailleurs come with a clutch, so for Shimano, you'll need to look for a Shadow Plus derailleur.

How to Choose Fat Bike Components

Components can boil down to how subjectively you feel about certain parts. Carbon parts help reduce weight further and provide a great riding experience on a fat bike. If you don't need a dropper post, a carbon post can help remove certain vibrations before they reach you and add a bit of flex to the system for increased comfort.

Carbon handlebars also help prevent vibrations from causing wrist and arm fatigue. Combine this with a carbon stem, and you'll have a very light cockpit with excellent steering control.

Summary

By lightening your bike and combining it with huge fat bike tires, you can find a bike that is incredibly rewarding to ride anywhere. Now is the time to experience the taste of a fat bike.