PhotoJoe 

Based on the amount of "I'm XXX lbs. and looking for a bike" threads that we get here (and that's not a complaint!!!! ), it got me wondering how a "Fat Bike" would be for a rider of say 350+. Thoughts?

dagray

I think the frame would hold fine, that one might have to inflate the tires to a higher pressure to get the same ride as one of less weight (heck I was inflating my mountain bike tires to 90 psi to ride on the street... I now run them at recommended pressure off road).

I think these would be cumbersome on the road, but in their intended environment could be quite fun.

Troggie

Just test road one of these at my local shop. The ride was very different from anything else. Pillowy is how i would describe it, I was riding on pavement though and nothing too rough but the speed bumps it just kind of rolled over without too much issues or rough ride. Definitely considering one for my next purchase.

stevel610 

I think those would work fine, but they tend to be a bit tiresome with all that rotating weight on the tires.

Something that would fit the nest level down balloon bike type tires would work just as well and be a bit more enjoyable.

That said, sometimes you just "need" to get a certain bike. in that case, let us know how it turns out!

digibud

I think they aren't a great idea for folks like us that are overweight and trying to use cycling as a way to get in better shape but it depends on what you want from a bike. Fatbikes are typically pretty heavy, even higher end ones and the heavy tires mean high rotating weight so riding distances and riding for long periods are pretty tough and slow. Overweight, out of shape people that are looking to get in shape should, in my opinion, be looking at bikes that will be enjoyable and allow them to exercise for long periods of time. There is nothing about fat bikes that preclude that but for -most- people, riding along at a quick clip is a big part of the enjoyment of biking and fat bikes are -not- the choice for fast fun riding. They are fun...but mostly fun off the road and that doesn't normally translate to prolonged aerobic exercise which should be a big goal of fat people. Fat bikes for fat people (like me) make sense as part of a well rounded cycling experience...but IMHO they should be your second or third bike. It's hard to always ride alone. On a fat bike you won't be able to keep up with friends you meet on skinnier tire bikes and the novelty will wear off quickly. Or not...this is all just my perspective. I'm sure some overweight person has bought a fat bike and been so motivated they have lost a ton of weight but I do think a good mountain bike with decent road tires that will allow you to get out on the road for long steady rides at a decent speed will be more motivating than a fat tire bike. Having said that...I do own a fat tire bike (two...actually) but they are my 5th and 6th bikes...not my first or second. And..btw...I am selling the Surly Pugs because it's so heavy. Go off road and up a steep hill on a Pugs... it's fine if you're really young and strong but off road hills can be rediculously steep and I found it really hard to ride off road on anything but flat conditions and on snow the tires weren't big enough to float me well. My new carbon fatty cost more than 4x the price of the pugs but I it will take me places the pugsley won't and more importantly it's just for fun. In terms of my health benefits, my road bike records over 3,000 miles and that's where I burn most of my calories and get nearly all my health benefits. Obviously my observations can only really apply to me but that's my perspective. The most critical thing is for you to enjoy whatever route you take to increase your level of activity to get into better shape whether that's a fat bke or skinny road bike or mountain bike. I just think a good road/mtn bike is a better choice for most of us clydes.