Fat tire bicycles are famous for how they can work in many offroad situations. They are more effective than a mountain bike on rocky, icy, and snowy roads. But could you also use one of these bikes on a paved road, especially when the weather conditions are nice?
Are Fat Tire Bikes Good For Paved Roads?
You can ride a fat tire bike on pavement without issue. Fat tire bicycles provide a comfortable ride over all surfaces, including pavement. But the bike isn’t intended for those who only plan on riding on a paved surface, as it requires more pedaling and steering effort to keep it working.
A Smooth Ride
Fat tire bikes provide one of the smoothest rides on the pavement. The unique design of the tires makes this possible.
A tire can be about twice as wide as what a traditional bike tire features. The tire will also include more detailed treads, helping it handle cracks and other imperfections on the pavement. It can also go over small pebbles and stones with ease while ensuring the tire stays intact without deflating.
The low air pressure inside the fat tires also increases the bike’s contact surface, reducing bumps and shocks. A fat bike tire can handle an air pressure as low as 20 psi or pounds per square inch of air for urban or pavement rides. A hybrid bike tire would require about 40 to 70 psi, while a road bike tire would need at least 80 psi of pressure.
Improved Balance
The wider contact surface on a fat tire bike makes it easier for people to control on the pavement. The design makes it ideal for first learning how to ride a bicycle on the pavement. It doesn’t wobble as much, as it provides more leeway on the ground.
Less Necessary Maintenance
The bulkier design of fat tire bike tires allows them to stay intact longer. You won’t have to maintain them as often as with a road or hybrid bike, as the risk of leaks and punctures will be minimal. Regular checks are best, although you won’t need to plan them as often.
Handles Rain Well
The treads and extra surface coverage on a fat tire bike help it keep its grip and control over rainy conditions. Fat tire bikes are popular for how they can go over rain, snow, ice, and many other hazards. You could use one of these bikes throughout the year, including when the roads aren’t in the best condition for riding.
You don’t have to worry about whatever the road might bring when you ride on a fat tire bike. There’s always the chance weather conditions in your area could change in moments. But your fat tire bike will help you keep control over all conditions, keeping you from worrying if it will be safe for you to get out on the road with your bike.
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Can It Go Fast?
There is one problem with fat tire bikes on pavement, as they won’t travel as quickly as a road bike on pavement. The added bulk and mass of a fat tire bike produces extra drag. The added drag keeps the bicycle from moving fast, plus you’d have to put in more effort when pedaling to go anywhere.
The frame also makes it harder for you to steer while on the pavement. You’ll require extra effort and a greater turning radius when you’re trying to steer somewhere with your fat tire bike.
A road or hybrid bike is better if you only plan on traveling on the pavement. But a fat tire bike will still be great if you want to go over multiple surfaces beyond the pavement. Think of a fat tire bike as an all-purpose model, but don’t assume it is the best option for every single intention.
Conclusion
You’ll enjoy the smooth ride you will get from a fat tire bike if you want to ride it on a paved surface. But look at how you plan on using your bike before making a purchase. A fat tire bike isn’t for people who will only ride on paved surfaces, but it will be good for when you need to go offroad.
Fat tire bikes: Are they at all comfortable to ride?
