Wheels

A fat bike wheel is designed to equip a fat bike with optimized performance on soft terrain such as snow, sand, or mud. They stand out for their width and their ability to maintain exceptional traction and stability in conditions where conventional wheels would fail.

Characteristics of a fat bike wheel:

Rim width:

• Generally between 65 mm and 100 mm, they allow wide tires (3.8 to 5 inches) to be fitted.
• The wider the rim, the greater the contact surface of the tire with the ground, providing better grip.

Wheel size:

• Common sizes are 26 inches (most common), 27.5 inches, and sometimes 29 inches, suitable for different traction and handling needs.
• Larger wheels provide better speed on open terrain, while 26-inchers prioritize maneuverability.

Number and arrangement of spokes:

• Usually between 32 and 36 spokes, to support the high weight of the bike and rider, especially in difficult terrain.
• Reinforced spokes in steel or aluminum ensure better resistance.

Rim materials:

• Aluminum: Lightweight, durable, and economical.
• Carbon: Lighter and stiffer, ideal for performance, but more expensive.
• Steel: Rarer, but ultra-strong, often used for sturdy and less expensive bicycles.

Compatibility with tubeless systems:

Hubs and axle width:

• Fat bike hubs have a width of 135 mm to 197 mm, or even 210 mm for certain models.
• Wider hubs increase stability and the space needed to accommodate wide tires.

Weight :

• The weight of the wheels varies depending on the materials, ranging from 2.5 to 5 kg for a complete pair, tires included.
• Carbon wheels help reduce this weight, improving handling and speed.

Rim profile:

Perforated rims reduce weight while maintaining rigidity, a common feature on high-end models.

Advantages of a fat bike wheel:

Increased traction:

Comfortable driving:

Versatility:

Stability:

Popular brands of fat bike wheels:

Sun Ringle:

• Flagship models: Mulefut 80 SL, Duroc SD 100.
• Lightweight aluminum rims, tubeless compatible, perfect for demanding riders.

DT Swiss:

• Flagship model: BR 2250.
• Renowned for its carbon wheels, combining lightness and robustness, ideal for competitions.

Race Face:

• Flagship model: Atlas Fat.
• Premium design for optimal durability, often preferred by committed riders.

Surly:

• Key models: My Other Brother Darryl, Rolling Darryl.
• Innovator in the world of fat biking, with wide and durable rims for difficult terrain.

HED:

• Flagship model: Big Deal.
• Ultralight carbon rims, designed to minimize inertia while providing high rigidity.

Easton:

Specialist in high-performance wheels for varied terrain, with excellent value for money.

Specialized:

• Offers high quality wheels for its own fat bike models.
• Rims compatible with tubeless systems and optimized for versatile performance.

Bontrager (Trek):

• Flagship model: Jackalope.
• Easy to use tubeless system, perfect for rough terrain.

Hope:

Known for its reliable and customizable hubs, combined with high-performance rims.

Velocity:

• Flagship model: Dually.
• Robust aluminum rims, ideal for riders looking for durability and reliability.

Tips for choosing a fat bike wheel:

Type of terrain:

• For snow and sand, choose wide wheels with low pressure tires.
• For mixed terrain, an intermediate rim width (80 mm) is often sufficient.

Weight and material:

• If you are looking for performance, opt for carbon rims.
• For occasional use or maximum robustness, aluminum is a good choice.

Compatibility:

Make sure the wheels fit your bike's frame and fork (hub width and wheel diameter).

Tubeless system:

Choose tubeless compatible wheels for better traction and reduced risk of punctures.

Budget :

• Aluminum wheels are affordable (between €300 and €800).
• Carbon wheels, ideal for enthusiasts, can cost between €1,000 and €2,500.

In summary:

Fat bike wheels are the key to tackling extreme terrain with confidence and comfort. With renowned brands like Sun Ringle, DT Swiss or Surly, you can choose models adapted to your needs, whether it is durability, lightness or performance. Investing in quality wheels ensures an optimal riding experience, whether you're riding on sandy beaches, snowy tracks or rocky trails.