If you’re used to frequent unstable terrains, you'll certainly have seen them around, especially as they don't go unnoticed. From the cold lands of North America to the sandy deserts of the south-west, these awkward bikes with imposing and disproportionate wheels have also conquered Europe and Italy, earning a growing number of cycling enthusiasts.
Is this the final solution to the long-standing problem of the theft of two-wheeled (and two foot pedals) vehicles? Well, the thickness of the tires could actually be the right incentive to push the culprits to change targets, even if fat bikes are not really designed for city cyclists.
Land (and mud), sand, but above all snow: these are the preferred surfaces of wide-rubber bicycles, which have given life and name to a new discipline: fat biking.
Cycling at every opportunity
It all began in the early years of 2000, in the snowy and desert lands of America. Cyclists from around the country all shared a similar frustration; that they couldn’t practice their sport under certain conditions. The long and glacial winters typical of Alaska forced fans to hang their bikes on the nail for many months, while in Arizona and other south-western stadiums there was no way to explore the vast desert territories on the saddle.
So what was the solution? A small and very determined group of cyclists thought that equipping bicycles with tires capable of facing difficult surfaces could be the answer: this was the beginning of a small movement of people who were ready to build their own bicycle in order not to have to give up the pleasure of pedaling during difficult seasons.
It was in 2005, the year that changed the fate of fat biking, when Surly Bikes brought to market the first industrial production fat bike, the now legendary Pungsley model. For the first time, there is a path traced for manufacturers, and the discipline has the opportunity to reach the general public.
From a niche movement to a cool phenomenon
In recent years, fatbiking has been booming, even in places far removed from those that gave rise to it. And no wonder: the reasons for choosing a bike with disproportionately large wheels (and using it to explore areas that cyclists should really be avoiding) are numerous.
The most adventurous souls already know that the places where bikes are not expected to be, infact produce some of the most exciting rides. Mountain biking, which has long been popular with cyclists and travelers looking for thrills, is the best example of this. However, how attractive this sport may be, is often inaccessible for people at the beginning who do not have the skills to tackle the most technical (and fun) paths. However, as we have said, mountain biking on the sand or snow is not typically going to be the easiest experience.
The most adventurous souls already know that the places where bikes are not expected to be, infact produce some of the most exciting rides. Mountain biking, which has long been popular with cyclists and travelers looking for thrills, is the best example of this. However, how attractive this sport may be, is often inaccessible for people at the beginning who do not have the skills to tackle the most technical (and fun) paths. However, as we have said, mountain biking on the sand or snow is not typically going to be the easiest experience.
The strong point of fat biking, on the other hand, is accessibility: fat bikes not only allow you to ride on almost any terrain, are great bikes for beginners, they are also great fun to ride. Don’t believe us? We understand you: we are talking about very bulky and not at all agile vehicles. Yet the feedback gives us a reason: the audience of enthusiasts of this discipline seems to be much more diverse than that of mountain biking, and a complete mix of ages that enjoy the sport.
Fat biking, an extra excuse to travel
New destinations are reachable in new and different ways, fat biking has opened up unthinkable travel experiences. Oregon, Colorado, California: the territories that are equipping themselves to provide tours and excursions on this type of bicycle are increasing.
They are able to face almost every surface, the fat bikes have crossed the borders of the USA: Mongolia and South Africa are just two examples of destinations dedicated to the fat bike, to which this year the Swedish city of Gstaad has dedicated the first Snow Bike Festival in Europe.
They are able to face almost every surface, the fat bikes have crossed the borders of the USA: Mongolia and South Africa are just two examples of destinations dedicated to the fat bike, to which this year the Swedish city of Gstaad has dedicated the first Snow Bike Festival in Europe.
