Click here to read part 1: Budget Models.
Click here for a more up-to-date list of mid-range fat bikes, from $1,000-$2,000.
Last updated by Greg Heil on 10/22/14.
If you’ve already demoed a fat bike and know for certain that you want one, the mid range ($1,001 – $3,000) offers some excellent builds that will last for years and will require few–if any–upgrades.
Norco Bigfoot $945-$1,785
Yep, we have a Bigfoot sighting here! The Norco Bigfoot is now available in a variety of build kit options, ranging from about $945 to $1,785. So yes, the base-level 6.3 model technically ranks in our budget-level article, with an aluminum frame, chromoly fork, low-end Shimano drivetrain, and 4″ tires. The Bigfoot 6.2 retails for $1,345 with an aluminum frame and aluminum fork, 4.5″ tires, SRAM DB brakes, and a nicer Shimano drivetrain. The higher-end Bigfoot 6.3 features a carbon rigid fork, 4.5″ tires, the same Shimano drivetrain as the 6.2 model, and SRAM DB brakes, and retails for $1785 USD.
KHS 4 Season $1,099-$3,299
The KHS 4 Season is available in four different models, ranging in price from $1,099 to $3,299. The low-level 500 model retails for $1,099 and comes spec’ed with an aluminum frame, steel fork, 4″ tires, and a low-level Shimano drivetrain. The 1000 models sports an MSRP of $1,399 and also features an aluminum frame, steel fork, and 4″ tires, but it’s driven by a SRAM X5/X7 drivetrain. The 3000 model retails for $2,199 and features an aluminum frame and fork, full-sized 4.8″ tires, and a X7/X9 drivetrain with a type 2 rear derailleur.
Finally, the top-end 5000 model is leaps and bounds above the others, breaking into our high-end category. The 5000 retails for $3,299 and features a full-carbon rigid frame and fork, 4.8″ tires, and the same drivetrain from the 3000.
On-One Fun Fatty ~$1125
The On-One Fun Fatty is the world’s first 24″-wheeled fat bike. With the smaller wheels this fat bike is perfect for kids, or for adults who just want to have fun and send it on jumps, pumptracks, and more with this mini-sized fat bike. This mini fat bike features a rigid aluminum frame and is built with a SRAM X5 drivetrain and Avid BB7 brakes. Click here for a video of the Fun Fatty in action.
Motobecane Sturgis Bullet $1,300
The Motobecane Sturgis Bullet ships with an aluminum frame, a RockShox Bluto suspension fork, 4.5″ tires, and a SRAM X5/X7 2×10 drivetrain for $1,300. This might be the most affordable complete fat bike with a Bluto that money can buy.
Charge Cooker Maxi ~$1,357-$1,756
Hailing from the UK, Charge makes two models of the Cooker Maxi: the 1 and 2. The lower-cost 1 model features an aluminum frame with a chromoly fork, 4.25″ tires, and a 2×10 SRAM X5 drivetrain. The more expensive 2 model comes with a full-steel frame and fork combination, 4.25″ tires, and the same drivetrain.
Felt Double Double $1,399-$2,000
The Felt Double Double 70 rocks a completely rigid aluminum frame, 4″ tires, and a Shimano 3×9 drivetrain for the everyday-low-price of $1,399. The Double Double 30 retails for $2,000 and uses the same rigid aluminum frame and fork, but rocks a Shimano XT 2×10 drivetrain.
Framed Alaskan $1,399-$2,699
The Alloy model of the Framed Alaskan retails for about $1,399, depending on the build. It comes with 4″ tires, a rigid carbon fork or a RockShox Bluto 100mm suspension fork, and a variety of drivetrain options
The Framed Alaskan Carbon is probably the most affordable carbon fat bike in existence. You can pick up a fully rigid carbon fat bike with 4″ tires and an X7 drivetrain for as low as $2,000. Stepping up to an X1 drivetrain increases the price, as does swapping in a Bluto suspension fork, with top-end builds maxing out at a still-highly-affordable $2,699.
Gravity Quigley $1,500
The Gravity Quigley is a BikesDirect fat bike, and it’s the most affordable full suspension fat bike currently available. The Quigley is built with the RockShox Bluto suspension fork, RockShox Monarch R rear shock, a 2×10 SRAM X7/X9 drivetrain, and 4″ tires.
Motobecane NightTrain Bullet $1,500
The NightTrain Bullet is kitted out with an aluminum frame, a RockShox Bluto suspension fork, 190mm axle spacing, 4.7″ tires, SRAM X9 Type 2 rear derailleur, and SRAM Guide brakes. For detailed information on the NightTrain Bullet, be sure to read Jeff’s First Ride and Final Review articles.
Origin8 Crawler $1,500
This is yet another alloy frame with a chromoly fork, but what sets the Crawler apart is its NuVinci N360 gearless rear hub. The NuVinci hub features seamless ratio changes and it is generally well-liked amongst fat bike enthusiasts. You can read more about it here.
On-One Fatty ~$1,605
The On One fatty retails for 999 British Pounds, so the exact US price can vary from day-to-day. This rig sports a rigid frame and a 2×10 SRAM X5 drivetrain.
Surly Pugsley $1,750
This is the original production fat bike that started it all, and other than some minor tweaks, it is still engineered the same. With a steel frame and components chosen for durability and serviceability, this is a heavy bike that is well-suited to bikepacking and expedition-class rides. It is fine as a daily ride too, just be aware that it is heavy. It should also be noted that Surly still uses an offset wheel design that allows a rear wheel to be installed in the front. When you blow a rear hub or freehub on your way to the south pole, you can simply switch wheels and keep on pedaling. On the other hand, most current fat bike designs are using a symmetrical rear hub in either 170mm or 190mm widths, and these are not compatible with the Surly setup.
Trek Farley $1,869-$3,149
The Farley is a more traditional design, with a low top tube for enhanced standover and 3.8″ tires. The Farley 6, which retails for $1,869, features a mixed 10-speed drivetrain with an XT Shadow Plus rear derailleur, 3.8″ tires, aluminum frame, and aluminum rigid fork. The Farley 8, with a retail price of $3,149–which puts it in our high-end category–comes with an aluminum frame, RockShox Bluto 100mm suspension fork, a SRAM X1 1×11 drivetrain, 3.8″ tires, and Avid DB 3 brakes.
Click here to see 13 more mid-range fat bikes…
8 Comments
Sep 28, 2015
Oct 22, 2014
Dec 18, 2013
The task of choosing a fatbike can be daunting with so many options. Speaking from experience, I highly recommend trying a few out at your LBS. You would be amazed at how different steel feels from aluminum or carbon. Hopefully your choice won't come down to your favorite brand(s), because you may be disappointed, and you should focus your purchase on the type of riding you do more than anything else. Maybe that sounds condescending, but I have met several riders in the past 2-3 months that are going with Specialized, for example, because all of their other bikes are from the big S. Hopefully they make the right choice.
I agree with the Trek Farley being a little overpriced although I think it is one of the nicer looking bikes out there and I love the low top tube. Kona makes awesome bikes, but the 'Wo' is one ugly bike. I'm personally not a fan of the Fatboy and think you can get a much better bike for the money, and have my own personal hangups about the larger bike companies edging their noses into a market they know little about. Even if you are the venerable Ned O. I don't think any reader would be disappointed with a classic: Surley, Salsa, Fatback, or 907...and it carries a little more style with it too. I'm disappointed that Yeti didn't throw their hat in the ring, if just to scoop Norco on the 'Bigfoot' name, but that is another discussion :)
One thing your article doesn't address (for obvious reasons) is getting a good deal on a previous year model. By far, the best bang you could possibly get for a fatbike is the 2013 Salsa Beargrease. Before they exclusively made the carbon frame this year, the 2013 model was a light and nimble 26-27lb bike with 4.0 tires and lots of gnar. I rode mine everywhere, and you can pick one up for $2500 or less in really good shape, with upgrades, then tweak your own bike to make it yours. There are some great deals on Pugsleys out there too for about $1000...and I will tell you from experience, fatbikes are more fun with steel.
One last word of observation. More than with a mountain bike, do not buy one sight unseen off of the internet. Try before you buy. These guys all handle so differently, and also different from your regular 25/65b/29in bike. Great article!! Happy fatbiking!!
Dec 18, 2013
Dec 18, 2013
Oct 22, 2014
Oct 22, 2014
Jul 9, 2014
https://www.surface604.com