Fat tires have always been a dream for riding enthusiasts, especially during childhood. It was a fantasy to have a fat bike during high school. But do you remember why it was a fantasy for most kids?
If you’d remember, it was the price that made fat bikes a dream for kids. But these are different times now!
You can get a cool, sleek bike with fat tires in as low a budget as $300. And that’s what we are going to help you with today by listing the best fat bikes under $500.
Fat bikes have always been popular, not because of the curiosity they garner but because they extend the terrain-exploration capacity of the riders.
Because those monstrous tires need minimum pressure which work as shock absorber, and are wide, they allow you to cycle on almost all surfaces, be it snow, muck, sand, or hills.
There’s minimum stress on your back and hands as most of the shock coming from the surface gets absorbed by the fat tires. This is primarily the reason why hardcore cyclists prefer fat bikes.
If you too want to experience the same and are looking for an entry-level fat bike, sort your preferences and choose accordingly.
Comparison Chart
Mongoose Dolomite Mens Fat Tire Mountain Bike, 26-inch Wheels, 4-Inch Wide Knobby Tires, 7-Speed, Steel Frame, Front and Rear Brakes, Navy Blue
Best Fat Bikes under 500 & Reviews
1. Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike
If you’re searching for fat bikes, we bet you are repeatedly introduced to Mongoose Dolomite Fat Bike.
The reason Mongoose Dolomite has managed to hit almost all the list of the best fat bikes is its price and popularity!
With its price between $300-350, Dolomite is undeniably one of the cheapest fat bikes available. More and more people are buying it, ranking it at the top of the chart of fat bikes on Amazon. Dolomite has also been crowned as Amazon’s choice!
Now that we are done talking about its popularity let’s look at its features, which have made the bike a steal!
The frame of Dolomite is made of steel, a tensile alloy that promises durability and strength. It is not as light as aluminum fat bikes but is certainly lighter for a steel bike because of its geometry.
Irrespective of the kind of bike, riders always want their ride to be fairly comfortable. The cushioned saddle of Dolomite has made sure to provide the desired comfort and, ultimately, great feedback from the riders.
Another feature that’s making the ride comfortable for bikers is the Dolomite’s threadless headset. It is adjustable according to the rider’s height, offering a perfect riding position.
Seven speeds, a Shimano rear derailleur, and supersized knobby tires, altogether make hill exploration fun and easy.
With twist shifters, you would hardly have any issues shifting gears through the seven speeds.
It is essential that with speeds, you also have a dependable provision of safety, and the rear disc brakes do a commendable job at that.
Ideal for people between 5 feet six inches to six inches tall riders, this fat bike is loved for its performance and strength.
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Known for its great value for money
- Price and comfort are perfect for beginners
Cons
- Packaging not up to the mark
- Quality control issues
Our Verdict: It’s a no brainer buy! We suggest Mongoose Dolomite to all beginners who are looking for a performance-packed bike at the lowest budget possible.
2. Krusher Men’s Dynacraft Fat Tire Bike
Krusher Men’s Dynacraft Fat Tire bike is one of the cheapest fat bikes you could buy provided single speed (and not gears) is your preference.
Now that we have stated the most important fact there was to point out let’s dive into the features of this fat bike.
The frame of Dynacraft is made of deluxe steel, promising you, the rider, durability, and strength.
Although the robust construction of the bike and the fact that it has monstrous 26” tires with aluminum rims allow you to ride on any terrain including snow, sand, and gravel, you might have to consider the single-speed factor before taking off for exploration.
You can easily adjust the saddle according to your height. Attaining a comfortable riding position is thus not an issue if you buy this bike.
Seeing that the bike is made of steel and has fat tires, the weight of the bike could pose a problem in balancing it, especially if you are a light-weighted person.
However, the front and rear disc brakes make up for that disadvantage. An easy and quick stoppage while riding elevates your riding experience by leaps and bounds.
All in all, Krusher’s Dynacraft is a fantastic choice to go with if you love riding on single speed bikes!
Pros
- Extraordinarily sturdy
- Easy to assemble
- Great value for money
Cons
- Single-speed (An advantage if you want to buy the same)
- Fork brake issues complaints
Our Verdict: A perfect buy if single-speed is your thing! Very low on maintenance with no gears, shifters, or derailleurs, this fat bike would be our choice for long commutes. We would not recommend this fat bike to riders who may not carry the bike without the speeds.
3. Elecony Godzilla Fat Tire Mountain Bike
Quality, feasibility, and captivity, Elecony Godzilla fat tire bike boasts of this unique combination. It’s a package of the beauty and the beast, at a bargain price!
Like most of the fat bikes, Elecony Godzilla has 26”x4” wide tires that offer immense stability when riding on different terrains.
Whether you are riding on snow, sand, hills, or gravel, the low-pressure and extra-width of the fat tires absorb all the shock, turning your bumpy ride into a smooth one.
This unisex bike comes 70% assembled and may need assistance if you have not assembled a bike before.
The most attractive feature of this bike is its speed. With 21 speeds, you could easily explore the steep trails much swiftly.
The dual derailleurs are highly responsive, and with click shifters, they give you more control over the changing gears.
With speed comes the responsibility of your safety, which Elecony Godzilla has in control with dual disc brakes. Their commendable stopping capacity can make your biking adventure even more fun.
The saddle comes padded with inbuilt shocks and stitching on PU leather, giving it a classy finish.
Made with a strong alloy of steel, the frame of this bike fits riders 5’2” to 6’2” tall.
Pros
- Great value for money
- 21 speeds
- Designed ergonomically for performance
Cons
- Assembly may need assistance if you don’t have any previous experience
Our Verdict: Don’t hesitate to try this relatively new but a revolutionary fat bike. If you have already tried an entry-level fat bike previously, and want to try something new but good, this is it!
Most Important Things To Consider Before Buying A Fat Bike
Brakes
If biking is a regular thing for you, we think you’d agree immediately to the observation that brakes (not so good ones) could ruin your riding experience.
Although many of you might be for mechanical brakes, they might not do a good job for fat bikes.
The weight of fat bikes is too much to handle for mechanical brakes, which is why the bikes must have hydraulic disc brakes.
Frame and Size
While there are a few fat bikes that have options for choosing the frame size according to your height, there are more that don’t have different frame sizes.
Make sure you check the size of the bike and pick one only after measuring your inseam length.
Do check if the saddle or handlebars are adjustable. It makes much difference if they are for enojying a comfortable riding position.
See how the handlebars are aligned to the saddle. Cruisers may have higher handlebars, while mountain bikes may have straight steers.
Consider your riding time and range before choosing a particular frame.
Tires
The fatter the tires, the merrier your ride, right? Well, we don’t think so!
The common size of fat tires is 4”, and for anything more monstrous than that, you must have a reason.
Even if you get lured by the 5” tires, think if you actually need them. The 5” tires are great if you constantly have to ride on snowy or sandy terrains. Otherwise, 4” are great to go with for an enjoyable ride!
Final Verdict
After considering the crucial factors involved in the process of buying a fat bike, all left is choosing from the list. If you want your choice to be the safest, pick any of the Mongoose fat bikes mentioned here.
We have listed a cruiser here for all the riders who love cruising along the shoreline of the city. It is one of the best ones to go with for the love of fat tires and cruisers.
If you are a fan of riding a single-speed bike, Krusher’s Dynacraft is the easy-on-your-pocket choice. It is a sturdy bike with amazing features.
However, if you want to try something new, we found Elecony Godzilla to be an amazing alternative. It is sassy in looks and performance-oriented features, a mix every rider looks for in a bike!
Whichever you choose to buy, make sure to care for your bikes. Fat tires tend to get dirty easily, and with constant dirt accumulation, you may not be able to enjoy the optimum aspects of the tires.