Fat bikes come from big brands and specialists including Trek, Salsa, Surly, Giant, Norco, Rocky Mountain, Kona, Canyon, 9:ZERO:7, and Borealis.
Shopping for a fat-tire rig and wondering who actually builds them? You’ve got options from household names and small makers. Below, you’ll see which brands still produce purpose-built models, how they differ, and how to pick the right one for snow, sand, or four-season trail fun.
Who Makes Fat Bikes? Brands You’ll See
The question “who makes fat bikes?” usually means two things: which companies still offer current models, and which legacy names you’ll spot on the used market. Here’s a quick map of the scene, across price tiers and ride styles.
| Brand | Flagship Fat Bike | Quick Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trek | Farley | All-season platform; 27.5 x 3.8–4.5" capability; dealer network. |
| Salsa | Mukluk / Beargrease | Adventure-first mounts; snow and expedition bias; strong frame bags ecosystem. |
| Surly | Ice Cream Truck | Steel frames; 26 x 5.0" clearance; cult durability and parts compatibility. |
| Giant | Yukon | 27.5" fat wheels; composite fork on upper trims; narrow Q-factor for comfort. |
| Norco | Bigfoot | Traction-forward geo; Canada-ready spec; multiple trims. |
| Rocky Mountain | Blizzard | Trail-leaning handling; big tire clearance; premium spec options. |
| Kona | Woo | Bikepacking-friendly fork mounts; sand and snow favorite. |
| Canyon | Dude | Direct-to-consumer value; light carbon frame; precise steering. |
| 9:ZERO:7 | Whiteout / Saber | Alaska-based pioneer; race to expedition builds; boutique options. |
| Borealis / Corvus | Akio / Rhino | High-performance carbon and alloy; winter ultra and all-round builds. |
| Otso | Voytek | Narrow Q-factor feel; adjustable geometry; “fat-capable” XC manners. |
| Mongoose | Dolomite | Budget entry point; heavy but affordable; easy upgrade path. |
Brands That Make Fat Bikes Today: What Sets Them Apart
Big-Brand Lines
Trek Farley remains a staple, with modern drivetrains and support at nearly any local shop—handy when you need service mid-season. Giant Yukon brings 27.5" fat wheels and a composite fork on upper trims for a stable, light front end. Norco Bigfoot and Rocky Mountain Blizzard lean into aggressive trail geometry for riders who want true mountain-bike feel on snow or sand.
Specialist Builders
Surly keeps it steel and simple. The Ice Cream Truck clears 26 x 5.0" rubber and is a favorite for riders who prize durability and easy parts sourcing. Alaska-born 9:ZERO:7 and Borealis/Corvus cater to racers and backcountry riders with carbon and alloy frames tuned for cold weather. Otso’s Voytek uses a narrow pedal stance that feels more like your summer XC bike, yet still fits big tires. Canyon’s Dude is a light carbon option sold direct, landing sharp value if you’re comfortable sizing and wrenching at home. Kona’s Woo adds fork mounts for bottles and bags, making snow bikepacking a breeze.
Budget Paths
If you’re testing the waters, the Mongoose Dolomite is heavy but cheap and surprisingly moddable. Upgrading contact points, drivetrain bits, and wheels over time turns it into a winter beater or beach cruiser without the upfront hit.
What Counts As A “Fat Bike” Now?
Most current models accept tires in the 3.8–4.8" range. That width adds float on soft surfaces and grip on loose trails. Rim widths typically sit between ~65–100 mm, paired to tire size so casing shape stays stable and cornering feels predictable. You’ll see both 26" and 27.5" fat formats; the latter rolls a touch smoother over ruts and roots, the former keeps handling tight in twisty woods.
How To Choose The Right Maker And Model
Match Terrain First
- Snow: Look for 4.5–5.0" clearance, stud-ready tires, and dropper routing for rolling, varied trails.
- Sand: Wide rims, big casings, and cargo mounts help on long beach rides where you’ll carry water and spares.
- Four-Season Trails: Trail-leaning geo (slacker head angle, longer front center), 27.5" fat wheels, and robust brakes pay off.
Pick Wheel And Tire Combo
Riders splitting time between groomed singletrack and shoulder-season muck often run 27.5 x 3.8–4.5" to blend rollover and agility. Deep-snow riders push to 26 x 4.8–5.0" for max float and stability at low pressures.
Frame Material And Fork
Aluminum keeps cost in check and resists corrosion. Steel rides smooth and lasts decades. Carbon trims weight for longer days and racing. Many bikes ship with rigid forks; snow and sand reward a light front end. If you ride chunky trails, a 100–120 mm fat-tuned suspension fork can add control.
Mounts, Racks, And Range
If you’re aiming at hut trips or long beach cruises, look for triple-boss mounts on forks and multiple bottle mounts inside the frame. Brands like Salsa, Kona, and Corvus lean into cargo-ready setups.
Real-World Examples From Maker Pages
Want to check official specs and sizing? See the Trek Farley line for tire clearance and build options, and the Norco Bigfoot 1 overview for traction-first geometry. These pages outline max tire sizes, axle spacing, and accessory mounts that matter day to day.
Tire Pressure, Rim Width, And Grip Basics
Low psi makes a fat bike magic on soft surfaces. The sweet spot depends on rider weight, casing size, rim width, and surface. Use a reliable gauge and start conservative; small changes of 1–2 psi are noticeable.
| Terrain | Typical Tire Width | Starting PSI Range |
|---|---|---|
| Groomed Snow | 4.5–5.0" | 3–8 psi |
| Fresh Powder / Drifted | 4.8–5.0" | 2–6 psi |
| Beach Sand | 4.5–5.0" | 3–8 psi |
| Wet Roots / Slop | 3.8–4.5" | 6–10 psi |
| Hardpack Trail | 3.8–4.5" | 8–14 psi |
| Pavement Transfers | 3.8–4.0" | 12–18 psi |
These ranges are starting points. Many brands and shops share calculators and guides; a handy tool is the Wolf Tooth tire pressure calculator for fat tires and other categories. For rim-to-tire pairing, the Adventure Cycling fat bike buyers guide outlines common width combos and why they matter.
Geo And Fit: Why Some Fat Bikes Feel “Normal”
Two bikes with the same tires can ride differently. Factors that change the feel: head angle, chainstay length, bottom-bracket drop, and Q-factor (pedal stance). Bikes like the Otso Voytek use a narrower stance that resembles XC setups, while trail-leaning frames from Rocky Mountain and Norco add stability on steeper ground.
Parts That Make A Big Difference
Tires And Studs
For icy mornings, stud-ready casings are worth the upgrade. On sandy coasts, a fast-rolling center tread with shoulder knobs saves energy on long flats. Keep sealant fresh; fat casings carry more volume, and sealant dries out quicker across seasons.
Wheels And Rims
Stock wheels are fine to start. If you want more snap, lighter rims in the 80–90 mm range transform acceleration and climbing. Tape and valves need to be winter-proof; check them before the first storm.
Drivetrain And Brakes
Most current builds ship with 1x drivetrains and wide-range cassettes. Pair that with 4-piston brakes for better control on long sandy descents or icy chutes. In deep cold, mineral oil fluids behave better in many systems; bleed intervals matter if you live where temps swing.
New Vs Used: Reading The Market
Supply comes in waves. Some big brands step in and out, leaving solid bikes on the secondhand market. When scanning used listings, check for axle standards (150 mm front / 197 mm rear is common on modern frames), tire clearance (does it fit 4.8–5.0"?), and fork compatibility if you plan a suspension swap. Frames with clean internal routing and fresh bearings will save you money after purchase.
Quick Shortlist By Rider Type
All-Season Trail Rider
- Rocky Mountain Blizzard or Norco Bigfoot for lively handling and big clearance.
- Trek Farley if you want dealer support and easy parts access.
Snowpack Explorer And Bikepacker
- Salsa Mukluk or Kona Woo for mounts and stable geo at slow speeds.
- Corvus Akio or 9:ZERO:7 Whiteout for light, efficient long days.
Value Hunter Or First Fat Bike
- Mongoose Dolomite to test the category, with clear upgrade paths.
- Canyon Dude for direct-to-consumer pricing and low weight if you’re comfortable wrenching.
Care And Setup That Keep You Rolling
Pressure Checks
Carry a low-pressure gauge and a mini pump you can use with gloves. One or two psi makes a huge difference. For mixed rides, start higher on the road, then drop air at the trailhead.
Drivetrain Hygiene
Sand and slush chew drivetrains. Rinse, dry, and use a wet lube in winter. Consider a protective wrap on stays and inside the fork to prevent abrasion from sticky sand.
Cold-Weather Touches
Foam grips or pogies, winter boots with big cleat clearance, and a dropper with a remote you can hit with mitts turn tough days into good ones.
The Bottom Line: Picking A Maker With Confidence
If you came asking “who makes fat bikes?”, the answer is a strong set of brands across the spectrum—Trek, Salsa, Surly, Giant, Norco, Rocky Mountain, Kona, Canyon, 9:ZERO:7, Borealis/Corvus, and Otso among them. Start with terrain, then match wheel size, tire width, and mounts. Check official pages for tire clearance and axle standards, set pressure carefully, and you’ll get the float and grip you came for.