Comparing Fat Bike Tire & Wheel Sizes | Fat Bike 101

Whether it's a narrow 27.5x4.0" or a super wide 26x4.8" tire on a 100mm rim, fat bikes are a ton of fun to ride year round. That said, wheel and tire size choice can make a huge difference in how your fat bike rides on dirt, snow, and other terrain. I've ridden quite a few different sizes over the years, so in this video I discuss what each size wheel and tire is best for in my experience.
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[@bergs02GT]

Good video, keep it up. Looking forward to seeing upcoming videos on the RSD Mayor

[@mtbiggie]

Exactly what I needed to know! Great video man!

[@thomasandrews8033]

I've been riding fat bikes now for 9+ years in all types of terrain and I think this is an excellent video! This is one of the best fat tire analysis I've seen. Thank you

[@mweaver45]

Nice video, i enjoy your perspective for sure!. I have a Giant Yukon with the 27.5x4.5 and agree, it's just a bit much as an all rounder. I am going to leave it as is, using my Trek Stache on 2.8 studded for the icy days and looking forward to deeper snow on the Yukon this winter. I will go back in the spring and try some 3.8 or 4.0s on the Giant.

[@seryjnymeteopata2162]

excellent comparison, very informative. thank you.

[@redmountainrider]

i wasnt a big fan of the weight and rolling resistance of my 26x4.8 minions, but i got a new wheelset which is a 27.5 with 3.8 minions, and I love them!!! I ride mostly chunk desert mountains (AZ) and some snow but not much. I like how the 3.8 is fast and zippy but still wide enough to not get swallowed up by the huge rocks here. I concur with your analysis

[@shafiqjan1474]

I have the same old mukluk you started with but mine is now 1x12 she got some bigger tires. It's a nice balance of playful and snow capability with 80mm rims and 26x4.8 tires.

[@macus_macximus_18]

I do have a mini fat bike. 20" × 4.0" tires. Previously, my fatty's rims were 80mm width. And when those previous rims have cracks, I recently changed them into narrow 45mm width. No serious issues as of present. I can still feel good cornering in zigzag road and placid bike riding on the trails. 🚲🚴‍♂️🚵‍♂️👌 P.S.: I do like this informative video about fat biking!

[@Nicky_Pin_It]

Great vid. I have 3 tire set ups i run on my pugs. 29 x 3 minions in the summer, 26 x 4.3 Ednas for in between seasons, and 26 x 4.6 warthchilds(studded) come winter

[@kombatgaming1647]

You have captured good moments and memories with your fat bike ❤😊

[@vellotrol]

Great video, very educative.

[@JabeGabe]

I ride a 26x4.0 and I love it for the snow time

[@FreeMusicUk]

Excellent video.Thank you!

[@zachgill8815]

Hey, I know those trails! See you out there on my fatty soon. Great breakdown, TY.

[@paulkruglov7280]

Very well presented and explained!! What state do you live in, the trails look awesome! Any thoughts on Fatback (rhino FLT)? Keep up the vids.

[@robertmedlen8289]

Thx for the comparison, I’m currently on a new RSD Sergeant with a 27.5 Duroc 50 wheelset. Running 2.8’s but it’ll take 4” tires… seems like a great year round bike : )

[@RideYearRound]

Nice! Check out my review on the V5 Sergeant if you haven’t seen it yet. I’m pretty sure I’ll end up with one of them at some point.

[@radigan209]

Set of 26 x 2.8 for winter and set of 29 x 3.0 for summer and bike packing. Added a 1000 w mid drive motor to it and it rocks!

[@user-qe1mi5dv5u]

you are right

[@gangadevi2446]

Could you please advise which is a good fat bike? My choices were Ontrack, Sturdy, NinetyOne or Hydra. Your experience and suggestions will be great help.

[@scottschaub3635]

I enjoy 27.5” x 70mm rims with 3.8” tires for spring through fall. I change to 27.5” x 80mm rims with 4.5” studded tires for winter riding. Couldn’t be happier with this setup.

[@jameswhiteley3095]

What rims did you buy in the 70mm? It’s what I will be looking to buy come summer time to go with minions 3,8.

[@c.s.4273]

Personally I hate everything bigger in diameter than 26" as they all bended over time due to their inherent instability. On my 26" I never had to even tighten the spokes!

[@FrankSanchez-ej3sj]

? Do you have 2 different set of rims, as I of right now I only have a 27.5 with a 4.8 set of tires, I would like to keep for winter but during summer would like to ride a 3.8 or 4” tire size for speed 8:39 so wonder if both rim sets will set up on a 27.5 spacing for easy interchange? FGS

[@angelaneatby663]

Thank you so much

[@DD-xx8wh]

another great episode, thanks for all the well thought out and detailed comments!...have you found any affordable (Amazon, etc) front suspension forks that actually work? For our s/w desert trails, no snow, I'm currently trying 4.5 to4.8 x26 (they're heavy) on the front trying for more cushion, wondering if 3.8-4.0's(lighter) w/susp fork would work out better ?!

[@RideYearRound]

Testing some budget fat forks is on my list for future videos, but I would say that a “narrower” fat tire and a suspension fork would work great in my opinion. Having ridden in St George, UT I know that a lot of times those sandy trails also have some chunky rocks and techy sections that some suspension can help out on.

[@ziptalia2456]

I'm wondering what would be a good fatboy tire combo for some goliath riders (250 - 350 pounds, 6"+ tall) who just want to putz around local roads/dirt trails - but NOT much sand/snow/elevation and have a rig capable of handling that kind of load? In that situation - what would be a good recommendation?

[@your_highn3zzfabito398]

hi. nice video. on snow ride. how much psi shojld ill be running. and also on gravel thanks

[@petcazay]

Goddamn good analysis! Thanx a lot! Really informative and easy to understand! Respect!

[@AdventuresWithUnkadee]

Excellent video! I have a 2016 ICT with Clownshoes and am building a set of 29x3s for summer. I'm having issues finding a quality replacement thread-through BB and 165mm crank set for it. It almost makes me want to go new because of the difficulty of finding these parts. Can you make any recommendations?

[@RideYearRound]

That was one of the major reasons I decided to sell my ICT. I do remember a couple different threads on mtbr where people had tried other bottom bracket/crankset combos that weren’t meant for it but still worked.

[@lazylearner967]

Great video, I appreciate your insights. I'm in Davis County. Which winter trails do you like the most?

[@RideYearRound]

Well…I moved to Montana a couple of years ago so I don’t know how helpful I can be haha. I rode almost exclusively in Utah County so Rock Canyon and AF Canyon were what I rode most.

[@robby66genova]

Fantastic! Thanks

[@bosanderspublictheology]

great video !

[@petercroce]

Cheers dude, this is great per usual. I’ve got a RSD Mayor coming next month with 26” x 80mm wheels + 4.8” Minions. Got it mostly for snow but I think it’ll be fun in the summer too especially when riding with folks who are a bit slower. I’m going to start looking into 26” x 4” tires for the summer, any suggestions?

[@RideYearRound]

I know a big favorite for summer use is the Schwalbe Jumbo Jim. I also weirdly like the Specialized Ground Control in 4.6 so a 4.0 version would probably be great.

[@petercroce]

@@RideYearRound Great thanks. Just saw Teravail Coronados come in 26" x 4.0" too.

[@mo-reesespieces9066]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. With all your observations, were you tubed or tubeless with your tires? Going tubeless is intimidating but if it is worth it will go the extra route.

[@RideYearRound]

Go tubeless! It’s totally worth it. It reduces rotational weight (fat bike tubes are heavy) and the only times I’ve ever had a flat on a fat bike was when I was using tubes.

[@mo-reesespieces9066]

@@RideYearRound Thanks so much for your reply. If you noted it, I did not pick up on it but that information is so helpful. By yourself on a trail a long distance from help is no fun when all you have is something simple like a flat when that could have been avoided by simple preparation beforehand. If you have not done it yet, a video about converting from tube to tubeless and your suggestions would be another one I would be interested in. Peace, Mo

[@Free__Speech]

What tire width can a 20 inch wheel take? Narrow & maximum width

[@sailingaeolus]

Awesome. Any tire recommendations for 26x4.0 on 80mm rims for use in Las Vegas Nevada area washes (dry river beds)?

[@RideYearRound]

I don’t get to ride washes a ton, but on dirt I really like Jumbo Jim’s and Minion FBF/FBR. I’ve never used them but the Teravail Coronados also seem to be a pretty good tire for dry and loose conditions.

[@truthfilter]

i like the last one

[@johnmccatherin5892]

Could a fit 20'x3' on 20'x4 rims? Idn exact measurement of rim but that's what tire there intended for.

[@turboelephant6298]

Good stuff, I just built up a wheel set which I'm calling plus fat, that I intend to put on a Genesis tarn, 27.5 x 3.0 at the back, with a 27.5 x 3.8 Hodag at the front, on Halo rims with 45mm internal width. The tyre profile is really nice (surprisingly) and fits inside the Tarn front carbon forks with room to spare. Shame there aren't more frames like the RSD Sergeant, that can run tyres up to 4 inches with normal mountain bike standards instead of faffing about with 197mm or 177mm hubs, and stupid bottom brackets.

[@RideYearRound]

Agreed! I think those types of bikes are rare because most people would rather have a full on fat bike instead and I kind of get why since you can always have a skinny summer set and a fatter winter set on the same bike. That said I’ve never had an issue with the Q factor on a fat bike, but I know it’s not uncommon.

[@turboelephant6298]

@@RideYearRound The only problem I've got is that I have size 14 feet, so with a 197mm back end, unless I use pedal extenders I whack my heels on the chainstays. I ride my bike like John Wayne walks, if that makes even the slightest bit of sense... 8|

[@RideYearRound]

Hahaha that makes perfect sense. Yeah that's for sure a problem!

[@trazos_d]

really appreciated dog 👍 was making decision for a fat tire ebike and your thoughts about weight and power loss are useful, not that I'm gonna struggle with that a lot since that's the motor problem not mine xD but really appreciated your thoughts wheb it comes to multi-season choice. Thank you very much!

[@GeorgeBurger3]

what do you think gives the best flotation for virgin snow 27.5x4.5 or 26x5. I'm looking for maximum flotation

[@RideYearRound]

Never ridden 26x5 but I’d be willing to bet it has the most floatation.

[@mikepaulin5509]

Great channel! I have a Salsa Blackborow which I picked up last year to ride during the winter. I realize after I bought it that it’s more of an expedition bike than an all around fat bike. Truth b told I ride it almost as much as my FS MTB, it’s that much fun!, Problem is, pushing 4.8 in the summer limits my ability to ride. Love the big tire combo for winter riding but I’m thinking of downsizing for the summer. This video helped make some hard decisions. You mention 26 and 27.5 combinations and only touch on 29. If I choose to go with 27.5 x 4.0 on 80mm rims would I still get the clearance of 26 x 4.8? I ride in New England with 29’ers on my FS. I’m looking to pick up a separate wheel set combo for strictly summer riding. Any guidance is appreciated!

[@RideYearRound]

26x4.8 is about the same diameter as 27.5x4.0 which is about the same as a 29x3.0, although they get progressively a tiny bit taller. I have a video directly comparing 29x3.0 to 26x4.8 as well.

[@mikepaulin5509]

Yes, I did see that video as well! Good one. I’m leaning to purchasing a 29 x 3.0 wheel set which will give me a fair amount of play compared to my current 4.8’s. That with a front fork should be like a “new bike” for the summer time. 🙌. Great channel.

[@RideYearRound]

Glad you found it. 29+ is probably my favorite wheel/tire size. I’d say probably go for an i40 rim so you can run a 2.8” or 3.0” tire.

[@mikepaulin5509]

Appreciate that, finally, Salsa recommends front fork suspension b limited to 100mm of travel. I did see ur side by side comparison in separate video, can u comment on Bluto vrs Mastidom?

[@tanertatltug5336]

cake 27.5x4.5 can we say the highest big tires for example bulldozer and duke are they bigger than 29x3.25 tires

[@alexmorgan3435]

Good video. What rims are available for 27.5 x 4.0 tyres? I got DT Swiss BR-710 already for 26". Just wish they would make a 27.5 version. Any other's worth considering? Surly rims are sooooooo heavy.

[@RideYearRound]

I have Blizzerk 70s and love them, but there are tons out there for 27.5. Specialized Stout, SunRingle Mulefut, Light Bicycle, Nextie, and HED plus a lot of others out there…

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@RideYearRound Really, a lot? I didn't know. Your better knowledge than mine is greatly appreciated. What internal width rim should I be looking at with 3.8", 4.0" - 4.5" tyres? 70, 80mm or more ie 100mm? If you could mention a few more brands that would be great. Sadly I don't think I can afford HED rims. Many thanks.

[@RideYearRound]

@@alexmorgan3435 If you're going to go up to a 4.5" I'd recommend something with an internal width in the 70s (i.e. Mulefut 80, Pub Wheels PC75, Specialized Stout XC 80 (have to get these used), Corvus Big Su, ICAN Cycling). If you're only going to run 3.8-4.0, go with a narrower rim with an internal width in the 60s (Blizzerk 70, Mulefut 65, Fyxation).

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@RideYearRound Many thanks. The fat bike scene is new to me. My DT Swiss BR 710 rims with Surly Nates 26" x 4.0" on already seem huge dwarfing my Troll with 26" x 2.0" tyres. Think I will go with the Mulefut 80s as there's a place that I know definitely has them with 15% off list price.

[@brewsonventura5361]

It's only good for down hill trail but not in plain road cuz it's tiring to ride fat bike due to it's heaviness, gear ⚙️doesn't help much to reduce strength.

[@ericcaira7338]

I've had this bike for several days now and I have not had problems with it so far. kzbin.infoUgkxn_jUDSlprMIeubd9rHdEAnv59nKfjcKv The handlebars, seat+ seat post, pedals, and front wheel were detached for shipping. It was easy to reassemble, but I did need to go out and buy a set of tools in the metric system to reattach parts. Use lubricant (WD-40 works well) on screw threads and hinges before re-assembling.(NOTE: Do Not Throw Away Any Of The Packaging Until After Assembly Because Some Of The Packaging Contains Small Parts That You Will Need To Reattach Parts!!!)Took it to a bike kitchen for fine tuning afterwards, and for refilling the tires (they'd lost some air during shipping) and then practiced riding on it. It fits me perfectly at 5'4" with the seat at the lowest possible setting--would not recommend for anyone shorter, as it may be difficult to get on and off the bike without assistance of some kind. The aluminum body is beautifully welded together--the only thing that irks me somewhat is some of the plastic parts, but oh well. Not too experienced with bikes (haven't owned one in years) but if you're not willing or are unable to spend $600+ on another bike, I would say this is a good way to get started. Just check everything before you go out riding--air levels in the tires, wobbling of the seat, handlebars, or pedals, loose screws/parts, you know, as it will happen over time. Common sense. Good luck to ya, and hope my review helps.

[@paulstintzi4097]

Is a 27.5 x 4.5 like the Gnarwhals you have in the video too resistant to ride in the summer to do some light tours on? Looking into getting a Farley and am trying to figure out if it's gonna be able to ride longer distances with its stock setup, or if I would be better off having a 4" set of 27.5s to swap to in the summer. Based in the Yukon here, I appreciate the tire patch of the 4.5s in the snow, but wondering how different the 4.0s would be on smoother stuff and pavement.

[@RideYearRound]

Those are some BIG tires haha. They are great in the snow, but I have limited experience with them on dirt. 4.0s roll really well on dirt, I really like them for the other 3 seasons.

[@paulstintzi4097]

@@RideYearRound Thanks for the feedback, I found on the Growler page one of the guys there likes to switch to 4.0s from the 4.5s in the summer too. Dumb question maybe, but can I put 4.0s on the same 80mm rims that come with the 4.5s? How much hassle is it to swap back and forth with tubeless tires? I'm thinking if I get the Farley I will start with the 4.5s and when the summer comes I'll see if maybe I can get some summer tires that are 4.0s and less aggressive and lighter than the gnarwhals...

[@RideYearRound]

Yeah 4.0s are used on 80mm rims all the time. Swapping tubeless isn’t that bad as long as you aren’t doing it all the time. I’ll actually reuse the sealant if it’s not too old by sucking it out of the one tire with a syringe and putting it into the new one.

[@mathias5171]

Just went tubeless with Nates on OBD rims and man alive, do they feel good on the trail. Velcro, indeed. Do you know anyone that makes 29+ for fat bike spacing? 177x12 is not a common size I’m finding out.

[@RideYearRound]

The best option seems to just have some custom built. I’d highly recommend Mike at LaceMine29. Otherwise there are a few wheel builder sites out there that sell them but I can’t speak to how good they are haha.

[@turboelephant6298]

Build your own wheels dude, you probably wouldn't believe how easy it actually is, and the good thing about plus size wheels is that because they're so much bigger, it's much easier to keep them true when you're messing around tightening the spokes.

[@DailyNeighborhoodRide]

Woah! @Matt Garcia Nice profile pic of Brett. Genuine Jerks. Brett is a friend of mine. I was like wait a second 🤔 that’s Brett. Haha 😂 Ride on 🤘

[@CavenInToTheWorld]

How about 26x4.0 in 90mm rim? I've seen one. Do you think this will be a good all rounder? I choose 26 because the parts are more available than the 27.5

[@RideYearRound]

90mm and 4.0" are pretty close in width so you'll get a very squared off tire profile which isn't really ideal so I'd prefer a narrower rim.

[@CavenInToTheWorld]

@@RideYearRound i see. Thanks. So maybe ill get 80mm and 4.0 then. Im planning to build one more fat bike that is an all-rounder since my current one that has 100mm with 4.7 tires. I can't keep up with mtb guys. 🤣😂 But the sound of the wheels produce makes me relieve my dream to become a pilot cause it sounds like an old ww2 aircrafts. 🤣😂 Thanks for the replies. I hope fat bike community and youtubers becomes more so there will be more informations sharing and parts to be available since bike manufacturers will only make bikes that's giving them more sales.

[@keepitthoro6768]

Can I do 27.5x4.8? On 100mm

[@FatTraction]

I like the idea of 27.5 fat, but the tire choice is very limited. If only schwalbe would release a 27.5 Jumbo Jim. Im currently running 27.5x3.8 minions but they are slow compared to JJ's. Even the 4.8 JJs are faster.

[@RideYearRound]

Yeah I agree that there's a very limited selection for the 27.5 wheel platform and the Minion's are definitely slow rolling, but I think they have great cornering and braking traction. A 27.5 JJ would be incredible though!

[@prixat]

Do you think the flood of 20x4 bikes over the last couple of years will become a new class?

[@turfnsurf9367]

What tire size I can walk into any store and pick one up, instead of special order?

[@RideYearRound]

It’ll totally depend on where you live and what bike shop you go into. If they sell/stock a lot of fat bikes then they’ll probably have 26x4.0-4.8 and 27.5x4.0-4.5. If they don’t sell fat bikes very often then they may not stock any fat tires.

[@aidenisstubbly4974]

What’s the biggest tyres you can get ?

[@RideYearRound]

The Vee Snow Shoe 2XL is 26x5.05 and then there are quite a few 27.5x4.5 out there which are bigger than you'd think.

[@n.c.7464]

Do 29x4+ tires exist?? The biggest I was able to find are 29x3

[@RideYearRound]

Biggest I've seen available are 29x3.25 Vee Bulldozer's.

[@mjsmjs7905]

Unless you're going to ride in snow you don't want to go more than 4 in, the rolling resistance is too much

[@ulsigu]

What are common rim size for 26x4 in the market?

[@RideYearRound]

Rims in the 60-80mm internal range work great with that size.

[@ulsigu]

Thanks. One more quick question, would those rim work for 3 in tires? I bought an fat tire e-bike with 4 in tires. I feel it might be too much. I might change them out to skinner ones if I can

[@RideYearRound]

@ulsigu if you’re wanting to go down to say a 3” tire I’d get a 45mm internal rim.

[@ulsigu]

Ah. Thanks. Id have to get the measurement as soon as I receive it whether I can do it

[@Ayush_Singh_thakur_1]

26x4 🥶

[@guyhockeyguy]

You sold the ICT!? 😕

[@RideYearRound]

Yeah unfortunately I did. It was a great bike but I wanted something different.

[@altersqueel4841]

Dude, I was hoping you'd cover 29x3.0....any chance of that?

[@RideYearRound]

I have a couple of videos on plus bikes generally (Why You Need A Plus Bike) and 29+ specifically (The Pros And Cons Of 29+) if you want to check those out. If that doesn’t answer your questions let me know and I’ll try and do another video on it.

[@c.s.4273]

@0:11 From 65 mm to 100 mm? Nonsense. 65 mm would be less than 2,6" and my Fatbike had 4.6" that equals over 116 mm. Now I have put 4.9" on and that equals over 124 mm.

[@RideYearRound]

That’s referring to the wheel (aka rim) size, not the tire.

[@c.s.4273]

​​​​​​@@RideYearRound That makes sense. To me 100 mm rim width is too wide as it makes the wheel unnecessarily heavy and the tire rather flat than round and thereby effecting negatively cornering and handling by increasing self steering. 80 mm rim is the sweet spot for me.

[@c.s.4273]

Never 27.5", always 26" fatbikes as they have a much better turning radius.