Does your fatbike need front suspension fork？

Most fat bikes on the market don’t come with front suspension fork, but in recent years we see more and more fat bikes fitted with suspension. But is it really necessary?

Originally fat bikes were created to be ridden on snow and sand where suspension isn’t needed. We all know that the wide low pressured tires absorb a lot of the bumps and chatter you encounter, they already act as suspension.

Why did fat bikes get suspension?

While some riders still believe a fat bike has only one purpose which is snow riding, nowadays people use their big bike year round and in all sort of conditions. Mountainbikers wouldn’t be mountainbikers if they wouldn’t tend to search the limits to where and how gnarly they can ride their fat bike always pushing the limits of their fat bikes onto rougher and steeper terrain.

When riding on smooth snow or sand, the vibration and shocks to our arms are minimal.  And although a fat bike is already very comfortable and easy to ride, when riding on these rowdier trails with rough rocks and roots a bit of suspension can make a lot of difference to your ride.

But there are also a couple of drawbacks to suspension on your big tire bike. First of all you need to take in consideration the extra weight that a suspension fork will add to your bike. You’ll have about two pounds more to an already heavy bike. And the second drawback is the price of a suspension fork. A good quality fork, like a Rockshox Bluto for example will set you back a good 600 to 700$. Of course some fat bikes do come stock with suspension but the price of a suspension fat bike will also be more premium.

Other options?

Although a suspension fork is a premium option it isn’t the only choice you can make. You can also opt for a carbon rigid fork. Although it still stays a rigid fork, carbon has some characteristics that can completely change the way your fat bike rides and feels.

Carbon on itself is far more compliant than steel or aluminum and therefor absorbs much better all the chatter and vibrations you encounter on your ride. Another quality of carbon rigid forks is the weight reduction it provides. Carbon is simply a much lighter material than steel and aluminum. And a lighter bike means an easier bike to handle and a much easier climb up the hill.

Lastly, you can find some very affordable carbon forks. Here at ICAN we already offer you a fork at less than a ¼ of the price of a full suspension fork. If you don’t want to spend whole your budget on a full suspension fork, you might want to consider our carbon rigid fork.

Your final choice

Your final decision, as always in mountain biking, depends completely on you: what type of riding you’re planning to do, the terrain you are riding on and the budget you are willing to spend. Do you plan to take your fatbike bikepacking, there’s no need for an upgrade to a suspension or carbon fork. You’ll want all the sturdiness to hang extra bags and weight on the fork.

You ride your fit bike all year long and on pretty rough trails, with lots of roots and rocks? A suspension fork will probably be your best option. Or do you plan to ride your fat bike mostly in wintertime on snowy fields, a carbon fork is the best option.

Whether you choose a rigid or suspension fork,But remember, whatever your choice might be, fat tires are meant for grip and traction, while the suspension is for control. A fat tire is not an alternative to a suspension. They each have their entirely different use but both work together to optimize your riding ability.