Entry Level Fat Bikes | Cheap vs Budget vs Value

Here is my take on some entry level fat bike options at various price points, and the pros and cons of each. This isn't a hypothetical discussion, it's based on three I bikes I own and ride right now, so I can really speak to each from experience. Check out the links below for specific videos on these bikes if any of them are of interest, and check out my playlists for even more on fat biking in general.

MONGOOSE Links:

SURLY PUGSLEY:

BOREALIS FLUME:

AMAZON LINKS:

Facebook: Elevation Every Weekend

BIKE GEAR:

TECH:

TACOMA:

FILMING:

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[kristierundell]

Really helpful ! Great that there is an option for everyone who wants to ride a fat bike. Used bikes are a great option to find a deal. Thanks for posting !

[luisacevedo]

I bought a Mongoose Malus for $75.00. Chain was rusted, breaks didn't worked and the shifting cable was cut. I had a blank canvas for upgrades. I changed everything in the bike. Now I have a 1X9 Microshift Advent group set, hydraulic brakes Shimano MT200, new head set and bars, as well as a new bottom bracket (hollow tech). This is a complete different bike. I ride my bike year round and have a great time doing it. Your video was very educational and gave a great comparisson of fat bikes available for the novice or experienced cyclist that whant to get into fatbiking.

[DirtEveryWeekend]

Great video! I agree 100% my local bike shop was recently selling used Surly Pugsley's from the rental store at $600 regardless of frame size. they Also had Salsa Mukluks with suspenion forks up front for $900. I am in North East Ohio while the deals are harder to find they are not impossible out this way. After ridng the Flume it is bang for buck one of the nicest Bikes not just fat bikes I have been on. I will be getting one of those for sure. The welds on that bike and the weight are the 2 things that blew me away! I just wish the all cables were routed internally it would be worth the the minimal cost increase to ahve that bike clean. I can not wait to get one.

[paigecollier]

Great content and comparisons, thanks for sharing! My used fat bike was a great find!

[SHWELL]

Thank you for sharing so much detailed feedback. You are Definitely Spot-On about the Mongoose.. It is a Heavy, entry level offering with low grade parts. But it is a fun Bike to ride, until it isnt.. I still have my Dolomite, cant seem to let it go. I have a couple of Specialized Fatboy's that have held up nicely to my entry-level, misguided usage..

[TheLankyCyclist]

A LBS in the area was selling off their rental fatbike fleet… had a couple of Pugsleys in there. I was very tempted.

[dr.deewanowich]

I bought a very cheap (like stupid cheap) fat bike with 3x7 and very cheap mechanical brakes and wire bead tires which I changed most of the components once a good part of the components with avid BB7 brakes, Dillinger 4s and a 1x7 groupset (heavily inspired by the Mongoose fatty). Still have to thank you Tommy for keeping my love for fat bikes alight you are awesome :))

[neotree]

Great video. Great time to get a fat bike is spring. I happened across a 2022 spherik
Sp4 for $1200 at my local bike shop!

[gregmason]

I recently bought a Northrock XC00 on Costco for about $500. It's an aluminum frame 7 speed and I love it. Way better bike than the Mongoose 55lb bike stolen from my patio month before. I'm happy they stole that tank!

[danieljackheck]

Just got a free Pugley and have been enjoying it. Working on turning it into a touring bike.

[theferrouslife]

I got the Mongoose Dolomite ALX a couple years ago and I absolutely love it

[thomashospodar]

Very interesting keep them coming learn another from your videos

[michaelhart]

I got a 1000watt fat tire ebike that kicks ass at 32mph!

[oiyile]

Subscribed, so happy you still make videos! I want to run my Mongoose Argus tubed. Is that good? I plan to go over some hard sand, gravel, grass, and dirt. Nothing too loose that needs low PSI.

[jeffreyhoops]

Also in the budget (rather than cheap) fat bike options you can include models from Bikesdirect, Framed, and Canada’s Moose bicycles.

[tomthumb]

Id say with the big box fatbikes first mod .. crank get 2 speed front even if you swap sprockets by hand, Shimano mega range freewheel .
Get the gearing right first

[david]

The Dolomite ALX is a pretty good deal for someone just trying to figure out if they even want a Fat Bike. It’s upgradeable to an extent, MUCH, MUCH lighter than the regular Dolomite is. Don’t expect a diamond in the rough type scenario, but you will be able to find out weather or not you have any interest in a Fat Bike without breaking the bank to do so. The cheap steel, HEAVY Fat Bikes will almost insure that you don’t want anything to do with them. FWIW - I do have the ALX and now I’m looking for something else… I’m leaning towards a 27.5 version of a Fat Bike.

[jynxyboy]

I picked up a 2021 Borealis Flume used for 750$. Found it on FB and thought it was a scam at first. It's my daily rider now, and my first fat bike. Eventually I want to swap out the derailure for a better one, maybe slap on a tad bit wider tires than the stock 27.5x3.8 inch tires. But wider would only be for winter riding anyways. Only thing that I wish the bike had, is the mounting points on the fork for cages/front rack. Otherwise, I love it.

[eliasdiosojr]

I have the mangles dolomite customize it upgrade the brakes shifter grips and seat and tires

[tedwalker]

Comparing one of these to a electric fat tire bike makes these seem way over priced. You can buy a nice electric fat tire bike for $1200 to $1500 seems like a better buy to me.