In this article are the best fat bikes money can buy under $2000 for your next bikepacking adventure. After doing some research for this article to see what other bloggers are writing about. There was nothing but crap fat bikes with the worst, cheap components. That is something you don’t want for a dedicated adventure fat bike. You need something that is reliable and going to get you across some epic snow capped trails, but also be great for commuting in the winter.
I have tried my best to get some of the best in here. I have gone as far to include 2019 model bikes that have their new 2020 siblings which do cost more and have some upgrades and changes but you can pick them up for a few hundred dollars cheaper. Yes it might be outdated but these are still great bikes. And for under $2000 you can’t go wrong.
I am personally in the market for a fat bike, and have been doing some deep homework to find the best options around this $2000 budget range. And these bikes are what I found. So you know these are good bikes if I am considering them! Okay so in no particular order here are some of the best fat bikes under $2,000!
Salsa 2019 Beargrease Carbon NX1 Eagle Fat Bike
This is one example of last years model bike that has a updated and more expensive sibling. But still this bike can be picked up for $1,999.00 at Tree Fort Bikes. That is the thing with suggesting last year’s model bikes, they will soon become discontinued and harder to find new. And the new 2020 model sells from $2,499.00. The Beargrease is Salsa’s racing fat bike. This 2019 model has room to accommodate up to 4.6″ tires on 100mm rims, and most 27.5 x 4″ tires.
Salsa Mukluk SX Eagle Fat Bike
Another fat bike option from Salsa is the Mukluk. A Aluminum in combination with the Bearpaw carbon fork. The bike is made from a 6066-T6 aluminum frame which has better strength and fatigue characteristics than 6061- and 7000-series. The geometry uses the shortest chainstays possible with a headtube angle and fork offset that place your center of gravity farther over the rear wheel. With 26 x 4.8 in. wheel and tire size delivers massive traction, stability and optimum flotation on soft surfaces such as ungroomed snow or loose sand. Priced at $1,999.00 at REI.com
Co-op Cycles DRT 4.1 Fat Bike
Looking for a super budget friendly fat bike that is still capable at rolling over roots, rocks, sand or snow? The REI brand Co-Op fat bike is made from a strong, rigid aluminum frame that keeps the ride fast. The DRT 4.1 rolls on Innova 26 x 4.8 in tires that’ll glide over just about anything. Even though it is rather cheap it still has quality components with the 1×12 drivetrain with SRAM X1 1000 Eagle. Priced at $1,299.00 at REI.com
Surly Pugsley
The original fat bike! Yes a bit heavier of a fat bike then aluminum and carbon options. But you can’t go wrong with a good old Surly! One of my favourite touring and bikepacking bike brands. The Pugsley is ideal for the extreme off-road expedition! It has every accessory barnacle you could ever need for carry gear. With clearance for 26″ x 4.8″ tires in the frame (with drivetrain restrictions), 26″ x 4.3″ tires in the fork. Priced at $1,900
Kona Wo 2020
Konas for bike in the fat biking world and it is their gold standard. The Wo features a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with 11-50 tooth cassette. With some tubeless-ready Sun Ringle Mulefut 80mm Rims in 4.8” Vee tires. MSRP $1,599
2020 Cannondale Fat CAAD 1
A fat bike with the purpose of a racer! The Fat CAAD 1 features the SmartForm C1 Alloy frame w/ Fatty Fat rigid fork. A Sun Ringle Mulefüt 80 SL rims / Maxxis Minion 3.8″ tires and the Shimano SLX 11-speed drivetrain / hydraulic disc brakes. MSRP $2,000
2021 Trek Farley 5
The Farley 5 is Treks best value fat bike. The new 2021 model features, the more efficient 27.5″ fat tires that keep you rolling faster, especially on groomed or packed snow. The Rapid Drive 108 rear hub gives you nearly instant acceleration instead of a clunky lag when you step on the pedals. Comes with dropper post and the 1×10 Shimano Deore groupset. Priced at $1,799.99
2020 Norco Bigfoot 1
The Norco Bigfoot 1 features a balanced weight distribution for maximum traction, providing a more powerful pedaling position to keep the bike charging forward and confident. The steering is more aggressive making you pick the lines you want on technical trails. Also has a lightweight, carbon fork, with 26×5” Terrene Johnny 5 tires, and a X-Fusion Manic dropper post. Powered by a 1×12 SRAM NX Eagle and Truvativ Stylo groupset. Priced at $1,999.00
Specialized Fatboy
With the Fatboy you get boosted traction from the 27.5×3.8 tires. Build from durable components like all these bikes in this list. The bike features a 1×12 SRAM SX Eagle groupset. Made from a M5 alloy frame and lightweight carbon-fiber fork. Priced at $1,875.00
2020 RSD MAYOR V4 Aluminum 3
This fat bike offers decent value in this fat biking category. With the room for up to 100mm rims and 5.05” tires. Made from a custom hydro-formed 6061 tubing and RSD carbon fork. Also including massive rear stays to guarantee lateral rigidity and 197mm rear thru-axle and 150mm front spacing. Priced at $1,999.00
Giant Yukon 2
When it comes to technical maneuvering the Yukon 2 features the sloping “low slung” front triangle design which provides a low center of gravity. It has a low Q-factor which means maximum heel clearance. With the ability to fit up to tire sizes of 27.5 X 4.5” for maximum floatation. Priced at $1,630.00
Surly Ice Cream Truck
Is Surly’s maximum tire clearance bike with up to room for a full 26” x 5” tire on 100mm rims. Build to be trail ready with modern trail bike standards like stealth dropper post routing, 44mm headtube, and thru-axles. Long toptube, short seatstays, and a 68-degree headtube angle makes it tight and maneuverable on fast, technical terrain. With a 1×12 Shimano SLX groupset. Priced at $2,000
Rocky Mountain Blizzard 20
The Blizzard is a proper mountain bike with aggressive trail geometry and massively wide tires. Made from a full aluminum build with a 6061 SL Series Alloy frame. And a 1×12 Sram SX Eagle groupset. Priced at MSRP $1,499.99
Felt DD 70
For the price of this Felt fat bike you get some high-end components. With the 1×11 SRAM NX Eagle. Made from a SuperLite aluminum. You get a basic level fat bike frame with some high quality components. Priced at $1,249.00
Why Not Build Your Own Fat Bike?
It is completely possible to buy a carbon fat bike frame from alibaba that is still quality (often very similar if not the same as what big fat bike brands use anyway). And then make a project fat bike build out of it and have fun making a one of a kind fat bike. You can buy cheap but still good quality parts for around $2,000 total when all said and done.
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