So fat bikes are very unique and if you are looking for racks to turn your fat bike into the most epic adventure rig. This is one of the best ways to turn them in to an ultimate adventure bike. As fat bikes can take you places where other bikes are unable. If you are looking for rear racks for fat bikes I have published a in-depth article talking about some of your best options. This is where I touch on the things to consider when choosing a rear rack for fat bikes and the same characteristics apply for front fat bike racks. I would suggest giving that article a read for some more information.
One of the main things that matters most with front racks for fat bikes is compatibility. As a lot of bikes have different mounting position on the forks and racks will differ.
As I mention in the other article weight doesn’t really matter as much with fat bike packing and touring. As fat bikes in general are not that fats in the first place. And for example some of the environments you are riding are slow like a sandy dessert track.
Wheel size is also something to consider, not all racks will accommodate all fat bike tire widths. It is best if you read the racks product description it will indicate weather the rack will fit certain sized tires. Then you will be able to see if the rack will have the vertical and horizontal clearance needed.
Also consider weight limits, for my riding style I prefer less weight on the front racks, but some say bikes ride better when more weight is at the front. Make sure you double check the front racks weight limit and it works with the amount of weight you plan to carry at the front.
Wanna Get Some Ideas Of The Best Fat Bikes?
So here are some of the best front racks for fat bikes, in no particular order. I here some stories of people bending normal sized front racks to bend around the fat tires of the bike. And personally I don’t like this idea. I have concerns for strength of the rack once bent and racks should not be something that you mess about with. As it is super dangerous, and you really don’t want a rack snapping and cause trouble catching on your wheels. So I tried my best to find racks that are fat bike specific or if they are not still have enough clearance for fat bikes and don’t require risky modifications, such as bending rack tubing to work around the tires.
Blackburn Fat Bike Rack
The Blackburn Outpost fat bike rear rack. Yeas a rear rack which can also be used as a front rack is probably Blackburns most versatile rack. You get up to 3″ of width adjustability and height adjustability. Their adjustable width design allows this rack to fit fat and most tire sizes, hub and tire widths without any trouble. So you will be able to fit tires sizes that are 26″, 650B, 700c, 27.5″ and 29″ with widths from 23C up to 3″. It fits tires sizes from 26″ X 1″ UP TO 29″X 4″.
The rack is also disc brake compatible. Sometimes disc brakes can get in the way of rack installation but this will not be an issue with this rack. This rack is made from aluminium which is something to consider, still a strong material but maybe not as much as steel would be. But this does cut some weight at 1110 grams. You also get the option of lower mounting on frame eyelets or through axle quick release which is included. You multiple mounting options for this rack with upper mounting to frame braze-ons, brake boss, or seat stay clamps which are also included. And finally the weight capacity comes in at 70 pounds or 31.8 kg. Priced at 97.50 at JensonUSA.com
OMM Sherpa Front Rack
The Old Man Mountain Sherpa Front Rack has been used with people who have fat bikes, but is only compatible with bikes with a tire width of 3 inches or less. Made from a 6063 welded aluminum. It weighs 700 grams and has a max load capacity of 32 kgs. A very versatile rack, that has a minimalistic design and it is ready to carry you panniers wether you have a front suspension, QR15 axle (Fox or Rockshox forks), v-brakes or disc brakes. You would want to go for the “Front bicycle rack Sherpa Fat for MTB bicycles with a 15mm axle. – Sherpa Front 715, Priced at 275 Eur or $299.00
Surly Rear Nice Rack
Yes it is a rear rack but many fat bikers have been able to pull off using these racks for a front rack on their fat bikes. With some slight adjustments you can make it for with this rack setup. Surly made the Nice Rack to be sturdy, utilitarian, and at least a little bit stylish. Constructed from super sturdy CroMoly steel, the nice rack fits great on bikes with frame eyelets and wheels between 26″ and 29″ in size. The rack features adjustable mounts that slide in and out of the rack frame to accommodate just about whatever wheels and tires you wanna use. Weighing in at 1260 grams and is compatible with Surly Fat Bikes. Priced at $155.00 at Tree Fort Bikes
Pelago Commuter Front Rack
If you are after a more commuter style front rack for your fat bike. I would probably not recommend this for expedition tours. But just for carting gear to a trail or down to the local market. It is important to note that it is not specifically designed for ft bikes. But made to fit “most bikes”. You also get additional attachment points for panniers. If you are responsible for weekend pizza runs, this rack has you covered!
The rack is constructed of stainless steel, which makes it light and durable. The Commuter Front Rack is available in two sizes and both polished or black. The versatile attachment options make the rack easy to install and it fits most bicycles with 26” or 28” wheels. And also comes with a mounting piece for a front light. The rack has a 15 kg max load capacity. And is priced at €99.00 or around just over $100.00
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