The Specialized Fatboy is an interesting bike that brings a different kind of riding experience to the trails. With its wide, oversized tires, this bike offers a lot of traction, floatation, and control on rough terrain. Whether you’re riding through snow, sand, or dirt, the Specialized Fatboy has features that make riding easier and more fun. In this review, I’ll go over everything you need to know about the Specialized Fatboy, including how it performs on trails, its design, features, and overall experience.
Contents
Design and Frame: Built for Durability and Efficiency
The design of the Specialized Fatboy starts with its M5 aluminum frame. This material is a combination of strength and lightness. The frame is tough enough to handle rough trails and long rides without adding unnecessary weight. It has a smooth-welded design that makes it durable and resistant to wear. Specialized has also included a tapered head tube and seat tube, which adds to the bike’s stability and performance.
The frame geometry on the Fatboy has a roomy top tube and short chainstays. These design elements make climbing easier and descending more controlled. If you like riding on technical trails, this geometry provides stability and confidence, so you don’t feel as pressured to find the perfect line all the time. The 197x12mm rear thru-axle also adds strength and stability to the bike, ensuring the wheels stay in line even when riding over rough ground.
The bike’s fork is another impressive feature. The Specialized FACT carbon fiber fork is lightweight and absorbs trail vibrations well. When riding over bumpy or rocky trails, the fork makes sure the ride stays smooth. The carbon fiber material is known for its ability to reduce vibrations without weighing the bike down, making it a great addition to the Fatboy’s overall design.
Drivetrain: Simplicity with Reliable SRAM Components
One of the standout features of the Specialized Fatboy is its SRAM NX 11-speed drivetrain. This is a reliable, simple system that works well in a variety of trail conditions. The 11-speed gearing allows for smooth shifting with enough range for both climbing steep hills and descending at speed.
The Race Face Ride crankset, paired with a steel 28T chainring, offers easy pedaling and smooth power transfer. The SRAM PG-1130 11-speed cassette with an 11-42T range ensures you have the gears to tackle steep climbs without feeling too restricted. The drivetrain is low-maintenance and easy to use, which means you won’t have to spend too much time worrying about repairs or adjustments. This simplicity is great for long rides and trail adventures.
The chain is coated with an anti-corrosion coating, so you can ride confidently through damp or muddy conditions without worrying about rust. It also includes a reusable Missing Link, which makes chain maintenance easier if you ever need to remove or replace the chain. Overall, the drivetrain is well-balanced for a bike like this—reliable, easy to maintain, and ready for adventure.
Wheels and Tires: Where the Fun Happens
The wheels and tires on the Specialized Fatboy are some of its most impressive features. The Stout XC 80 alloy wheels are wide and sturdy, designed to handle tough conditions and rough trails. The 26-inch wheels paired with the 76mm internal width give you plenty of traction and stability, no matter the trail or terrain you encounter.
The 26 x 4.6” Ground Control Fat tires are essential to the Specialized Fatboy’s performance. These wide tires are excellent at maintaining grip on loose dirt, sand, snow, or rocky paths. They float over rough terrain without losing traction, making them one of the most distinctive features of this bike. With their aramid folding beads and 120 TPI, they offer a smooth ride and are tough enough to handle rocky and bumpy paths. They really live up to the name “fat tires” because they give you that extra confidence to ride in places that other mountain bikes struggle with.
The combination of these wheels and tires gives you a versatile ride that works in a variety of conditions. The added floatation from the tires allows the Fatboy to glide over sand and snow effortlessly while still giving you the grip you need to keep control on climbs and sharp turns. Whether you’re exploring new trails or riding in less common terrain like sand dunes, snow, or mud, the wheels and tires on this bike handle it with ease.
Brakes: Stopping Power When You Need It
Braking is a key part of any mountain bike, and the Specialized Fatboy doesn’t skimp here. The bike comes equipped with SRAM Level T hydraulic disc brakes. These brakes offer strong and responsive stopping power, which is exactly what you want when you’re riding at speed or coming down steep descents. The front brake uses a 200mm rotor, while the rear uses a 180mm rotor. This difference in rotor size allows for optimal braking power while maintaining balance and control on technical trails.
The hydraulic system ensures braking is smooth and easy, even when conditions are less than ideal. Whether you’re riding in dry conditions, muddy trails, or snow, these brakes are reliable and ensure you stay safe no matter how fast you’re riding. With good braking power and reliability, the Fatboy makes it easier to push your limits on the trail.
Cockpit: Comfortable and Easy to Use
The cockpit area on the Specialized Fatboy is well thought out. The handlebars are Stout Riser alloy bars with a 9-degree backsweep and a 5-degree upsweep. They are 750mm wide, giving you plenty of control without feeling cramped. The 15mm rise makes it easier to stay comfortable over longer rides without feeling stretched out. The Specialized 3D-forged alloy stem works with the handlebar to provide a sturdy, confident feel on technical trails.
The grips on this bike are Specialized Sip Grips with a half-waffle design. They’re comfortable and provide good grip, no matter if you’re riding in wet or dry conditions. The saddle is the Body Geometry Henge Comp saddle with hollow Cr-Mo rails. It’s wide enough for all-day riding and keeps you comfortable on long trail days. The seatpost is easy to adjust, with a micro-adjust feature that allows you to set your seat at just the right height for the ride.
All these elements work together to create a cockpit that feels natural and easy to use. Whether you’re tackling technical climbs or descending at speed, the cockpit keeps you in control and comfortable, even on longer rides.
Overall Performance: Easy to Handle and Fun to Ride
The Specialized Fatboy is one of the most versatile bikes in the fat-tire mountain bike category. The traction and control you get from the wide 4.6” tires make it easier to ride in snow, sand, or loose dirt. Despite being a fat-tire bike, it isn’t overly heavy, thanks to the combination of aluminum and carbon fiber used in the frame and fork. This makes climbing easier and keeps the bike efficient.
The bike is stable on technical descents and easy to maneuver on climbs. Its SRAM drivetrain, reliable brakes, and fat-tire system make for a fun, forgiving ride that will keep you smiling. Whether you’re exploring a trail or heading out on a new adventure, the Fatboy offers plenty of confidence and versatility to help you experience new terrain.
Final Thoughts
The Specialized Fatboy is a great choice for anyone looking for a mountain bike that performs in a variety of conditions. Whether you’re new to riding in snow, sand, or technical trails, or you’re an experienced rider, the Specialized Fatboy gives you plenty of control, confidence, and fun. Its strong frame, simple drivetrain, reliable braking system, and floaty tires make it versatile and easy to maintain.
If you’re considering a fat-tire bike for your next mountain bike adventure, the Specialized Fatboy should be on your list. It’s not just a mountain bike—it’s a whole new riding experience. For both climbs and descents, the Specialized Fatboy is stable, easy to handle, and built to last. It’s a great addition to any rider’s collection.