Specialized Fatboy SE 2018 Review

Should I Buy This Bike?

The Fatboy is a solid option for the budget conscious buyer. This would be an excellent choice for a newer rider who doesn't need super high-end components or top-end performance. The Specialized is decent on the trail and will get you out shredding through the winter.

The Trek Farley offers better on-trail performance compared to the Fatboy, and operates with serious momentum. These monster truck wheels help keep the bike out of bomb holes and are less disturbed by roots and rocks.

Design Highlights

• - Aluminum frame

• - 26 x 4.6-inch tires

• - Quick release frame and fork

• - Suspension corrected for use of a suspension fork

• - Press Fit Bottom Bracket

Downhill Performance

The Fatboy crushes high-speed flow trails. It remains composed as the speedometer cranks. The big tires eat up the small bumps and chatter. Rider position is a bit stretched out thanks to a long feeling top tube. The Specialized Ground Control tires hook up well and offer excellent cornering abilities. A poor brake specification could prove problematic for aggressive riders.

The long top-tube and reach on our test bike had testers feeling a bit stretched out. One tester described feeling like he was being forced into the speed tuck position. The steep, 70.5-degree head tube angle forced riders to get far into the back seat on steep sections of trail. This shuffling of weight requires a fair bit of movement given the long top tube. The steep geometry didn't lead to any twitchy or skittish steering.

The Fatboy offered solid cornering skills. The Specialized Ground Control 4.6-inch tires had a fair bit of shoulder knobs for predictable braking bite. Slow speed corners were easy to steer through and didn't require tons of strength or body language. High-speed cornering abilities were solid so long as the corner is absent of bomb holes or roots.

This bike really shines on fast and smooth sections of trail. Motoring through berms and rolls in the trail are a blast. Charging snowy and smooth trails was calm and confident. Even with the 4.6-inch tires, the Fatboy can get bounced around on rougher trails. Lower tire pressures can help combat the jarring ride, but only to a certain extent.

Climbing Performance

The Fatboy is an effective and comfortable climber. The wide rubber hooks up well in mixed conditions but suffers on icy trails. The steep geometry makes for impressive uphill steering and handling. In addition to the excellent handling, this steep geometry puts riders in an excellent position to put the power down. The 2x10 drivetrain offered a solid gear ratio for working uphill.

The conservative/steep geometry is beneficial to grinding uphill. The 70.5-degree head tube angle is helpful to working uphill. A steeper head tube angle puts more weight onto the front wheel. This keeps the front wheel planted and keeps it from wandering. The Fatboy offers precise steering and pedaling up tight switchbacks is easy.

The Fatboy puts riders in an efficient pedaling position. It is easy to transmit power to the cranks. Rider's hips are right on top of the crank and the upper body is fairly upright.

The 2x10 drivetrain is a nice touch. Riding in the snow and slop calls for easier gearing as there is more resistance when compared to riding on firm dirt. While we generally don't care for front derailleurs, they do make a bit of sense on a fat bike. The Specialized Ground Control 4.6-inch tires hooked up well on dirt and dry surfaces. The traction on snow and ice was not great. In icy/snowy conditions, we would heavily recommend studded tires.

Value

The Fatboy is an average value. It is a serviceable fat bike that has decent components. It is certainly not the most refined frame or geometry. That said, it can still be a solid option for the rider looking to simply get out on the trails in the winter. Riders seeking high-end performance should look elsewhere.

Conclusion