This is a buying guide for women’s fat bikes. While fat bikes specifically designed for women are not as widespread as non gender-specific fat bikes, Framed Bikes has been offering women’s fat bikes for the past few years–all in an affordable price range under $1,000. This year, Specialized debuted its Hellga fat bike for women, with three different component levels ranging from $1,500 to $3,000. For more complete specifications on these bikes, click the links to the manufacturer’s page.
For more fat bikes under $1k, see Budget Fat Bikes Buying Guide
This post contains affiliate links.*
Framed Minnesota Fat Bikes for Women
Some of the first women-specific fat bikes on the market, the affordable Framed Minnesota fat bikes for women were designed with the input of female riders. The Minnesota Women’s fat bikes feature lower standover height and shorter handlebar length than their non gender-specific counterparts, as well as a women-specific Velo Plush saddle. All of the women’s models come in 15” and 17” sizes. To compare sizes, see the geometry charts for the Minnesota 1.0, Minnesota 2.0, and Minnesota 2.2 women’s fat bikes.
Minnesota 1.0 Women’s: $749.95
The Framed Minnesota 1.0 Women’s fat bike is an entry-level women’s fat bike made by Framed Bikes. The Minnesota 1.0 Women’s features a lightweight aluminum frame and fork, and 1 x 9 drivetrain using SRAM X4 components. The Minnesota 1.0 Women’s comes in Purple/White, Black/Pink, and White/Purple.
Weight: 32 lbs 11 oz
Frame: 6061 Aluminum Alloy
Fork: 6061 Aluminum Alloy (135mm QR)
Headset: 1-1/8” Neco Headset
Brakes: Avid BB5 Mechanical 160mm Disc
Component Group: SRAM X4
Drivetrain: 1 x 9 (Front 32t Rear 11-32t)
Rear Spacing: 170mm QR
Rims: 80mm Aluminum Alloy Drilled Rims
Tires: Framed Minnesota Fat Tire 26 x 4 inch 72TPI Wire Bead
Minnesota 2.0 Women’s: $899.95
The Framed Minnesota 2.0 Women’s fat bike has the same frameset as the Minnesota 1.0 Women’s fat bike, with upgrades to the drivetrain, components, and tires. The drivetrain features a 2 x 9 system using SRAM X5/X7 Components. The 72TPI tires have also been switched out for lighter 120TPI tires. The Minnesota 2.0 Women’s comes in Black/Purple and White/Blue.
Weight: 34.4 lbs (17″)
Frame: 6061 Aluminum Alloy
Fork: 6061 Aluminum Alloy (135mm QR)
Headset: 1-1/8” Neco Headset
Brakes: Avid BB5 Mechanical Disc
Component Group: SRAM X5/X7
Drivetrain: 2 x 9 (Front 28/38t Rear 11-34t)
Rear Spacing: 170mm QR
Rims: 80mm Aluminum Alloy Drilled Rims
Tires: Framed Minnesota Fat Tire 26 x 4 inch 120TPI Folding
Minnesota 2.2 Women’s: $999.95
The Framed Minnesota 2.2 Women’s fat bike has many of the same features as the Minnesota 2.0, with upgrades to the drivetrain, components, and headset. The drivetrain features a 2 x 10 system using SRAM x7 components. Also, new for the 2.2 is a 1 ⅛ – 1 ½ inch tapered head tube. The Minnesota 2.2 Women’s comes in Black/Purple.
Weight: 34.4 lbs (17″)
Frame: 6061 Aluminum Alloy
Fork: 6061 Aluminum Alloy (150mm w/15mm thru axle)
Headset: 1-1/8″ – 1-1/2” Neco Tapered
Brakes: Avid BB5 Mechanical Disc
Component Group: SRAM X7
Drivetrain: 2 x 10 (Front 28/38t Rear 11-36t)
Rear Spacing: 170mm QR
Rims: 80mm Aluminum Alloy Drilled Rims
Tires: 26 x 4 inch 120TPI Folding
Specialized Hellga Fat Bikes for Women
Hellga is the new women’s fat bike by Specialized for 2016. Like the Framed women’s bikes, the women-specific Hellga fat bikes feature a lower standover height compared to non gender-specific models. All Hellga models come in 3 sizes: small, medium, and large. To compare sizes, see this Specialized Hellga geometry chart.
Specialized 2016 Hellga – $1,500.00
The entry-level Hellga from Specialized features a lightweight aluminum frame, alloy fork, and tapered headset. Hellga also features 2 x 10 drivetrain using SRAM X5 Components. The Hellga comes in Coral/Fuschia/Turquoise, Gray/Coral/Turquoise, and White.
Weight: ??
Frame: Specialized M4 Aluminum
Fork: Specialized Alloy (135mm QR)
Headset: 1-1/8″ – 1-1/2″ Tapered
Brakes: Tektro Aries Mechanical Disc
Component Group: SRAM X5
Drivetrain: 2 x 10 (Front 22/36t Rear 11-36t)
Rear Spacing: 190mm QR
Rims: Specialized Stout XC 90mm
Tires: Specialized Ground Control Fat 26 x 4.6 inch 60TPI Wire Bead
Specialized 2016 Hellga Comp – $1,950.00
The Specialized Hellga Comp has the same frame and tapered headset as the base model, with an upgraded lightweight carbon fork, hydraulic disc brakes, upgraded SRAM X5/X7 components, and lighter 120TPI tires. The Hellga Comp women’s fat bike comes in Blue/Fuschia/Turquoise and Black.
Weight: ??
Frame: Specialized M4 Aluminum
Fork: Specialized FACT Carbon
Headset: 1-1/8″ – 1-1/2″ Tapered
Brakes: Tektro Gemini Hydraulic Disc
Component Group: SRAM X5 / X7
Drivetrain: 2 x 10
Rear Spacing: 190mm QR
Rims: Specialized Stout XC 90mm Alloy
Tires: Specialized Ground Control Fat 26 x 4.6 inch 120TPI Folding
Specialized 2016 Hellga Expert – $3,000.00
With many of the same features as the Comp level, Hellga Expert also features a lightweight carbon fork and 120TPI tires. In addition, the Expert level components are upgraded to SRAM X01/X1, and the brakes are upgraded to Shimano Deore XT hydraulic brakes. The Hellga Expert women’s fat bike comes in Navy/Teal and Navy/Green/Pink.
Weight: ??
Frame: Specialized M4 Aluminum
Fork: Specialized FACT Carbon (135mm QR)
Headset: 1-1/8″ – 1-1/2″ Tapered
Brakes: Shimano Deore XT Hydraulic 180/160mm Disc
Component Group: SRAM X01/X1
Drivetrain: 1 x 11 (Front 28t Rear 10-42t)
Rear Spacing: 190mm QR
Rims: Specialized Stout XC 90mm Alloy
Tires: Specialized Ground Control Fat 26 x 4.6 inch 120TPI Folding
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase based on my referral, I’ll receive a small commission.
Santi
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