Like many, I’d never considered writing a bike review before, but my experience with Fat Bikes has been so transformative, it’s time to share. It all began when a friend purchased a fat bike and encouraged me to join the fun. At 63 years young, living in the Eastern Sierra at 8,400ft, and primarily riding uphill on my eMTB, the idea of a fat bike initially seemed daunting. My first attempt on a standard fat bike was humbling – I struggled to climb my usual 1,000ft/7-mile route. This spurred me to explore electric fat bikes, leading me to the Borealis Keystone. After weeks of consideration, I took the plunge in November 2024.
Choosing the right tires and wheels for a fat bike can be confusing, but the Borealis staff were incredibly helpful. They discussed my riding style and needs, guiding me to the perfect 26” x 4.8” combination. Three weeks later, the bike arrived, expertly packaged. Assembly in my workshop took around four hours – a learning curve as it was my first time and tire change in decades! A quick call to the shop resolved a minor head tube ring sequencing issue, showcasing their excellent support. One surprise was the absence of pedals; offering pedal options during purchase, like tire and wheel choices, would be a valuable improvement for Borealis.
This fat bike has completely redefined my riding. The handling is solid and confidence-inspiring. Shifting and braking were perfect straight out of the box, requiring no adjustments. Whether climbing steep inclines or descending, I feel completely in control. Battery life is also impressive. On one ride lasting 1 hour 43 minutes, with a significant 2,746ft elevation gain over 14 miles, I only used 40% of the battery. Pushing further with a longer, steeper 3-hour ride, covering 25 miles and 3,865ft of elevation, the battery lasted until the last half mile. Riding mostly in ECO mode, with occasional TRAIL and rare BOOST, I estimate a range suitable for most rides. For epic adventures exceeding 5 hours, 6,600ft elevation gain, or 40 miles in soft conditions (3-5 psi), a spare battery might be considered.
The true versatility of fat bikes shines across diverse terrains. During those rides, I encountered snow, ice, sand, rock gardens, slush, hardpack, gravel, asphalt, and even a 12” deep creek. The only time I lost control was in the creek, hitting an unexpected rut – a testament to the bike’s stability everywhere else. I did experience a fall on ice on a separate ride, highlighting the value of studded tires for icy conditions, a lesson learned! Truly, there seems to be no terrain this bike can’t conquer. While I haven’t yet tried studs for ice, it’s a highly recommended upgrade for winter riding.
Recently, I noticed a soft rear brake lever pulling to the bar, requiring a ride stop. A quick bleed at my local shop the next morning had me back on the trails in the afternoon. This minor maintenance was easily resolved.
If you crave mountain adventures and want to extend your riding season to a full 12 months, a fat bike is your answer. This bike isn’t just a purchase; it’s an investment in year-round riding enjoyment and the ability to tackle any trail, any season. Prepare to have a blast and redefine what’s rideable with a fat bike!
