Borealis Fat Bike Review: Unmatched Performance in Snowy Terrain.

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My Borealis Crestone leaning against a tree at Winman Trails in Northern Wisconsin, perched at the top of one of my favorite trails—Send It

The Borealis fat bike stands out when conquering snowy trails and soft terrain. Manufactured in Colorado, these bikes are built with real-world winter conditions in mind, making them perfect for snow riding. Whether you’re an experienced winter cyclist or just looking to extend your riding season, the Borealis fat bike delivers exceptional traction, stability, and performance where traditional mountain bikes just don’t cut it.

I love that Borealis is made in Colorado and that their only focus is fat bikes. That was a huge selling point for me. They’re not trying to make every type of bike under the sun—just one, and they do it really well. Their dedication to perfecting this niche results in a high level of craftsmanship and engineering that you can feel on every ride. In this review, I’ll break down the key features, real-world performance, pros and cons, and whether the Borealis fat bike is worth the investment.

Borealis Customization Tool: Build Your Perfect Bike.

One of the best things about Borealis? Their online customization tool. This feature lets you build a fat bike that perfectly suits your needs, whether upgrading your drivetrain, choosing different rims, or tweaking your suspension setup. It’s super user-friendly and makes it easy to assemble your bike. Instead of settling for a stock model, you can create a ride that fits your style and performance needs—how cool is that?

A walkthrough of Borealis’s customization tool—see how easy it is to build your perfect fat bike

Choosing Your Borealis Model.

Borealis offers three models to start your custom build, each designed with different riders in mind. Whether you prioritize weight savings, rugged durability, or all-around performance, there’s a model that fits your needs.

Crestone – A premium lightweight carbon frame fat bike designed for high snow and soft terrain performance. Perfect for riders looking for top-tier agility and responsiveness.

Telluride – A full-suspension fat bike that balances comfort and control for more technical trails and varying conditions.

Flume – An aluminum-framed fat bike that provides an excellent entry into fat biking while maintaining outstanding performance and customization options.

With these three models as a starting point, Borealis makes it easy to build a fat bike that suits your style and terrain needs. I went with the Crestone.

My Borealis 2025 Crestone: Why I Chose It & Custom Upgrades.

I had plenty of options from more prominent, well-known brands, but after diving deep into research, Borealis made the most sense. I liked buying from an independent shop focusing solely on fat bikes instead of a company that spreads itself thin across multiple product lines. I’m big on craftsmanship, and Borealis’ attention to detail and dedication to one thing—making the best fat bikes—sealed the deal for me. I recently purchased the 2025 Borealis Crestone and took it up North into deep snow. I loved it.

My custom build and upgrades:

To make it even better, I added a few upgrades and choices they offer in forks, etc., that take performance and durability to the next level.

🔹 SRAM GX Eagle AXS Upgrade – The electronic shifting system makes gear changes ridiculously smooth and precise. I have this on my 2022 S-Works Epic Evo Pro, and I could go without it on my Crestone.

🔹 HED Alloy Rims – This was a game-changer. Unlike the Mulefut rims, which have cutouts for weight reduction but struggle to seal with tubeless tires, the HED rims are fully solid. The best part? They’re nearly a pound lighter per pair, so I get weight savings without sacrificing durability.

🔹 Borealis Carbon RC Rigid Fork – A top-tier choice for riders who prefer a lightweight and durable fork. This rigid fork enhances efficiency by reducing weight while maintaining precise handling, making it a great Ther

With these upgrades, my Borealis Crestone is dialed in for peak performance, making every snow ride smoother, faster, and more fun.

Pro Tip: Because they are a small boutique operation, they have a limited supply of colors in certain upgrades. For instance, I really wanted the Midnight Blue Crestone. However, they had one left in that color in the fork I wanted. So, I had to act fast and purchase the bike.

Pros & Cons of the Borealis Fat Bike.

Pros: ✔️ Super lightweight carbon frame for easy maneuverability ✔️ Exceptional traction in snow and soft terrain ✔️ Fully customizable with high-end components ✔️ Smooth and efficient drivetrain ✔️ Built specifically for extreme winter conditions

Cons: ❌ Not the cheapest option out there ❌ Fat tires take up more storage space.

Is the Borealis Fat Bike Worth It?

If you’re serious about winter riding and want a bike built specifically for the job, the Borealis fat bike is 100% worth it. Yes, it’s a bit of an investment, but the lightweight frame, top-tier design, and unbeatable performance in snow make it a no-brainer for riders who want the best.

Would I recommend it? Without a doubt. I love mine. Borealis is the way to go if you’re looking to keep riding through the winter months and want a fat bike dialed in for snow.

Where to Buy a Borealis Fat Bike.

Borealis fat bikes are available through their official website and select specialty bike shops. Keep an eye out for seasonal deals or bundle options to get the best value.

Have you tried a Borealis fat bike? Drop a comment below and let me know your thoughts.

For more gear reviews, adventure cycling tips, and all things outdoors, keep exploring Overland Girl! See you on the trails! 🚵‍♂️❄️