Bontrager Gnarwhal Fat Bike Tubeless Ready Tire

The Gnarwhal has an aggressive, siped tread pattern that provides decent grip on packed snow, but for true ice performance, you should install the compatible Bontrager Tire Studs. The tire is pre-designed to be studded, which significantly improves traction on frozen surfaces.

While it is designed as a Tubeless Ready (TLR) tire for the best puncture protection and lower pressure capabilities, you can certainly run it with an inner tube if you prefer. However, tubeless setup is highly recommended for fat biking to allow for the lower pressures needed to float over soft snow.

It is a straightforward process. You will need the Bontrager Tire Stud Tool, which makes inserting the studs into the pre-molded pockets quick and easy. It is best to do this before you mount the tire to the rim.

For deep, soft snow, you generally want to run as low a pressure as your rim and tire combination allows—often between 5 and 10 psi. The 120 TPI casing is supple enough to conform to the terrain at these lower pressures, providing the float you need.

Not necessarily. You must check your bike frame and fork clearance to ensure they can accommodate a 4.5-inch wide tire. While it fits many modern fat bikes, it is a high-volume tire that requires significant clearance.