Puckipuppy Labrador Pro Review | A Long-Range Retriever

As explained in the graphic above, the Labrador Pro’s two range tests yielded impressive results. Both distances met Puckipuppy’s advertised range estimates, which is always confidence-inspiring!

The bike also did extremely well in comparison to many of its competitors. Its distances of 48.8 and 79.3 miles are some of the longest we’ve seen from bikes of this style; a pool of similar models averaged 35.2 and 60.9 miles.

The Labrador Pro’s greatest advantage is its higher-than-average battery capacity. While the pool of similar models used for comparison had batteries averaging 814 watt-hours (Wh), the Puckipuppy’s 960 Wh battery is one of the largest we’ve seen. Naturally, with higher capacity comes the ability to power the motor longer.

It’s important to note that we performed our testing on paved paths, so if you’re planning to ride this bike off-road, you should expect fewer miles. Additionally, we stuck to the 20-mph speed limit on our bike paths in the PAS 5 test; riders taking advantage of the bike’s Class 3 speeds should expect to use more power and get fewer miles in that case as well.

Touching back on the Labrador Pro’s Speed Test results, we feel the bike is uncommonly practical in its lower power levels because of its relatively high motor output. In my testing, I didn’t find myself using the extra power of PAS 4 or 5 except on rare occasions. Riders who are similarly able to take advantage of lower power levels should get more distance out of the battery.

As an additional note, I found it fairly tough to maintain a slower speed during our PAS 5 range test because of how the motor engaged (I was accelerating when it was active and slowing down when it was off), which is further evidence that most riders shouldn’t need the bike’s full power except when carrying a heavy load, climbing hills, or getting from points A to B as fast as possible.

Like many other fat tire e-bikes we’ve reviewed, the Labrador Pro performed quite well in our Hill Test. The process and location used for our test are explained in the graphic above.

The bike’s results of 1:57 and 1:47 were both similar to the fat tire category averages. The pool of similar bikes used for comparison completed their throttle tests in 1:52 and their pedal tests in 1:51, so the Labrador Pro was somewhat slower than average in the throttle portion and slightly faster than average in its pedal test.

A bike’s weight, tire size, and motor output are some of the main factors affecting climbing performance. As a bike with 26×4” knobby tires weighing roughly 82 lbs, the Labrador Pro is not unusual in its category; similar bikes often have nearly identical tires, and the pool of e-bikes used for comparison averaged 79.8 lbs.

The bike’s peak motor output of 1350 watts and 120 Newton meters of torque are both on the high end for the fat tire category, at least when looking at similar models with 750-watt nominal motors. With that in mind, I was not surprised to note its slightly above-average pedal time.

Its throttle result also lined up with my expectations based on the somewhat reserved feel that it displayed in our Speed Test section; this leads me to believe that the bike’s slightly slower-than-average time was more a result of its programming than anything else.

We chose the Devil’s Backbone as our Hill Test location with the idea that it would be a good representation of hills that riders are likely to encounter out in the wild. As shown by our test results, the Labrador Pro has what it takes to deal with similar hills.

All in all, the Labrador Pro gets another two thumbs up for its capable motor and easy climbing experience.

The Labrador Pro’s final score in our Brake Test was 23 feet and 8 inches based on its three test results. The pool of similar fat tire e-bikes we used for comparison had an average stopping distance of 22’10”, so the Labrador Pro was a little on the longer side, but still well within the zone that we consider safe and effective.

There’s no clear reason why the bike came in a little slower; its brake system’s specs and its overall weight are pretty average when comparing similar bikes we’ve tested. It could be a combination effect of relatively little things like tire compound, brake pad type, and a couple of extra pounds in the rear triangle due to the full suspension, but that IS just speculation.

Going by feel and personal experience, I’d say that I had a range of results depending on my speed and what kind of surface I was riding on. Sometimes the bike stopped fairly fast and a little aggressively, while other times I noticed a little extra time before it came to a stop.

I don’t think any changes are needed at this time considering that the Labrador’s test score came in well within the safe zone, but if you tend to cruise at really high speeds, I might recommend giving yourself a little extra space just to be safe, or at least until you get the feel for things.

As a summary of how a bike feels to ride, the subject of Ride Quality is complex. It encompasses a variety of elements, such as sizing and fit, handling, motor engagement, the bike’s user interface, and others.

In terms of sizing, Puckipuppy offers a single high-step frame to accommodate riders from 5’4” to 6’6”. The brand offers step-thru frame styles for some of its other models for those who are shorter or in need of easier mounting and dismounting, but at the time of writing, we have yet to test them.

At 5’11”, I fall roughly in the middle of the Labrador Pro’s recommended height range. I generally found the bike comfortable to ride, with appropriate reach (not too stretched out or cramped), a seatpost long enough for proper leg extension, and a set of 720mm handlebars with ergonomic rubber grips.

The riding position, which is somewhat influenced by its broad, amply padded cruiser-style saddle, is relatively sporty and forward-leaning compared to similar models, including the best fat tire e-bikes we’ve reviewed. Personally, I found the saddle somewhat mismatched with the bike’s style, but fortunately, saddles are an inexpensive and easy thing to change.

As you might expect, the bike’s full suspension is another factor influencing its comfort. With 100mm of suspension travel in its coil fork and 35mm of stroke, riding on paved surfaces was remarkably smooth, and riding on rocky desert roads felt noticeably softened.

Now is a good time to mention that some of the bike’s components, such as its tires, suspension fork, and rear shock, are unbranded and likely an area of cost savings. These components performed well in our testing, but we can’t speak to their longevity, as we are unaware of their manufacturer.

Otherwise, the bike was specced relatively simply but well. I appreciated that, like many similar budget-friendly e-bikes, its interface was uncomplicated and straightforward. Some higher-priced and more feature-rich e-bikes offer upgrades to ride quality, but they can also quickly become overly complex and more difficult to learn for newer riders.

I liked that Puckipuppy included a color display and a simple four-button control panel; however, the combination of the stem and display mount made the screen’s angle non-adjustable

At the time of writing, the bike comes with a small plastic bike pump and integrated lights, but buyers can outfit it with a range of optional accessories. These include standards such as a cargo rack and fenders, to other items like side mirrors, a bike cover, a front basket, or even cycling glasses. At the time of writing, a bundle of these items can be added at purchase for an extremely reasonable price!

Overall, the Labrador Pro has a generally high ride quality, though, as covered, this was one area where some of the tradeoffs for its low price were noticeable.

In general, the Labrador Pro was a pleasant surprise. Considering that it is one of the most affordable full-suspension fat bikes we’ve tested, I admit that I wasn’t sure what to expect. After testing the bike both as part of our standardized performance tests and also separately from them, I’m walking away pretty impressed with it.

The bike performed well in our testing; the Range Test was where the Labrador shone the most, but we were also impressed with the balanced nature of its programming and appreciated the relaxed and easy feel of its pedal-assist system. Additionally, the bike performed as expected in our Hill Test, and it demonstrated good stopping power in our Brake Test.

Again, there were a few tradeoffs and unpolished edges that made sense in perspective with the bike’s low price. Overall, we feel comfortable recommending it with those considerations in mind; there are ultimately numerous applications for this bike, ranging from leisure cruises to off-road adventuring and commuting.

We consider the bike well-suited for anyone seeking an affordable, comfortable, and stable ride, provided you’re OK with the higher weight that’s inherent with this type of bike.

We also think the Labrador Pro is approachable enough for newer riders, while still being powerful enough for those who live in hilly areas. Considering its full suspension and camouflage paint option, it might also be a good choice for hunters and other adventurers wanting the flexibility to ride in rougher terrain as well as on paved paths and roads.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Puckipuppy Labrador Pro down in our comments section.