GOTRAX Tundra Review | Don’t Leave This Bike Out in the Cold

As I mentioned in the introduction to this review, the Tundra set a high bar in our Range Test. Here, we used the process explained above to test its minimum and maximum range, with our test riders covering 44 and 99.6 miles from a single charge.

In comparison, a group of popular, comparable fat tire e-bikes averaged 36.4 and 74.7 miles in their high- and low-PAS tests, respectively. In all cases, we tested the bikes with Class 2 maximum speeds of 20 mph; riders traveling faster should expect fewer miles.

The Tundra had a couple of advantages in this test that helped it achieve such great results: a larger battery and a more energy efficient motor. In comparison to its peers, which carried batteries averaging 856 watt-hours (Wh), the Tundra’s 960 Wh power pack gave it more energy to use.

Additionally, its peers used an average of 24.6 watt-hours per mile (Wh/mi) in their high-power tests and 11.7 Wh/mi in their low-assist tests. In comparison, the Tundra used less energy—just 21.8 Wh/mi and 9.6 Wh/mi, respectively.

Another area where the Tundra differed from most of its competitors is in speed limits; most similar models had torque sensors that could fluctuate more widely in speed regardless of assist level. As such, we tested the Tundra in PAS 2 for its low-power test, as we feel most riders will find PAS 1’s 8-mph speed limit somewhat limiting. Those who are comfortable traveling at that speed, however, may be able to exceed the 100-mile mark!

We expect most riders will fall between the 44 and 99.6 miles we reached in our testing, which should be more than adequate for commuting, errand-running, adventuring, and leisure riding. Many riders should expect multiple trips from a single charge, especially when taking shorter cruises and/or using low assist levels.

With such a high-capacity battery, we appreciate that GOTRAX included a 3-amp charger. When plugged into a fully-drained battery, it should finish charging in under 7 hours.

As a fat tire e-bike, the Tundra demonstrated strong climbing power in our Hill Test; see above for a description of this test and location. Our test rider, Justin, successfully completed both portions of the test, with a throttle time and average speed of 1:58 at 15.4 mph. The bike’s max-assist pedal test was faster, with a result of 1:50 at 16.5 mph.

Similar models, including the best fat tire e-bikes we’ve reviewed, fell between the Tundra’s two scores. The bikes in our comparison group averaged 1:56 on throttle power and 1:53 when pedaling in their highest assist levels.

For all intents and purposes, the Tundra is relatively average in a category that is known for its climbing strength. Many riders turn to fat tire e-bikes because of this power; their (most commonly) 750W motors are able to handle steep terrain, giving users the option to throttle or pedal uphill with little effort.

There are a handful of differences in specs between the Tundra and its peers that likely caused its results to vary somewhat from the category benchmarks. On average, the bikes we used for comparison weighed 81 lbs and had motors that produced up to 1,127W of peak power and 90 Newton meters (Nm) of torque.

In contrast, the Tundra weighed a slightly heavier 83 lbs. Its motor produced a higher 1,250W of peak power, but a somewhat lower 85 Nm of torque.

Interestingly, the Tundra’s specs and test scores differ slightly from the norm in other ways, too. Faster than average pedal times often correspond to higher than average torque ratings, while higher than average peak power commonly coincides with faster than average throttle performance.

Here, we see the opposite—but it’s also worth noting that the differences between the Tundra’s results and the category averages are within our margin of error for the test.

In any case, the Tundra proved itself more than capable in this test, making it expectedly suitable for areas with hilly terrain. My personal experience reinforces our test scores; the bike climbed confidently with easy pedaling and a controlled feel.

With its Nutt hydraulic disc brakes, the GOTRAX Tundra averaged a stopping distance of 24’9” in its three test runs. While this result falls within the range we consider safe, it’s also near the point where we start to recommend changes; see below for details to consider.

As we’ve tested more and more e-bikes—we’re up to around four hundred at the time of writing—braking trends have improved over time. While fat-tire e-bikes used to hold one of the longest category averages for their stopping distances, the number has tightened up over the past couple of years. Our current average is 21’8”.

This places the Tundra just over three feet beyond the category average, so what gives? At 83 lbs, it’s just slightly heavier than the average fat bike, so it shouldn’t realistically be more difficult to slow down. Its two-piston brake system, while not made by an industry titan like Tektro, is common enough. It also uses category-appropriate 180mm rotors on both wheels.

Based on my experience, I’d attribute the Tundra’s longer-than-average stopping distance to its tires, brake pad material, or a combination of factors. During my test rides, I noticed that the brakes, while generally performing adequately and having decent modulation, lacked some bite. I had to apply fairly firm pressure to achieve fast braking, but even then, the tires skidded for a stretch before the bike came to a complete stop.

Overall, since the bike landed within our expected range of results, we don’t recommend any changes to its components. Those looking to reduce stopping time, however, may want to consider swapping the tires to a model made from a softer, grippier rubber compound or experimenting with other brake pad types.

As it is, we might also recommend that riders get some braking practice to understand the Tundra’s feel and limitations, being sure to give themselves the proper amount of distance/time when coming to a stop. When used correctly, the bike’s brakes should perform safely and effectively.

Ride quality is a relatively complex subject that factors in a bike’s style, sizing, comfort level, responsiveness, handling, user interface, and more. Overall, I was impressed with what the Tundra brought to the table, though this section will also contain a couple of relatively minor points of critique.

Starting with the positives, I found the bike comfortable and enjoyable to ride. GOTRAX makes the Tundra in a single size, with both step-thru and high-step frame styles that fit riders from 5’0” to 6’4”. The bike’s sizing worked well for my height of 5’11”, offering comfortable and efficient leg extension and a sporty but relaxed forward-leaning riding position.

The bike offers roughly 9 inches of adjustment in saddle height, a respectable range that should accommodate most riders. Changes to the bike’s handlebar height, reach, or riding position will likely require swapping the stem and/or handlebars, which is easy and cost-friendly to do.

Comfort was a factor of many elements. I liked the bike’s sport-style saddle, which felt supportive without impeding pedaling. The rubber grips were soft and easy to hold on to. A suspension fork and the Tundra’s 26×4” fat tires combined for effective shock absorption, helping to make the ride smooth and plush.

In terms of handling, the bike felt relaxed and predictable. The Tundra’s weight of roughly 83 lbs prevents it from being remarkably nimble, but it does keep it feeling sturdy and stuck to the ground. To complement this plantedness, the 4-inch-wide tires provide a wide, stable platform that makes riding feel steady and balanced.

Despite the Tundra’s step-thru frame, I was pleased to note that I didn’t feel much frame flex when cornering. Inevitably, the frame is more compliant than it would be with a top tube, but overall, I’m glad to be able to comment that the bike felt much stiffer than I expected.

One area with room for improvement is the Tundra’s shifter. While the Shimano Tourney’s over-the-bar shifter is tried and true, it requires releasing your thumb from the right grip, which can sacrifice some control over the bike’s steering. For off-road-capable e-bikes like the Tundra, we recommend a below-the-bar trigger-style shifter so that riders can maintain better control when encountering bumps in their path.

Additionally, I appreciated the pedal assist system’s ability to adapt to my pedaling when in the mid-to-high power assist levels, but it wasn’t always the fastest to respond. I found that its re-engagement after coasting/braking could be delayed, sometimes taking a full rotation of the cranks or more to kick in. Riders can, of course, engage the throttle for faster pickup, but a more responsive pedal assist system would be more user friendly.

That critique aside, the Tundra is generally very approachable and easy to use. It is not overcomplicated by a Bluetooth app, a cockpit crammed with features and controls, or complex settings menus—all of which make for a straightforward experience friendly to new riders.

A good fat tire e-bike is easy to appreciate, and that’s exactly what I found with the GOTRAX Tundra. The bike doesn’t try too hard to do too much; instead, it mostly sticks to the basics and pulls them off well—while adding a small bit of its own flair. It successfully makes for a sporty, powerful, comfortable, stable, and user-friendly ride.

The Tundra did a great job in most areas of our testing, with its incredible long-range performance in our Range test being one of its strongest showings. Additionally, the bike had confident climbing power, a relatively unique blend of torque and cadence-sensing pedal assist, and generally solid braking.

Aside from the bike’s ability to flatten hills and ride for many tens of miles before needing to recharge, I think riders will appreciate its power and programming. With a variety of speed limits to choose from, four assist levels that offer responsive power, and an additional “easy mode” that doesn’t hold anything back, there’s a setting for handling just about anything in your path.

Our only real areas of critique were relatively minor, with the motor’s re-engagement and the Tundra’s over-the-bar shifter as the things we’d most like to see improved in the future. Faster re-engagement would give the pedal assist a more natural and engaging feel, while a trigger-style shifter would feel more confident and appropriate when riding off-road.

Otherwise, the Tundra is an easy and affordable bike to recommend. Whether used for everyday purposes such as commuting to work, grabbing a few groceries, and enjoying a leisurely cruise, or more adventurous uses like exploring multi-use trails and OHV areas, the Tundra offers a lot of bang for the buck without feeling like a chore to learn or operate. In our book, that makes for a winning combination.

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 GOTRAX Tundra down in our comments section.