The feeling of riding a specific bike is complex and difficult to explain, but we try our best to convey the experience when discussing the subject of ride quality. The following paragraphs will explore the Boxer ST’s sizing, riding position, overall ride comfort, motor engagement, user interface, and more.
The Boxer ST’s single frame size is advertised to fit riders from 5’ 3” to 6’ 4”. My height of 5’ 11” places me toward the middle of the recommended height range; I found the bike well-sized and comfortable overall.
Its handlebars are fixed, but the seatpost was accommodating enough for me to find a saddle placement with nearly full leg extension. Considering the fact that the bike uses a cadence sensor which does not require active pedaling, I found the seatpost length to be fine; pedaling did not cause me knee strain or pain.
Puckipuppy also offers a high-step model of the bike. Intended for taller riders, that frame style has a recommended height range of 5’ 4” to 6’ 6”.
Fat-tire e-bikes range from extremely forward-leaning (what we often refer to as sporty) to entirely upright (like a cruiser). The Boxer’s riding position falls somewhat in the middle between these extremes; it feels comfortable yet sporty without being aggressive.
The bike comes with a wide, well-cushioned saddle (I personally prefer a slimmer style, but it worked well enough), as well as plastic platform pedals and textured ergonomic rubber grips. I found the grips supportive and well-matched with the bike’s riding position, as a portion of my weight rested on the handlebars.
Like many e-bikes in the category, the Boxer ST isn’t particularly light or nimble, but it felt expectedly stable and balanced while riding. I noticed some frame flex due to the absence of a top tube, but it was well within what I consider normal for a step-thru frame. As a benefit of the design, the frame’s standover height of just over 16” makes it possible to mount and dismount without lifting a leg over the saddle.
As mentioned previously, the full suspension did its job; riding on both paved and unpaved surfaces felt relatively gentle and smooth. Due to the entry-level nature of the suspension (an unbranded coil fork and a custom-branded shock with a plastic housing), riders planning long adventures in extremely rugged terrain may want to consider upgrading the components. Both performed well for us, but we can’t speak to their longevity.
I appreciated the Boxer ST’s straightforward user interface. The bike’s cockpit isn’t crowded or cramped with too many modules or buttons; a control panel is mounted to the left handlebar, while the shifter and throttle lever sit on the right.
The central color display presents information such as PAS level, battery charge, current speed, and more. It also offers some customization options through the bike’s settings menu. Riders can adjust acceleration force, set the throttle to function from a standstill or require the bike to be moving, and choose between three and five assist settings.
One area with room for improvement is the Boxer’s shifter. Changing gears with the over-the-bar shifter requires temporarily sacrificing some grip and steering control, which is less than ideal when riding in bumpy off-road areas. For this reason, we encourage Puckipuppy to switch to a trigger shifter which would better fit the Boxer’s feel and style.
At the time of writing, the brand offers an impressive five color options for the bike, including a flashy yellow paint job, a muted sage green, and a “Desert Camouflage” pattern suitable for hunters and other outdoorspersons.
Buyers can also choose from a free second battery, a free “Basic and Hunting” accessory pack, or a discounted “Basic Package and Premium Package” of extras. The free kit, which accompanied our test bike, included fenders, a cargo rack, and side mirrors. It also came with a bike cover, a backpack, a baseball cap, and a handful of other useful items.
Without the accessory pack, the bike includes a dual-LED headlight and a tail/brake light that mounts to the seatpost.
Overall, the Boxer ST is comfortable, functional, and well-equipped for its price, though there are some minor tradeoffs for its affordability. The bike’s ride quality is solid, however, giving buyers a great amount of value for the bike’s cost.
