The ride quality section is about communicating how riding a bike actually feels. Yes, the metrics of range and power do matter, but ride characteristics are equally as important. Our evaluation here primarily consists of sizing, comfort, handling, motor engagement, and the bike’s features.
Let’s begin with the fit of the Labrador ST. Puckipuppy says that the bike will accommodate riders from 5’3″ – 6’4″, which feels slightly ambitious – I’m about 6’3″, and found the fit and riding position to be passable, but not perfect for taller riders. I wasn’t able to get full leg extension, and the reach felt mildly cramped. This isn’t uncommon for me on unisize bikes, but I’d say that in terms of ideal fit, the Labrador Pro tops out closer to 6’1″.
Additionally, while this is a stepthrough frame, riders on the shorter end of the spectrum may also be a bit mismatched. Fit is obviously personal, but this isn’t a small bike, either. As a result, I’d shrink the size range by an inch or two on both ends of the scale.
Beyond the metrics themselves, the riding position feels more forward than it does on many stepthrough frames. I actually liked this; it’s not as aggressive as high step options, but less upright than the usual cruiser. The Labrador Pro ST is equipped with flat handlebars, which contributes to the balanced and neutral stance.
In the way of handling, the Labrador Pro feels a little unconventional. Most fat tire bikes tend to feel big and heavy, and this follows suit. However, there’s more than just that – I noticed that the bike tends to track either left or right quite strongly, and correcting its path requires some conscious steering. I wouldn’t describe this as a nimble or overly maneuverable bike.
We also noticed an alignment issue with the fork. It seems like the front wheel sits just slightly off center from the rest of the bike, which also affects steering; This could be limited to our test bike, but we’d encourage Puckipuppy to take a closer look at fit and finish.
With that said, the full suspension setup combined with the 26 x 4.0 fat tires makes for a very cushy ride. The Labrador Pro makes quick work of bumps and rough terrain. It’s capable on and off the pavement – This is the true upside of the fat tires.
Motor engagement is another key facet of ride quality. The Labrador Pro’s motor is quick to step in if you push into the pedals with gusto – With a more casual pedal input, the sensor will wake up after two or three pedal strokes.
There are several other bells and whistles that come standard on the Labrador Pro. A removable display and mirrors help add more value to an already affordable platform. We’ve also noticed that Puckipuppy frequently includes extras – sometimes it’s a huge accessory pack, other times we’ve seen a free battery. The items seem to rotate, but there’s almost always additional gear to bolster the value proposition.
Candidly, the ride quality of this bike does come with some caveats. While the suspension, comfort and motor engagement are good, the bike isn’t quite as refined as more expensive options. However, if you’re willing to live with a few mild foibles, it offers good bang for your buck.
