Pucki Puppy Samoyed Review: An Affordable Electric Fat Bike with Surprising Comfort

The electric bike market is growing rapidly, with new brands entering the competition almost every week. One of the latest additions is Pucki Puppy, offering their Samoyed fat bike at an attractive price of $1,100. At this price point, the question is: can Pucki Puppy stand out from the sea of similar fat bikes? In this review, we take a close look at what makes the Samoyed bike special, from its comfort features to its performance on city streets and off-road trails.

Comfortable Saddle and Riding Posture

One of the standout features of the Pucki Puppy Samoyed is its saddle. The saddle is large and cushioned, designed to provide comfort on longer rides. It even features vents to increase airflow, which helps keep riders cool—an unexpected and welcome addition for a bike at this price. This comfort level is complemented by ergonomic grips, which are wing-tipped for extra support, and a relaxed riding posture.

The Samoyed is designed with a more upright stance, making it ideal for urban commuting and paved trails. The higher handlebar height reduces strain on the back and makes the ride experience more enjoyable, particularly for taller riders. At 5'11", the reviewer found that the handlebar height kept his back almost straight, making it comfortable for city use and moderate off-road conditions.

Components and Features: A Solid Value

At $1,100, the Samoyed includes several features that are more commonly seen on higher-end fat bikes. The grips are comfortable, and the thumb throttle, while a common feature, works effectively and feels sturdy. The shifter is a standard SIS index shifter, which is commonly found on both budget and mid-range bikes. While the shifter isn't anything out of the ordinary, it's functional and reliable.

The Samoyed comes with a basic but bright headlight and a functional tail light that brightens when braking—both useful features for those planning on using the bike for city commuting. The bike also comes with a horn and an easy-to-use control pad to adjust the five levels of pedal assist. Although the control pad felt a bit cheap, it is functional and fits the overall value of the bike.

Performance: Speed and Motor Response

The Samoyed has a top speed of 28 mph when using pedal assist, but it is limited to 20 mph on throttle alone. This limitation might not sit well with everyone, as some riders prefer to have full access to the bike's power whether they are pedaling or just using the throttle. However, for a bike primarily designed for commuting, 20 mph on throttle is still practical.

The bike is powered by a 500-watt rear hub motor that provides decent acceleration once it gets going. However, there is a notable lag of about three pedal revolutions before the motor kicks in when using pedal assist. This delay is fairly common among bikes in this price range, but it may be something to consider if you're looking for a more instantaneous response. On the plus side, the motor stops as soon as you stop pedaling or release the throttle, making it easy to control in urban environments.

Range and Battery

The 52-volt battery on the Samoyed is rated for a range of 30 to 60 miles depending on riding conditions and how aggressively you use the pedal assist and throttle. This range is quite impressive for a fat bike in this price range, particularly since the Electric X Peak—a similarly priced competitor—has a maximum range of 55 miles. The Samoyed's 60-mile potential makes it a great option for longer rides and commutes, though the actual distance will vary depending on terrain and rider weight.

Suspension and Ride Quality

While the Samoyed is marketed primarily as a commuter bike, it also features a front fork suspension with a good amount of travel, allowing it to handle some light off-road trails. The front suspension, however, does not have an adjustability knob, which limits customization for different terrains or rider preferences. The fork suspension can also be easily bottomed out, especially on bumpier paths, making it less ideal for aggressive off-road riding.

The overall ride quality is smooth, particularly on paved trails or well-maintained roads. The wide, fat tires and the swing-arm style suspension help absorb bumps, though the higher riding stance makes it a bit less suitable for more rugged trails.

Braking System

The Samoyed comes equipped with a reliable set of mechanical disc brakes that provide effective stopping power. The brakes activate the rear tail light, increasing visibility during night rides or while braking in traffic. However, the braking system on the Samoyed is more on par with what you'd expect from a budget bike—it gets the job done, but there is room for improvement, especially if you plan on riding at higher speeds regularly.

Who Is the Pucki Puppy Samoyed Best For?

The Puck Puppy Samoyed is best suited for those who need an affordable electric bike for city commuting or relaxed recreational use. The upright riding position, comfortable saddle, and range of up to 60 miles make it a fantastic choice for those looking to get from point A to point B efficiently and comfortably. While it does have some limitations in terms of motor responsiveness and suspension adjustability, these trade-offs are acceptable given its affordable price point.

Riders who are looking for a bike that excels in off-road conditions or features advanced components might want to explore other options, as the Samoyed is more geared toward comfort and practicality rather than aggressive trail performance.

Final Thoughts: Is the Samoyed Worth Buying?

Overall, the Pucki Puppy Samoyed electric fat bike offers a well-rounded package for a price of $1,100. Its comfort features, such as the cushioned saddle and upright posture, make it ideal for city commuters and recreational riders. While there are some compromises—such as limited throttle speed, delayed motor activation when pedaling, and lack of suspension adjustability—the bike's performance, comfort, and long-range capabilities make it a worthy contender in the budget electric fat bike market.

If you're looking for an affordable way to commute, with a little fun thrown in for good measure, the Pucki Puppy Samoyed could be a great choice. It may not be a powerhouse for off-road adventures, but for urban commuting and casual rides, it delivers a solid performance at a very competitive price.

Citations:

• Details verified from: Pucki Puppy Official Website