Full-suspension and fat tyres are essentially the holy grail of comfort when it comes to e-bikes. While some e-bikes thrive in extreme conditions, many modern e-bike enthusiasts still seek out a wide range of options despite this fact. One potential drawback is that these features often increase the cost of an e-bike, typically elevating it into the $2,000 range or higher. What’s the likelihood of snagging a high-performance, full-suspension fat-tire electric bike under a grand? That’s what the Mukkpet Tank promises, and I was initially thrilled to test its capabilities and gauge its effectiveness.
At $1,299, the e-bike’s exact MSRP is transparent. While its sale price of $999 is commonly found, I’ll confidently refer to it as a sub-$1,000 bike, with some exceptions.
To get a sense of how the bike handles, check out my in-depth review video below. As you continue reading, the story begins to unravel its intricate threads. Let’s explore our own unique way, shall we?
Mukkpet Tank E-bike Video Overview
Mukkpet Tank Tech Specs
- : 750W rear-geared hub motor
- : 25 mph (40 km/h)
- Claimed to stretch over approximately 50 miles (80 km).
- : 48V 15 (720 Wh)
- : 86 lb (39 kg)
- 400 lb (181 kg)
- : 26 x 4″
- : Mechanical disc brakes
- A high-quality electric bicycle with advanced features, boasting a full-suspension fork to ensure a smooth ride, paired with a colour LCD display that provides essential information. The LED headlight and tail/brake lights gently illuminate the path ahead, while the Shimano 7-speed drivetrain effortlessly propels the bike forward. Additional thoughtful touches include included fenders for added protection, a rear rack platform for carrying gear, solid rims designed for spokeless stability, and a convenient kickstand for parking convenience.
Good, not nice
Let’s be actual right here. For under $1,000, don’t expect exceptional quality from a full-suspension e-bike. And nothing right here is.
While that may not imply a lack of quality, it’s still a good deal at this price. To breach the coveted $1,000 mark, I’m prepared to make some significant compromises. What impact do these selfless acts ultimately have on the overall perception?
While a superior suspension may seem out of reach due to its hefty price tag, Notwithstanding its mediocrity, I couldn’t resist tackling terrain that would have sent me soaring on a hardtail bike. Commuter e-bike riders often encounter jarring topographical surprises, particularly when encountering tree roots that protrude from sidewalks, causing blocks to shift and create a bumpy ride akin to traversing a war-torn terrain, where even the heaviest of armoured vehicles would have struggled to navigate.
The rugged terrain had the potential to jar one’s very foundations; yet, the sturdy Mukkpet Tank rendered it surprisingly navigable, offering a reassuring sense of security as I settled into its comfortable confines. This is intended to provide a smooth, unassuming driving experience rather than delivering exceptional speed or agility. Smoothly absorb any considerable obstacles, transforming them into minor hurdles. It seems this initial iteration is straightforward and achieves its intended purpose without any significant issues. The sure signs of a lower-quality keyboard are the telltale clickity-clack sounds emanating from its mechanisms – a giveaway that the components, in this case the springs and stops, may not be up to par. While it’s true that affordable e-bikes often deliver on their promise of functionality, there’s more to the story for those in search of a reliable and efficient ride.
Then there’s the efficiency. Reaching 25 mph (40 km/h) is often sufficient for most people, even when it falls short of the 28 mph (45 km/h) speed limit for Class 3 e-bikes. Considering its compact size, the 48V 15Ah battery is remarkably substantial for its given value. While you won’t achieve the full 50 miles (80 km), declared range without intense pedalling, at least half that distance is feasible via throttle control alone.
While you may not find premium features like UL-certified batteries on a budget-friendly motorcycle, that’s an inherent trade-off when opting for an affordable option – it’s a personal decision each individual must weigh. Do you wish to pay a bit extra for the piece of mind, or do you wish to save that money?
While I’m skeptical about reaching the 400-pound maximum weight limit, considering my own weight falls short of half that mark, I wonder if this will indeed prove challenging for most riders in a similar situation.
The remaining portion of the bike is a blend of fine and surprisingly good condition. The 7-speed Shimano derailleur? Adequate for leisure using. The chunky rear rack? The versatility of this vehicle is surprisingly impressive, offering ample space for securing cargo or lashing onto a basket with ease.
The mechanical disc brakes? While adequate in their current state, these devices will undoubtedly necessitate more regular fine-tuning. The colour display screen? This motorcycle exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and quality. The identical design is also applied to the solid rims, serving as a reliable alternative to traditional wheel spokes. This innovative approach not only presents a visually appealing appearance but also eliminates concerns over rusting or breaking spokes, providing a more maintenance-friendly option.
One glaring issue that really got on my nerves was the unacceptable delay in pedal response, a dead giveaway of a subpar cadence sensor struggling to keep up with the pedals’ input. As soon as you start pedalling, you need to wait for just a moment until the motor engages. In hilly regions, cyclists face an added challenge: the difficulty of navigating steep terrain will be even more disheartening for those seeking to pedal. Designed for riders who maintain a consistent pace over extended periods without frequent stops, this cadence sensor ensures seamless tracking.
The very thought of a heavy workload could be the ultimate buzzkill? Weighing in at 86 kilograms, this compact car packs a substantial punch. However, did you wish for full suspension, actually?
What’s the decision?
So let’s sum this up. The Mukkpet Tank is an uncommonly named full-suspension fat bike tyre boasting several appealing features. While the suspension may not be exceptional, its presence undoubtedly offers a distinct advantage over hardtail mountain bikes, providing a more comprehensive and refined ride. The pace and energy of this content are excellent, the variety is commendable, and the construction quality is superb?
While the setup may lack extravagance, its performance is compromised by some notable drawbacks, including the mechanical disc brakes’ limitations and the delay caused by the pedal help sensor’s response time.
Despite its limitations, the bike excels in its role as a compact, foldable fat-tire e-bike. It seems that the product has a comfortable design and functions effectively. While evaluating longevity is a challenge, the bike still holds value despite the absence of a UL label.
While I wouldn’t consider this my go-to bike, it would make a great gift for a friend who’s after a full-suspension ride. While some may struggle with the demands of a hard-tail e-bike, others like me find that options similar to the Lectric XP 3.0 provide added value, at least from my perspective? While hardtail mountain bikes lack the signature feature of full-suspension designs, a misconception persists among some enthusiasts that this absence somehow diminishes their appeal. If that’s the kind of ride you’re looking for, then this bicycle would undoubtedly exceed your expectations at an affordable price.
