New to E-Bike and this forum

[GMA52]

Hello from Euless, Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth area). I bought a new E-Bike. Silly name but nice bike. Puckipuppy Labrador Pro. I retired from DFW Airport Board in 2019 after 42 years in Electronics. I had Back surgeries and 90% of Lumbar is fused. My wife suggested I get an E-Bike to get me out of the house. I needed something that was smooth riding and this did just that. I do not do a lot of Dirt trails but we have a lot of park area with about 10 miles of paved trails for walking or riding and you can go even farther with some non park walking/Riding paved trails to Bedford Texas etc. Anyway I am glad to be here.
I will post a photo as soon as I can read and figure out the size reduction needed to post here.

 

[stompandgo]

Welcome to the forum. I take pictures with my phone, and use Image Resizer on the PC to cut the size in half. Works great.

 

[GMA52]

Welcome to the forum. I take pictures with my phone, and use Image Resizer on the PC to cut the size in half. Works great.

Thanks will give that a try!

 

[GMA52]

Ok, here it is. 2025 Puckipuppy Labrador Pro upgraded model with removable display (for security) and Taillight with brake light, turn signals, running light and headlights.

 

[DaveMatthews]

Welcome from Vancouver Canada!

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Welcome aboard! The file size limit for uploaded photos is 2.0 MB.

 

[GMA52]

Thank you, the original size was 2.4MB so I did not need to cut it in half maybe by a third. The only things added since the photo above was taken is a cellphone holder, Garmin Edge Explorer 2 and accompanying RTL515 Radar/Light. Nice not to have to always look into the Mirror to see if cars are coming. I do use the mirrors just not having to as much. I learned using the Peleton Light setting saves battery and lights to a lower level until it detects a car then it flashes brightly.

 

[JGcycle]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Chazmo]

Welcome aboard, @GMA52 .

 

[stompandgo]

I love the Varia. I do not feel comfortable riding without it.

 

[Gionnirocket]

Nice....
No need to rush out but if you don't do a lot of off road a very nice upgrade is to change the tires to something more street oriented. It'll definitely smooth out the ride, be more efficient, quieter and handle better all around, epecially when braking.
If you do a little off road then you can find something with a smooth center tread but knobs on the outer edge.
Enjoy

Easiest way to resize a photo if using a mobile device is to take a screen shot of it and then crop out the top/bottom

 

[GMA52]

Nice....
No need to rush out but if you don't do a lot of off road a very nice upgrade is to change the tires to something more street oriented. It'll definitely smooth out the ride, be more efficient, quieter and handle better all around, epecially when braking.
If you do a little off road then you can find something with a smooth center tread but knobs on the outer edge.
Enjoy

Easiest way to resize a photo if using a mobile device is to take a screen shot of it and then crop out the top/bottom

Yes, I have thought about this but at this time I do not know what is a good tire for these bikes in 26” x 4” tire.

 

[Gionnirocket]

Absolutely no experience with 26x4... but the Kenda Kwick Drumlin tires that I had were pretty decent.
Maybe Google around for some info/reviews on these... The Kenda site reviews seem decent.
https://shop.kendatire.com/products/cursor?variant=49862825214243

Here's a 30% coupon code:
JJONES30
Google can usually help you find a similar coupon in the future if you're not ready.

 

[GMA52]

How many change their own tires. I have never done this and will not be as easy on a bike with a motor on the rear wheel but willing to try when comes time to do this.

 

[DaveMatthews]

How many change their own tires. I have never done this and will not be as easy on a bike with a motor on the rear wheel but willing to try when comes time to do this.

I've done it on tube, but not on my tubeless so far

 

[GMA52]

Thanks Dave so you can put tubeless on a bike that came with tubes?

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Thanks Dave so you can put tubeless on a bike that came with tubes?

Only if the rim is tubeless-ready. Most aren't.

Then you'd need to install rim tape, a tubeless tire, and finally some liquid sealant.

As I understand it, the taping takes some skill. So might getting a proper seal on the beads. Probably jobs for a bike shop if you've never done it.

 

[GMA52]

Thanks Jeremy, I will stick with Tubes

 

[stompandgo]

Then you'd need to install rim tape, a tubeless tire, and finally some liquid sealant.

And tubeless tire valves. The tires also have to be tubeless (TLR).

These days, there are two kinds of tubeless rims, hooked and hookless. I haven't seen hookless on an e-bike yet, but they will come. Hookless rims require hookless tires, or they will blow off the rim.

 

[Gionnirocket]

I've always changed my own tires and tubes... eBike or not. If you're handy with tools, it's not that complicated and a good skill to have.
You have a hub motor so the only added task is disconnecting the motor... but that should be just a cable connection. My latest bike has an IGH so I had to learn how to disconnect the shift mech... again an additional step but nothing requiring training, just follow instructions.
There's tons of videos on tire change so watch a few to get some different perspectives.

Get some quality tire leavers and use some soap ( I usually have some diluted Simple Green around) to lube the bead and all it should take is some patience and practice. You can start with the front to get acquainted.