When it comes to fit, Flyer offers the Via Pro in 3 frame sizes for a massive range of riders: a Small that fits riders between 4’10” and 5’10”, a Medium for those between 5’3” and 6’3”, and a Large with an accommodation range between 5’10” and 6’10”. Our test bike was a Large, and at 5’11”, I was on the small end of the recommended range.
Overall, the bike felt comfortable; I appreciated the cushy Selle Royal gel saddle, the ergonomic rubber grips, and the relaxed wrist position of the mid-rise handlebars. I found the bike’s handlebars to be somewhat low, and I would expect this feeling to be shared by taller riders, though of course individual preferences are different. If you find yourself agreeing with my assessment, you might want to consider a stem with more rise, but a stem is an inexpensive part that is easy and quick to replace.
The upright riding position was generally enjoyable, though our testers felt somewhat pitched-forward by the Via Pro’s relatively steep seat tube angle. The geometry charts for many of the other cargo bikes we’ve tested are not shared publicly by their manufacturers, but those that we could find showed a 68-degree angle that is much more relaxed than the Via Pro’s 73 degrees. We appreciate that this angle maximizes the bike’s carrying capacity, but we suggest that Flyer adjust the angle with the next iteration of the bike for the sake of comfort.
In terms of handling, the Via Pro is one of the best-feeling cargo bikes we’ve tested to date. The combination of its threadless stem, solid down tube, and reinforced frame gave it a stable feel even when carrying weight. The bike also uses a “mullet” (primarily an eMTB term) design with two different wheel sizes to offer comfort and steering control while also reducing the center of gravity when loaded with passengers or cargo.
The larger 24” wheel, 2.4”-wide tires, gel saddle, and suspension fork also helped to cushion the ride effectively. We particularly liked that Flyer specced the bike with a fork that uses thicker-than-average 36mm stanchions which felt more stable and controlled when cornering.
I mentioned the included passenger accessories, but the Via Pro includes an impressive package of safety features and functional accessories as well. As sticklers for safety, we liked the customizable brake lights and turn signals – more e-bikes should have these considering that an electrical system is already in place! We also appreciated the large, bright LED headlight with a light ring for excellent visibility.
With its customization options, we found the Flyer app to be an essential component of the ride. In addition to allowing users to customize the bike’s sensor mode and power levels/speed limits, it is also possible to get turn-by-turn navigation, ride data tracking, instructional information, and even the locations of nearby service centers.
Even with a few areas with room for improvement, we think the Via Pro’s pros far outweigh its cons, and we found it to be an impressive and highly functional bike.
