There’s no actual beating across the bush right here; the Rattan Pinus is one borrowed vowel away from the king of all middle-school humor. However making an attempt to place that apart for just some moments, the bike itself is definitely a very enjoyable experience and fairly darn first rate, too. It’s undoubtedly removed from a premium-level e-bike, however it’s fascinating as a modest finances choice!
Certain, humorous identify apart, there’s really lots to love right here.
Take a look at my video evaluation to see it in motion. Or for those who’re extra of a reader, maintain scrolling for my written evaluation!
Rattan Pinus Video Evaluate
Rattan Pinus Tech Specs
- Motor: 750W steady (1,200W peak) rear geared hub motor
- High pace: 45 km/h (28 mph), although I obtained a bit larger
- Vary: Claimed as much as 160 km (100 mi) with second battery
- Battery: 48V with both 20Ah (960 Wh) or 40Ah (1,920 Wh) choices (single vs double battery)
- Max load: 181 kg (400 lb)
- Brakes: FastAce hydraulic two-piston disc brakes on 180 mm rotors
- Extras: Torque sensors, LCD show, LED head and tail lights with flip indicators, left-side thumb throttle, kickstand, suspension fork, 4″ fats tires, two colour choices (purple and blue), and included fenders & rear rack
What do you get right here?
To begin with, the bike is sort of highly effective and quick.
They declare a prime pace of 28 mph (45 km/h), however I blasted previous that into the low 30s a number of instances on flat floor, so there’s one thing fishy right here. Perhaps they simply underrate for authorized causes like a late 60s GTO, I’m unsure. However any means you slice it, you’ve obtained lots of energy and pace at your fingertips.
That’s additionally 28+ mph on throttle-only, which is both “questionably authorized” or downright not allowed in lots of states, because it doesn’t fairly qualify as Class 3 anymore.
After all, you possibly can all the time restrict the pace within the show settings, if that’s a difficulty for you. However for most individuals, figuring out you’ve obtained slightly extra room to push is a pleasant addition.
Subsequent, the vary is sort of good. The bottom bike comes with a 48V 20Ah battery that gives 960 Wh of capability. Additionally they say it’s a UL-compliant battery.
The claimed vary is 50 miles (80 km), although you’ll in fact get lower than that for those who’re flying quick on throttle. However a 960Wh battery is certainly greater than you’ll discover on most e-bikes, so that you’re going to go farther than the common competitor.
For those who need much more vary, you may get a second battery and double up for twice the vary. The second battery mounts on the highest of the down tube, and it’s not as properly hidden as the inner battery, however for those who actually need 100 miles of theoretical vary, getting the Pinus extension is your solely choice.
Shopping for that second battery bumps the worth up a very good bit although. The bottom mannequin’s $1,699 price ticket jumps as much as US $2,178 with the double battery choice, which is sort of a $500 premium. Ouch.
The remainder of the elements across the bike are a mixture of first rate and good. The 8-speed SunRace derailleur? Respectable.
The hydraulic disc brakes? Good.
The plastic fenders? Respectable.
The LED lighting with flip indicators? Good.
The suspension fork? Respectable.
The folding system? Good.
It’s a seize bag of assorted components, although the premium element that brings all of it house is the torque sensor, giving significantly better pedal help than you’d anticipate from a chunky, fats tire e-bike like this.
To be truthful, most individuals will use the throttle on this e-bike more often than not anyway, however it’s nonetheless good to know you’ve obtained some good pedal help do you have to resolve to pedal.
One different nitpicky factor I discovered was that the cranks felt a bit lengthy for the bike, and I’d often have some pedal strike when pedaling round corners that I may usually pedal round on different bikes. I’d additionally extra catch my cranks on obstacles when pushing the bike round extra usually than I usually do with most of my different rides.
Bikes with 20″ wheels generally have decrease backside brackets to start with, attributable to the decrease peak of the body. Nevertheless, the cranks are often sized accordingly to forestall this from being a difficulty. I feel the Pinus may have benefited from the cranks being a couple of millimeters shorter, however it doesn’t actually have an effect on the usability of the bike, and the longer cranks are nicer for precise pedaling.
Some e-bikes, like SUPER73s for instance, can have comically brief cranks that end in a humorous feeling whereas pedaling, so a little bit of an extended crank is mostly higher, so long as you keep in mind to splay your pedals ahead and backward within the turns, as is nice observe on any bike.
In the end, the Rattan Pinus isn’t that totally different from many different 20″ wheel folding fats tire electrical bikes on the market. Certain, it’s obtained a humorous identify, however on the finish of the day, it’s nonetheless your primary high-power, high-speed, moderate-quality runabout.
There are many choices in that crowded market, however the Pinus does make a compelling case. I’d have liked to see this are available a bit cheaper than $1,699, after which I’d be extra gung-ho about recommending it. Because it stands now, I undoubtedly benefit from the bike, and I’d gladly let my associates experience my Pinus any time they wished. It’s a stable choice, however it’s not that totally different from lots of different e-bikes on the market.
Maybe that few additional hundred bucks is price all of the jokes to some folks, although.
