There’s little subtlety to the joke: the Rattan Pinus name is mere phonetic tweaking away from a classic middle-school humor reference, the “King” of all such jests. While momentarily setting aside its potential drawbacks, the bike itself proves to be an undeniably pleasurable ride, boasting a surprising degree of respectability as well. While removed from premium levels, this e-bike stands out as an attractive budget-friendly option.
What a Delightful Discovery Awaits: So Much to Cherish Right Here!
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Rattan Pinus Video Evaluation
Rattan Pinus Tech Specs
- 750-watt steady-state (1,200-watt peak) rear-geared hub motor.
- The top speed of my bike is 45 km/h (28 mph), but I opted for an upgrade that gives me slightly more oomph.
- Achieved distances of up to approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) with the use of a secondary battery.
- Offering a flexible power solution, this product features a rechargeable battery with a choice of two capacities: 20Ah (960Wh) for standard use cases or 40Ah (1,920Wh) for more demanding applications.
- 181 kg (400 lb)
- High-performance FastAce hydraulic two-piston disc brakes featuring 180 mm rotors.
- Torque sensors, LCD show, LED head and tail lights with flip alerts, left-side thumb throttle, kickstand, suspension fork, 4″ fats tires, two colour choices (crimson and blue), and included fenders & rear rack
The answer remains the same.
The bike is initially extremely efficient and agile.
The declared top speed is an impressive 28 mph (45 km/h); yet, I managed to push it into the low 30s on flat terrain several times, which raises some suspicions. It’s difficult to accurately assess the value of this classic car, perhaps due to its authorized history, making it comparable to a rare ’69 GTO; my judgment is uncertain. Regardless of how you approach it, you’ve gained a wealth of energy and tempo at your disposal.
That’s an additional 28 miles per hour on throttle-only, which is questionably authorized or outright prohibited in many states, as it no longer fairly qualifies as a Class 3 vehicle.
If you encounter issues with the game’s speed, you have the flexibility to adjust the pace within the show settings at your convenience. For many people, discovering they’ve purchased a slight buffer of space to breathe is a delightful bonus.
Despite The bottom bike comes equipped with a robust 48-volt, 20-ampere-hour lithium-ion battery pack, boasting an impressive total capacity of 960 watt-hours. The UL label guarantees compliance with rigorous safety standards, ensuring this battery meets expectations for reliable performance and reduced risk of electrical shock or fire.
While the claimed range is approximately 50 miles (80 km), actual distances can be significantly reduced when flying at high speeds with maximum throttle applied. While many e-bikes come equipped with batteries in the 400-500Wh range, the 960Wh battery found on this model far surpasses what’s typically available, allowing riders to travel significantly greater distances than their competitors.
For individuals seeking greater versatility, a supplementary battery can be added to effectively double usage time, providing extended hours of operation. While the second battery is mounted on the highest part of the downtube, its concealment isn’t as seamless as that of the internal battery; yet, for those seeking a theoretical range of exactly 100 miles, the Pinus extension remains the sole viable option.
While shopping for an additional battery boosts the overall cost significantly, however. The base mannequin’s $1,699 sticker price balloons to a whopping US $2,178 when opting for the dual-battery configuration, representing a substantial $478 premium. Ouch.
The majority of the components on this bicycle are a blend of decent and satisfactory. The 8-speed SunRace derailleur? Respectable.
The hydraulic disc brakes? Good.
The plastic fenders? Respectable.
What are the features of this innovative LED lighting system that incorporates flip alerts? Good.
The suspension fork? Respectable.
The folding system? Good.
The bundle includes a varied assortment of parts, but the real game-changer is the advanced torque sensor, providing surprisingly robust pedal assistance for an e-bike with such substantial and wide tires.
While many riders may naturally favor the throttle, it’s still reassuring to have pedal assist as a reliable fallback option when needed, ensuring an added layer of control and flexibility in navigating varied terrain.
While I initially found the crank length to be satisfactory, I did notice that it occasionally caused minor pedal strikes when navigating tight corners, which was an unusual occurrence compared to my experience with other bicycles. I’d deliberately slow down to carefully navigate obstacles while riding, devoting more attention to each feature than I normally would during other excursions.
Bicycles featuring 20-inch wheels often come equipped with lower standover heights due to their reduced overall height. While crankshaft tolerances may lead to such issues, manufacturers typically design them with sufficient clearance to mitigate these concerns. While some may argue that slightly shorter cranks would improve the Pinus’s performance, the actual impact on usability is negligible; conversely, the longer cranks do offer a more precise pedaling experience.
While some e-bikes, such as SUPER73s, feature comically quick cranks that can elicit a humorous feeling when pedaling, it’s generally beneficial to opt for slightly longer cranks provided you adjust your pedal placement accordingly, especially during turns. This is a principle applicable to any bike.
While resembling many other 20-inch wheel folding fat-tire electric bicycles available, the Rattan Pinus doesn’t stand out as significantly distinct from its competitors in the market. While boasting a playful moniker, at its core, this vehicle remains a straightforward, high-performance, fast-paced daily driver, lacking exceptional quality.
While there are numerous options in that saturated marketplace, Pinus stands out as a particularly persuasive contender. While the price of $1,699 is reasonable for a high-quality product like this, I’d still appreciate a slightly more affordable option to make it accessible to a broader audience. As it currently is, I unquestionably reap benefits from cycling, and I would happily allow my friends to ride my bicycle whenever they desire. While it’s a bold selection, this e-bike doesn’t necessarily stand out as dramatically distinct from many other options available today.
While a few extra hundred dollars might be worth the cost to some people, however.
