Riding an E-Bike 38 Miles to Catch 1 Fish (Rattan Pinus Review

Unboxing and Assembly

When the Rattan Pinus e-bike arrived, I was excited to get it out of the box and take it for a spin. The bike was well-packaged, with plenty of foam to protect it during shipping. After removing the straps and copper tags, I opened up the box and found the bike fully assembled, with just a few minor things left to do.

Inside the box, I also found a smaller box containing the pedals, a bag with the manual and some tools, and the charger. The charger is a beefy 54.6V, 4.5A unit, which should provide a quick charge for the bike's batteries.

The assembly process was relatively straightforward. I just had to attach the pedals, which was a simple task using the included crescent wrench. The only tricky part was routing the wiring for the second battery, as the existing wires in the frame were a bit of a mess. After some careful maneuvering, I was able to get everything connected and the bike ready to ride.

First Test Ride

With the bike assembled, I took it outside for its first test run. I started by folding the handlebars down and locking them in place, then hopped on and gave it a try. The bike felt solid and stable, and the 20-inch tires provided a smooth ride.

I started off in pedal assist mode 5, which is the maximum setting, and used the thumb throttle to get a feel for the bike's power. It was able to reach speeds of around 28 mph with no problem, even on flat ground. The motor provided a nice boost, making it easy to maintain a good pace without too much effort.

Long-Range Test

After the initial test ride, I decided to put the Pinus through a more rigorous range test. I reset the trip meter and headed out, with the goal of riding for about an hour and 20 minutes to see how far I could go.

The ride started off well, with the bike performing admirably as I tackled some hills and inclines. The pedal assist was a huge help, allowing me to maintain a good speed without feeling like I was working too hard. At the 3.6-mile mark, the battery was already down to 77%, which was a bit concerning.

As I continued on, I had to make a few adjustments, such as tightening the stem, which kept getting loose. I also noticed that the second battery wasn't registering on the display, even though it was turned on. I decided to just rely on the main battery for the rest of the ride and see how it held up.

After 12.5 miles, I arrived at my destination, a small town called Linesville, PA. I had covered the distance in about an hour, and the main battery was down to 52%. Not bad, considering I had been using a decent amount of throttle throughout the ride.

Fishing Adventure

With the bike parked, I decided to take advantage of my location and do a little fishing. I headed to a nearby lake called Lake Pymatuning, which is known for its large population of carp.

The trail leading to the lake was in great shape, and the Pinus handled it with ease. I even managed to catch a nice little redbreast sunfish from a beaver hut along the way, proving that the bike's range and power were more than enough to support a fishing excursion.

Once I reached the lake, I was greeted by a sight I hadn't expected – hordes of carp swimming near the surface, eagerly gobbling up bread that people were tossing in. I quickly tied on a small jig and gave it a try, and within a few casts, I had hooked a nice little carp.

After a brief battle, I was able to land the fish and snap a quick photo before releasing it back into the water. It may not have been a trophy, but it was still a fun catch, and I was happy to have been able to catch a fish from the e-bike.

Bike Performance and Features

With the fishing adventure complete, it was time to put the Pinus through its paces and really test out its capabilities. I started by turning the bike off and pedaling it in its normal, non-assisted mode. The 20-inch fat tires made pedaling a bit more challenging than a traditional bike, but it was still manageable, especially on flat ground.

Next, I played around with the different pedal assist levels, starting at level 1 and working my way up. At level 1, the bike provided a gentle boost, bringing me up to around 14 mph. As I increased the assist level, the power and speed increased accordingly, with level 5 providing a top speed of around 31 mph.

I also tested the bike's performance on grass and other off-road terrain, and it handled it surprisingly well. The fat tires provided plenty of traction, and the motor had no trouble pulling me up even the steepest of hills.

One of the standout features of the Pinus is its dual-battery setup. The bike comes with two removable batteries, each with its own on/off switch and charge indicator. This allows for extended range, as you can switch between the batteries or use them in tandem.

During my testing, I found that the first battery lasted for around 38 miles, with the second battery providing an additional 9-10 miles of range. This means that with both batteries fully charged, the Pinus is capable of covering over 45 miles on a single charge, which is an impressive feat for an e-bike.

Another great feature of the Pinus is its lighting system. The bike comes equipped with bright LED headlights, taillights, and turn signals, making it a great option for night riding. The lights are not only functional but also look great, adding to the overall aesthetic of the bike.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

- Impressive range with dual-battery setup
- Powerful motor and pedal assist for easy climbing
- Comfortable and stable ride with 20-inch fat tires
- Bright and functional lighting system for night riding
- Sturdy and well-built construction

Cons:

- Tricky to install the second battery
- Stem can become loose and require tightening
- Pedaling can be more challenging in non-assisted mode due to the fat tires

Final Thoughts

Overall, I'm really impressed with the Rattan Pinus e-bike. It's a well-designed and well-built machine that offers an impressive combination of power, range, and features. The dual-battery setup is a standout feature, allowing for extended rides without having to worry about running out of juice.

The bike's performance on both paved and off-road terrain is also noteworthy, with the powerful motor and fat tires making it a capable and versatile option for a variety of riding scenarios. And the built-in lighting system is a great addition, making the Pinus a practical choice for both day and night riding.

While there were a few minor issues, such as the tricky battery installation and the occasional stem loosening, these were relatively minor and didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of riding the Pinus. If you're in the market for a high-quality e-bike with impressive range and capabilities, the Rattan Pinus is definitely worth considering.

Don't forget to use the exclusive discount code NGO100 to save $100 on your Rattan e-bike purchase, and be sure to check out my affiliate link if you'd like to support my content creation efforts. Happy riding!