Rattan XL on Indiegogo

[RMK!]

I heard from Rattan today and they have been in shutdown mode since the Chinese New Year (CNY). They are expecting to re-open next week and hopefully ship out all campaign backer perks from the factory in March. That means late April delivery at the earliest. It was a perfect storm with CNY and the very serious virus outbreak so any first world issues with ebike delivery are insignificant by comparison.

Of course, that doesn't stop people from complaining about a lack of communication about their "orders". Apparently, they did not research Crowd Funding nor read the ample disclaimers about the risks associated with Crowd Funded projects. I am fortunate in that I will have an ebike to play with until my Rattan XL and X bikes eventually show up. The Eahora X7 plus was supposed to be delivered yesterday but Fedex had "routing issues" so it is now scheduled for a Monday delivery. If Fedex hasn't damaged it, all will be good.

 

[GypsyTreker]

I heard from Rattan today and they have been in shutdown mode since the Chinese New Year (CNY). They are expecting to re-open next week and hopefully ship out all campaign backer perks from the factory in March. That means late April delivery at the earliest. It was a perfect storm with CNY and the very serious virus outbreak so any first world issues with ebike delivery are insignificant by comparison.

Of course, that doesn't stop people from complaining about a lack of communication about their "orders". Apparently, they did not research Crowd Funding nor read the ample disclaimers about the risks associated with Crowd Funded projects. I am fortunate in that I will have an ebike to play with until my Rattan XL and X bikes eventually show up. The Eahora X7 plus was supposed to be delivered yesterday but Fedex had "routing issues" so it is now scheduled for a Monday delivery. If Fedex hasn't damaged it, all will be good.

I cringe whenever FedEx is the one delivering something I ordered. I have had few shipping problems for the amount of stuff I have ordered but FedEx leads that list. Not sure the contracted drivers model works for the consumer.

 

[RMK!]

Back in my Audiophile days FedEx was the best for secure safe delivery. I will be checking the shipping box carefully for damage. I have noticed that with "routing issues" package damage increases exponentially. This package took 4 days after pick up to move 400 miles in state. Normally 1-2 days Fedex ground.

 

[RMK!]

I guess this was a self fulfilling prophecy. The bike arrived in a box that looked like it went through a war zone. Bike parts poking out of holes and a seriously bent derailleur guard that had to be removed, no (I repeat NO) instructions other than a 40 second video on line that shows other models being setup. One and one half hours of putzing with it and wallah!

That said, I got through it and really like the bike. I did a 9 mile ride to and through a local park and it was great fun. Fast, comfortable and a good size for someone of my height/weight (6'5", 210). I was able to remove the bent derailleur guard and gently bend the disfigured derailleur into a functional position. The shifting was smooth and the brakes were really good. My assembly was creative considering I was flying blind ...

 

[GypsyTreker]

My Ecotric folder also had holes in the box, bent corners etc. The only real damage was cosmetic. There were some deep scratches that I believe were caused by the front disc rotor that was attached to the uninstalled fork , fastened to the frame. The good news, immediate rebate for a fair compensation on damage. I purchased a small can of touch up/ sanded and viola!

You have the right attitude when getting an on-line deal. To expect an Amazon Prime experience ( unless you purchase an eBike from them) is to set your self up for serious disappointment and fail to see the real fun. Many years ago I sold old used Harleys, the newest iteneration being a shovelhead. As the market changed and the professional class entered the market I had to sell on a for "parts only" basis so I didn't have after sale problems. At the time these were great bikes for a certain market that had no problem doing bottom end rebuilds on the kitchen table during ,down time. The New market freaked at the fact their new "thing" leaked oil on the garage floor. I have often thought there should be a questionnaire buyers can use to determine their tolerance level before entering the market to buy. Some personalities need a flawless process and some hand holding. Others, not so much. You sound like the latter, enjoy that excellent savings and ride on....this is the one for your daughter right?

 

[RMK!]

Yes, I am a calculated risk taker and this fits perfectly into the category. This is the bike I earmarked for my daughter. I am a bit concerned based upon the beefy size of the X7.

 

[GypsyTreker]

I like the rear shock. My wife @5'4 has no problems with her folder fattie and likes the idea it's beefy. Fat tires really add to her sense of stability, an important aspect. Her biggest adjustment was bumping the throttle to actually get on the bike and rolling ( the 3 stage PAS in 1 started off too fast for her) Now, after a few hundred miles, she pretty much wears the bike, very much in control. I suspect your daughter will adapt.

 

[RMK!]

Better Pics
The photo of the Cadence Sensor looks like it is separated from the crank. I may need to tighten the crank bolt but that's a tool I do not have. Is the size of these universal? The motor was surging in Pedal Assist 1 riding slowly today.

 

[harryS]

You didn't show the cable coming out, but if that oval piece is the pedal sensor, it's a one piece unit with the magnets inside, so the sensor to magnet distance is fixed. I don't see any problem there.

The crank arms need a bike tool for removal, but when installed, they are usually just pushed on with allen head bolt or a hex head bolt.

Sure is a lot of green stuff there.

 

[RMK!]

You didn't show the cable coming out, but if that oval piece is the pedal sensor, it's a one piece unit with the magnets inside, so the sensor to magnet distance is fixed. I don't see any problem there.

The crank arms need a bike tool for removal, but when installed, they are usually just pushed on with allen head bolt or a hex head bolt.

Sure is a lot of green stuff there.

Thanks Harry, the black cadence sensor (wire is out of the bottom) was loose and I was getting a pulsing of the pedal assist in level 1 (going slower) and, I don't think this is a part that should be loose. So being a mid grade shade tree mechanic, I gently tapped the sensor into the crank housing and used some silicon adhesive to hold it in place. It looks better to me and everything seems to function correctly but time will tell. This is just another perk of no documentation, zero support, bargain Chinese bike ownership. ;-)
Before and after photos:

 

[RMK!]

I did a 26 mile ride yesterday and everything worked as hoped. I had two bars remaining after a day of all pedal assist (mostly level 2) at 20-24 mph) so probably 35 mile range with pedal assist.

I can comfortably do 25 mph on a level ground paved path surface. Love the Altus derailleur and Logan hydraulic brakes. Bike is fairly nimble for it's 60 lb weight and fits my long legs and reach better than expected. My biggest gripe is no User Manual to explain the controller's cryptic settings menu.

 

[GypsyTreker]

I did a 26 mile ride yesterday and everything worked as hoped. I had two bars remaining after a day of all pedal assist (mostly level 2) at 20-24 mph) so probably 35 mile range with pedal assist.

I can comfortably do 28 mph on a level ground paved path surface. Love the Altus derailleur and Logan hydraulic brakes. Bike is fairly nimble for it's 60 lb weight and fits my long legs and reach better than expected. My biggest gripe is no User Manual to explain the controller's cryptic settings menu.

You might try to identify the controller model. I can't imagine it's not a sourced item. It seems to me most enter program mode when multiple buttons are pressed at once.

 

[RMK!]

Pushing the Plus and Minus buttons simultaneously opens the menu. But the program modes lack definition. It's a PITA.

 

[GypsyTreker]

Drag!

 

[RMK!]

Well the Controller Manual was emailed to me by Eahora. The Rattan folks have re-opened after the New Year and Coronavirus extended shutdown and they hope to ship out all current orders in March. I might actually get the Rattans before Tax day. I'm running out of things to complain about ...

 

[GypsyTreker]

Ahhhh! Progress

 

[Cal000]

RMK what do you think about the epas regen
They make some bold claims what has been your experience so far

 

[RMK!]

IMHO, the regen is an outstanding feature of this product. With some pedaling effort, a user can generate additional miles out of each battery charge. I have seen 50% or more mileage increase out of a charge using IPAS vs Throttle only riding. I'm inclined to believe the Rattan claims of 80-100 miles using the 17ah battery and, by riding with IPAS engaged over the appropriate terrain e.g. lots of downhill. The more downhill, the greater the mileage gain. You can also create energy on the flats but only with serious pedal effort.

 

[Cal000]

IMHO, the regen is an outstanding feature of this product. With some pedaling effort, a user can generate additional miles out of each battery charge. I have seen 50% or more mileage increase out of a charge using IPAS vs Throttle only riding. I'm inclined to believe the Rattan claims of 80-100 miles using the 17ah battery and, by riding with IPAS engaged over the appropriate terrain e.g. lots of downhill. The more downhill, the greater the mileage gain. You can also create energy on the flats but only with serious pedal effort.

Interesting thx

 

[RMK!]

I rode to my office today. It's a 15 mile round trip and I pedaled most of the way but had some throttle up hills as well. I used the regen several times and ended up with 3 bars out of the 5. Not bad and it tells me my average range is 35 miles on a charge and that could be stretched to 40 pretty easily. Not bad for 500W and 10.4ah.