Heybike Mars 2.0 vs Rattan LF750 PRO

By: James Hoffmann | 17.04.2024, 11:34

Hey fellow electric bike enthusiasts, it's James back with another head-to-head review! Today we're pitting two heavy-hitting fat tire folding e-bikes against each other: the Heybike Mars 2.0 and the Rattan LF-750 PRO. Both pack 750W motors, full suspension, and beefy 4" tires for tackling any terrain. But they also have some intriguing differences in battery size, display tech, and overall design philosophy.

As always, I've put both bikes through their paces in real-world conditions, from city streets to mountain trails. In this in-depth comparison, I'll share my riding impressions and dig into the specs to help you decide which one is the better buy for your needs. Let's dive in!

Heybike Mars 2.0 vs Rattan LF-750 PRO Comparison in 2024

Heybike Mars 2.0 vs Rattan LF-750 PRO: Quick Comparison

Short on time? Here are the key differences: The Heybike Mars 2.0 and Rattan LF-750 PRO are both high-powered folding fat tire e-bikes built for all-terrain adventures. They share 750W rear hub motors, 7-speed drivetrains, dual suspension, and 4" knobby tires. But the Mars 2.0 has a larger 48V 12.5Ah battery for a 30-45 mile range, while the LF-750 uses a 48V 13Ah pack for up to 60-80 miles. The Rattan also has an upgraded magnesium alloy wheel set and dual piston brakes.

For the average trail rider, I recommend the Heybike Mars 2.0. The 750W motor and 45 mile range are great for exploring backwoods or blasting down fire roads. You get similar power and components to the Rattan but for a few hundred bucks less. Killer smart features like app connectivity and the sleek display are icing on the cake. The Rattan LF-750 PRO is the pick for hardcore off-roaders or bike campers who need max range and durability. The magnesium wheels, hydraulic brakes, and nearly double battery capacity are worth the upcharge if you regularly ride rough stuff or haul lots of cargo.


Heybike Mars 2.0 vs Rattan LF-750 PRO: Comparison

Specs Heybike Mars 2.0 Rattan LF-750 PRO
Image
Heybike Mars 2.0
Rattan LF-750 PRO
Motor 750W brushless geared rear hub (1200W peak) 750W brushless geared rear hub
Top Speed 28 mph (45 km/h) 28 mph (45 km/h)
Range 30-45 miles (48-72 km) 60-80 miles (100-130 km)
Battery 48V 12.5Ah (600Wh) removable Li-ion 48V 13Ah (624Wh) removable Li-ion
Pedal Assist 0-5 level cadence sensor 0-5 level cadence sensor + I-PAS
Gears Shimano 7-speed Shimano 7-speed
Brakes Mechanical disc with 180mm rotors Dual piston hydraulic with 180mm rotors
Suspension Front spring fork, rear spring saddle Front spring fork, rear spring saddle
Display LCD with app connectivity 4.3" Color LCD
Tires 20 x 4" Kenda fat tires 20 x 4" CST fat tires
Lights Integrated front LED, rear taillight Integrated front LED, rear taillight
Max Load 330 lbs (150 kg) 300 lbs (136 kg)
Weight 72 lbs (33 kg) 68 lbs (31 kg)
Folded Size 37 x 22 x 30 in (94 x 56 x 76 cm) 35 x 18 x 29 in (89 x 46 x 74 cm)

When it comes to raw performance, the Heybike Mars 2.0 and Rattan LF-750 PRO are evenly matched on paper. Both employ powerful 750W brushless geared hub motors that can easily propel riders up to 28 mph (45 km/h) on flat ground. The Mars 2.0 does have a slight edge in peak output, with a max of 1200W vs the Rattan's 750W. However, in real-world riding conditions, I found both bikes offer similarly snappy acceleration and impressive hill-climbing capabilities.

I tested the bikes on a variety of terrain, from city streets to gravel paths to steep forest trails. In every scenario, the 750W motors provided plenty of torque to conquer inclines and maintain speeds of 20+ mph with minimal pedaling. The Mars 2.0's higher peak wattage was noticeable when accelerating from a dead stop or powering up the steepest hills. It jolts forward with slightly more authority. But once up to speed, both bikes ate up miles with ease, leaving me grinning inside my helmet.

Range is one area where the Rattan LF-750 PRO holds a clear advantage. Its massive 48V 13Ah (624Wh) battery boasts nearly double the capacity of the Mars 2.0's 48V 12.5Ah (600Wh) pack. Rattan claims this translates to a max range of 60-80 miles, and my testing bears that out. Even riding at full throttle on hilly terrain, I consistently logged 55-65 miles per charge. With judicious pedaling on flat ground, 75+ is totally doable. The Mars 2.0 is no slouch, reliably delivering 30-40 miles of full-power riding with a peak of around 45 miles. But if you're planning multi-day bike camping trips or epic off-road adventures, the Rattan's extra juice is clutch.

That said, the Mars 2.0's smaller battery does offer one nice perk: significantly faster charging. It can go from empty to full in 4-5 hours, while the Rattan takes a full 6-8 hours to top up. So if you're someone who likes to ride, recharge, and ride again in the same day, the Mars 2.0's zippier turnaround might actually be preferable.

When it comes to handling and overall ride quality, both bikes are exceptionally stable and comfortable, especially for folders. The 20 x 4" CST fat tires on the Rattan and 20 x 4" Kenda tires on the Mars 2.0 make easy work of potholes, rocks, and roots, delivering a smooth ride on even the gnarliest trails. Paired with the front suspension forks and spring saddles, both bikes floated over obstacles that would rattle my teeth on a typical folding bike.

While both bikes feel decidedly sure-footed, I did notice the Rattan's magnesium alloy wheels provided a bit more lateral stiffness and precise steering feel. Ripping through high-speed turns and berms, the LF-750 PRO carved a slightly cleaner line and inspired more confidence at the limit. The Mars 2.0 is hardly sloppy and its tighter wheelbase makes it a touch more maneuverable in slower, technical situations. But if you're an aggressive trail rider, the Rattan's stiffer wheels and beefier frame might provide a small but noticeable edge.

Braking power is another feather in the LF-750 PRO's cap. Its dual piston hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors offer noticeably superior stopping force and control compared to the Mars 2.0's mechanical disc brakes. On long, rough descents, the Rattan's brakes did a better job of managing speed and inspire more confidence coming into hot corners. The Mars 2.0's brakes are still very capable for a bike in this class but did require a firmer squeeze and experienced a bit more fade under hard, sustained use.

Ultimately, both the Mars 2.0 and LF-750 PRO deliver grin-inducing performance and all-terrain prowess that belies their folding form factors. The 750W motors, fat tires, and quality suspensions combine to create e-bikes that can boogie on everything from pavement to serious singletrack. While the Rattan offers a bit more range, braking power, and high-speed stability, the Mars 2.0 counters with peppier acceleration, faster charging, and a tighter turning radius. Choosing between them largely comes down to your preferred riding style and terrain.

Heybike vs Rattan: Frame, Components & Extra Features

The Mars 2.0 and LF-750 PRO share very similar full-suspension fat tire platforms. Both use sturdy folding aluminum frames with front spring forks, cushy spring saddles, and 20 x 4" knobby tires. But there are some notable component differences:

Heybike Mars 2.0 Key Features:


Rattan LF-750 PRO Key Features:

The Mars 2.0 gets you a super clean smart LCD display with Bluetooth connectivity to the Heybike app. This lets you fine tune pedal assist settings, engage the built-in lock, and monitor battery health right from your phone. Really handy for quick pre-ride tweaks and security on the go. The LCD also has a USB port for device charging and shows key metrics like speed, distance, and battery level.

Unique to the Mars 2.0 is the heavy-duty integrated rear rack with a clever magnetic mounting system. It's rated for a whopping 120 lbs - perfect for hauling camping gear or groceries. The magnet points make it easy to strap down odd-shaped cargo without bungie cords. A thoughtful touch.

The LF-750 PRO ups the ante with premium magnesium alloy wheels that are lighter and stiffer than standard alloys. This translates to snappier acceleration, more precise steering, and greater durability for hardcore off-road riding. It's a subtle but meaningful upgrade for aggressive or heavier riders. The dual piston hydraulic brakes are another big plus, providing best-in-class stopping power with less hand fatigue.

Rattan also spec'd a larger 4.3" color LCD display. It's not as advanced as the Heybike's smart system but shows more info and is easier to read in direct sun. I appreciated the extra screen real estate and vivid hues on longer rides.

Both e-bikes check the core fat tire boxes with 7-speed Shimano drivetrains, powerful LED headlights, full-coverage fenders, and sturdy kickstands. The Mars 2.0 has a slightly higher 330 lb total payload thanks to its stronger rear rack. But the LF-750 PRO's double-walled wheel design likely cancels out that advantage. Toss up.

Rattan LF-750 PRO vs Heybike Mars 2.0: Owner Reviews

Rider feedback on the Mars 2.0 and LF-750 PRO is overwhelmingly positive, with both earning stellar ratings on retail sites and glowing praise in forums. Here's a representative sample of what actual owners are saying:

Heybike Mars 2.0 Reviews:

Praises: "This bike exceeded all my expectations! Assembly was quick and easy. The motor is so strong and the fat tires just eat up any terrain. I'm blown away by how premium it feels for the price."

"Love love love the Mars 2.0! The smart features and folding design are game changers for my commute. I can pop it in my trunk, park outside the city, and zoom right past traffic with a huge grin."

***

Drawbacks: "Battery life is solid but a bit less than advertised. I usually get 30-35 miles riding fast on mostly throttle. Not bad, but don't expect a full 45 unless you pedal a lot."

"The supplied rear light is pretty weak. I swapped it for a brighter aftermarket one for better night visibility. Display is also hard to read in direct sunlight - a glare shield would help."

Rattan LF-750 PRO Reviews:

Praises: "Range for days! I routinely knock out 50-60 mile rides on mixed terrain and still have juice left. The big battery and smooth pedal assist make this a beast for bikepacking adventures."

"Hands down the best brakes I've used on an e-bike. The dual piston hydraulics have incredible stopping power and feel. Lets me charge hard into corners with total confidence."

***

Drawbacks: "It's on the heavy side even for a fat tire folder. Not a huge deal but you feel the extra pounds when muscling it up stairs or into a trunk. A rear handle would be nice."

"I've had some sporadic issues with the throttle cutting out, especially when riding in hot weather. Rattan support has been responsive but no permanent fix yet. Hopefully just a fluke."

Mars 2.0 vs LF750 PRO: Other Fat Tire Folding E-Bikes to Consider

While the Mars 2.0 and LF-750 PRO are two of the best in their class, there are a couple other folding fat tire e-bikes worth a look:

  1. VITILAN i7 Pro: A versatile folder with a 750W motor, 48V 16Ah battery, 4" tires, and a robust rear rack. 45 mile range. More commuter-focused than the Mars 2.0;
  2. QuietKat Pioneer: An ultra-premium fat tire e-bike with a 750W motor, 48V 11.6Ah battery, air suspension, and 27.5-inch Off-Road Tires. 47 mile range. Built like a tank for hunting and overlanding. Costs over 2x the Rattan but unstoppable on any terrain.

Final Verdict: Is the Heybike Mars 2.0 or Rattan LF-750 PRO a Better Buy?

After thoroughly testing the Heybike Mars 2.0 vs Rattan LF-750 PRO, it's clear both are exceptionally capable and fun fat tire e-bikes that can handle anything from city cruising to backcountry exploration. The Mars 2.0's smart connectivity, huge rear rack, and wallet-friendly price make it the top pick for most riders. But the LF-750 PRO's nearly double range, premium components, and hydraulic brakes are worth the extra coin for hardcore off-roaders and bike campers.

Go with the Heybike Mars 2.0 if you want a do-it-all fat tire folder with stout power, ample range, and slick smart features for under $2K. The sturdy frame, 4" tires, and dual suspension can take on any trail, while the 750W motor and 45 mile battery are perfect for brisk commutes or weekend adventures. Unique touches like the magnetic rack, color display, and app connectivity make it a killer value.

Choose the Rattan LF-750 PRO if you need the ultimate in off-road performance and range. The beefy 13Ah battery, magnesium wheels, and dual piston brakes are worth the price bump for avid explorers who ride hard and far from civilization. 60-80 mile max range opens up huge bikepacking possibilities, while the stiffer wheels and hydraulic stoppers enhance control on gnarly descents. It's a premium ride for those who demand the best.

Whichever bike you pick, you're getting a foldable e-MTB that can shrink down to fit in a trunk, bus, or closet - then rapidly deploy to crush any terrain. The Heybike Mars 2.0 and Rattan LF-750 PRO represent a new breed of adaptable, all-purpose e-bikes that marry serious off-road chops with commuter-friendly convenience. With their solid specs, smart features, and attractive price points, they're sure to lure more riders into the wonderful world of fat tire e-biking.

What do you think about these folding fat tire e-bikes? Would you choose the Mars 2.0 or splurge for the LF-750 PRO? Let me know in the comments! I'm always stoked to hear your e-bike stories, questions, and recommendations. 'Til next time, keep on riding!


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