My wife and I had a great time on our bike trip in the Simpele area on Saturday, May 29, 2021. Thanks to Simmes Oy for the opportunity to rent bikes.
I am writing this customer feedback with the intention of sharing our enthusiasm and thoughts with fitness enthusiasts who are trying e-biking and e-bike rentals for the first time.
Our rented equipment: electric assist up to 25 km/h, mountain bike classification, Apache brand, hardtail (front suspension), with 19 and 18-inch frames, 5 power levels, 9 gears. Fenders, lights, coiled cable lock, and kickstand. Quick-release saddle height adjustment. Helmets were available from the renter, but we used our own. Note that the bikes do not have a rear rack or saddlebag; they are not "touring-equipped" models. The bikes are mountain bikes, as the renter states. We both had our own backpacks. The price range for the bike (in consumer retail) is approximately 2200 euros.
Bike performance: we are 180 and 172 cm tall. We are over 60 years old. My background includes five years of year-round "organic cycling" on a fat-bike (17"). Against this background, the 19" Apache felt too large for me on short, trail-like sprints due to stiffness/maneuverability. On asphalt and gravel, which made up our route, the frame size was good. I also tested an 18-inch one slightly. That would have worked for me too. For my wife, a 17-inch would have been the best option, but this was still good. Locking the rear brakes was difficult, it just wouldn't work. Perhaps this is a known weak point of this bike model. Surprisingly, the sound of the electric motor was not bothersome. When changing the amount of pedal assist, the change in power output felt very pleasant, both when increasing and decreasing assistance. In some places, an unpleasant clunking sound came from the sprocket pack on uphills, even though I didn't change gears. This was probably due to inexperience in understanding the relationship between assist power and gear size. The function display was large and clear. The battery capacity, with our riding style, would have been sufficient for over 100 km on a single charge.
Rental and communication (instructions for pick-up location, etc.) took place online. I personally missed meeting a salesperson, especially at the beginning, when I didn't notice or bother to read the instructions on the wall of the rental point's bike garage. I couldn't get the power on. Overall, the renter handled their part commendably.
Bike handover and pre-instructions: the bike handover location was ideal, close to the town center, with ample parking for our car and a flat yard area to get acquainted with the bike before heading onto the street. The spacious bike garage was tidy, with bikes attractively lined up. These details added to a feeling of trust towards the renter. I previously referred to the clunking sound from the gears. Afterward, I wished for a pre-instruction on what assist level (0-5) is most recommended for each gear (1-9). I also didn't think to reset the trip meter. I believe everyone is interested in knowing their mileage. Well, next time then. As a customer, facing something new, one doesn't always know the best way to act, but I decided to call the support number provided after the trip. We primarily wanted to inform them that our responsibility for the bikes ended at that time.
First-timers might be interested in our route. Garage/rental point - grocery store – Haukkavuori – Garage (we left extra spare clothes and drinks in the car) – to Kangaskoski Lean-to – Garage. The trip covered approximately 50 km and took nearly seven hours. I fully endorse the numerous rave reviews for the area's top attractions. I want to highlight the section from Kangaskoski Lean-to – Suomaankorventie – Änkilänsalontie - underpass of Highway 6. Specifically in this direction of travel. Along this section, the border zone markers and the small border guard office cabin with its large surveillance cameras brought exciting thrills to the surface. Then, the icing on the cake. The landscape at the end of Änkilänsalontie from the hilltop, followed by a long descent. Go and see it when you're cycling in that area.
Here I list some safety tips for beginners, from my own thoughts: in cool weather, note that you don't sweat as easily while riding, and the average speed is higher than when riding a traditional bike – so bring extra clothes. Don't forget gloves. Test the grip and locking characteristics of the brakes right at the beginning. Avoid full front brake lock-up when braking. Familiarize yourself with the brakes' characteristics, at the latest on a larger downhill before gaining speed – for me, coming down from Haukkavuori, the speed exceeded 50 km per hour. I can now boast about my courage, but at the same time say that the bike performed well in that situation, for example, regarding the front suspension. There was busy car traffic on the Haukkavuori dirt road section on Saturday, so I had to stay alert and watch for traffic coming from behind. Even a tractor was not a surprise.
Rautjärvi municipality, as we understand it, has invested and continues to invest in cycling. We eagerly await what new offerings will be available in spring 2022.
Best regards,
