Rad Runner Plus Upgrades - 4 Piston Hydraulic Brakes, Horn, Shifter

[enzo.moscoso]

After 3000mi and almost 2 years of ownership, here are the modifications I've done to my Rad Runner. I've tried to keep everything OEM+ and as minimal as possible, focusing on safety and usability.


Front Brake Caliper Setup
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cJOq8EGjvmUDCNFwiwmbjG4bkK35GMDb/view?usp=sharing

Rear Brake Caliper Setup
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V6ZLV7Z4wnNM6brJHC_zDy-mhYGgavOS/view?usp=sharing

Rear Brake Lever and Shifter Setup (same lever on both sides)


Horn Button with 3d Printed mount


Horn


Horn Electronics (battery, charge circuit)


- Tektro HD-E350 Hydraulic Brakes Left and Right
https://tektro.com/en/product/5
https://www.amazon.com/TEKTRO-HD-E350-Piston-Caliper-Control/dp/B0C6XWL6N6/

- TRP Slate T4 4 piston caliper (Front)
https://tektro.com/en/product/36

- SRAM Centerline 203mm Rotor 6 Bolt (Front)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073S4QG4J/

- Disc Brake Caliper Mount Adapter 20mm Post Mount for 180mm Brake Caliper
https://www.amazon.com/JooFn-Brake-Caliper-Mount-Adapter/dp/B0986KK411/

- Custom Self Powered and Charging Horn
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0727VHD9J/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08JHW8BPV/

- Shimano Altus SL-M315-7R 7-Speed Right Rapidfire Plus Shifter
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0833BY837/

- Waxed Chain


More info

- Tektro HD-E350 Hydraulic Brakes Left and Right
Probably the best upgrade for this bike. I was not impressed by the braking and constant adjustment from the stock mechanical disk brakes. These are what come on the other Rad bikes with hydraulic brakes, such as the Rad Runner 3. You have to run the hydraulic lines and potentially bleed the rear, so this is a job for a bike mechanic or experienced DIYer. Here's a video if you're curious what the process looks like: https://youtu.be/DgGia7f75R4

- TRP Slate T4 4 piston caliper (Front)
Not necessary but really nice braking from this. Just replaced the front since the back doesn't need it. Unfortunately I had to buy it as a set and I have no use for the lever (since it doesn't have a sensor). A Shimano 4 piston caliper would be the ideal solution since it is compatible. Increases braking power by roughly 20% over the 2 piston hydraulic caliper from what I could feel. Reduced brake fad and longer pad replacement intervals since the brake pads are significantly larger.

- SRAM Centerline 203mm Rotor 6 Bolt
Replaces the 180mm rotor on the front. Increases braking power by another roughly 20% over the 2 piston hydraulic caliper from what I could feel. Also increases cooling and reduces brake fade.

- Disc Brake Caliper Mount Adapter 20mm Post Mount for 180mm Brake Caliper
Necessary to go from 180mm -> 203mm rotor.

- Custom Self Powered and Charging Horn
Very nice for getting car's attention. Custom 3d printed case that attaches to the front rack mounts. Charges with the USB port on the display. This took a while to figure out. It has a small 500mah battery that is kept topped off by the USB port using a small LiPo charging board. The button is wired to power the horn from the 3.7v nominal battery, which powers the horn. The horn is rated for 6V, so it's not as loud as it could be.

- Shimano Altus SL-M315-7R 7-Speed Right Rapidfire Plus Shifter
Way better ergonomics compared to the stock shifter. Hard to mount because of the throttle, there's really only one position it can be mounted in. Had to bend one of the levers slightly to clear the throttle. Not perfect but way better than stock.

- Waxed Chain
Plenty of videos online about this. I use hot melt wax on all of my chains, I used to change the chain every 1000 mi, this chain has far surpassed that and is still going strong. Keeps the drivetrain smooth and super clean. Just have to wipe the chain off after wet rides to prevent rust.

[Naranja_CT5+]

- Custom Self Powered and Charging Horn
Very nice for getting car's attention. Custom 3d printed case that attaches to the front rack mounts. Charges with the USB port on the display. This took a while to figure out. It has a small 500mah battery that is kept topped off by the USB port using a small LiPo charging board. The button is wired to power the horn from the 3.7v nominal battery, which powers the horn. The horn is rated for 6V, so it's not as loud as it could be.

- Shimano Altus SL-M315-7R 7-Speed Right Rapidfire Plus Shifter

It looked like any ordinary horn. thanks for the extra info inside the unit. I will definitely buy one since it can be a standalone unit. I might even wire one up on my coworkers office chair.

I also liked the look of that shifter.

[John Rose]

- Custom Self Powered and Charging Horn
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0727VHD9J/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08JHW8BPV/
[...snip...]
- Custom Self Powered and Charging Horn
Very nice for getting car's attention. Custom 3d printed case that attaches to the front rack mounts. Charges with the USB port on the display. This took a while to figure out. It has a small 500mah battery that is kept topped off by the USB port using a small LiPo charging board. The button is wired to power the horn from the 3.7v nominal battery, which powers the horn. The horn is rated for 6V, so it's not as loud as it could be.

The link and the description look like two completely different horns. How is the one in the Amazon link "self powered and charging"?