Quote from: specelec on December 09, 2020, 10:43:27 AM
Looking at the Cloud9, but wondering. After upgrading, do you miss the handle under the stock seat? I like having the handle for moving the bike around, but am finding the seat uncomfortable.

I settled on a Cloud 9 after trying 4 others (including a different Cloud 9) and don't miss the handle at all on my Mini Step-Through, but I've installed the rack and small basket, so I can just grab the forward edge of the basket if I need a lifting point there.  Really love the Cloud 9 model I settled on, which is combined with a Redshift Shockstop suspension post - that combo eliminated the previous buttaches.

Quote from: wmoore on December 01, 2021, 07:18:17 PM
I'm looking to buy a high visibility windbreaker that I can add layers underneath depending on temperature. Live in the PNW. Waterproof would be nice, removable sleeves a bonus but not necessary. REI has some nice but expensive ones. Amazon has some at the other end of the scale but hard to tell about quality. Suggestions?

Also in the PNW, don't ride in rainy or very cold weather.  I'm very happy with this one I ordered this past Spring:  https://amzn.to/3rSnfRl  Don't need to wear it often, but it seems pretty well made for the price and the blue is pretty visible and probably the brightest color available.  Has a thin non-removable lining that's enough to block wind and hold some heat if you have a sweatshirt underneath.  Sleeves do not remove, there is elastic at waist and wrist and drawstring cords at waist and hood.  I think it's a good value for a lightweight jacket.

Don't know if it'll be available to you, but Amazon gave me a try-before-buy arrangement to check it out for size and function before paying.

No hurry as far as I'm concerned, Peanutbutter, so take your time and enjoy the process.  Thanks again for all your efforts!

Quote from: RayStDenis on November 29, 2021, 06:40:39 PM
Why not send everyone a Paypal invoice? That way you would have your working capital early.

I agree and was thinking the same thing - even if it's an estimated amount for now, I'm happy to cough up.  Let us help lighten the load, PBP!  Use your money for Christmas presents, as it should be.

FYI to anybody interested - a few weeks ago I ordered the Bolton 35A upgrade kit for my MiniST, with expected shipments to begin for this batch in January.  Just got an email that mine has been shipped, with a USPS tracking number.  I'm not too eager to work on this now in a freezing garage and was planning to install it after my Rad warranty expires in March anyway, but it'll be nice to have it in hand for planning the swap.

A nice pleasant surprise in a time of delays and shortages, so if you've ordered one or are thinking about it, looks like they're ahead of schedule; their webpage still says January, by the way.

https://boltonebikes.com/collections/motor-controllers-and-displays/products/2019-radpower-upgrade-kit-with-tail-light

Quote from: reggy on November 27, 2021, 11:16:43 AMWhat are you guys using to secure the seat?

Regards,
Reggy

I'm protecting a Cloud 9 seat and a Redshift suspension post worth over $275 together, so I replaced the quick-release clamp with a conventional post clamp https://amzn.to/3GzPsAv in 31.8mm size, then I replaced the hex bolt for the clamp with a tamper-resistant Torx version https://amzn.to/3DCd8lD in 6x20 size.  Of course, you'll need a special Torx tool for that bolt: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Magnetic-Tamperproof-TORX-L-Key-Set-9-Piece-HLAMTXK9PC/207190358  - I recommend you carry that tool on the bike in case you need to adjust or remove the seat in the field.

Pic below; hope this helps.  The blue tape is just a position marker to reset the seat to the same height while I was adjusted the Redshift tension - I eventually added another seat clamp https://amzn.to/3lR8r1q in 28.6mm (not easy to find this size) to the Redshift post itself, so now I just drop the seat assembly down until it stops with one clamp on top of the other, center it and tighten the bolt for perfect realignment.

Quote from: FLKRUZEN on November 26, 2021, 05:15:40 AM
I just ordered a pair of the Rad Mini 4. White for wife and Black for me. I'm also looking at getting the SR Suntour NCX 12 Suspension Seatpost, and a pair of Cloud 9 seats. I'm curious to know who else has bought the Folding Minis and how do you like them?

I've had a Mini Step-Thru since March and absolutely love it, although I never fold it and with the rain and cold I'm not riding it for the time being.  I'm pretty sure you'll be quite happy with yours, and you got a great price ($350 less than I paid) but I'm curious why you didn't get two of the ST versions?  Structurally they're the same and the frame of the ST is much easier to deal with getting on/off in my opinion.

I also have a Cloud 9 after trying five others, including a different C9 model.  Cloud 9 makes quality seats, but it's like buying shoes; you have to find one that you can wear for miles.  But even the C9 models are somewhat different from each other and the second one I tried is MUCH more comfortable for me.  Also have a Redshift Shockstop suspension post; that plus the seat makes the ride much better on trails and rough pavement.

Have fun!

Quote from: RayStDenis on November 21, 2021, 10:43:19 PM
Can you show a list of initials of those on your list? Want to make sure I'm on it.
PS Price is very reasonable.

Good idea; just confirming I'm still intending to buy.

Quote from: SemperVee on November 18, 2021, 01:48:06 PMNot tippy at all - better than I had expected for since it was one of the most inexpensive work stands I saw while shopping over over the last few months thinking about it.

Thanks for the link; that seems like a much better deal than the Park and other higher-end products, for an occasional user like me.  Might come in very handy for my expected controller/display upgrade in Q122 when Bolton ships 'em, and for occasional repairs.  I've told the Camels to price-watch it for me to maybe snag a better price between now and then.

Cheers!

My MiniST is about 80 lbs with accessories and without battery - how does this stand feel with your bike - is it feeling close to its limit, or tippy at all?

Can you provide a link to the product over at Amazon?

Thanks!

Quote from: HDrider on November 17, 2021, 05:56:30 PM
Decision made and order placed,, 2 Rad Mini's. Let the wait begin. I guess I may as well start ordering parts, suspension seat post, new seat, rear luggage rack, handlebar riser with offset, saddlebags ect.
Thanks for the comments and help.   

Congrats!  Hey, if you're considering a Redshift Shockstop seatpost, they're approaching the end of a 48-hour sale today.  $179 instead of $229 - still not a cheap post, but that's as low as they ever get and only go on sale maybe 3-4 times a year.  So if you were thinking of one of these, now is the time. 

I absolutely love mine; the only issue is that the post has to be removed to adjust the spring resistance, but once you've got it set up, that's no longer a big deal.  It's a very nice design, beautifully engineered and manufactured, and handles up to about 250 lbs easily with stock parts; no need to buy different springs or bumpers.  They have a money-back trial period if you're curious but not sure.

https://bit.ly/3hmxZ3c

Quote from: HDrider on November 17, 2021, 04:53:22 AM
I need to decided now between the Rad Mini and the Espin Nesta.

I've never heard of the Nesta, so I went to their webpage and am having some trouble seeing the advantages or value over the Rad Mini.  I like the look and it's very similar in design from all appearances (the handlebar stem looks identical, but can't be sure without a closeup photo), but more expensive and almost 30% less battery capacity.  And don't forget your wife's bike would be $150 more without the buy-2 discount.  One other lesser feature; if you and your wife have the same bike (or at least same brand), one of you could go on a longer solo ride by taking the other bike's battery with you.

Is it the appearance of the Nesta, or the geometry would be a better fit for you - what am I missing?

Quote from: HDrider on November 16, 2021, 06:38:14 AM
OR, I saw a video where they reversed the handlebar stem or bracket which would maybe be the best option for me and my wife. Any thoughts on that?

I was able to adjust the stock bar height to fit without any issues.  As crorris said, there are some options for you to pull them back; you'll probably be limited a bit by the cable lengths, but there is some slack in them even with the stock bars at max height, more slack if they're not at full height of course.

Quote from: Packrat1 on November 10, 2021, 01:42:13 PM
I recommend the Pedego cell phone mount $29 if you have your phone in a case it's very solid. I have a Ram mount Roto X too but I find the Pedego less obtrusive. Of note the Pedego is not the same as the Rad Branded cell phone mount. The Rad one isn't as versatile in my opinion.

I think the Pedego in your photo is a branded version of this one on Amazon, which I bought some time ago and like very much - it's super solid once you get it adjusted and everything tightened down: https://amzn.to/3kZCrrz

Somewhat less expensive than the Pedego version, too - they cycle up/down in price and appear due to drop a bit below $17 again soon - that's what I paid.  My Samsung S10e inside its thick Otterbox Defender case is at the outer limits of the width range, but fits fine and holds fast.

Quote from: HDrider on November 13, 2021, 06:24:31 PM
Thanks Jim. I think we are about ready to pull the trigger on two. I just have to wonder if there might be some sort of Black Friday deal ready to pop up. Hard to say.

You're very welcome.

IIRC, the $300 discount for two bikes is available until Nov 29th, past most BF sale announcements, but please check the Rad website to be sure.  If that's the case, I think it's unlikely they'd offer additional BF deals on top of that - perhaps as an alternative, for free accessories or something, but remember the Minis were $1,499 at this time last year and now with the price cut and discounts until end of the month, they're about $1,150 each for a pair and it's possible it may be a "while supply lasts" conditional offer as well (again, check with Rad).  On top of that, waiting a bit longer might put you in a future delivery batch of shipping containers, so be sure to check their estimated delivery date on the bike's page(s).  Take that with a grain of salt, though; mine was quoted about 6 weeks out and showed up in 5 days, actually causing me a bit of a headache as I was in the process of moving and had factored the 6 weeks into that.

On the other hand, the $200 discounted price was supposed to expire at the end of August; instead of that happening, they made it permanent, at least for the current Mini models.  So there's a possibility of a wildcard, but the current 2-fer deal is pretty amazing.  Even so, I like mine enough to have zero regrets about paying $1,450 for my MiniST back in March - I had a great spring/summer riding period of fun and useful transportation and won't be riding much until March or so when the weather begins to warm up a bit.

Bottom line?  If you've made a decision to buy, I wouldn't wait, maybe a few days to push the billing into the next credit-card cycle or something if that's a factor. 

BTW, have you watched that RV-stowage video?  If so, did that address your folding questions?

Oh, one more BTW, below is a pic of mine (click on thumbnail to embiggen it), tricked out a bit with stuff I added; I don't think the step-thru model is "girlie" at all (before I ordered, I had a few fleeting thoughts of "Shriner" or "circus clown" which disappeared the day I got it because it's definitely not a tiny bike), and is fantastic if you have joint problems or don't want to swing a leg over a back rack with a big box on it or something.  I can vouch for the ST frame being as tough as nails in design and fabrication as well; the mechanical-engineer in me is very satisfied in that regard.  Personally, I see no reason to buy the stepover regular Mini unless you've really got to have it in black or really like the looks better.

Good luck!

Oh, one more thing - this just doesn't stop, does it?  I just checked out the throttle for you at 0 PAS setting - it works fine from a dead stop at PAS 0 and no pedaling, as I thought.  So you're good. 

There is also a little known walk-along feature in these bikes - hold down the down-arrow PAS button for about 5 seconds and the bike will roll forward under power at a brisk-walking pace as long as you hold down the button.  Useful for walking the bike when not sitting on it, so you don't have to push it manually up ramps into trailers, with a flat tire, etc.  Less risky than using the throttle off-bike, where an accidental overtwist might send the bike off on its own short-lived unmanned adventure.