So I just got my new RadWagon a few days ago. Not too hard to assemble, though I don't have a torque wrench. Had to remove the rear brake caliper to adjust since the wheel wasn't spinning freely.
For security, I've picked up a disc brake lock and a cable lock, both of which are alarmed. I'm figuring the disc brake lock will be most effective on the rear wheel, though it's a little harder to attach. But maybe I should put it on the front wheel, since that's easier to steal? We all know that a determined thief can probably steal any bike they want but I'm thinking with the double locks and alarms, even if someone cuts the cable, they won't be able to ride the bike away and if they tried to pick it up and put it in a truck the noise from the two different alarms would serve as a deterrent, even in downtown San Francisco. Any thoughts on that?
I'm probably going to order a basket for the bike, but right now, I like the setup with the double pannier at the back of the rear rack, which leaves me enough room to also put one bag of groceries on either side (with a bungee to secure them) resting on the running boards. It also leaves room for a padded seat in the front of the rack. If I order the small basket, does anyone know if that can be attached to the rear half of the rear rack, leaving room for the seat pad, or does it have to be centered on the rack? If I had to, I could put the small basket on the front, but then I'd have to also order the front rack and also move the light, neither of which I'd rather do.
Appreciate your thoughts.
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Regarding the basket my assumption is no. Looking at this 2018 attachments manual it only shows using those center four screws: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0799/9645/files/2018_Attachments_Manual.pdf (https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0799/9645/files/2018_Attachments_Manual.pdf)
Sounds like you have a good plan with security though I live in an area where theft is less likely. A few weeks ago I went down the rabbit hole of locks and found that the LockPickingLaywer recommends the Kryptonite Evolution Chain Lock (Series 4): https://amzn.to/2JqwBfq (https://amzn.to/2JqwBfq)
Here is the video where he explains why: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpVOTEOMRuE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpVOTEOMRuE)
That is what I would buy if I was leaving my bike somewhere I didn't think was safe. Be sure to remove the battery as well since that is an easy target especially as Rad Power Bikes are so popular. Insurance is also something you may want to consider since no lock is perfect. See if you can add it to a current policy or look at Velosurance or something similar.
Not sure if you need a heavy duty basket on the back but we often have ridden with a passenger and then attached a milk crate behind the passenger. That will also give you more capacity and far less cost. I've seen the small basket and it isn't very conducive to holding lots. Hope this helps!
My RadWagon 4 just arrived and I have similar questions about installing a basket and a deck pad on the rear rack simultaneously. I just emailed Rad Support and will let you know what I hear back. I have seen photos online of RadWagons set up for commercial deliveries that appear to have two baskets installed together. I have seen family setups with two deck pads. What I have not seen is a basket and a deckpad together. The mounting holes seem to line up, but maybe there is some reason why it is not advisable.
Also, for the record, moving the headlight is no big deal, but you may find you need to use the original mounting bracket instead of the one they include with the rack.
you should be able to mount a basket to the deck, though you may have to bolt though the deck rather than directly into the frame. in that case you may want to make a copy of the deck first.
one of the things i'm doing is adding some hefty bungy cords to a milk crate by bolting them on. this way the basket will be removable
Rad support got back to me and told me you can mount the large basket along with the passenger seat on the rear so long as you mount the basket perpendicular to the bike. That's what I did. I can carry four bags of groceries in the large basket. When they are back in stock, I plan to get a second large basket for the front rack. Cheers.
Another option to consider is a standard milk crate. I ordered these from Amazon and they are working out great:
https://amzn.to/3k2lzOd
They are sturdy, fold down flat, and don't weigh nearly as much as the steel/aluminum baskets sold by Rad.
Here is my current setup:
(https://i.imgur.com/vwmAnGi.jpg)
I can fit 2-3 bags of groceries in either side pannier, and another 1-2 bags in the milk crate, all while my kiddo rides on back with her own handlebars. So far it is working out great.
Here are the panniers I bought. I highly recommend them:
https://amzn.to/3jZRaQH
jasonash, that setup looks great. I'm also planning on having the seat for my daughter like you have, but since I'll usually go shopping without her, would it make sense to have a second set of panniers to go where her seat is, instead of the front basket? Is it relatively effortless to quickly attach the panniers over her seat and go?