Rad Power Bikes Owners Forum

Discussions by Rad Model => RadMini => Topic started by: JimInPT on April 01, 2021, 02:04:10 PM

Title: Recommended underseat bag for RadMini StepThru 2?
Post by: JimInPT on April 01, 2021, 02:04:10 PM
Before I start sifting through many dozens of available underseat tool/patch/pump bags, does anybody have one on their Mini StepThru that they love?  I'm planning to swap out the stock seat for a Cloud 9 Cruiser Select saddle soon, if that makes a difference.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Recommended underseat bag for RadMini StepThru 2?
Post by: JimInPT on April 25, 2021, 08:24:50 AM
Wow, about 50 views and nobody had ideas.  Ok, I'll answer my own question.


This one (BV Classic Bike Saddle Bag), even in Large size, fits fine: https://amzn.to/3w47iqf

It's easy to install under the stock seat, a little tougher when under my replacement Cloud 9 Cruiser Select (barely clears the springs, but it works), but it still fits even with the seatpost within 4" of the bottom, and with both a rear rack and small basket installed.  The back side of the bag runs right up to the basket, so you have to loosen the straps for access to the stuff inside, but that makes it a little more secure and harder to steal.


Pretty nice bag, by the way; a Vibrelli pump fits (diagonally) along with a Milton pressure gauge, 4 Gorilla tire levers, Handlebar Jack, Crankbrothers M19 multitool, patch kit etc. - without having to open the expansion pocket at the bottom.

EDIT: after adding a Redshift suspension seatpost, I moved this bag down to atop the rear fender, between the frame bars just forward of the rack, to avoid interfering with the seat movement or rubbing against the rear basket.  Pic below; works great.
Title: Re: Recommended underseat bag for RadMini StepThru 2?
Post by: PRH28 on August 20, 2021, 08:08:50 AM
Looking at your pic - what basket did you buy for your back rack, and what else is inside and on top. How did you configure that? Thanks
Title: Re: Recommended underseat bag for RadMini StepThru 2?
Post by: JimInPT on August 21, 2021, 12:22:51 PM
Quote from: PRH28 on August 20, 2021, 08:08:50 AM
Looking at your pic - what basket did you buy for your back rack, and what else is inside and on top. How did you configure that? Thanks

That's the Rad standard rear rack https://bit.ly/3gukKhs and Small Basket https://bit.ly/3ja7e4e, which isn't huge but is big enough for my needs (there's a bigger one available as well) and is built like a tank and beautifully welded / painted.  Just a standard small bungee net over the top.  The black thing on the bottom of the basket is just a zipper bag https://amzn.to/3yeXTfY that I sprayed with ScotchGard for water resistance and attached its carabiner to the net.  I use it for small items like picking up mail, because the openings in the basket will let many things just fall out.

I ended up side-mounting my ABUS 540 U-lock https://amzn.to/3zh1Stw and ABUS cable https://amzn.to/38abISo for occasional use, but I live in a low-crime area where crooks tend to get beaten down and/or shot so the cable hasn't been used yet.  Maybe someday around a tree in the woods or something.

I spent a lot of time thinking and trying - that is the ONLY location to mount that lock on this bike frame (or symmetrically on the other side of the basket); the mount comes with the lock and is a good design.  Fortunately, it's absolutely perfect and stays out of the way; a nice tidy package.

Hope this helps!  Let me know if you have more questions or need more details.
Title: Re: Recommended underseat bag for RadMini StepThru 2?
Post by: PRH28 on August 26, 2021, 11:53:51 AM
Thanks. I bought the Rad back rack but trying to figure out what to put on top. Was thinking one of those bags that extend to paniers if need more space. But keep going back and forth. And don't know which one to get. Think will mostly use for misc stuff to carry - lock for sure which I also haven't bought yet - and likely mostly some groceries or stuff like that. Not planning overnight trips or anything. So any suggestions always appreciated.
Title: Re: Recommended underseat bag for RadMini StepThru 2?
Post by: SemperVee on September 15, 2021, 12:41:04 PM
My set up tools locked in grocery getter GIVI BOX