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Messages - Paco

#1
Quote from: handlebar on March 08, 2024, 01:04:41 PM
I didn't like the 20 x 3.3 tires that came on my Radrunner. There wasn't much else available for those rims.

I've run 1200 miles on the 27.5 x 1.95 tires that came on my Radmission. I replaced the tubes with ones less porous. The tires have been okay. If I need new ones, I'll go to Modern Bike for their online listing of what's available in that diameter and approximately that width.

"Stretching" is usually how chains wear out. It's really a loosening of pin joints. A gauge to check is pretty cheap, but I use a digital caliper. I just checked one. First I checked roller diameters: .300 inch. Then I rolled the pedals to put one straight out in front and laid a board on it to put a bit of tension on the chain. Then, on the top run of chain, I measured across as many rollers as possible with my 6 inch caliper: 5.786. Links are nominally 1/2 inch, so that was 11 links plus an extra roller. So I subtracted 0.3 inch to get the length of 11 links with 11 rollers: 5.486.

A link is nominally 1/2 inch, so 11 links would be 5.500 inches, but chains are often manufactured undersized to have more allowance for wear. Many say 0.5% too long is okay. That would be would be 5.528 inches for 11 links. Most say a chain should be replaced if it's 1% too long. That would be 5.556 for 11 links.

When my bike "skips," it's not the chain but the derailleur. The lower wheel on a derailleur is the tensioner. The upper wheel is the guide. It should be adjusted so that the guide wheel lines up perfectly with the cog wheel for the gear you select. Adjustment instructions depend on what derailleur you have. They're online.

thanks so much! Good info! I will find a place locally to check the chain etc...biking season is here!
#2
Quote from: gooberff on March 10, 2024, 09:48:12 AM
I didn't like the stock tires on my Rad City 5.  When I would take one hand off the handlebars I would feel a light front end shake/wobble.  I changed to the schwabe marathon e-plus and they cured te problem.
thanks for the info! I will look into getting some Marathon e-plus tires...
#3
I wonder...the stock tires (the bike has been ridden for 2,500km) still look ok. A bit smooth but ok, but when the time comes to replace them, do I have to buy the custom made 27.5" x 2" tires from RAD or what other option do I have? I would prefer Schwalbe tires with the best puncture resistance rating...has anyone tried them or do you always buy the tires from Rad? I would like something a bit wider too...maybe 2.2" or so...is it possible? The new bike line up includes tires 29" x 2.2" I think...
The bike needs a good tune up...a new chain for sure (I can feel it skipping when I pedal sometimes)...brakes..good brakes...suggestions? Not many bike shops in Toronto want to maintain ebikes (unless they are the brand they sell!)...just the mechanical parts...frustrating...if anyone in Toronto knows a good place pls pls share!
thanks
#4
Quote from: spyder918 on March 03, 2024, 10:05:44 PM
I have a set of Ergon grips for sale.  I have a different style Ergon grips and they fit my RR5+ perfect

https://www.radowners.com/index.php/topic,9763.0.html
I went for a GP-1 nexus in large. I know there is a model for curved handlebars but I will try these ones. They feel ok...thanks
#5
Quote from: mrgold35 on March 02, 2024, 04:27:33 AM
I switched out the standard handgrips on the wife's Radcity step thru and my Radrover to SQLabs 710 ebike ergo handgrips.  The standard Rad grips are too hard and they seem slip down and out of position during a ride.  The SQLabs come in S/M/L sizes and have a locking screw to stay in place.  The SQLab 710 are regular size left and shorter size for the right to make room for the throttle.  Downside is these grips are not open on the end if you have a mirror mounted in the handlebar hole (we use helmet mirrors).

https://sqlab-usa.com/collections/e-bike/products/710-grip-short-twist-shift-grip
thanks. these look great! I would prefer handgrips with openings for mirrors...any other option? I will research a bit. I want a better grip and more comfort. But I always wear biking gloves. Thanks
#6
RadCity / Re: Premium Headlight (for Radcity 5)
March 01, 2024, 09:37:27 PM
Quote from: DickB on September 07, 2023, 08:48:07 AM
In comparison to the motor, headlight current is negligible.

If upgrading to the Rad Premium headlight, the controller can handle it.
HI there...6 months later...I got the upgraded light installed and it sure looks nicer than the stock light-much bigger but the beam is not the greatest. However for a general light for morning/evening/night use is good (I still use a Cygolite light on my handlebar)- I like it. I don't think it will drain the battery too much. Otherwise I'm not in search of good ergonomic grips...
#7
hi! biking season is almost here! (I'm in Canada) and I would like to get new ergonomic handlebar grips for my Radcity 5 plus...like the Ergon brand..could anyone pls suggest a brand they have used and tested pretty pls..I just want to make sure they fit properly. Thanks
#8
RadCity / Re: Battery care in Winter
November 24, 2023, 09:11:11 AM
thanks guys for the messages...I think the coldest I would try is -5 as long as there is no snow on the ground. I'm not a winter warrior! I have a thin head cover that protects my ears and that fits under my  Lumos helmet but it would be nice if there is a helmet that has more insulating material...I'll look online.

About the battery...yep..definitely will take care of it and not charge it while cold! I'm really enjoying this bike-I don't bike more than 14 km a day. It's a bit heavy but that's ok.

safe riding guys
E
#9
RadCity / Battery care in Winter
November 20, 2023, 09:12:43 AM
hey guys. I have been enjoying my radctity plus since early August-I even did the hack to increase the top speed and I got 37km instead of 32km (I'm in Canada km is all I understand!) and I can feel all pedal assistance levels are stronger...just a bit but enough- of course it drains the battery a little faster but thats ok...and on this topic...I will bike as long as there is no ice on the ground! but in real life tests, what's the coldest this bike can be ridden? will the battery die in minutes in -10C? Will cold weather render the brakes useless? I dunno much about bikes clearly! and finally, for the Winter, I will keep my bike in the garage but will bring the battery inside-I read somewhere that I shouldnt keep the battery fully charged but rather half charged for storage? What's your opinion Radcity riders? Thanks so much

Erick
#10
I got a Cloud9 and I like it for sure...I didn't want to spend a fortune...so far so good
Cloud-9 Cruiser Select Airflow CS Saddle, 10.5" x 10.75"
#11
RadCity / Re: Is it really Special?
September 04, 2023, 07:45:00 PM
Quote from: Naranja_CT5+ on August 30, 2023, 04:35:32 PM
I swear I thought it said Special Edition when I was looking at the RADcity 5+ last month.
But now I cannot see it anywhere in their website.
What makes it special?
I bought the orange tiger colour.
Pls post a mini-review when you get it...the orange colour looks great...
#12
RadCity / Re: GPS options for Radcity
September 04, 2023, 07:43:03 PM
Quote from: Naranja_CT5+ on August 29, 2023, 02:53:11 PM
The following remarks are purely my opinion and not based on any written facts:

Originally I was using a product called Tile. But it's crap, it cost me a lot of frustration looking for items that I misplaced. Then Apple came out with Airtags. I loved it but it's still has it's flaws. No subscription but you need another Apple device like iPhone, iPad, or an iCloud account in able to look for your lost items. I don't know enough about the technology behind Airtags. But I do not think it's based on GPS  or even "cellular tower triangulations". I am guessing it's similar to bouncing a signal and measuring the returned signal.

"Is GPS tracking useless in the event of theft?" useless is such a strong word. I believe Airtags are useful tool in locating your lost items. Recovering them is another story. I have heard of stories where a lost item was reported to police. But the police were reluctant to assist due to privacy issues. They have to be convinced without a doubt that the property you reported are yours with proper documentations.

One of the great thing about Airtag is the ability of other Airtag users to help you find your lost item but it's also one of it's flaws. If a thief has an iPhone, you just made him aware that the item he stole has an Airtag.
thanks. I read more about the airtags and I have decided to give it a try (of course I have 2 strong locks)- I got a holder for it that goes at the bottom of the bike fork and I installed an airtag. I have tried it to see how accurate it is...I left my own iphone at home and my wife monitored the travel and it sure works well...I live in a big city with lots of iphones around!  I think I will disable the internal speaker of the airtag so that in the event that the bike is stolen and the airtag sends a notification to the thief's iphone or android he/she/they won't be able to make it chime...I honestly don't have any faith on this but it looks like a fun thing to do! there should be some accurate non removable GPS device that allows legitimate owners track and (with the help of the police) recover stolen bikes. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!  but for now, I will lock it properly. never leave it outside overnight and if I don't have to ride it then just ride my old beat up bike. That's how it life is...oh well
#13
RadCity / Re: RadCity 5 Plus Tiger Orange
August 20, 2023, 01:51:36 PM
Quote from: inoxa on August 17, 2023, 11:50:53 AM
I did the upgraded controller and as I recall it only give me torque to get up hills with ease.  Adding upgraded motor gave me speeds up to 35 mph, but only briefly maybe a few minutes before it started to drain.  Both controller and motor upgrades will drain your battery faster obviously because you are pulling more power out of it.  A larger battery with higher amps and voltage will increase your range.  It will also allow you to maintain higher speeds for a longer period. 

As you read your manual you will understand more about battery storage if you aren't going to use it for 2 weeks or more.  Say like for winter storage. 

The reason for the BOOB is to NOT blow the fuses on the battery.  They are easily accessible from the bottom of the battery.  So if you take your battery off the bike.....flip it over and you will see where the fuses are located.  In the 4 years I have had mine I have not had to replace the fuses. 

My only issue is I have finally used up most of my battery life.  Down to about 15 miles per charge for my hilly area.  That said the highest mileage I have been able to get is 20 miles on a fully charged newer battery.   

thank for the advice guys. I'm enjoying the bike a lot. I will try to cycle responsible! The bike is great. I'm sure there will be better ones in the next few years-can't wait to see what Rad will do about their e-bikes but for me this is the best compromise in terms of cost and performance. Thanks so much!
#14
RadCity / GPS options for Radcity
August 18, 2023, 05:26:46 AM
Has anyone placed a GPS device on their RadCity? The only option I have heard of is the apple air tags but I'm not sure they are real GPS devices...others require a subscription of sorts. Is GPS tracking useless in the event of theft? Thanks
#15
RadCity / Re: RadCity 5 Plus Tiger Orange
August 15, 2023, 01:25:14 PM
Quote from: inoxa on August 15, 2023, 08:27:12 AM
Good you found a good deal.  If this is your first, you will enjoy it but then you will want more speed more power more battery. 

Enjoy!!
oh yeah..I feel the power for sure! LOL...I really like it. A good price -value ratio. I'm sure there are much better ones and stylish but I can't afford them. This bike is nice to handle...so far I only went 10 km one way and then 10back. I pedal of course-I need the exercise but I like the throttle to get me going quickly...how long do these batteries last? The previous owner put 1,500km (she took such an amzing care of this bike) but I won't worry til I see issues. I will enjoy it for sure. I'm sure something better will be out in a couple of years...for now this is my primary vehicle...til Winter (I'm in Toronto, Canada). Thanks