Thank you so much for the great advise. Definitely will use Mr. Tuffy as added defense. I want to upgrade the tires to top rated brand.  I think this is great investment. (Last Saturday I was lucky to be close to a gated community to lock my bike, otherwise I would be dragging the big anchor for miles).

Questions

1. What are the top rated tire/tube brand to get ?  (What I have now is CST B/G Boat 76-406 20x3.00), are CST and Kenda the "notorious gummy bear" tires Jman referred to ? 

2. Shopping for a trekking bike - the mini ST is a lot of fun but probably not for long trip.  I am researching for a long distance bike, thinking about RadCity 4 (go Rad again simply I like Rad tech support, design and price is decent). My friend recommended German made eBike like bulls (price is very intimidating !).  I like to hear discussion on trekking/road bike choices.

3. Throttle feature - is that true that throttle feature, for design restraint,  is only available in Hub Motor ebike and not in mid-Drive Motor eBike

Thanks for this forum, great place to learn

Wil

Hello everyone,

First time in this forum

It was quite an adventurous Saturday when, after riding my new mini ST locally for a few weeks, and took it for a 50 miles trip. All went well until 1/2 way back, I heard an ominous pop. I looked and the rear tire went flat.  So after dragging the heavy bike to a safe place to lock it up. I called an uber, then metro then my car to drive back to location and haul the bike back home. It is still sitting in my garage. I will attempt to learn online how to change the rear tire. Then may have to call the local rep to help.  BTW: I was hoping the flat was caused by a nail to explain the disappointing incident for a bike with less than 100 miles odometer.

One observation on this ill fated long trip is: Mini ST is good for local city run around. But for long trip I need a trekking bike like the Radcity 4.   If there is a good explanation for my flat tire, I will look into Rad city for 2nd bike or otherwise I will listen to my friend to get a mid-drive motor like Bosch road ebike.  (Question - I heard my friend said mid-drive motor can not have the throttle, a feature I dearly love, is that true ?)

With that said, I am pretty impressed with the ST. Very solidly build but very heavy ( I have to build a 6' X 12" ramp to get into my Honda element.) Very smart bike and good customer support.  I just hope this flat tire incident is just a fluke and nothing indicative of the Radpower's product quality. Looking at glass 1/2 thru, this give me a great chance to hands on radbike maintenance.

Wil