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Messages - SoCalRADRider

#1
I've seen quite a few ebike thefts in my area, one of mine was included.   :'(

I have switched to hardened u-bar locks now, PLUS I hid a Tile tracker on my bike. 

Q - Why doesn't RAD embed a Tile & AirTag circuit on the controller circuit boards?  It would make RAD's MUCH harder to steal. Other electronic device makers like Dell, Intel, and Plantronics are already doing this:  https://www.tile.com/find-tile

If they were integrated into the circuit board and difficult to remove without damaging the bike, that would GREATLY increase recovery and would discourage thefts. I would happily pay an extra $20 or even $40 to have the feature.  Would this be helpful to others?
#2
RadMini / Re: Wobbly Folding Bike Stem on Radmini 4
December 15, 2022, 11:41:19 AM
The 2018 Rad Mini folding handlebar has an adjustment screw on the inside you can use to get it to fit snug. I expect the newer ones must have an adjustment mechanism of some sort as well.  If you're close to a RAD service center (San Diego, Huntington Beach, Denver, etc) you could take it in. There are some youtube videos on the subject, but I didn't see a video specifically on your bike model.  Good luck
#3
Your plan will definitely get you superior braking performance.

You might want to look at the Juin hybrid hydraulic brake calipers. I put them on my 2018 RAD Mini, and very happy with the performance. You can do the entire upgrade for about $150 (prices have increased a bit). The full upgrade you're looking at with larger rotors will cost a few hundred $'s.  Good luck with it and let us know how your upgrade works out! 

My review on hybrid hydraulic upgrade is here:  https://www.radowners.com/index.php/topic,1977.msg21333.html#msg21333
#4
RadRover / Re: Battery Mistake
December 15, 2022, 11:24:09 AM
Quote from: Hooya2ya2000 on September 07, 2022, 04:32:47 PM
Quote from: Rover on August 08, 2022, 01:14:06 PM
I was removing the Rover 6 battery for charging and touched the key against the power source input instead of the battery release lock. A spark went off. I then proceeded to charge the battery as usual. BUT--the green light on the charger went on instead of the red light which means the battery is fully charged, which isn't the case. The levels of charge on the PAS says it's down 3 bars of power and the light on the battery shows it's down one bar of charge. It appears the battery is not charging because it's been on over an hour and since it wasn't drawn down very much the charge shouldn't take long. At least it hasn't previously when I've ridden the same miles as today.

My other bike is a City 5 Plus with the identical battery and until today--the batteries behaved exactly the same ways when charging.

I fear my error damaged the battery. Is there someplace I can take it to have it examined and repaired if needed? I've only had the bike a few weeks.
I had a similar problem except I got a spark when I actually was inserting the key to the key port, I have contacted support and I had to send in photos and videos I guess trying to prove I didn't touch the key to the power port, the only thing that worries me is if they replace my battery or if have have to get a new one will this issue happen again, hopefully I will hear something from them tomorrow

I did the same thing. Good news!  This is probably a super easy fix, and won't cost more than $5. Take off the battery and replace the 5amp charging fuse. I did it, and the battery started charging properly. There's a great little YouTube video on it here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XGqdT8Fewc&t=57s
#5
Quote from: Altema on April 02, 2022, 05:08:03 PM
Cable-pull hydraulic calipers can be a good way to upgrade. Avoid the Catazer calipers on Amazon. I'm still recovering from injuries due to them. The Juintech brakes look good, and I may order a set to try them out. Bolton (now renamed to Area 13) carries full hydraulic brakes for Rad bikes.

I agree!  I have two identical RAD Mini 2018 folding ebikes, both with original mechanical brake calipers. To be sure, the mechanical brakes are functional *when properly adjusted*.  The proper adjustment is the issue. The mechanical brakes require frequent adjustment, and for many this adjustment is beyond their expertise. The mechanical brakes require an adjustment to the stationary brake pad holder in the back of the caliper, so that the traveling brake pad won't have to move so far (and won't have to bend the disc as much). I consider myself pretty skilled at bike maintenance and adjust frequently, as needed with the mechanical brakes. With almost 5,000mi on the two bikes, I've replaced all pads once, and noticed a significant (2mm) difference in brakes pad wear from one side to the other. The mechanical brake calipers do not provide smooth pressure application, and cause excessive disc wear. 

So...I tried two different hybrid-hydraulic caliper upgrades, one from Bolton ebikes/Area 13 ($119), and one from Amazon/Catazer ($42).

They are functionally similar, but very different.
Price:  Unit13 Juintech M1 hydraulic calipers $119 ($149 at time of writing this review) for front and back calipers.
          Catazer hydraulic MTB Road HTB-100 $42
Wow - with such a big price difference, I wondered what was different.

Looks:  Advantage Catazer.  They have a spiffy paint job that is reminiscent of upgraded brake sets on a Porsche or other high end performance car.

Weight:  The Unit13 Juintech M1 calipers weigh about 5oz.  The Catazer weighs 5.9oz.  They have clearly different castings, pistons, and cable adjustment pieces.  They are NOT the same calipers.

Performance:  Both Catazer and Unit13 brakes improve the braking smoothness by providing a more even pressure distribution to both sides of the brake pads.  The smoothness in braking is noticeable over the old mechanical brakes. PLUS, no bending of the disc when applying the brakes, even after many miles. The 3rd adjustment to the back of the mechanical calipers is not needed at all. Both brake calipers apply pressure to both sides of the pads, and self-adjust to the disc. 

Braking Force:  Unit13 brake calipers are significantly better here.  The Catazer brake calipers require 50-75% (my estimate, not measured with a scale) more brake handle pressure to lockup the rear wheel. I have strong enough hands and I could use either effectively. However, my child and girlfriend both struggled to get full braking power from the Catazer calipers.

Fitup:  Both Unit13 and Catazer brake calipers bolted on to my 2018 RAD Mini folding bikes easily by using the OEM hardware for the mechanical brake calipers. The manufacturer-provided spacers were not needed. The whole project can be done in 20-30min.  However, the Catazer caliper has a different angle to the frame, and causes excess friction to the cable at the bend made by the angle of the mount on the rear wheel. (See pic).  The brake handle will still snap back, but slower and you can feel it is rubbing on something when you work the brake handle.

My Conclusion:  If you want the best brakes, go with Unit13.  Better alignment with the brake cable and less brake pressure is required to lockup the wheel.   If you have strong hands and an eye for price-performance, the Catazer functions okay, though I expect you would need a new rear brake cable housing in a year or two from the friction.