The delay in Canadian shipping has given me lots of time to weigh one model against another, changing my mind multiple times, and to ply RAD with questions, which they have answered patiently.
The Mini clearly offers the best value with all the features of the Plus except the rack, with the additional benefit of folding, for $500 less even after adding a rack. (CAN$ including tax) Foldability is not a concern now, but one never knows if the day might come.
I value the size and strength of the integrated rack and I prefer the overall look of the Runners. I actually prefer the stripped down aesthetic but form must take second place to function, so that has me doing a cost/benefit examination of the features on the Plus, which come at a substantial price differential of $675 after tax. (Americans may smirk.)
SEAT
The passenger seat is of no use to me, and in any case it is currently offered as a free bonus on the Runner.
GEARS
I believe I would be one of those who finds the single speed perfectly fine for my short and mostly level city riding, and I am attracted to the simplicity that comes with it. My usage is transportation, not recreation, and battery life is not a concern, so I am fine to use motor assist as necessary.
FENDERS/DISPLAY
I'm on the fence with both of these. I prefer the look of no fenders, but I assume I'll change my mind when I hit the first puddle. I suspect I'd be fine with the LED, but even if I add both fenders and display, the Runner is still $400 less than the Plus.
SUSPENSION
This is my biggest unanswered question. I anticipate no off-road use, but there are plenty of potholes and bumps to contend with on city streets. To what degree would a suspension post and seat mitigate the loss of a fork suspension?
I'm thinking out loud, and I know everyone has their own needs and preferences, but I'm happy to hear opinions. I guess I'm most interested from anyone who bought the Runner and regretted not buying the Plus.
When delivery will resume in Canada remains a mysterious unknown, and I'm unwilling to hand over money until that answer is clearer. The website suggests that purchasing it preassembled may bypass the issue, but the cost of $250 is high to begin with, and adding a single accessory doubles it!
The Mini clearly offers the best value with all the features of the Plus except the rack, with the additional benefit of folding, for $500 less even after adding a rack. (CAN$ including tax) Foldability is not a concern now, but one never knows if the day might come.
I value the size and strength of the integrated rack and I prefer the overall look of the Runners. I actually prefer the stripped down aesthetic but form must take second place to function, so that has me doing a cost/benefit examination of the features on the Plus, which come at a substantial price differential of $675 after tax. (Americans may smirk.)
SEAT
The passenger seat is of no use to me, and in any case it is currently offered as a free bonus on the Runner.
GEARS
I believe I would be one of those who finds the single speed perfectly fine for my short and mostly level city riding, and I am attracted to the simplicity that comes with it. My usage is transportation, not recreation, and battery life is not a concern, so I am fine to use motor assist as necessary.
FENDERS/DISPLAY
I'm on the fence with both of these. I prefer the look of no fenders, but I assume I'll change my mind when I hit the first puddle. I suspect I'd be fine with the LED, but even if I add both fenders and display, the Runner is still $400 less than the Plus.
SUSPENSION
This is my biggest unanswered question. I anticipate no off-road use, but there are plenty of potholes and bumps to contend with on city streets. To what degree would a suspension post and seat mitigate the loss of a fork suspension?
I'm thinking out loud, and I know everyone has their own needs and preferences, but I'm happy to hear opinions. I guess I'm most interested from anyone who bought the Runner and regretted not buying the Plus.
When delivery will resume in Canada remains a mysterious unknown, and I'm unwilling to hand over money until that answer is clearer. The website suggests that purchasing it preassembled may bypass the issue, but the cost of $250 is high to begin with, and adding a single accessory doubles it!