Sharing my measurements. I measured the threadless stem on the Rad Mini ST. It is a 1 1/8 inch diameter threadless stem. The top of the frame, where the stem comes out is 31 inches above the ground or about 79 cm off the ground.
I plan to replace the steering stem because it is too high off the ground even at the lowest setting. I'll probably get a 5 inch or 6 inch extension and put it about 36 or 37 inches off the ground.
Did the same on my RRunner. The stock bar and stem combo were way to upright for me. I lowered hand position by about 8 inches and my back and neck are still upright. I'm 5'10"
Quote from: Radio Runner on April 25, 2022, 07:41:01 PM
Did the same on my RRunner. The stock bar and stem combo were way to upright for me. I lowered hand position by about 8 inches and my back and neck are still upright. I'm 5'10"
Thank you for your advice. I measured the folding stem from Rad on the Mini ST and it is about 12 inches long (from the very bottom to the very top). I ordered a replacement straight non-folding stem of 210 mm which is 8.3 inches (from the very bottom to the very top) so I will be dropping the handlebar about 4 inches. Also, I don't have to put the handle bar at the very top of the new stem so I guess I can adjust the height of my new stem from 3 inches to 8 inches (dropping the handlebar 4 inches to 9 inches. I figure this is nice because I can move the handle bar up and down until I am happy. Time and age makes me not want to bend down so much when pedaling anymore. After I figure out the optimal height for the Rad Mini ST I'll go work on my road bikes and figure out the optimal height for that.
After this project, I'll think about handlebars. :)
The Mini ST has one issue. The steerer tube only sticks out less than 1 inch from the top bearing. I did not have the setup to measure it exactly but it is certainly less than one inch. It is hard to replace/extend the stem with anything else when there is only 1 inch to work with.
So the pinch bolt on the steering column is only compressing an inch of steer tube? Would be nice to see a picture of what's going on under there.
I'm interested too. Where did you get the parts, and which ones, please?
Quote from: Radio Runner on April 25, 2022, 07:41:01 PM
Did the same on my RRunner. The stock bar and stem combo were way to upright for me. I lowered hand position by about 8 inches and my back and neck are still upright. I'm 5'10"
Kindly keep us posted. I also find the bars strangely high.
Quote from: Eric7 on April 25, 2022, 02:26:04 PM
Sharing my measurements. I measured the threadless stem on the Rad Mini ST. It is a 1 1/8 inch diameter threadless stem. The top of the frame, where the stem comes out is 31 inches above the ground or about 79 cm off the ground.
I plan to replace the steering stem because it is too high off the ground even at the lowest setting. I'll probably get a 5 inch or 6 inch extension and put it about 36 or 37 inches off the ground.
Disclaimer - this is what I measured. Don't rely on it. Make the measurement yourself. I am not a bike mechanic. I am an amateur chatting. I am not trained in making measurements and I may be using a wrong standard. I can be wrong.
In answer to your questions, you can easily figure it out yourselves and come to the same conclusion.
I consider the top of the "frame" as the top of the flat washer on top of the top bearing. Without taking the bike apart at all, you can measure the length of the pinch area. To make it easier for you to visualize it, fold the stem so you don't get confused with the long stem unfolded. The pinch area is exactly one inch long by my micrometer measurement inside the hole of the stem after the stem is removed. But you don't have to remove it, you can make an educated guess from the outside using a ruler and see what I am saying is right. The folding hinge of the stem starts about 1 inch from the bottom making it impossible that the steering tube sticks out more than 1 inch.
My feeling is it is actually less than one inch but I use a bike stand and I have to manually push the fork into the frame when measuring the length so it is not totally accurate. The lower limit is 21.62 mm which is what I measured. Once again, it is my lower limit, it is not a higher limit.
The stem hole (my name for the part) of the clamping part of the stem is 1 inch deep maximum according to my measurement - taken with the stem removed. But it does not mean that the steerer tube is sticking in one inch. It has to stick in a little less than full length so you can tighten it with the star nut/hex screw/top cap arrangement You can see and guess from the outside that I am right. My measurement is that the steerer sticks in 21.62 mm - possibly a bit more but no more than 25.6 since that is all the hole would accept.
On my other non-electric bikes, the steerer tubes are 3 inches long. Maybe 1 inch of spacers and 2 inches of clamping area for the stem.
Once again, read my disclaimer
Eric7, Your description is perfect and the pics help. Unfortunately it would seem that the steer tube is cut shorter than the usual 2 or 3 inches so the folding part and clear it. (makes sense for the intended function)
This does leave a stem modification rather tuff without total fork replacement. There is a chance a Delta stem extender may work but hard to tell without installing 1st and then torqueing the bars around to simulate riding stress. I say if it goes 3/4 into the Delta extension its "most likely" good to go.
https://amzn.to/3lgSgJV
Quote from: Radio Runner on May 01, 2022, 11:47:43 PM
Eric7, Your description is perfect and the pics help. Unfortunately it would seem that the steer tube is cut shorter than the usual 2 or 3 inches so the folding part and clear it. (makes sense for the intended function)
This does leave a stem modification rather tuff without total fork replacement. There is a chance a Delta stem extender may work but hard to tell without installing 1st and then torqueing the bars around to simulate riding stress. I say if it goes 3/4 into the Delta extension its "most likely" good to go.
https://amzn.to/3lgSgJV
I think we may be stuck with the folding stem. The stem you recommend has a minimum insertion of 40 mm which would mean the insertion would be closer to 54% insertion. My guesses are
(1) that when Rad first designed it, it was a smaller company with limited capacity to spec its own parts so it used what was available. There are a few bikes that look amazingly like a Rad Mini ST on the web. This was a design weakness they could not address. With the Expand, they got a shorter folding stem and a handlebar with a high riser (i.e., looks similar to a BMX bar). Looks like the Expand may also have a fork steering tube that does not stick out so much. At least with the Expand, if you get a handlebar with a lower riser distance (i.e., a regular handlebar), you can drop the handlebar height.
(2) Rad never saw it as a problem because they don't expect people to change stems.
Would have been nice if the steerer tube was a bit longer. Most of the other parts on a Rad is generic which I consider a really good feature. It means you can maintain the bike even if the bike is discontinued and the availability of parts from Rad is gone. There is another thread where a Rad is totaled and it is being rebuilt. https://www.radowners.com/index.php?topic=2036.0 I wonder whether Rad sells the new shorter folding stem.
I tried inquiring about purchasing the stem and handlebar of the new Rad Expand to retain the foldability but either they are not selling it separately or are not willing to sell it at all.
Perhaps something similar will be available in the future from online chinese stores like Aliexpress since these parts come from there mostly anyway.
Quote from: Onebuckz on May 02, 2022, 10:29:54 AM
I tried inquiring about purchasing the stem and handlebar of the new Rad Expand to retain the foldability but either they are not selling it separately or are not willing to sell it at all.
Perhaps something similar will be available in the future from online chinese stores like Aliexpress since these parts come from there mostly anyway.
Thank you for the info.
I measured again, the steering tube sticks out more than 21 mm and less than 22 mm. That's it. I have the following current thoughts.
1. There are gadgets on Amazon that allows you to add 30 mm or so to your steerer tube.
2. BMX stems seem to only require 1 inch stack height. But they are only for BMX 1 inch thickness handlebars.
I am still thinking about it but I have also not completely thought it through. In answer to the question posed to the "Rad Runner" owner, I think, by looking at the pictures, the Rad Runner has more steerer tube to work with. Also, by looking at the pictures, I think the Expand and the Mini ST have about the same steerer tube length.
This one is longer, https://amzn.to/39tVnMf
I define the Rad folding stem as 12 inches.
So I got a 210 mm cheap stem extender from Amazon for about $20. That's about 8 inches. So I achieved a 4 inch drop.
https://amzn.to/3lgg1Sw
It feels so comfortable. Just went on a test ride.
I got a steering tube extender because the steering tube is only 21.5 mm sticking out.
https://amzn.to/3sBUW9a
This has not come yet. I have no review for this.
I think in the beginning I thought, well my arms are still hanging down. I'll be OK with the stock stem. I am riding a Dutch bicycle now. etc. etc. excuses excuses. After trying the 8 inch stem, I wonder how I ever lived without it. Also, I can mount the handlebar lower to try for example 6 inches and 4 inches. I am very happy with 8 inches for now. I'll give it a week before further lowering it. Give each position a few weeks for experiment. I fell a few times because it is harder to hold a tall bike in a fall - at least for me. Now it feels more stable and secure and I can lean forward in a climb etc. The original configuration of 45 inches off the ground is a bit too much for me. Great for going downhill but not so much for climbs.
● In a climb, once you are stuck and speed goes to zero, you are in trouble. I always fall because the tall handlebar prevents me from standing up. Some climbs are quite steep - I mean for only 5 or 10 feet - getting over a hump really. But if you can't do it, the high handlebar guarantees a fall - at least for me.●
These extensions allows you to set the bearing tension once and clamp the extension down.
Then you can slide your handlebar/stem up and down without having to adjust the bearing tension again.
I still have the stem reversed. It points towards me when I am seated on the bike. You can think of me as having a -60 mm stem.
Please note I don't recommend anything at this point. I am still in the trying stage and I'll report later. I am not approving or endorsing any product. There are many variations you can buy from Amazon. Also I don't want to be responsible for your safety so you have to decide on your own. Take your own risk.
Eric7, I'm wondering how the fork bearings will be tightened up if and when you might install the steering tube extension. It's to bad that the steer tube isn't longer.
Quote from: rjp on May 03, 2022, 05:14:50 PM
Eric7, I'm wondering how the fork bearings will be tightened up if and when you might install the steering tube extension. It's to bad that the steer tube isn't longer.
I'll let you know. I can't tell from looking at the pictures so I ordered blind. ● <added by edit> I am hoping that the bolt has a hole in the middle. Maybe one screws it down with a 6 mm hex but there is a round threaded hole inside the hex hole. The hole remains so you can screw in the pre-tension screw. But I really don't know and it is coming from Asia and will take forever. I'll report it but it may be some time. ●
In looking at the Expand, videos of the Brompton, videos of Dahon, these types of short steerer tube seems typical. I don't like it - but now I guess Rad is just doing what everybody else is doing.
Quote from: Eric7 on May 03, 2022, 05:28:00 PM
Quote from: rjp on May 03, 2022, 05:14:50 PM
Eric7, I'm wondering how the fork bearings will be tightened up if and when you might install the steering tube extension. It's to bad that the steer tube isn't longer.
I'll let you know. I can't tell from looking at the pictures so I ordered blind.
In looking at the Expand, videos of the Brompton, videos of Dahon, these types of short steerer tube seems typical. I don't like it - but now I guess Rad is just doing what everybody else is doing.
Brompton has a quill insert like older bike stems so there is no steer tube that needs to be compressed or clamped. The headset is tightened old school useing a threaded steer tube.
Quote from: Radio Runner on May 03, 2022, 10:41:47 PM
Brompton has a quill insert like older bike stems so there is no steer tube that needs to be compressed or clamped. The headset is tightened old school using a threaded steer tube.
Thanks. I learned something.
I will modify what I say.
It appears having a hinge close to the top of the frame in the steering stem is a standard design for folding bikes from Rad, Dahon, Lectric and Brompton. The Brompton uses a quill so it does not suffer from a short steer tube and threadless design (thanks Radio Runner for pointing it out). I don't know about the others.
Yes but rad dosen't have a threaded steertube and the Quill type won't tighten the steer tube bearings.
Quote from: rjp on May 03, 2022, 05:14:50 PM
Eric7, I'm wondering how the fork bearings will be tightened up if and when you might install the steering tube extension. It's to bad that the steer tube isn't longer.
UPDATE ON MY PROJECT.
The steerer tube extender arrived today and it is designed well. You use a hex tool to tighten the hex nut. The hex nut has a screw hole beneath the hex hole to accept the steering tube screw to tighten up (or preload) the fork bearings.
One problem is there is a star nut blocking where the aluminum wedge part of the stem extender would go. I think I have to drill out or pound out the star nut. I think I'll drill it out because some people say you cannot pound out the star nut if your steering tube is butted (meaning the hole gets smaller as you do downwards towards the wheel).
Just to test the extender, I need to destroy and remove the star nut. If it does not work, I have to buy and install a new star nut.
This is probably a whole day's work. I enjoy experiments but right now I don't have time because I am tied up with other equally interesting projects. I'll probably start by buying an extra star nut - or one of the new higher tech star nut replacement which is just a wedge.
I'll probably give it a try this summer but not right now. As always, I wish I have more time to do things.
Just tap the star nut down about another inch or more if needed so its out of the way. Then just leave it in there. It wont hurt anything staying along for the ride.
Eric7, To clarify what your explaining about the steer tube extender. You use a hex wrench (allen wrench) to tighten the hex bolt (socket cap screw). The hex bolt has a threaded hole beneath the hex shaped hole in the head of the bolt, to insert a bolt to preload the stem bearings. Is that correct.
Quote from: rjp on May 15, 2022, 05:51:58 PM
Eric7, To clarify what your explaining about the steer tube extender. You use a hex wrench (allen wrench) to tighten the hex bolt (socket cap screw). The hex bolt has a threaded hole beneath the hex shaped hole in the head of the bolt, to insert a bolt to preload the stem bearings. Is that correct.
Yes. Your description is correct and more elegant than mine. The same hole will fit a hex wrench and a screw (which goes in deeper than the hex hole). I enclose pictures - you have to look carefully but you can see the screw hole which is smaller than the hex hole, of course.
By the way, the link I use is not the cheapest place to buy this extension. There are many places that sell this. One place charges $50 and makes it look like a custom job. There is probably only one manufacturer. Others sell it for $12. I got mine maybe at $22 from Amazon because I did not want to register at yet another store. But even Amazon had a few vendors. I chose a vendor that seemed reliable. I am not endorsing this - have not tried it yet.
But as I said earlier, I don't see how any extension can remain resistant to rotation. So I am still thinking about it.
To put it more plainly, if you give me permission, I can probably straddle the front wheel and turn the handlebar (with no stem extensions) of your bike or any bike until it is out of alignment. So that joint is not totally rigid even under optimal conditions. On the other hand, I guess it means the joint does not have to be perfectly rigid against rotation since every bike's joint is like that.
Eric7, How is your handlebar stem replacement going. I'm eager to find out how it works because I need to improve mine also.
I did not use the steering tube extender and I bolted the stem extender onto the steering tube. As I said earlier, the steering tube only sticks out 21 mm and the stem extender only grabbed 21 mm. I torqued the bolt really tight and the the whole setup seems to work well.
I hit an unexpected hidden mini ditch about 1 foot ride 6 inches deep riding on the grass and I fell so hard my iPhone called 911 automatically. I canceled the call. At one point I almost went over the handlebar. Afterward, upon inspection, the handlebar stayed in place and did not move left or right. There was nothing to straighten out except for the phone holder and the brake levers seem to have rotated a bit. To restate, the stem extender worked well and did not have to be readjusted.
Based on this data, I think my setup is working well and I don't need the steering tube extender. I don't take any responsibility if you hurt yourself. You have to decide yourself and take your own risks. I reduced my stem height from 12 inches to 8 inches (I have an 8 inch stem extender).
For me, I don't think I'll ever switch back. I really like it. I can lean forward in a climb much better now I don't have a 45 inch handlebar blocking my chest.
Next part of the project 1: I previously rotated the stem 180 degrees to reduce my reach. Now, I am thinking of rotating the stem back to normal configuration because my reach is so much better. This is also because there is not much space between the handle bar and the seat.
Next part of the project 2: I might further reduce the handlebar height 2 inches. Originally it was 12 inches. Now it is 8 inches. I plan to try 6 inches. The stem extender I bought allows me to adjust the stem height. By using 6 inches of an 8 inch stem extender, I would have 2 inches sticking out of my handlebar. I think it will be OK. I've used a bicycle for decades and I don't remember any situation where an extra 2 inches sticking out of the handlebar would hurt me.
Eric7, what name brand riser did you end up using? I have a 6.5" Delta on my Rover ST and I like that I don't have to use spacers when making adjustments on the Delta. But that might not be long enough on my Mini ST2. I had about 2" sticking out on my Rover until I spun the stem back around to the front, Then I raised the stem to the top of the Delta riser.
Quote from: rjp on June 16, 2022, 04:42:07 PM
Eric7, what name brand riser did you end up using? I have a 6.5" Delta on my Rover ST and I like that I don't have to use spacers when making adjustments on the Delta. But that might not be long enough on my Mini ST2. I had about 2" sticking out on my Rover until I spun the stem back around to the front, Then I raised the stem to the top of the Delta riser.
I used this one. It is cheap. Quote from previous post:
So I got a 210 mm cheap stem extender from Amazon for about $20. That's about 8 inches. So I achieved a 4 inch drop.
https://amzn.to/3N3lyqY
Once you clamp it, you can remove the pre-tension screw on top and clamp your handlebar where you want. I, however, rearrange the spacers and tighten up the pretension screw afterwards and figure it is a second safety mechanism. Should the extender clamp fail, my handlebar would be somewhat held on by the pretension screw. You can do all this without removing the clamp of the stem extender.
You can buy a shorter one. It depends on your needs. I was not sure so I got the longest one.
Naturally, the more expensive stem extenders make it easier - because you don't have to rearrange spacers and pretension screws while adjusting height (I am assuming - never actually used an expensive one). But it is also twice as expensive and when I started out I wasn't sure it would work.
I like it. I think 45 inches off the ground is too high for a handlebar - especially off road.
You assume your own risk and use your own judgment doing this.
I am still testing and I am not sure how this will work long-term although I am impressed with the crash performance when I crashed. It seems to be good enough around the neighborhood and riding on the trails and off road on groomed grass near where I live. The land is full of rabbit holes and hidden ditches. I need to ride slower but the stem seems to hold up rabbit holes and all and my previous higher speed.
I would not know what to do, for example, if I sign up for an expensive bike vacation. What if the stem fails at the start of vacation? I'll worry about it when or if that happens - no plans for a bike vacation.
I just purchased a rad mini and am planning to put bmx bars on it! Do you know if something like this would work to extend the fork to mount the stem? This one is pretty cool because it allows you to fold the bars sideways.
Thank you!
https://amzn.to/3Os6bcX
Quote from: Darrine90 on June 17, 2022, 04:18:38 PM
I just purchased a rad mini and am planning to put bmx bars on it! Do you know if something like this would work to extend the fork to mount the stem? This one is pretty cool because it allows you to fold the bars sideways.
Thank you!
https://amzn.to/3Os6bcX
I don't know because I don't have one but I can give you some insights of what to think about. Once again, you take your own risk. I definitely do not suggest anyone follow my advice. You have to decide the safety issue yourself.
Issue 1:
The one thing I would be worried about is that only one bolt holds this stem extender onto the steerer tube. I wonder about the maximum insertion of the steerer tube. Say it is 40 mm or 50 mm. That would mean that the one bolt is acting around 20 mm or 25 mm. By my measurement, the actual steerer tube inserts only 21 mm. In this design, with one bolt, you are barely clamping on the steerer tube.
In those designs with 2 bolts, at least the bottom bolt would be somewhere well within the 21 mm. My stem extender has 2 bolts of which only one (I guess) is actually clamping and working.
Issue 2:
I measured the Rad factory-issued stem and I feel it has a 12 inch minimum height. Your suggested replacement has a 3 inch maximum height. Therefore, you are dropping the stem height by 9 inches below the previous minimum. Will this be too low for you? Only you can answer this question. Maybe you want to compare your ebike with your regular bike or your friend's regular bike to see if a 9 inch drop is too drastic. Do your own measurements and come to your own conclusions. Also consider any interference with front baskets or any other accessories.
There may be other issues. Maybe I have not spotted it all. I wonder how you pretension your proposed device. I guess they must have figured that out.
I hope it all works out well for you.
Thanks for the tips! Disclaimer I don't have the bike yet but I should next week. I am trying to plan this out because I want to do it right away. My thinking is that with one bolt the clamping force may be more even but its hard to say... Also the BMX handle bar have a 9" rise so I think it will be plenty high enough but will have to measure when my bike arrives.
Also did you watch the video where it was done on the letric xp. They use a quil stem adapter I am not sure if it would work or not? Links below
https://amzn.to/3HxVe7m
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmsj8ykIxBM
Darrine90, I watched the video of DavidBrandNew installing BMX bars on an Engwe bike, not a Lectric. That Engwe bike has a threaded fork tube so the wedge type adapter will work on that bike. The Rad Mini has a non threaded fork tube and you have to use a star washer, spacers and a bolt to adjust fork bearing preload.
Okay got it! I think I will just use the extender as it seems to be working for Eric. RJP Do you think the one in the link below will work? only has one bolt but it seems to be pretty low so just maybe 21.5mm is enough to grab.
https://amzn.to/3OnEB0M
Darrine90, I looked at different ads and info on that riser and I like it. But I wouldn't use it on a short fork stem. That's just my take on the issue. Do as you please, good luck Russ. I might have a different outlook if I had one in my hand to look over and test for fit. You could always return it to Amazon if you don't like it.
Thank you, I'll give it a go! worse comes to worse I'll have to get an extender as well. I believe Eric just needed to hammer down the star nut a bit into the fork to make it work.
The Satori Extender arrived today from amazon the minimum fork length you need is about 1.5 inches so I will need the fork extender for it to work. Kind of crazy doing this before my bike arrives but here is the parts list. Should be pretty cool if it all works :)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003411240585.html Fork Extender
https://amzn.to/3OnEB0M
https://www.skatepro.ca/en/370-39666.htm BMX bars 6.5" rise
https://www.skatepro.ca/en/372-35892.htm#show_image
Quote from: Darrine90 on June 19, 2022, 06:46:13 PM
The Satori Extender arrived today from amazon the minimum fork length you need is about 1.5 inches so I will need the fork extender for it to work. Kind of crazy doing this before my bike arrives but here is the parts list. Should be pretty cool if it all works :)
These are some of the reasons I decided to forgo the steerer tube extender even though I already bought one.
My concern are:
1. How strong the steerer tube extender is against twisting? To be plain and maybe I am not using terms propertly, twisting is the force you use for steering left and right. The steerer tube extender is just a few expanding washers with a plug at the end - all smooth with respect to twisting forces. I think the connection is very strong against tension. But how strong is it against twisting (steering)? Say, after you set it all up, you twist left on the handlebar against some pebbles on the ground, would the whole thing loosen?
2. Also, the steering tube extender is a certain length. 30 mm on mine. So say the stem extender has a hole of 40 mm depth. it means that the real steerer tube (without the extender) would be gripped for only 10 mm (40 mm hole - 30 mm steerer tube extender) so the steering may be riskier (if the steerer tube extender is no good against twisting). If the steerer tube extender is just a little thicker than the steerer tube, then the situation is worse.
These are just my thoughts and why I did not use it. I hope my points come across. I am on your side, of course, and I hope all my points are baseless and you are successful.
Please tell us how it goes.
Valid points.
I looked at the reviews on Ali express and they seem very positive in regards to the extender. I believe it expands inside the steer tube is how it works? However If the diameter is a bit off on the extender a double bolt stem extender should work as one bolt would be clamped onto the original steer tube and one onto the extender. Did you happen to take a measurement?
The satori clamping mechanism is a bit odd and is one bolt so if there is any discrepancy in diameter this will cause an issue. However if this is the case I can return the Satori for a double bolt extender.
I guess time will tell if this all works fingers crossed.
Quote from: Darrine90 on June 19, 2022, 06:46:13 PM
The Satori Extender arrived today from amazon the minimum fork length you need is about 1.5 inches so I will need the fork extender for it to work. Kind of crazy doing this before my bike arrives but here is the parts list. Should be pretty cool if it all works :)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003411240585.html Fork Extender
https://amzn.to/3OnEB0M
https://www.skatepro.ca/en/370-39666.htm BMX bars 6.5" rise
https://www.skatepro.ca/en/372-35892.htm#show_image
I own a micrometer. I measure the steerer tube extender diameter as 28.54 mm. 28.57 mm. Two different measurements.
The steerer tube measures 28.54 and 28.53 mm. Once again, two different measurements.
My micrometer has an error of "0.03 mm." That is from the manufacturer. I don't know what it means because I am used to error being expressed as "+/- 0.03 mm" or something like that. Don't know what "0.03 mm" is any different from "+/- 0.03 mm."
I think possibly they are close enough to work without modification. If they don't work, and if it was me (once again, you need to use your own judgment), I'll put the steering tube extender in a drill and use some sandpaper. A few hundredths of a millimeter or even 0.1 mm should be pretty easy to sand off. Best wishes for your success.
that's pretty darn close I think it will be fine. Thank you for the measurements!
Guys check out this new stem coming out. Check it out on you tube under DavidBrandNew turtleneckstem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35LiPkXvzDM
My bike arrived and I installed the handle bars. I really do like the look of the bike now :) still waiting on the fork extender but there is a solid hold with just the Satori stem extender. I was jumping off curbs and the bike feels pretty good. This is not optimal so to be safe I will install the fork extender when it arrives.
I do like the idea of how that stem folds but I will stick with the Satori, it looks super clean and functions really well for what I need. If you're tight on space height wise, you can always loosen the handle bars and bend the bars down or remove the front wheel.
Pictures
8)
Quote from: Darrine90 on June 28, 2022, 09:18:04 AM
My bike arrived and I installed the handle bars. I really do like the look of the bike now :) still waiting on the fork extender but there is a solid hold with just the Satori stem extender. I was jumping off curbs and the bike feels pretty good. This is not optimal so to be safe I will install the fork extender when it arrives.
I do like the idea of how that stem folds but I will stick with the Satori, it looks super clean and functions really well for what I need. If you're tight on space height wise, you can always loosen the handle bars and bend the bars down or remove the front wheel.
Beautiful. You did a great job. It looks so nice.
How do you like the Satori extender? I am thinking about putting it on my old 700c Road bike with drop bars to move the drop bars up a bit.
Darrine90, Is the LCD display in the way of you turning the top of the riser?
Thanks! :) and the Satori extender is great very solid. The LCD screen I can swivel up and down very easily for when I need to turn the bars.
And now I am thinking about upgrading the controller next.
Darrine90, I have a new 35amp upgrade kit for sale. Where are you located? I'm in Wisconsin. Also have M1 Juintech hyd brake calipers for sale. $320 for both, kit & calipers
I am located in Canada and just purchased it from Electro bike world! Why are you selling it?
I like the way my Rad Rover performs with the original controller. I don't need the extra motor noise and extra torque. The hills I encounter are no problem for the original controller. I also like the smoothness of the power supply to the motor. I just don't want to screw up a good thing and possibly regret it.
Makes sense, the Rad controller is smooth and thought hard about keeping it but I live in a pretty hilly place so the extra torque will be nice. I might have to get a 2nd battery when the new controller arrives.
Very interesting
I just bolted up a fitbike stem and Stranger Haze BMX bars to see how it looked and it's a little too low
So I've ordered a 115mm stem extender and a SALT BMX stem to see how it goes
Heres as it sits now until the new parts arrive
Quote from: Darrine90 on June 30, 2022, 08:44:12 PM
Makes sense, the Rad controller is smooth and thought hard about keeping it but I live in a pretty hilly place so the extra torque will be nice. I might have to get a 2nd battery when the new controller arrives.
Same here; installed the 35A controller this spring after my MiniST2 warranty expired. Setting C5=0 is a pretty smooth start from a full stop and ramps fairly smoothly to full power, but it's clearly not as smooth as the Rad controller's very-refined programming. However, my town is quite hilly and the extra power is very handy when I need to haul my fatass up a couple of the monster hills. Most of the time I'm in PAS 1-3 and power no more than about 600w, but every now and then 1580w is there when I need it, so a slightly less-smooth power ramp is fine.
If you don't need the extra torque, as "rjp" said, don't mess with the upgrade; you won't get any additional speed either. Some places are just flat and that's fine. By the way, that's a good package price for the controller and Juintech hybrid-hydraulic brake upgrade; I have and like both of those.
I have a RAD mini ST 2018.Looking to change stem/handle bars also. I have found a folding stem on Aliexpress (Litepro folding bike stem) its approx 7" (19 cm) long and extends to approx 19" (28 CM) Folk clamp 28.6 MM,looks like it has one (1) pinch bolt, handle bar clamp 25.1-26.5 mm. I will use BMX High rise handle bars. Have not ordered yet, as I do not have bike at my home. check it out, my help you.
Quote from: avcomike on June 06, 2023, 02:57:56 PM
I have a RAD mini ST 2018.Looking to change stem/handle bars also. I have found a folding stem on Aliexpress (Litepro folding bike stem) its approx 7" (19 cm) long and extends to approx 19" (28 CM) Folk clamp 28.6 MM,looks like it has one (1) pinch bolt, handle bar clamp 25.1-26.5 mm. I will use BMX High rise handle bars. Have not ordered yet, as I do not have bike at my home. check it out, my help you.
Another option if that does not work out, is on davidbrandnew.com. His folding stem also extends and he has a matching package with BMX bars, stem, and folding neck.