Quote from: nole61 on May 23, 2024, 09:58:08 AMThe Rad Expand 5 Plus ticks all my "want" boxes for a portable bike except for size and weight of the rider. I'm 5'11" and my weight is ~255 lbs. That's quite a bit more than the rating. Does this mean I'll break it soon if I tried it?

In the "Geometry" specs it says "Payload - 315 lb (143 kg), 225 lb max rider (102 kg)"
Hmmm, good question.
The 315 pound limit must be assuming that the extra weight (in addition to the rider) is going on a front rack, and that the suspension fork will absorb most of the bumps.

I'm not sure what tire pressure strategy would be best. Keeping it to the recommended 30 psi would help prevent "pinch flats" where the rim bottoms out, but then a lower pressure (I keep mine at 20 psi) would give a smoother ride with less stress on the frame.

Another thing might be that being 30 pounds over the stated capacity will void the warranty, but would they even ask when you're making a claim?

As far as folded bike size goes, I have an RadExpand 5 and my wife has a similarly-sized RadMini ST2, and we can get both into the back of our CRV, with the seat backs down. I bought a pair of folding pedals for mine, since the stock pedals were non-folding.

I have reached the 75 km odo and according to the manual. check the brake pads for wear and tear. My eyesight is not very good so I resorted to taking a picture of the brakes. But that really did not work that well.

Even at my 250+ lbs, I don't believe I would wear the brake pads that quickly.

My thoughts are more into 500 km before I start taking the a look and inspecting it. I like to apply the notion "if it ain't broke don't fix" on the more sensitive items of the bike (less movement).

Is there any other way to check the brake pads without actually pulling the pads off the callipers?

Quote from: Ddaybc on May 24, 2024, 08:27:08 AMin "Vancouver" but I don't know their location.

Thanks for the info. I may need it in the future.

Their website says 1290 Odlum Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3L9

Hi CanadianBrickCafe,
Check out Grin Technologies. They are situated somewhere in the Lower Mainland. I'm further north so I usually say they are in "Vancouver" but I don't know their location.
They can supply you with controllers, displays, direct drive hub motors and gear driven hub motors.

you may have fried the controller.   my guess is the motor is okay. 

Hi, newbie here. I plan to eventually get two e-bikes, one like the Radster Trail, which I won't be able to take with me, and one which I could pack easily to fit in a small SUV (Honda CRV, no tow package).

The Rad Expand 5 Plus ticks all my "want" boxes for a portable bike except for size and weight of the rider. I'm 5'11" and my weight is ~255 lbs. That's quite a bit more than the rating. Does this mean I'll break it soon if I tried it?

Because of this, I may go with the bigger bike first (to ride from home) and see how much weight I can sustainably lose to get down near the weight limit for this one.

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Scheduled mobile service with Velofix and Dan determined that both front and rear brake pads were worn out. Replaced pads for front wheel and all is well, however the rear brakes were so worn the piston was damaged so have had to order replacement rear brake assemble from Rad. They have parts in stock now just waiting for parts to ship...

You said "rear wheel jammed". Does that mean you can't turn it or get going under pedal power only? 

Start by replacing the brake pads - they wear out and the brake lever goes all the way in when you squeeze it.

OK, if anyone is interested - this is now on EBay here:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/204800779966?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=dzh1e2NKQ3C&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY