Rad Power Bikes Owners Forum

Rad Power Bikes Chat => Pride & Joy => Topic started by: Altema on August 28, 2020, 09:32:05 AM

Title: Hello from Michigan!
Post by: Altema on August 28, 2020, 09:32:05 AM
Just saying hi for my first post. My RadMini 4 was delivered a week ago, and I've ridden it 91 miles (146 km) so far. The experience has been great so far, with the only mechanical issue being the frame joint creaking. The sidewalks and paths are a bit rough where we live, so I have not locked the front fork out, and I lowered the tire pressure down to 22 PSI (151 kPa) to deal with the bumps and cracks. Often the pavement just ends, and going from smooth to gravel or grass is a firm reminder that this is a hardtail bike!

I'm a former marathoner who now has metal plate and screws in my leg, and knees that are just worn out. This is the first time I've been able to ride in years without significant pain. My RadMini 4 is a US specification model with the 750 watt motor and throttle control, and it pulls quite nicely with the smaller diameter tires. Despite my knees, I've ridden up significant hills at power assist level 3 using in 4th gear. Mileage has been good, and I've gotten 41 miles (61 km) on one charge with heavy use.

I wanted a Rad rack but it was unavailable, so I bought a universal one and made my own vertical supports for strength. The original supports were adjustable, and I was concerned about the impact of bumps overwhelming the single set screw on each side of the rack. The new supports are one piece, and are attached to the inside of the frame stays to improve the geometry. I know Rad warns you not use use other accessories, but I can't buy theirs, and this is a necessity. On the bright side, the rack is stronger than theirs, and the higher position gives more visual balance to the bike.

Below is a photo on my first "long" ride out to a local lake.



Title: Re: Hello from Michigan!
Post by: Ryan on August 29, 2020, 07:42:40 PM
Welcome to the forum! Sounds like you are getting some nice range!
Title: Re: Hello from Michigan!
Post by: Altema on September 01, 2020, 12:28:58 PM
Welcome to the forum! Sounds like you are getting some nice range!

Thanks for the welcome Ryan! I was a bit surprised at the range, as some short hills we climbed were so steep that I was shooting pebbles and acorns out from under the back tire. For the last half hour I just rode around the neighborhood using only throttle because I wanted to drain the battery. If I had rode using normal power assist, I feel I would have gone a few more miles.