Whenever a non-bike-savvy friend asks for an e-bike suggestion, I recommend Rad. This lower-end e-bike space has had many "players," but Rad seems like it will stick around, and they make some sensible options at very reasonable prices. The channel has benefitted from new reviewers. A lot.
Great review! I recently purchased this bike. I previously had other Rad bikes and chose Rad over other brands after watching videos on this site. Some people want a bigger motor and longer distance battery. This bike was built to be lighter and more like a traditional bike. Bigger motor and battery means more weight. I am glad they did not reduce the weight by not including suspension. Some neighborhood roads where I live are awful and the suspension really helps despite adding weight. Perfect commuter bike it can be lifted with a little strength up a few stairs. Thanks again for info so I could make an informed decision.
Great job on this review and I couldn’t agree with you more. I recently purchased one and it’s fantastic! I love it…thx for the insight on the display buttons and features.
Regarding the one size, fitting a wide range from 5’2” to 6’1”… While you physically may be able to pedal, it’s not going to actually fit smaller riders well at all. Rad sells enough bikes that they really should be offering this in 3 sizes. My wife is short, and these “one size fits most” bikes don’t work for her.
Great point! While the brand lists a range of 5’2” to 6’1” with a 28-36 inch inseam, ‘one size fits most’ doesn’t always mean it fits everyone comfortably. For your wife, I’d recommend closely checking that inseam measurement with shoes on to ensure the standover height and saddle adjustability work for her. If she’s on the edge of the sizing range, it’s worth trying one out in person if possible or exploring bikes with size options for a better fit. Comfort is key, especially for longer rides!
My wife has the same issue, we have 2 RR's and she can't use either one, they're both too heavy, so now I have one that I use exclusively, and another one where I ride our child in. I can't really find a bike that is light and for short riders and she can ride our kid in.
I like this bike.. nice relaxed frame geometry.. Nice adjustable handlebar stem for a nicer better more upright riding position. It would be nice if it had a bit fatter tires like 3" or 3.5".. But the real unfortunate thing is that I am about 6 foot 4.. It would be so nice if they offered another size that was a little bigger..
I would check out their Radster Trail or Radster City, these are very similar style bikes, but the Radsters have sizing in large frames that accommodates riders at 6' 4", plus they have the same relaxed upright riding positions with larger 3 inch tires and still in easy access step-through frames, definitely give those a look one of my favorite bikes from Rad to-date! link: ebreviewdeals.com/Radster-Trail-large -Cheers! Mike
What is the equivalent gear for the carbon belt setup compared to the 7-speed one? I’m always wondering if I’m going to get stuck having to pedal really hard as the charge runs out. 9:29
Hi there, thanks for the comment! The carbon belt setup with the 64T chainring and 22T rear cog has a gear ratio of 2.91. This translates to roughly the same gearing as the 7-speed drivetrain when it’s in a gear somewhere between the 42T front chainring with an 11T rear cog (hardest gear, ratio 3.82) and the 42T front chainring with a 14T rear cog (ratio 3.0). So, the belt drive is slightly lower than the hardest gear on the 7-speed setup but still leans toward the higher end of the gear range. This means you’d be pedaling harder than the easier gears on the 7-speed if the charge runs out, but it shouldn’t feel like a grind unless you’re tackling steep hills. It’s worth considering your terrain and riding style-if you’re in hilly areas, the 7-speed might offer better flexibility, but on flats or moderate inclines, the belt drive should hold its own. Hope that helps! -Mike
I thought of the same thing that Ben said about the rack, it's baffling that they'd mount it in such a structurally unsound manner, adding 2 extra connectors to the frame, would just make it so much more sturdy, even being able to carry a child seat, or put a passenger seat. That actually might be a deal breaker for me. Also, how much does the bike weigh?
Not this one, the RoadsterV3 is a 500W rear hub motor with 28 MPH max speeds. Its boogies! This Radkick is a more relaxed commuter, but, with that said, its a super smooth ride! -Mike
Whenever a non-bike-savvy friend asks for an e-bike suggestion, I recommend Rad. This lower-end e-bike space has had many "players," but Rad seems like it will stick around, and they make some sensible options at very reasonable prices.
The channel has benefitted from new reviewers. A lot.
I appreciate that, we try to make things easy to understand even for those who don't spend their days riding and wrenching!
Great review! I recently purchased this bike. I previously had other Rad bikes and chose Rad over other brands after watching videos on this site. Some people want a bigger motor and longer distance battery. This bike was built to be lighter and more like a traditional bike. Bigger motor and battery means more weight. I am glad they did not reduce the weight by not including suspension. Some neighborhood roads where I live are awful and the suspension really helps despite adding weight. Perfect commuter bike it can be lifted with a little strength up a few stairs. Thanks again for info so I could make an informed decision.
I hear you on the suspension, it is a game changer when it comes to commuting! Glad the review was helpful! -Mike
Great job on this review and I couldn’t agree with you more. I recently purchased one and it’s fantastic! I love it…thx for the insight on the display buttons and features.
Glad it helped! I’m happy to hear you’re enjoying your Radkick! -MIke
Regarding the one size, fitting a wide range from 5’2” to 6’1”… While you physically may be able to pedal, it’s not going to actually fit smaller riders well at all. Rad sells enough bikes that they really should be offering this in 3 sizes. My wife is short, and these “one size fits most” bikes don’t work for her.
Great point! While the brand lists a range of 5’2” to 6’1” with a 28-36 inch inseam, ‘one size fits most’ doesn’t always mean it fits everyone comfortably. For your wife, I’d recommend closely checking that inseam measurement with shoes on to ensure the standover height and saddle adjustability work for her. If she’s on the edge of the sizing range, it’s worth trying one out in person if possible or exploring bikes with size options for a better fit. Comfort is key, especially for longer rides!
My wife has the same issue, we have 2 RR's and she can't use either one, they're both too heavy, so now I have one that I use exclusively, and another one where I ride our child in. I can't really find a bike that is light and for short riders and she can ride our kid in.
Where are you riding for the review?
Beautiful Southern Utah!
I like this bike.. nice relaxed frame geometry.. Nice adjustable handlebar stem for a nicer better more upright riding position. It would be nice if it had a bit fatter tires like 3" or 3.5".. But the real unfortunate thing is that I am about 6 foot 4.. It would be so nice if they offered another size that was a little bigger..
I would check out their Radster Trail or Radster City, these are very similar style bikes, but the Radsters have sizing in large frames that accommodates riders at 6' 4", plus they have the same relaxed upright riding positions with larger 3 inch tires and still in easy access step-through frames, definitely give those a look one of my favorite bikes from Rad to-date! link: ebreviewdeals.com/Radster-Trail-large -Cheers! Mike
What is the equivalent gear for the carbon belt setup compared to the 7-speed one? I’m always wondering if I’m going to get stuck having to pedal really hard as the charge runs out. 9:29
Hi there, thanks for the comment! The carbon belt setup with the 64T chainring and 22T rear cog has a gear ratio of 2.91. This translates to roughly the same gearing as the 7-speed drivetrain when it’s in a gear somewhere between the 42T front chainring with an 11T rear cog (hardest gear, ratio 3.82) and the 42T front chainring with a 14T rear cog (ratio 3.0).
So, the belt drive is slightly lower than the hardest gear on the 7-speed setup but still leans toward the higher end of the gear range. This means you’d be pedaling harder than the easier gears on the 7-speed if the charge runs out, but it shouldn’t feel like a grind unless you’re tackling steep hills. It’s worth considering your terrain and riding style-if you’re in hilly areas, the 7-speed might offer better flexibility, but on flats or moderate inclines, the belt drive should hold its own. Hope that helps! -Mike
@@ElectricBikeReview This helps! Thank you.
I thought of the same thing that Ben said about the rack, it's baffling that they'd mount it in such a structurally unsound manner, adding 2 extra connectors to the frame, would just make it so much more sturdy, even being able to carry a child seat, or put a passenger seat. That actually might be a deal breaker for me.
Also, how much does the bike weigh?
Yeah, its a valid point for sure. The bike comes in at 49 lbs (without battery) and 55lbs with the battery. -Mike
Can it beat the Roadster V3?
Not this one, the RoadsterV3 is a 500W rear hub motor with 28 MPH max speeds. Its boogies! This Radkick is a more relaxed commuter, but, with that said, its a super smooth ride! -Mike
man, that bike is nice but they should have put a 750 motor and at least 15ah battery imo for us 250+ guys
Thats where the Radster Road comes in! check it out: ebreviewdeals.com/Radster-Road-Large
Now if it only was a mid drive.
That would be sweet, but for $1599, it be hard to get a mid-drive in at that price. Cheers! -Mike
There are times when I just want the throttle option to get going. Often up an incline or when I’m dealing with traffic at a light.