Rad Power Bikes RADCITY 3 Detailed Review!

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  • Опубликовано: 1 янв 2025

Комментарии • 79

  • @jakecasper8416
    @jakecasper8416 4 года назад +2

    Best most complete e bike review I've seen. Thanks

  • @catreader9733
    @catreader9733 5 лет назад +3

    You have included many important details about this bike and ebikes in general. Thank you.

  • @jpcanavera
    @jpcanavera 5 лет назад +3

    Nice review. I'm using my RadCity purely for pleasure and took it on it's first ride yesterday. Did 24 miles on relatively flat ground. The battery shows 3/4 full until I put it under a load where it may drop to 50% at times. FYI there has been a revision in the user manual for the RadCity. You can find it online and check the last page. Look for version 4.004 of the manual. It has a complete page addressing Battery Balancing which is not discussed in the current printed manual. I've got to do some seat adjustments because the butt was getting pretty painful after 24 miles.

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  5 лет назад +1

      @Jpcanavera, I'll check out that manual change. Its pretty common to see that battery drop under load. Its tough to find a seat that is still comfy as you push the range of this bike. Thanks for watching.

  • @thedude3160
    @thedude3160 4 года назад +1

    Nice review bro! Waiting for my RadCity to ship. Keep on keeping on 👍

  • @ridesharebiz5317
    @ridesharebiz5317 4 года назад +1

    Super presentation of the e-bike. I'm a newbie and got one of those cookie cutter folding bikes. I don't think I can get my money back ( still waiting for it) but this is the bike for me; especially the regenerative braking. Thanks for sharing this on RUclips.

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  4 года назад +1

      Thanks for the compliment. I ordered and am about to review one of those cookie cutter folding bikes. The ride experience is way more refined on the RadCity. Thanks again!

  • @gordonstowers3167
    @gordonstowers3167 4 года назад +2

    Put a zip tie in front of your paneer hanger to keep it from sliding back.

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  3 года назад

      I tried this, it just pushed the zip tie back no matter how hard I tried. I did upgrade to Arkel panniers and they don't budge.

  • @leetramp
    @leetramp 4 года назад

    Thanks for the great review. I moved from the SF Bay Area to Davis a year ago, and this year I will be teaching (once we get back in the classroom!) in Northern Sacramento. It's about a 22 mile commute, so an ebike seems like the way to go. On rainy days, I could take the Capital Corridor into Sac to shorten my commute significantly :-)
    I love that you have both Arkel and Ortleib panniers. I have a set of both, but mostly use my Arkels; the Ortleibs are reserved for when I need front panniers as well for large grocery shops. Good comment about the panniers sliding back, but I'd certainly prefer that to sliding forward and into my heels--just got to figure out how to keep them from going too far back, or a way to prevent the bag from going into the spokes.
    Thanks again for a complete and thorough review.

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  4 года назад +1

      @Lee Trampleasure, good to see another local person, maybe we will cross paths out riding. Many of the budget ebikes use a rack that wasn't really thought out for use pannier users but its better than not having that option at all.
      I tried a zip tie to help but the zip tie gets pushed also. A small hose clamp works well but it looks a little funky.
      Thanks again, best of luck when class is back in person!

  • @bigmac3006
    @bigmac3006 3 года назад +1

    Fantastic review! Did I miss what you pedal assist top speed is?

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  3 года назад

      @bigmac, first of all, thank you! Its been awhile since I did this review, I found myself spinning out in the 22 to 23 mph range. You could change the gearing a little bit if you need more speed. Thanks

    • @bigmac3006
      @bigmac3006 3 года назад

      @@ElectronSurfer OK thanks.

  • @PhotoStrider
    @PhotoStrider 4 года назад +1

    Hi, great video, to get your full leg extension you could purchase a longer seat post.....the video was very helpful , thanks 😀

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  4 года назад +1

      You're welcome, I agree about the seat post, the one I use is a thud buster ST which is longer than standard. The only issue is on a city bike it makes it difficult to stand at a stop without completely coming off the seat, not a deal breaker of course but something to be aware of. Thanks for watching!

  • @alanb76
    @alanb76 5 лет назад +1

    Thanks for the review. On bottom bracket height I heard that lawsuits about pedal strikes during turns were forcing manufacturers to raise bottom bracket height. On panniers perhaps stops clamped on the pannier bar would constrain the forward/back motions at least. Could easily 3D print or fabricate something to keep them from sliding fore/aft.

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  5 лет назад

      @Alan Biocca, That makes sense with to bottom bracket but presents bike fit/leg extension issues. Pannier rail stops are a great idea. I tried using some really snug zip ties but they didn't hold very well. Thanks for the comment.

  • @pkhodos
    @pkhodos 5 лет назад +4

    Nice review. The best I’ve seen so far. Thank you. I’m actually waiting for mine to be delivered.
    Did you think about a basket to put it in the rear rack? What kind of baskets do you think I can attach to the rear rack? Non-rad ones.. I assume these attachments are standard.
    Also, what kind of bags did you use? I simply need to carry one backpack with my laptop.

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  5 лет назад

      Thank you for the compliment. I think any basket could work on the top of the rack. You could put a bolt and washer in the Yepp/Rad basket bolt holes and that would work. Side baskets and just about any pannier could also work. I'd probably use the top rail vs. the longer lower pannier rail unless you get some bags that clamp on or make a stop like Alan Biocca suggested. I like the Arkel bags but they are pricey. Even the bags that drape over the rack (check the width though) should do the trick. I hope the bike works well for you!

  • @DanielHeppner
    @DanielHeppner 5 лет назад +2

    Thanks for the review! What are you using to record with speedometer?

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  5 лет назад +1

      I use a Sony camera that has GPS and use either the Sony App to overlay it or sometimes i'll use Dashware. The only draw-back is sometimes it will take all night to finish a longer video. Thanks for asking.

  • @larrymickey3419
    @larrymickey3419 3 года назад

    Instead of removing the rear caliper to adjust just loosen the two bolts place a thin feeler gauge between the inside pad and the rotor, pull and hold the brake lever then tighten the bolts. The outside pad can he adjusted by loosening the bolt on the cable and pulling it through or for only a minor adjustment use the barrel adjustment at the brake lever.

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  3 года назад

      I think this works most of the times but when you reach a point of wear you really need to push that fixed pad inward right? I like your tips for moving the caliper inward but you will evenually you'll run out of adjustment but maybe then you just change pads entirely?

  • @teddavid9310
    @teddavid9310 5 лет назад +1

    I really appreciate your time and effort. This review is superior and just what I needed to make a decision ... will be looking to test ride but that is hard to do in the NY area. Nonetheless, your thorough item by item, organized and very conversational explanations went a long way to making me like I'd ridden it! Almost! ;-)

    • @roblacey1511
      @roblacey1511 5 лет назад

      Love to test it out in New York city as well any clues as to where ?

  • @jessieb2723
    @jessieb2723 3 года назад

    How is it holding up>!? an update would be super cool-- but thanks for the great review!! :)

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  3 года назад +1

      @Jessie B, I sold the bike to fund my next bike review at about 350 miles of riding, It was holding up perfectly to that point. I am looking at getting a RadRunner or the new RadRover Plus, not quite sure which way to go. Cheers!

  • @joemcinnis3456
    @joemcinnis3456 4 года назад +1

    Thanks for the clear and informative reviews they have been very helpful for me. One question i have is why not go with the step through, especially if you. Have trouble with the height of the bar?
    Thanks G

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  4 года назад

      I didn't go with the step through because when I purchased, the step over it was listed as being much lighter (which it actually was not). Also, I liked the clean lines of the step over. Thanks for the comment.

  • @mikenedoma1363
    @mikenedoma1363 5 лет назад +1

    Hey, was that McKinley park in midtown Sac?

  • @kenstevens
    @kenstevens 5 лет назад +5

    Great review. I got mine in mid April and have 1,800 km on it (1125 miles). I use it mostly for commuting on mixed route of side streets and woods trail (old railway bed converted to a public trail). No big issues with it so far. A bit of squeaking here and there that can be addressed with some oil usually. As far as the rear rack goes, I find it works really well with the laptop bag from the company 2 Wheel Gear.

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  5 лет назад +1

      Glad its working well, those 2 wheel gear bags are pretty sweet! I think the rack pannier rail isn't in a great spot but the rack as a whole is solid.

    • @klausmey9976
      @klausmey9976 4 года назад

      @@ElectronSurfer great video review, thank you. I would add 2 small stops on the top rack rail to keep the panier from migrating back or forward. Looking to get into the e bike market myself as my commute involves a 1600 feet elevation change. how well does the bike perform on hills, say up to 10%?

  • @patob3363
    @patob3363 4 года назад

    when you say 36 miles is the not peddling. if not do you have an estimate of how far without peddling. thanks

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  4 года назад +1

      @pat ob, see my detailed testing here ruclips.net/video/0GHMGu4Btu8/видео.html, I got 26.7 miles with about 10% battery remaining going as much as I could throttle only/no pedaling. It is pretty tough for me to ride that way but I tried. I hope that helps, thanks.

    • @patob3363
      @patob3363 4 года назад

      @@ElectronSurfer thats solid thanks

  • @Wellington.Gonzalez
    @Wellington.Gonzalez 5 месяцев назад

    Hi, this is the rad city 4? Can you confirm pls , thanks in advance

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  5 месяцев назад

      Hey thank you for asking, this was the 2019 model which in their current naming would actually be the RadCity 3, I made that change to the video description and title. Cheers

  • @OldBlindDougArtist
    @OldBlindDougArtist 4 года назад

    I just ordered mine but in the step through model . My question is can you ride this bike with out the battery in or the motor on.?

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  4 года назад

      Yes you can ride the bike both with the battery off the bike and with the motor off. You will notice a substantial resistance and you will feel the bike's weight, but it is certainly doable. I hope you enjoy the bike!

  • @stefanbololoi7110
    @stefanbololoi7110 4 года назад

    Can you let me know how is the torque and acceleration from a full stop using the throttle only? It feels slow?

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  4 года назад

      Yes the throttle from a stop on the direct drive motor is very metered and does border on being slow when compared to other bikes. There are some aftermarket controllers that bump the throttle's output. There is still enough torque to get you moving without having to shift down.

  • @howardfowler2255
    @howardfowler2255 5 лет назад +3

    Nice going,Jim,this is the review I've been waiting for.It was worth the wait! Funny that the mini ,a folder,is heavier than this one. The City has a solid,well built feel to it that I appreciate. My range averages about 40 miles using a combo of throttle 2-4 pedal assist, and no or light loads. I'm 6'1"+ and 160 lbs. The fenders rattle a bit in winds and the seat could use some more comfort to me. You're right.The front rack is not a place for a load that the rear rack could better handle. The battery is in a good location but sure could use a handle .I can get around 24 mph on this two wheeler when the speed limiter is unlocked- that's more than enough for a sixty something guy like me to get my speed ' fix'. Yes,the throttle won't blast you off of the line but maybe that's a good thing. I appreciate the lights and it would really rock if the rear one had turn signals.All in all,a capable, durable cruiser at an affordable price of one and half big bills. I enjoyed Milos pics of the City- a sweet extra for us Rad City enthusiasts. Thanks again,Jim , for your Surfer videos!

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  5 лет назад +1

      @Howard fowler, I recently found out that Bolton Ebikes makes a upgraded controller that increases the throttle output and I guess really makes this bike move. I'm glad you are liking your ebike, all the best!

  • @dragonfly9143
    @dragonfly9143 5 лет назад

    I wish this bike could be ordered with the handlebars from the RadCity Step-Thru. Those handlebars are more swept back.

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  5 лет назад +1

      @Dragonfly, I totally agree, some customization options like that would be nice.

    • @KubotaManDan
      @KubotaManDan 5 лет назад +1

      we all have wishes for our rad bikes

  • @jlutie2943
    @jlutie2943 5 лет назад

    I've been really thinking about this bike
    Maybe I missed it but what size frame are you riding 16 or 19 I'm 5'7 normally I ride a larger size cuz of back problem it just works better

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  5 лет назад +1

      I reviewed the 16' frame. I'd check the geometry chart, I think the main difference is standover and saddle height.

  • @lyslebasinger7381
    @lyslebasinger7381 5 лет назад +1

    I have the same bike. Do you notice a “clunk” when you stop pedaling then re-start?

    • @jpcanavera
      @jpcanavera 5 лет назад +1

      I noticed the same thing with my first long ride on relatively flat ground. The clunks come as you get to a point where based on your pedaling cadence and the road, the motor doesn't need to provide much power and then when you slow a little and need to pick up the cadence you get another clunk. I heard a couple of clunks in the video. The rider wasn't expending much pedal force and I heard a couple of clunks. Wasn't the gears being shifted though. I called Rad and they really didn't know what I was hearing and asked of an audio recording. I now think this may be normal and deals with the need of the motor to supply power or cutting back power when you reach a sweet spot on your effort and the bike reaching its proper speed. So in essence you are hearing the motor kick in or cut back. What the sound is though I'm not sure.

    • @jpcanavera
      @jpcanavera 5 лет назад

      Just got off the phone with Rad and talked to them after watching the video and they said that is a normal sound. It's a mechanism that comes into play that handles the power transfer coming from your pedaling and the motor. Depending upon that engagement of power from those two sources that mechanical noise occurs. When a little more comes from your legs the mechanism will click or clunk and the same when the motor starts providing more that your legs can provide. You can hear it starting in the 27:00 minute mark when he's showing his motor and legs. You hear that clunk when he stop pedaling and then starts again.

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  5 лет назад

      @lysle basinger, I've noticed that clunk on mid-drive bikes where you kind of get behind the spinning of the crank. I haven't noticed it on the RadCity, have you checked to make sure all the bolts are tight?

    • @jpcanavera
      @jpcanavera 5 лет назад +1

      Yep. It was assembled by a pro who had assembled 30 of these and she owns one too. With the fact that others have heard this and hearing it on this video, along with Rad support being able to explain what I am hearing. I’m pretty confident it’s not an issue.

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  5 лет назад +1

      @@jpcanavera I got ya, I am sort of used to that sounds I guess. Basically it is the same thing as if you pedal a little back off then pedal again as you "get behind" the motor. Thanks for the comment.

  • @jeffweiss2131
    @jeffweiss2131 5 лет назад

    I was just trying to purchase one of these bikes and I put in the Referral code listed above and this is the response I got "Enter a valid discount code or gift card".
    Was there supposed to be a discount associated with your code "electronsurfer"?
    I am 5'9" tall with a 29" inseam, do you think the bile will fit me better than it does fit you?

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  5 лет назад

      There should be a $50 discount with that code. I"ll ask RadPower Bikes what the issue is.

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  5 лет назад

      You can try this link also www.talkable.com/x/t1lQMy

  • @KubotaManDan
    @KubotaManDan 5 лет назад

    Just got my city putting it together now. what brand & model is your mirror..it looks more stable than others I've seen? Best review I've seen for this bike. New sub.

    • @francoislepine4698
      @francoislepine4698 5 лет назад +1

      I got 100km on my RadCity step-through now....coming from a geared motor e-bike I found that I needed to do a lot more shifting because of the lower torque.... but the shifter is too far away being on the far side of the throttle AND the brake clamp (I found having to move my right hand off the grip to shift every time really annoying)....so I moved the shifter between the throttle and the brake clamp....this makes the brake lever a two finger job now....but that works fine....not having to move my right hand to shift is a real improvement!
      Still miss the extra torque at times.....but, Man! I sure LOVE the smoothness and quiet operation of the gearless motor....more efficient, more range, longevity....

    • @KubotaManDan
      @KubotaManDan 5 лет назад

      @@francoislepine4698 I have the fat bike mini & found it cumbersome to ride for long times, lots of torque but every dip in the surface your rolling into vs gliding over top...I look forward to my first ride...have a rear brake issue to contend with 1st..RAD need some QA guys to look at these bikes before they ship them...this is a pain in the ass for a brand new bike to be like this.

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  5 лет назад +1

      @@KubotaManDan Thanks for the kind words on the review. The brakes really should be better sorted prior to delivery but its really the only issue I've seen. I use the Mirrycle bar end mirrors, they are super stable and not too costly. Thanks again!

    • @KubotaManDan
      @KubotaManDan 5 лет назад

      @@ElectronSurfer Thanks & Happy Holidays

  • @jasontomica8938
    @jasontomica8938 4 года назад +1

    Miss u jim

  • @aviatorlife1806
    @aviatorlife1806 5 лет назад +2

    Thanks for the thorough review. I just purchased my RadCity last night, and I'm excited to try it. Did you put it together yourself? I'm not incredibly mechanically inclined, so I'm a little nervous about that step, but I see there are some tutorials on the Rad Power website.
    Thanks again!

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  5 лет назад +1

      @Aviator Life, were you able to find a code to get a discount? The bikes are not that difficult to put together really, my issue has been the very tight disc brakes which are not easy for the non-mechanical to adjust. I know there is a relationship between Rad and VeloFix mobile bike mechanics. You are typically looking at $100 for assistance with assembly/tune-up. Good luck with the bike!

    • @aviatorlife1806
      @aviatorlife1806 5 лет назад

      @@ElectronSurfer Thank you for the kind words! Unfortunately, I didn't notice the referral discount, until after I had completed my purchase. However, the financing through Affirm was extremely reasonable (much cheaper than I spend on my car each month!).
      I don't get Velofix in my area, but I'm less than an hour from Seattle, so I know help is close by, if I need it

    • @catreader9733
      @catreader9733 5 лет назад

      My spouse and I are considering RadCity bikes and, although I am mechanically inclined, I have insufficient skills to feel comfortable with spotting and correcting the little details necessary to assure a well-tuned and safe bicycle. We spoke to a bicycle shop today that assembles and tunes many of the direct sale ebike brands for only a bit more money than they charge for doing one from their brand lines. We had checked with a few shops until we found a suitable one. We had considered VeloFix, but they son't serve our area.

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  5 лет назад

      @@catreader9733 I think having a good relationship with a bike shop is great. Ebikes do require a bit more maintenance then non-powered bikes. Something else to look into is many shops, and REI, offer free bike tuning classes. If you get the bikes let me know how you like them! Thank you!

  • @buttermybutt2659
    @buttermybutt2659 4 года назад

    Have you ever been doored?....looks like an accident waiting to happen to me

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  4 года назад

      Fortunately not, I do ride very defensively around parked cars by looking into the driver's seat and watching for movement. Thanks

    • @buttermybutt2659
      @buttermybutt2659 4 года назад +1

      @@ElectronSurfer Yea, I do that also butt with tinted windows and seat-backs and one car after another it is impossible to see much of anything and you were going pretty fast by those parked cars.

  • @elevenAD
    @elevenAD 5 лет назад +1

    i saw this bike in Brooklyn a few hours ago(first RP bike i have seen in person) and i have to say video does not do this bike justice,really sharp looking bike and my favorite in the RP line up.

    • @ElectronSurfer
      @ElectronSurfer  5 лет назад +2

      @elevenAD, I do think you are right, they have really done a good job with the bikes look and the RadCity is also my favorite.

  • @newyorkcity76
    @newyorkcity76 4 года назад

    Very nice roads not like NYC