Fat bikes a fad?

[ruffruff]

Nuff said...

 

[debbeut]

I'm currently riding a very modified RAD City that uses a MAC 12t geared rear hub motor and aftermarket controller/display. After increasing the OEM power by a factor of about 5, and installing a controller that allows personal control over several functions, I absolutely love this bike.

New bike will very likely be a Rad Rover. Rover chosen for it's rugged design and inexpensive price (just as the City was chosen). It will undergo very similar modifications, but also include a pretty sophisticated GMAC geared hub. This drive is similar in power to the City's MAC 12t (well known as a torque monster), but also offers cutting edge variable regen. braking. There's nothing else available that's even similar - yet. I won't wander off in to the specifics. If you're interested : https://www.ebikes.ca/shop/electric-bicycle-kits/gmac.html

Total price of project VERY reasonable, especially considering it's performance capabilities - and I'm not talking just speed (it will have the ability to cross a busy road VERY quickly for instance). There's also nothing like it available, even at twice what I would have invested in this one. I take great pride in the fact it will take a very knowledgeable eye to catch the fact that this performance bike didn't roll off an assembly line. A rottweiler dressed to look like a poodle..... just like the City! It'll bring new meaning to the word "hybrid"!

Who did the modifications on your Rad City? Did you do it yourself? And do you think the Rad City as it comes will be powerful enough to go up hills? Mine is coming in August, but now I'm worried - did you not absolutely love your bike before you modified it ?

 

[AHicks]

Who did the modifications on your Rad City? Did you do it yourself? And do you think the Rad City as it comes will be powerful enough to go up hills? Mine is coming in August, but now I'm worried - did you not absolutely love your bike before you modified it ?

To be honest, no. I did not love it at all! I rode it for 6 weeks, and decided it wasn't what I was looking for. I loved the style, but hated the electronics (soft start, yuk!) and the amount of power available. After contacting Rad regarding the soft start, which is there to prevent rookies from being startled with the electric power, and finding they would/could not turn it off on my bike, I proceeded to do it "my way"! I figured while at it I would buy a kit that included a 1500w motor for just a few bucks more, and kill both of my complaints at the same time.

I had sold a much more powerful 29'er bike that I built because it was too darn tall. After building a couple of bikes, I learned that a production bike like RAD offers could be bought for just a few extra bucks over what my "home builts" were costing, so I went that route. The other thing I learned earlier is that there was MUCH more power, and much better electronics (that can be set without the OEM's permission) available on the aftermarket - at very reasonable prices.

3 things you need to know about me to see where I'm coming from. First, I'm a big guy at 6'2"/315. Second, my bikes are often ridden in a hilly coastal area with some pretty big hills. Both of those factors translate directly to the fact I need some pretty decent performance from my bike. MUCH more than somebody weighing half what I weigh, living/riding in an area where any significant hill is miles away....

The third thing is I'm an accomplished DIY'er. To the point where very few projects give me pause.....

Last, I know there are many 'City riders that are very happy with their bikes. Unless you have a set of circumstances like mine, betting you'll like it as well. Just file the fact there is much more performance available if you need it in the memory banks.... -Al

 

[debbeut]

To be honest, no. I did not love it at all! I rode it for 6 weeks, and decided it wasn't what I was looking for. I loved the style, but hated the electronics (soft start, yuk!) and the amount of power available. After contacting Rad regarding the soft start, which is there to prevent rookies from being startled with the electric power, and finding they would/could not turn it off on my bike, I proceeded to do it "my way"! I figured while at it I would buy a kit that included a 1500w motor for just a few bucks more, and kill both of my complaints at the same time.

I had sold a much more powerful 29'er bike that I built because it was too darn tall. After building a couple of bikes, I learned that a production bike like RAD offers could be bought for just a few extra bucks over what my "home builts" were costing, so I went that route. The other thing I learned earlier is that there was MUCH more power, and much better electronics (that can be set without the OEM's permission) available on the aftermarket - at very reasonable prices.

3 things you need to know about me to see where I'm coming from. First, I'm a big guy at 6'2"/315. Second, my bikes are often ridden in a hilly coastal area with some pretty big hills. Both of those factors translate directly to the fact I need some pretty decent performance from my bike. MUCH more than somebody weighing half what I weigh, living/riding in an area where any significant hill is miles away....

The third thing is I'm an accomplished DIY'er. To the point where very few projects give me pause.....

Last, I know there are many 'City riders that are very happy with their bikes. Unless you have a set of circumstances like mine, betting you'll like it as well. Just file the fact there is much more performance available if you need it in the memory banks.... -Al

Thanks for the detailed reply! Not sure I would notice a soft start since the only one I've ridden is the RadMini...but if I don't like it, I can find someone like you to make it better!

 

[AHicks]

Soft start is an electronic device that slows the start up speed of the motor. Instead of having full power immediately, you get this slow spread out response, like the bike needs to build momentum. Kinda like something with a manual transmission, and starting off in second or third gear instead of 1st.

I find it really noticeable when crossing a busy street. You expect all available, full power, but that's not what happens....

 

[debbeut]

Hmmm..hope I don't hate it since I bought it already...!

 

[AHicks]

Hmmm..hope I don't hate it since I bought it already...!

Try it! It may not bother you at all. If you do notice it though, and find it irritating, we CAN deal with that problem pretty easily - with a Bolton kit. -Al

 

[TForan]

Perhaps that's why WattWagons has carbon belt drive and internal gear hub.

And far more expense. I can't see spending $1500 for a IGH and only using 3 gears, which would be what I would use.

 

[harryS]

Out of the 1600 miles that my wife and I have accumulated this year, the 26" fatbike only has 10, Two evening rides around the neighborhood . I guess I feel silly riding it on the bike paths, but I will be using it more to run errands now that it's nice again.

We're up to 2200 miles now, but still neglect the fat bike. Last night I took it the library to pick up some books.2.2 miles out. Took the long way back, 8.2 miles. Actually rode two miles unpowered in PAS 0, the bike was rolling pretty well on flat ground.

More relaxing at night with no other riders and nothing but lovesick bugs homing in on your headlight. Would have been a good idea to wear my face mask.

 

[GypsyTreker]

Good that your stretching the 26" a bit. My only real complaint with mine is the frame is to big. I need to make throttle starts and swing my leg up and over.

 

[Altaman]

Good that your stretching the 26" a bit. My only real complaint with mine is the frame is to big. I need to make throttle starts and swing my leg up and over.

Yes that is really my only complaint about the 26" fat bike is you have to swing your leg over to get on/off. But overall I really love mine!