Introduction

[DWR]

Hi all, I’m Dan, new to forum. Researching e bike options and haven’t pulled the trigger yet. I am 71 years old, in need of some improvement in physical conditioning, weight loss, etc. have two artificial hips and thought biking would be a safer way to exercise and to lose some weight. After listening to Court on just about every review video he has made, I have concluded that e biking is perhaps the way to go.

Am seriously considering the RadPower Bike RadRover 5 As this is attractive from an entry level perspective in addition to price point. i have access to a very competent bike shop for support. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you in advance. Dan

 

[sc00ter]

Does the bike shop sell RadPower bikes? Anyone can fix a physical issue, like loose spokes and stuff but the electronics tend to be proprietary to each manufacturer. I've only had one issue with my ebike, broken loom at 700 miles, and it was fixed by my local shop that sells that brand. Got it in and out in one day. Never had any issues since. Your choice is a solid option though and you will enjoy it.

 

[DWR]

Hi Scooter, thanks for your response And comments. No, Radpower bikes are not sold in bike shops, they are a manufacturer direct to consumer product. This is how RadPower maintains some control over price. My local shop only sells Giant and Specialized, but is knowledgeable enough to work on ebikes of all brands.

Again, thanks for the feedback.

 

[PatriciaK]

I would contact your LBS before purchasing to confirm they can (and will) work on the bike you want to buy. Also, what their prices are for servicing bikes they do not sell. Sometimes there's a difference.

 

[sc00ter]

Only reason I bring the same thing up that PatriciaK noted was, when my ebike started messing up I brought it back to the dealer I purchased it from. I walk in and the owner asked whats going on, and I tell him I have a fault code popping up. He proceeds to tell me he no longer has the computer to diagnose/read the ebike computer because they took the franchise from him and opened a brand dedicated boutique store. He still had a code sheet and made a educated guess. So I hauled it into the dedicated/boutique shop and they got me going again. I wanted to test the waters with a cargo bike and get something cheap (Rad Wagon), but I really like a local, physical store for problems OR a mobile service that services the brand. The ebike community seems to be split on Rad Bikes quality and their support, but the price point does make them very temping. Again, great way to test the waters without breaking the bank so I know your dilemma. But very few people question a Specialized or Giant ebike, which your dealer sells, at a obvious price increase.