My Comparison Of The 2017 and 2018 Rad Mini

[TheGadgetGuru]

Last year I purchased a 2017 Rad Mini and enjoyed it so much I purchased a 2018 Rad Mini when it first became available. I've noticed some differences between the model years and not all of them were what I considered improvements. I've posted both a blog post and a video and hope it's okay to post the links here. If not, Admin, please delete.

Blog and Video: Gadget Guru's Review Of the 2018 Rad Mini

Video Only: You Tube Video

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[mrgold35]

Thanks for the review and details of the differences between the updated Radmini. No front suspension was one of factors that made me lean towards the 2016 Radrover compared to the 2016 Radmini at my time of purchase. I added the 1859-Northwest thumb Throttle to my Radrover and that made it easier to apply throttle power at various levels of power little easier (also much easier to use throttle and change gears or quickly apply the brakes at the same time). Not sure if the thumb throttle would help with applying throttle power with the 2018 Radmini?

 

[TheGadgetGuru]

Thanks for the review and details of the differences between the updated Radmini. No front suspension was one of factors that made me lean towards the 2016 Radrover compared to the 2016 Radmini at my time of purchase. I added the 1859-Northwest thumb Throttle to my Radrover and that made it easier to apply throttle power at various levels of power little easier (also much easier to use throttle and change gears or quickly apply the brakes at the same time). Not sure if the thumb throttle would help with applying throttle power with the 2018 Radmini?

Thanks for the reply, but in this situation, I don't think the thumb throttle would make a difference as there's a noticeable dead spot in the motion of the throttle.

 

[cayjak]

We've got the 2018 RadMini. Our first one, so no basis for comparison. I am not noticing any problem with the throttle - it seems to engage very smoothly and ramps up from 0 to 100% in a linear manner. In throttle only mode (PAS 0) I can modulate the motor power to a very fine degree to just match my pedal speed and provide exactly the amount of assist desired. I think your bike must have had a defect. Hopefully the factory guys will find it and make it right.

I agree the handlebars are too high - would like them about 6" lower. I am 5'8" so average height. Other than that I find the bike very comfortable.

I made 2 upgrades that have IMO made the RadMini much nicer to ride: new smoother rolling "street tread" tires, and a aftermarket freewheel. Both mods are covered in my other recent posts.

Good luck with your RadMini, or whatever other bike you end up with!

 

[Barry S]

Great job on the YouTube review. Need to have Court let you help him out when he gets backlogged on his reviews.

 

[TheGadgetGuru]

Great job on the YouTube review. Need to have Court let you help him out when he gets backlogged on his reviews.

Thanks for the kind words, but Court is a specialist and I'm a generalist. He's forgotten more than I'll ever know about bikes! I have a lot of respect for the detail of his reviews. I would welcome the opportunity to interview him as I'm sure he has a great story to tell!

 

[Nova Haibike]

Enjoyable video. I wonder what would happen if you swapped the controllers between the two bikes.

 

[TheGadgetGuru]

Enjoyable video. I wonder what would happen if you swapped the controllers between the two bikes.

While I didn't attempt to swap controllers between the two Rad Mini's, as stated in the video Rad did send me a replacement controller to try on the 2018 model. The result was the same...no change in the throttle response issue.

 

[Nova Haibike]

Yes, I saw that they sent you another controller, but it would have the same updated programming. What I am wondering is if you put the other controller on, if the throttle would respond differently. Given their response to you, I am guessing it would.

 

[TheGadgetGuru]

Yes, I saw that they sent you another controller, but it would have the same updated programming. What I am wondering is if you put the other controller on, if the throttle would respond differently. Given their response to you, I am guessing it would.

I can only wonder why they didn't suggest this?