Please tell me it gets easier re-installing rear wheel on RadMini!

[Vern60]

I installed the fenders on my new RadMini today and had a heck of a time getting the rear wheel back on. I sure hope this gets easier, otherwise I'm really doubting my desire to repair a flat while out riding. Most of the issue seemed to come from the torque washers, or getting them aligned in the drop outs. Anyone else have issues with this? I was thinking that with a new bike, perhaps the drop outs were exactly at tolerance, as in too close to each other to allow the washers (or wheel) to easily slide back in. I was finally able to get it on by pulling apart the swing arm when the wheel was removed in an attempt to gain an extra mm of separation. That and I put a small drop of oil on either side. After that I was able to get the wheel back on, but made me think what a pain in the rear this would be out on the road, at night, in the rain, ha ha.
One other concern is protecting the display on the bars when flipping the bike upside down. In the garage today I simply used a couple blocks of foam on the grips which kept the display above the ground, but these are to big to carry around. Maybe just a towel or something would help?
Finally, does anyone know where the serial numbers are on the 2018 RadMini's? I tried a search, but only response came up, saying on the forks behind basket, (for years past).

 

[CodyDog]

Vern:

Curious why you would have to take of the back tire and wheel to install a fender?

 

[Vern60]

That's the recommendation from Rad Power per the install video:

Basically it's to gain access to the two interior attachment points where a bolt goes from the inside of the fender to the stantion on the frame. There is a guy who made a video where he was able to get them on without removing the wheel but he did have to deflate the tires and made it look like a royal pain. Besides, I wanted to experience it for the time I get a flat while out riding. I wanted to know how difficult it was and to see if I might learn any tricks to make it easier or what tools to pack in my trunk bag.
But, at least it's done!

 

[AHicks]

You have now experienced the biggest reasons I voted to call road service in this recent string:
https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/how-do-you-plan-to-fix-a-roadside-flat.25806/

I'll still end up fixing it myself, but it will be with the convenience and time restraints available doing it in my shop! I fashioned a couple of donuts made from foam that I slip over the handlebars prior to flipping the bike upside down, so I just have to fold the rear view mirror out of the way.

As far as waiting for the tow truck vs. repairing a flat (or other mechanical/electrical issue) in the rain? I see far less frustration waiting for the tow truck....

 

[Vern60]

I've been following that thread as well AHicks Thanks!
I think you have a good point there. Maybe I will investigate AAA costs.
Also like you say, it's not that I can't repair the flat, it's just soooo much easier at home. And .. if I want to start running slime, that's another complication out on the road.
I think I'll still carry a CO2 inflater for slow leaks, but plan on using a service if I'm too far from home.

 

[CodyDog]

That's the recommendation from Rad Power per the install video:

Basically it's to gain access to the two interior attachment points where a bolt goes from the inside of the fender to the stantion on the frame. There is a guy who made a video where he was able to get them on without removing the wheel but he did have to deflate the tires and made it look like a royal pain. Besides, I wanted to experience it for the time I get a flat while out riding. I wanted to know how difficult it was and to see if I might learn any tricks to make it easier or what tools to pack in my trunk bag.
But, at least it's done!
View attachment 26762

The fenders look great!

 

[AHicks]

I run Slime as a preventative measure.......

 

[Vern60]

Thanks CodyDog

I want to start doing that as well AHicks, in addition I got some Mr Tuffy tire liners, but I'm to lazy to install those until I get my first flat - well, that and I want to see how the conditions are here locally for flats. This time of year for instance, the trails and bike lanes are completely covered in leaves making it impossible to see what else you're riding over. On a good note, I haven't seen any of those goat head thorns, though I have read they do exist in Oregon.
So yeah, that's my plan. See how long it takes me to get my first flat on the stock set up, and then when I do, I want to install the Mr Tuffy tire liners and slime and see how it goes from there. And nope, I don't want to install all that stuff out on the road in the rain That will be a garage job for sure I'm just hoping my first flat is a slow leaker where a couple CO2 inflates can get me home

 

[DDBB]

Gaddi tubes for me. Fortunately they come in the correct size for the tires on both our bikes. I also carry a small rechargeable air compressor. It weighs a lot more than a Co2 inflater but it's what I have and it fits in the rack bag no problem

 

[Vern60]

That's a pretty neat set up DDBB, I did take a look at the Gaddi website awhile back but didn't see them in the proper size for my bike. It's a neat idea though! I saw from another thread that Huffy, believe it or not is also making similar tubes. (again, none in a 20" X 4" size though.