Rad Rover Step Thru or Blix Aveny

[Steve 95648]

We've been researching e-bikes for several weeks - online only. Of 20, we have so far narrowed the list to the Rad Rover Step Thru 1 or the Blix Aveny. Both seems very comparable except for appearance. I'm concerned about the extra weight of the 4" wheel on the Rover. Most of our riding will be streets and campgrounds. But it seems to have the best ration of Battery and Motor Power. My wife prefers the curved handlebars. Maybe I can swapout the straight bar on the Rover. Ultimately, I think I'm searching for the Rad City Step Thru with geared motor instead of Direct Drive. Any recommendations?

 

[Alex M]

You should decide first whether you guys need 4" tires - it's not just extra weight of the wheel but the total weight of the bike is a whole 16 lbs more. She might have difficulties lifting 71 lbs on the rack.

OTH, if you decide on a cruiser-style bike with 2.2" tires, there should be 500W step-through bikes with swept-back handlebars in $1.5K- $2K range with Bafang motor, it's reportedly more reliable than Shengyi. Streets and campgrounds don't require 4" tires, not much.

Direct Drive motors are nice for flat ground (meaning - not so nice in the hills). They generally tend to last longer than geared hubs, I can't think of other advantages.

 

[Steve 95648]

Thank you Alex. I don't think we want the 4" tires. Given your input, the Blix Aveny would be better. Blix does use the Shenghi motor but so do a lot of others.
I'll do some more comping on the Forum. I'm trying to find a test ride but both Blix and Rad are not sold through dealers.

 

[Alex M]

Too many bikes now, too many sub-forums.
Aveny is reasonably priced. You might want to add Motiv Sleek to the list. Standard it costs like Aveny but comes with much smaller battery, optional upgrade to bigger battery, few battery sizes to choose from. They have several dealer locations.

 

[pualine]

From the bikes you want to get, I understand you will use it for commuting. So my advice is stay away from direct drive motors. They are fun as have no internal gears but they aren't efficient and not good at hills. Also they are very heavy.

If you can afford, better buy something with mid-drive motor. What is your budget ?

 

[lewishill]

I own a M-Class but it seems pretty much same with frame similar to Radcity ST. So you can have a look at C-Class

Rad seems to have a very good customer service so if you want to choose one among Blix and Rad I will go with Rad City. When I was buying I was looking at specs and value and for me a mid-drive was must. Also I enjoy internal gear hub as I don't need to worry about damaging derailleur or lubricating them.

 

[Steve 95648]

Narrowing the search. Tested Rad City SU in Monterey, CA last week. More than enough power. No problem on hills although they were not long or high. Could feel the regen drag on rolling downhill but no issue. In fact, it was like using engine braking going downhill in our RV... saves the brakes.

Test rode Atherton 350 yesterday on flat paved trail. More than enough power but neither Throttle nor PAS were live until 2 peddle turns. Made it hard to start from a stop.
Will test the Blix Aveny in 2 weeks.

In all our research so far, we're leaning toward Rad City Step Thru. Only lingering question is direct drive vs geared drive. 90% of our riding will likely be paved road with some hills. Balance will be trails when we're RVing.

 

[pawtoki]

Inquiring minds need to know, did you pull the trigger and buy something? I love my RRST. Best thing I've done since retirement.