That's good to know!Regarding the tires that come on the 700, they're Schwalbe Super Moto-X 27.5x2.4" which are arguably one of the better tires available right now. They score high to very high on flat resistance, rolling resistance, and ride. They will be tough to beat no matter what they're mounted on. There are 5 bikes in our household, and after several years messing with a LOT of different tires, all use that make and model tire today.....
I think the difference in the price of about 400$ tips in favor of the R1U 700. Though I understand the popularity of Rad.As mentioned, the 700 has some great specs and is a formidable competitor when considering the new 'City. The difference, as mentioned earlier, is about RAD's popularity. There's very little doubt they are on top of their game. Have a look at the freight on them. Last I saw, they were being delivered through local dealers, something no other consumer direct seller does....
Again I don't my city riding conditions are going to test the bike much. So I think spring or hydraulic should be fine, at least, I hope so. Thanks for your thoughts. Appreciate them!Regarding front forks/suspensions. My experience has been you want one.
As far as spring vs. hydraulic, if you were to ride both on an identical course, I think if that course were paved, you would have a difficult choice picking which were which - assuming only that the spring tensions have been optimized for your size/weight/riding 'druthers. If this course were off road, it would be a whole different world, with the better front end taking a beating that you would NEVER simulate on a paved/hard packed surface. -Al
Amen to that! I learned the hard way on that score. One mile on a fat tire bike followed by a "what the f*** was I thinking?" epiphany. I do understand the appeal of fat bikes for many people, but I'm not one of them. Fortunately, I was able to sell mine for only a few dollars less than I paid, so I chalk it up to a good learning experience.Do ride a fat bike before committing.
Seen a Rad parked in Lexington, when I came back through there were two teens on it.That's good to know!
I think the difference in the price of about 400$ tips in favor of the R1U 700. Though I understand the popularity of Rad.
Again I don't my city riding conditions are going to test the bike much. So I think spring or hydraulic should be fine, at least, I hope so. Thanks for your thoughts. Appreciate them!
There's so much concern over range among newbies, they coined a term for it - range anxiety.Amen to that! I learned the hard way on that score. One mile on a fat tire bike followed by a "what the f*** was I thinking?" epiphany. I do understand the appeal of fat bikes for many people, but I'm not one of them. Fortunately, I was able to sell mine for only a few dollars less than I paid, so I chalk it up to a good learning experience.
I'll mention two important factors that I also overlooked initially, and those factors are weight and battery range.
Weight: This matters quite a bit if you plan to transport the bike, as opposed to riding it strictly around your home (and assuming you can park the bike without having to climb stairs). Personally, I also like to ride occasionally without pedal assistance, which might also become necessary if your battery dies. Pedal-only is not easy with some of the 60lb plus e-bike boulders on wheels. (As an aside, suspension posts add weight. My Priority Current has a rigid frame, and I find it perfectly comfortable on pavement and light dirt/gravel riding).
Range: 20 miles may seem like a long haul on a regular bike, but you can easily pedal that distance without breaking a sweat on an e-bike. You also don't want to be distracted even thinking about running out of juice. While range listings on manufacturer sites are typically exaggerated, take a close look at the specific battery specifications.
As for your list, Ride1Up is a solid, hands-on and growing company. I like that brand the most of the bike companies you mention. Rad has a solid reputation too, but I never considered one of their bikes for myself.
Agree, if you are commuting regularly on tar and gravel, fat tires, are a determent. When I turn the power off on my fat tire it feels like pedaling in wet cement.IMO riding with 2.3s and a simple chromoly fork, even one from a junkyard is great. This reduces weight and still has flex. Tires any wider have no advantage unless you are going in snow and sand. Yes those Moto-X tires are wonderful.
I am on Ride1Up's mailing list, and evidently their Core-5 (step thru available) is on sale for $1,045. (The Core-5 was a bike I seriously considered before blowing up my original budget for a Priority Current). It impresses me as a great value with decent motor and range, especially at this price point. The weight isn't bad either at 49lbs (and presumably less with the battery out). I also like the stealthy looks of the bike, (I don't hide the fact I'm on an e-bike, but don't like to be conspicuous about it either) which is one reason I never considered anything in the Rad line with their bolted on battery designs. The Rad's tend to be heavy as well.I prefer step thrus.
I've shortlisted the following and am open to new suggestions: Ride1up 500/700, Radcity 3, Radcity plus 5 and Trek Townie Go! 7D.
Oh nice. I’m leaning heavily towards ride1up 700. But I’ll have a look at the core 5 too! Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll definitely let y’ll know once I make the final choice.I am on Ride1Up's mailing list, and evidently their Core-5 (step thru available) is on sale for $1,045. (The Core-5 was a bike I seriously considered before blowing up my original budget for a Priority Current). It impresses me as a great value with decent motor and range, especially at this price point. The weight isn't bad either at 49lbs (and presumably less with the battery out). I also like the stealthy looks of the bike, (I don't hide the fact I'm on an e-bike, but don't like to be conspicuous about it either) which is one reason I never considered anything in the Rad line with their bolted on battery designs. The Rad's tend to be heavy as well.
There's a good case to be made though for any bike on your list, so I'm curious to hear about your final choice.
I met a happy owner of a 700 this summer riding one of the rail trails in my state. The guy was loving it, and it impressed me as a very substantial bike.Oh nice. I’m leaning heavily towards ride1up 700. But I’ll have a look at the core 5 too! Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll definitely let y’ll know once I make the final choice.
Thanks for the feedback. I’ll look at reviews.Yikes! Brand name components, all low end but all pretty easy access. 10.4Ah battery a bit wimpy and do not expect the web pages mileage claim. Interesting bike. Just use due diligence and look for reviews, I’m sure you are.
That’s exactly why I don’t want to spend more on the bike as this will enable me to change a few parts if something goes wrong. First e bike, so it’s scary tbhI’m still VERY suspicious of ALL sub $1500-$2000 eBikes. Remember you’re signing on as the mechanic support guy. Warranty will send parts, hopefully, but the replacement is on you.
Do you own a bike? If yes, brand and model?Thanks for the feedback. I’ll look at reviews.
That’s exactly why I don’t want to spend more on the bike as this will enable me to change a few parts if something goes wrong. First e bike, so it’s scary tbh
I get scary but buying cheap and planning upgrades could well be more costly.That’s exactly why I don’t want to spend more on the bike as this will enable me to change a few parts if something goes wrong. First e bike, so it’s scary tbh
The Core 5 is a beast of a bike that I have over 5300 miles on so far, I added a Redshift stem, steel BMX clunker bars, switched out the shifter and added the Juin tech brake calipers and I love it. You can get a 14ah battery for it also from R1up if you need to but given your ride of 5 miles or so a day you won't need one.Folks, I'm planning on buying to the core-5 ST as the 700 ST is not available now and I think spending less might give me more freedom to swap some stuff around. Also, I'm a student and I don't want to break the bank
Do you have any suggestions for me with competitors to the core-5?