Considering purchasing a Rad Power Bike? Click the following link and get $50 off your first purchase!
https://www.radpowerbikes.com
https://www.radpowerbikes.com
We were in the market for an electric bike so I researched everything I could about the different brands.
The first brand I considered was Super73. Super73 is a local brand based out of Irvine, CA. I first noticed their bikes in 2016 when they created eBikes inspired by vintage motorcycles. At the time of this writing, the Super73-SI retails for $1,800, has a 500 watt (nominal) motor, includes fenders, top speed of 20 MPH and is rated for 30-50 miles of range. What I didn't like about the Super73 is this bike doesn't have suspension at this price and is only a single speed (no gears).
The first brand I considered was Super73. Super73 is a local brand based out of Irvine, CA. I first noticed their bikes in 2016 when they created eBikes inspired by vintage motorcycles. At the time of this writing, the Super73-SI retails for $1,800, has a 500 watt (nominal) motor, includes fenders, top speed of 20 MPH and is rated for 30-50 miles of range. What I didn't like about the Super73 is this bike doesn't have suspension at this price and is only a single speed (no gears).
The second company I considered was Juiced Bikes. The CityScrambler retails for $1,799, has a 750 watt Bafang motor, doesn't include fenders, top speed of 28 MPH and is rated for 45+ miles of range. I liked the CityScrambler over the Super73-SI because it includes a front suspension and 7 speed drivetrain.
If you're interested in purchasing a Juiced Bikes you can follow this link:
http://juicedbikes.com
If you're interested in purchasing a Juiced Bikes you can follow this link:
http://juicedbikes.com
Ultimately, we ended up purchasing a Rad Power Bikes Rad Runner Plus. The Rad Runner Plus retails for $1,699, has a 750 watt Bafang motor, includes fenders, top speed of 20 MPH from the factory or 25 MPH adjusted through settings and is rated for 25-45+ miles of range. Like the CityScrambler, the Rad Runner Plus includes a front suspension and 7 speed drivetrain. What separates Rad Runner Plus from the competition is it also includes a rear seat, rear pegs and premium LED halo headlight. Rad Power Bikes is based out of Seattle, WA and have very high reviews on customer service across all the forums.
If you're considering purchasing a Rad Power Bike, click the following link and get $50 off your first purchase!
https://www.radpowerbikes.com
If you're considering purchasing a Rad Power Bike, click the following link and get $50 off your first purchase!
https://www.radpowerbikes.com
ACCESSORIES
Sena R1 Smart Helmet
This bike helmet definitely makes our list as the #1 most recommended bike accessory! We can't always be side by side while riding which created some issues when trying to hear each other talk when one is in front of another. Now that we have e-bikes and speeds over 20 MPH, it makes hearing each other nearly impossible.
I've used a Sena bluetooth device in my motorcycle helmet which worked great. I figured a Sena bicycle helmet was the logical choice. Now we are able to hear each other clearly even when riding over 100 feet apart. When not using intercom, being able to listen to our music or make phone calls without the public hearing and still being able to hear our surroundings has riding that much more enjoyable! |
Vulcan 3 Foot Chain & Lock
To protect our investment, we wanted the best bike locks we could fine. After hours of research, I was able to narrow my search to the best bike chain lock.
The main advantage to a bike chain lock is the security and versatility. The case hardened chain cannot be cut with hand bolt cutters. One advantage to a chain over a U-lock is the chain moves around when trying to cut with power tools making it more difficult to cut. The chain even features a cordura wear pad cover. The weakest link with most chain locks is the lock itself. This lock is solid forged, one-piece, forged brass, made in Italy. The only downside to a chain lock is the weight. |
ABUS Granit XPlus 540 (230)
We also wanted to purchase a U-lock. After more research, I found the best bike U-lock.
The main advantage to U-Locks is they are lighter weight than chain locks. -Rated 15/15 by manufacturer -The only Sold Secure Gold rated U-lock with a 13mm shackle -European (Germany) steel has better reputation for quality than Chinese steel -Best reputation for reliability -Inner dimension (4.25" x 9") -4.7 rating by customers on Amazon -3.48 lbs ABUS makes a 300 version which is 4.25" x 11.8" ABUS also makes a USH version which comes with a mount The downside to U-locks are they are slightly easier to cut with power tools and they aren't as versatile as chain locks. |
Cloud-9 Seat
Suntour SP12 NCX Seat Post
This is another item that came highly recommended on the Rad Power eBikes Facebook group. This seat post has an internal coil with preload adjustment suspension. Now when riding over bumps or gravel terrain, I don't feel the vibrations through the seat like I did previously.
The only downside is, if you require your seat to sit low, this may not work. It adds about 4" to the height of your seat. |
1200 Lumen USB Rechargeable Bike Light & Power Bank
The premium LED halo headlight on the RadRunner Plus is a step up from the standard light but has a narrow beam. We wanted to supplement our night rides with a brighter beam which created a wider beam pattern.
We chose specific light because it was over 1,200 lumens, had a 4.7 star rating on Amazon, is waterproof, USB chargeabale, includes a quick release for handheld use and doubles as a power bank to charge any USB device including your phone while on the go. The LED tail light was a bonus. It is very bright and works as a great supplement in flashing mode to our factory tail light. |
Hafny Bike Mirror
Phone Holder Mount
There were lots of cell phone mounts to choose from. One issue we had was that many of them used plastic/rubber/silicon grips on the four corners which interfered with operation of the screen. Another design used steel clamps with plastic covers on the corners but they would eventually fall off leaving the metal exposed which scratch the phone. So far, this has been the best solution we have found. The plastic ball swivel allows for the perfect viewing angle on nearly any mounting bar.
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Battery & Tray Cap Set
While transporting our bikes, we always remove the battery for safety reasons, security reasons and to reduce weight from the bike rack.
We found this great, affordable solution from 1859 Northwest. Ken & Darcy have been wonderful in getting us a replacement set when one of our tabs fell off. Customer service is top-notch and they work great! |