My new bicycle for getting around my boondocking sites

[TitanMike]

During a recent boondocking trip I noticed a lot of mountain bikes being used to explore the surrounding areas. Also was camped near an old abandoned railroad grade that was converted to a bike/hiking trail.

As I keep flipping pages on the calendar and opening birthday cards from my kids I realize I'm getting older. My desire to get around hasn't lessened, just my ability and it's compounded by an old motorcycle injury.

Decided to buy a bicycle that "helps me up the hills"




Here it is next to my other "electric vehicle".

A "Rad Power Bike - Rover model" with 750 watt geared rear hub. I can pedal using a regular 5-Speed Derailleur chain system, set the electric hub for 5 levels of "assist" or if totally lazy let the motor carry me along at up to 20 mph on level terrain.

For years I've looked at e-bikes with most "Mountain Bikes" having price tags between $3,000 and $5000. Walked out the door with this one and a helmet with light for $1600.

Nice solid, well finished (better welds than FR product ) and comfortable bike.

Battery can yield over 50 miles when used as assist only and maybe 25 miles of lazy "cruising" using the throttle instead of pedals

Nice thing is that our State recently legalized these e-bikes for use on bike trails and I live about a mile from one that can take me into several nearby towns for lunch if I want.

BTW, front forks have 100 mm of travel, fat tires provide a lot of cushion, and seat is comfy. Just what my old butt needs.

[aceinspp]

Saw these bikes at a new Bass Pro Shop. Have several different styles and prices. I already have a electric bike but it is a pain to get it working as you have to peddle to activate it and there are no gears just straight chain and its hard to peddle so I may look into buying one like yours. BTW like the Volt, Mine is a 2017 an only on my 5th tank of gas in 18900 miles Later RJD

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by aceinspp

Saw these bikes at a new Bass Pro Shop. Have several different styles and prices. I already have a electric bike but it is a pain to get it working as you have to peddle to activate it and there are no gears just straight chain and its hard to peddle so I may look into buying one like yours. BTW like the Volt, Mine is a 2017 an only on my 5th tank of gas in 18900 miles Later RJD

On this bike you can throw your leg over it, push the throttle switch, and then start from a standing stop without pedaling.

If you hold down one button on the handlebars it goes into "Walk" mode which puts enough power into the drive motor (hub) to move the weight of the bike uphill or if a tire has gone flat and you have to "push".

"Assist" while pedaling also is modulated to match the pedaling effort. More pedal, more assist, less pedal, less assist.

Almost seamless like the transition from electric to gas power in the volt.

BTW, my aggregate "fuel mileage" so far is around 650 MPG

[Gsykora]

Nice bike. We had some regular bikes and tried hauling them on a rack at the back of our 5th wheel. They seem to just bounce around like crazy back there (41ft 5th wheel) and I know there's no way 2 e-bikes would survive back there. So we decided to look at folding e-bikes. They look like they can be folded small enough to fit into the front storage bin.

Do you mind me asking, how you will be transporting your bike?

[AceCombat]

That is sweet! Ive been looking at buying one or getting a kit for my mountain bike. Biggest issue i have is its a full susp and the way the frame is setup its a hard one to kit.
I love the price point of yours. May I ask where you bought it?

[dalford]

Originally Posted by AceCombat

That is sweet! Ive been looking at buying one or getting a kit for my mountain bike. Biggest issue i have is its a full susp and the way the frame is setup its a hard one to kit.
I love the price point of yours. May I ask where you bought it?

Check out this site.. https://www.radpowerbikes.com

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by AceCombat

That is sweet! Ive been looking at buying one or getting a kit for my mountain bike. Biggest issue i have is its a full susp and the way the frame is setup its a hard one to kit.
I love the price point of yours. May I ask where you bought it?

This bike comes with 100mm travel in the front forks that can be adjusted or just plain locked out if you desire.

For the rear, no swing arm but they do offer a "suspension seat post" for taking some extra jolt off your spine..


To the question "How will I be carrying it", I'm working on a horizontal "cradle" for my hard tonneau on my pickup truck. Bike, without battery (10 lbs) only weighs a little over 50 lbw qne I can further reduce that by removing the front wheel (about 15 seconds). If I take the wheel off I may just utilize a bracket that the front forks sit on a "shaft" and the bike is secured with tie downs.

Even though it looks large and heavy, I was able to haul it home inside my Volt without overly straining my aging body

For just quick trips around home and accessing more distant bike paths (Like Green Lake in Seattle) I'll use a hitch mounted rack.

I may be just 3 years short of 80 but I can stil lift my 100# generator from ground to above waist level so what's 50 pounds of bike

I'm taking advice from Satchel Paige:

"Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter."

AND

"How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?"

AS WELL AS

"Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you."


Some people join a Gym or Fittness Center. I just stay in shape by doing as much as I used to do back when I didn't just feel young, I was young. So far it's working (and the bypass surgery helped a lot).

[Firerosie]

I purchased a Rad Rover several months ago and I'm amazed at selection, different styles and price. Shipped free to lower 48 and easy to put together. They have folding bikes also. All accessories fit and come with wiring for light extensions. I love it after just having full knee replacement. You can choose to pedal on you own with multi gear's, assisted pedaling or full electric.

[Gmar60]

I’ve got 650 miles on my Rover. Love it!

[JimMorrell]

Use that bike all you can and enjoy. I bought a 12 speed folding bike a couple years ago, and shockingly found that loss of balance has gotten so bad that I can't stay upright. I spent years on 2 wheels and was shocked that I was no longer able to ride.

[bikendan]

You can add a suspension seatpost since it's a hardtail mtn bike.
The technology on electric bikes has risen dramatically in the last few years.

[NH Traveler]

I'm jealous that you are enjoying your electric bike! Last April we were in Myrtle Beach and came THIS close to buying a pair of them ($4500/each) from Pedago. Our 50th anniversary is coming up and we thought it would be a good gift to each other. We were taken out on a short zip around downtown early in the day, no traffic, and invited to come back the next day when a group of six others and three instructors would be going out for 2 1/2 hours on the roads and over to Myrtle Beach State Park.

I walk a lot and swim and don't really look or feel my age, but had not been on a bike since 1980. My husband is 70 (and I am almost) and the others in the group were in their thirties. Suffice to say, I am lucky to be alive! Those things go 20 miles an hour! I was scared, but hanging on, until I wiped out and took a fender with me! I was the only one wearing a helmet, jeans, and a denim jacket, so I only gouged my knee and banged up my elbow through my clothes. And scared myself silly. I paid for the fender and told the shop owner that I thought we had missed the boat by about ten years. (He says most of his customers are in their seventies.)

I was so grateful not to have broken anything other than the fender. As I went flying in the air and then sliding across the tar, all I could think about was breaking a hip and then no more beach walking. I'm sticking to walking, thank you. Feet firmly on the ground, putting steps on my fitness watch rather than miles on a bike. But they were beautiful bikes! And RED! It broke my heart not to buy them, but I also keep thinking I dodged a bullet.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by bikendan

You can add a suspension seatpost since it's a hardtail mtn bike.
The technology on electric bikes has risen dramatically in the last few years.

Amen.

I went to their store in Seattle (Ballard) and was shocked at how professional the place was. Greeted immediately. Turned loose on a test drive (after signing a waiver and leaving my DL behind). When I got back my initial contact was busy with someone else but no matter, someone else picked up where he left off and purchasing the bike was the most painless purchase I've made in a long time.

I asked about a spare battery but instead of saying "No problem" they advised that the original battey was good for at least 5 years and batteries that will be available then will be a quantum leap forward. That's why they advise against spare batteries unless range is a big deal, like over 50 miles at a time. For that range I think I'd need a "spare butt" as well

While they have a Brick and Mortar store in Seattle they'll ship anywhere in the US.

If you do buy one register it with "Bikeindex.org" and if it's stolen it has a chance of finding it's way home much easier. Police check this DB regularly and the serial number is easy for an officer to read. Unlike old bikes where the S/N was on the bottom of the crank sleeve, on these it's laser engraved on he head of the bike, right under their logo.

If one does pick the bike up at a store, they go through a full instruction session which is essentially a reading of the instruction manual only with an "instructor" showing you personally how to operate each feature. Even down to the fact that they recommend you charge the battery for 10 hours each day for the first three days. After that recharge after use but no more than 12 hours. Battery is I believe a "Lithium Cobalt" type, not LiFePo and has an internal BMS. The initial charge protocol is apparently to make sure the cells are properly balanced from the beginning. Battery has a "Fuel Gauge" on it as well as a fuel gauge on the handlebar display.

Getting ready to take mine for a "maiden voyage" to pick up lunch. Think I'll see if they allow me in the KFC drive thru.

[rather_b_camping]

Originally Posted by Gsykora

Nice bike. We had some regular bikes and tried hauling them on a rack at the back of our 5th wheel. They seem to just bounce around like crazy back there (41ft 5th wheel) and I know there's no way 2 e-bikes would survive back there. So we decided to look at folding e-bikes. They look like they can be folded small enough to fit into the front storage bin.

Do you mind me asking, how you will be transporting your bike?

Check out lectricebikes.com....they have a brand new folding ebike available with special pre-order pricing of $899, regular $1099. I have watched several YouTube videos and they look awesome and have great reviews. I haven't seen anything on the market that currently compares with their pricing. I ordered 2 for early September shipping. Nice thing is since they fold they can be stored in the basement or even in the back seat of your truck when not in use so they don't get stolen.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by JimMorrell

Use that bike all you can and enjoy. I bought a 12 speed folding bike a couple years ago, and shockingly found that loss of balance has gotten so bad that I can't stay upright. I spent years on 2 wheels and was shocked that I was no longer able to ride.

If I get to the point my balance goes away I'll put training wheels on it I refuse to give in to "age". When it's my time I want it to be just like a new cordless drill battery. When it's reaches the end of it's charge it just quits. Not like the old style that just kept getting slower, slower, and slower.

My role model is my late Uncle. Fought in WWI, worked in the Naval Shipyard Bremerton during WWII, operated a well known Nursery in E. Bremerton for years, retired (second time) and gardened until the family forced him into a Nursing Home at 95. Died at 96. Even in his 90's his handshake could "hurt your hand".

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by rather_b_camping

Check out lectricebikes.com....they have a brand new folding ebike available with special pre-order pricing of $899, regular $1099. I have watched several YouTube videos and they look awesome and have great reviews. I haven't seen anything on the market that currently compares with their pricing. I ordered 2 for early September shipping. Nice thing is since they fold they can be stored in the basement or even in the back seat of your truck when not in use so they don't get stolen.

I saw a lot of e-bikes being advertised for a lot less but was leery of construction. For what I want to use this for it was essential that the frame be well designed and any welds had to be impeccable. I've read reviews on a lot of low cost e-bikes that showed major weld failures just riding around on city streets.

I hope yours are of good quality but I personally don't buy something like this sight unseen. Even if I were to order online I'd want to go touch and feel at a store or see some reviews from accepted sources regarding quality.

The motors, batteries, and Derailleur's are all pretty much the same, (mine is Shimano) but the frame's are often where the cuts are made to make price point.

Here's hoping yours turn out to be as well made as my new bike.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by rather_b_camping

Check out lectricebikes.com....they have a brand new folding ebike available with special pre-order pricing of $899, regular $1099. I have watched several YouTube videos and they look awesome and have great reviews. I haven't seen anything on the market that currently compares with their pricing. I ordered 2 for early September shipping. Nice thing is since they fold they can be stored in the basement or even in the back seat of your truck when not in use so they don't get stolen.

I saw a lot of e-bikes being advertised for a lot less but was leery of construction. For what I want to use this for it was essential that the frame be well designed and any welds had to be impeccable. I've read reviews on a lot of low cost e-bikes that showed major weld failures just riding around on city streets.

I hope yours are of good quality but I personally don't buy something like this sight unseen. Even if I were to order online I'd want to go touch and feel at a store or see some reviews from accepted sources regarding quality.

The motors, batteries, and Derailleur's are all pretty much the same, (mine is Shimano) but the frame's are often where the cuts are made to make price point.

Here's hoping yours turn out to be as well made as my new bike.


BTW, Rad Power Bikes will knock off a Veterans's Discount if you let them know you served. I was unaware but I was wearing my "Proud Army Vet" hat and the clerk told me he knocked off an additional $35 just for being a vet.

[ChateauV10]

Wow- so cool to see a Volt and a Rad in the same picture! I'm driving my second Volt, a 2014 and it's the car I'll keep for a very long time. When I get to drive it (my wife has taken it as her favorite car right now...), I always feel like I am in the future.

I have been looking at Rad's bikes for a couple of months and it's great to hear both the experience and the bike itself has been a great experience. Keep us updated on your continuing Ebike experience!

[babock]

Just be aware that these are getting banned on many trails. All national park and forest trails are pretty much banned. All state trails in CA they are banned. Not sure about other states yet.

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

This bike comes with 100mm travel in the front forks that can be adjusted or just plain locked out if you desire.

For the rear, no swing arm but they do offer a "suspension seat post" for taking some extra jolt off your spine..


To the question "How will I be carrying it", I'm working on a horizontal "cradle" for my hard tonneau on my pickup truck. Bike, without battery (10 lbs) only weighs a little over 50 lbw qne I can further reduce that by removing the front wheel (about 15 seconds). If I take the wheel off I may just utilize a bracket that the front forks sit on a "shaft" and the bike is secured with tie downs.

Even though it looks large and heavy, I was able to haul it home inside my Volt without overly straining my aging body

For just quick trips around home and accessing more distant bike paths (Like Green Lake in Seattle) I'll use a hitch mounted rack.

I may be just 3 years short of 80 but I can stil lift my 100# generator from ground to above waist level so what's 50 pounds of bike

I'm taking advice from Satchel Paige:

"Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter."

AND

"How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?"

AS WELL AS

"Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you."


Some people join a Gym or Fittness Center. I just stay in shape by doing as much as I used to do back when I didn't just feel young, I was young. So far it's working (and the bypass surgery helped a lot).

My grandpa said it best. You are only as old as the women you feel.