To my luck, it happened at the onset of a long ride. Issues encountered Perhaps the most annoying issue I encountered with the RadRhino was a flat tire (caused by one of those giant thorns from honey locust trees). I took the RadRhino every 300 km (187 miles) or so, to make sure everything was as it should be. In addition to checking stuff like tire pressure and the condition of the chain regularly and cleaning the bike after dirtier rides, you must also take it for a regular checkup at the bike shop (every 12 months for regular, daily use, and more frequently if you ride it hard). Give it a good wash, and you wouldn’t be able to tell this is a used bike, so yes, when Rad Power Bikes says they’re building quality bikes, they mean it. Not one of these issues is important or otherwise impacts functionality. The frame shows a few scratches, the pedals some wear and tear, and the color on the battery has come off on the sides. The battery is as new, both regarding charging times (5 to 6 hours) and range (which will vary according to weather and terrain, as well as payload). Always make sure you plan ahead and consider the range on it (55-88 km/34-55 miles), or if not, be prepared to sweat it out by pedaling if you run out of juice.Īfter all this time, the RadRhino holds up remarkably-including after a couple of mild falls on uneven ground (my fault, overconfidence) and one slightly more serious fall in the city (also my fault, exhaustion). The RadRhino offers you freedom because it brings you the confidence to go where you wouldn’t before, and this is especially true for occasional cyclists. My review sample came with two Fremont Pannier Bags-just perfect to pack for a picnic in the woods. The RadRhino is perfect for day-long rides outdoors with the family: during the strict lockdowns, I used it every weekend for that purpose, whenever the weather permitted. Whether you take it out to run errands around the city or pick up groceries, or even ferry a small child around, the RadRhino can substitute for the personal vehicle, as long as you’re willing to give it a try. Standing the test of time The RadRhino never stops being fun, and I can confirm that after one year and close to three months of riding it as often as I could. Depending on your overall tonus, you can ride it without motor assistance, just like you would a regular bike: it is a proper workout, but it’s not an impossible or dreadful option to contemplate. The RadRhino rides comfortably in the city and outside of it, but it was made for paved streets, back roads, and trails that's where it truly excels. Sure enough, you still have to account for its weight and size as you ride it, but it’s not a difficult task. But it also defies expectations in that it’s very smooth, fast and comfortable, and surprisingly nimble. The total payload is of 125 kg (275.5 pounds), which makes it perfect for anything from solo rides to hauling groceries and dropping off kids on school days-with the right accessories, of course.Īs I noted in the original review, the RadRhino stands out for its size and, because of it, is the kind of bike that draws attention wherever you take it. The bike comes with a standard integrated headlight (with ambient sensor) and taillight/brake light, front and rear fenders, and a rear rack. The bike has five levels of pedal assist (PAS) and a 7-speed cassette, a backlit LCD display for controls and stats, a torque option that you activate by pressing a button and twisting the handle, and rides on giant Kenda Juggernaut 26x4 tires, with K-Shield puncture-resistant liner. That means the top speed is 25 kph (15.5 mph) with pedal assist, but you can go as fast as you want on the condition you’re physically able to pedal faster. The initial experience The European version of the RadRhino 5 comes with the 250W brushless Bafang gear hub motor. Maybe it can help you make the best decision for your next e-bike. I got to see for myself, and here is my experience with it. So, how good of an investment is it really? The RadRhino is a €1,699 ($1,699) bike, so it’s not cheap, but it’s not painfully expensive either. The recently launched (then) fifth-generation model came with European specs: the 250W Bafang motor and the option to use torque only when pedaling. It’s just as understandable to get something that lasts more than a season.Ī little over a year ago, I received the RadRhino 5 (RadRover, in the U.S.) from Rad Power Bikes for a review. Even with the unprecedented rise in e-bike models, it’s okay not to spend real car money on an e-bike. Today, whether you commute daily or ride for pleasure, you can have your pick of electric offerings according to your budget and your exact needs.
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