In theory I pick this up tomorrow, but I have questions!!!

[cerebrix]

Sorry about the image quality but here's the pic they sent of my bike!

I guess there was an issue with the front fender bolts being "shredded".  I don't have more info on that but wondering what you guys think having received yours as to what I might be looking at.  Whatever it is, I'm hoping it's something I can resolve myself tomorrow.  *fingers crossed*.  Thoughts?

Also, you can see how I really didn't think through that saddle bag purchase.  Could I flip that around and would it still work?

I still don't see the rad mirror or gub phone holder I ordered, but im hoping it's something they plan to knock out in the morning.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for your insight

- me

[Radio Runner]

Bolts dont just "shred" Id be curious what they mean by that. Can a fender be installed at all now? Are the threads on the fork cross threaded or ruined in some way etc etc.

I think the rear rack can be mounted wide like pictured or long (turned 90degres.)

[cerebrix]

Id actually prefer long ways, but I thought I saw a guy on this forum that had to make an adapter plate to mount it that way, which is a means I don't have at the moment.

[cerebrix]

waking up this morning, im feeling so much anxiety about those forks.

I'm honestly really trying to see the bright side of my "new situation" as a bike commuter, but if I'm honest.  I wouldn't have picked this as my first choice.  keeping my car would have been my first choice but this pandemic hasn't exactly been kind to me so im having to "give back" my car to the bank.

And it just seems like everything about this whole thing is going wrong on top of everything else.

god I need life to give me a break.

[david.platt@mac.com]

We just got a couple of RC5+ high step. Bikes they are incredible!

The front shocks are indispensable, they enable you to keep your tires hard for better rolling resistance.

Yesterday we went for a 28 mile round trip. With mostly PAS level 2 on the first half and level 3 against the wind on the return half.

We still had half of our battery?s left.

I?m sure the fender will be easy to mount do they include it.?

Enjoy!

[Eric7]

You can only mount the large basket sideways - see below.  I think I would bungie cord a milk crate rather than screw in a basket because I have fallen a few times.  I think an impact from a fall would ruin the basket, the rack and maybe the frame - of course, I am not wishing you ill and I wish it never happens to you.  For the same reason - avoiding damage from a fall - I did not put in a front basket.  On the other hand, my rear rack does not have a scratch despite multiple falls because it is narrow I guess.

From Rad Web Page:

Installation Instructions [for large basket]                 

The Large Basket should only be mounted perpendicularly to the bike as shown in the product images. The only exception to this is when mounting the Large Basket to the rear deck of the RadWagon, in which case it can be mounted either perpendicularly or lengthwise.

[STARFLYER]

If this bike is a replacement for a car and will be left outside of stores while shopping, you should consider locking options.  IMO the best involves a chain secured to a fixed stand (like a bike stand anchored in concrete.  First step in locking, turn the key off to the battery to prevent it from being driven way...Chains next...

[JimInPT]

First step in locking, turn the key off to the battery to prevent it from being driven way

You can't do that with Rad's "genius" latest designs with a semi-integrated battery.  The key lock is only for mechanically locking the battery to the bike, there is NO way to turn off electrical supply to the bike as long as the battery is in place, unless you are willing to void the warranty by modding it.

When asked, Rad's support solution is......... remove the battery and carry it with you!  Heck, it only weighs 8 or 9 pounds, after all, and if you're also carrying an infant it help will balance your load!

This, plus blank keys unlocking all the previous-generation batteries both electrically and mechanically, seems to indicate Rad doesn't quite get the idea of keylock security.

[cerebrix]

If this bike is a replacement for a car and will be left outside of stores while shopping, you should consider locking options.  IMO the best involves a chain secured to a fixed stand (like a bike stand anchored in concrete.  First step in locking, turn the key off to the battery to prevent it from being driven way...Chains next...

I picked up the Abus wheel lock and optional chain for starters, I'm also planning on a basic D lock as well as a gps tracker (still haven't decided if im going with airtag or spending for the tmobile lte tracker and extra line on my account.

[cerebrix]

You can only mount the large basket sideways - see below.  I think I would bungie cord a milk crate rather than screw in a basket because I have fallen a few times.  I think an impact from a fall would ruin the basket, the rack and maybe the frame - of course, I am not wishing you ill and I wish it never happens to you.  For the same reason - avoiding damage from a fall - I did not put in a front basket.  On the other hand, my rear rack does not have a scratch despite multiple falls because it is narrow I guess.

From Rad Web Page:

Installation Instructions [for large basket]                 

The Large Basket should only be mounted perpendicularly to the bike as shown in the product images. The only exception to this is when mounting the Large Basket to the rear deck of the RadWagon, in which case it can be mounted either perpendicularly or lengthwise.

I saw a guy either here or on reddit that made an adapter "board" to mount onto the back rack to mount it "longways".  But I don't have the means or skillset to make something like that myself.  but apparently he thought the bike balanced much better that way.

[Altema]

By "shredded", they probably mean stripped or galled with aluminum stuck in the screw threads. I've had that happen with stainless steel screws in aluminum holes. A fix is to get a longer screw for the fender mount, and put a nylon locking nut on the inside. Or if you're handy, drill and tap new threads for a larger screw.

Too bad about the key not giving any protection against theft of the bike. Most aftermarket batteries are the same way, and I have to keep close watch on my bike because all they have to do is flip the switch to turn it on. To someone stealing an e-bike, being able to turn it on and power away is a huge bonus for the thief.

[cerebrix]

Picked up the bike, it's at the repair shop already though lol.

Turns out it was totally described incorrectly to me.  the top screw by the forks, looks like it was misdrilled.  It's actually too small and will need to be drilled more (which is good news).  the tail light was falling off by the time I rode it to the repair shop and a few other bolts were loose by the time I got there (almost 5 miles away from where I picked it up).  Brakes were not bed in correctly either.  All of these things I anticipate will be resolved as the repair guy I took it to is apparently the best bike repair guy in the state.  His name is Gator, so I totally believe it.  greeted us with an open long sleeve shirt with a t shirt under it.  Guy looked like he could be "the dude"'s cousin or something. 

So hopefully everything will be resolved tomorrow.  But the funny part was my wife had to drive the car to the repair shop to pick me up but with all of the bike trails kamoot had me take.  I was only about 4 minutes behind her.

I'm really glad I bought the comfort seat for sure.  I feel like I might even want a suspension post for this to be a true car replacement.

I'm still blown away by how quickly bike trails got me from point a to point b.  I feel like ebikes might be a transportation cheat code for life.

[Radio Runner]

By "shredded", they probably mean stripped or galled with aluminum stuck in the screw threads. I've had that happen with stainless steel screws in aluminum holes.

Could be and I wouldn't be surprised at all. The 1st thing I did was notice there wasn't grease on any easily removed bolt when I checked for grease.. So I took everything apart. Rad doesn't grease anything! Even the freewheel threads where dry!!Major No No. There's a lot of Rads out there just galling and seizing away as we type.

[cerebrix]

So it's looking like tuesday or wednesday is the soonest he can get it back on the rack (work ahead of me needs to go first, which I totally understand.  Plus with forests out here shutting down for the summer he's not working this weekend to bomb some downhill trails which I 100% approve of.  I want my bike repair dude happy).

See attached picture for what the major problem was and sadly because of that, the bike was only partially setup when I took delivery, so Gator will have to do a complete new setup (although I get the feeling the setups he does are "noice" according to all the mountain bike heads in this state that use him.  Again, he's basically the best bike tech in our entire state).

But turns out he actually lives in my apartment complex, so free delivery when he's done lol

And that's where we are at

[Altema]

So it's looking like tuesday or wednesday is the soonest he can get it back on the rack (work ahead of me needs to go first, which I totally understand.  Plus with forests out here shutting down for the summer he's not working this weekend to bomb some downhill trails which I 100% approve of.  I want my bike repair dude happy).

See attached picture for what the major problem was and sadly because of that, the bike was only partially setup when I took delivery, so Gator will have to do a complete new setup (although I get the feeling the setups he does are "noice" according to all the mountain bike heads in this state that use him.  Again, he's basically the best bike tech in our entire state).

But turns out he actually lives in my apartment complex, so free delivery when he's done lol

And that's where we are at

That fender mount hole should be an easy fix with a drill and tap!