Post by: steeliedrew on July 12, 2021, 07:04:22 PM
Do any of you have real world experience with the RadRover? Especially in hilly terrain behind gates. I have zero interest in riding trails or off trail. Only on the logging roads to get in and out more efficiently, and packing out the occasional critter.
At $1,700 the hub driven 750 watt RadRover is less than half the price of a number of the bigger name brands that use mid drives. You can drop $5-$7k in a hurry on some of them. which is not in the cards this year.
So let’s here it. What do you have and how has it worked for you? Especially interested in the RadRover though.
Thanks,
Drew
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Post by: 3dvapor on July 12, 2021, 07:46:26 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on July 12, 2021, 08:08:12 PM
Post by: CP on July 12, 2021, 08:22:31 PM
Post by: Crunchy on July 12, 2021, 08:44:58 PM
Post by: steeliedrew on July 12, 2021, 08:46:28 PM
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Post by: steeliedrew on July 12, 2021, 08:51:48 PM
Im on my second Radrover, just picked up a new one in April. Took it to Oregon on old logging roads and got about 17 miles with 25% battery left. I do wish it had a bit more power. Takes about 7 hrs to fully recharge.That’s good to hear you went 17 miles and still had 25% left. Tons of variables that affect range though for sure though so I know results will vary. Did your first RadRover wear out eventually? Is that why you got a new one? How many miles did you put on it?
my buddy has a compact generator he got at Harbor freight. He can charge both of his Juggernaut batteries with 1 gallon of gasoline. I’m not sure how long it takes but I think it’s not more than a couple hours.
I’ll end up purchasing a second battery for sure.
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Post by: Crunchy on July 12, 2021, 09:03:02 PM
Post by: steeliedrew on July 12, 2021, 09:34:42 PM
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Post by: ridgefire on July 14, 2021, 05:00:03 PM
Post by: millerwheeler on July 14, 2021, 05:02:16 PM
Post by: steeliedrew on July 14, 2021, 05:15:42 PM
I have had my Radrover for a year and a half or so and have over 2000 miles on it now. Large majority of the miles are from cruising logging roads. I upgraded the motor and controller from Bolton E bikes and it has more power than I will ever need. With the new controller you can crank it up to over 1600 watts. I have it set where the max power is approx 1100 watts and its perfect for how I ride. I had it cranked up to 1600 watts and was pedaling and hit 34.8 mph and was passing cars on Main Street in Monroe. I went on a 27 mile ride up around Wallace Lake last week and still had a little battery power left when I got back to my truck. The new 35 amp controller and 750 watt motor is roughly $500. My next purchase for it will be the 52v 21 amp hour battery from Bolton. I am still using the original battery.
That’s good to hear that the upgrade worked out so well. I watched a video today on YouTube from a guy that goes by Citizen Cycle where he showed his results from installing that same kit. sounds like you’re getting some good mileage out of it too even with the beefier controller.
Post by: ridgefire on July 14, 2021, 05:25:49 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on July 14, 2021, 08:02:27 PM
Post by: steeliedrew on July 14, 2021, 09:35:12 PM
I watched the same videos and that's what got me to buy the Bolton upgrade.
How did you feel about the RadRover when it was stock? I’ll probably order one and an extra battery but leave it stock for this season. Then do the upgrades in the winter.
Post by: steeliedrew on July 14, 2021, 09:39:01 PM
Post by: opdinkslayer on July 14, 2021, 09:51:46 PM
Post by: CP on July 15, 2021, 07:51:56 AM
They are underpowered. Rad puts a hard limit of 750 Watts input to their motors on all their 750W bikes as far as I know. The requirement for class #1, #2 and #3 ebikes is actually motor output of no more than 750W. Most of the industry now plays pretty fast and loose with this requirement and markets 750-watt motors that have “peak” power well above 750W.
Rad bikes don’t have a rear suspension. I’m pretty sure they are all hardtails.
Rad brakes are weak, especially if you’re going to up the amps and/or you do a lot of downhill riding.
All that said, they make solid, well built, reasonably priced bikes and they have excellent customer service.
Post by: KFhunter on July 15, 2021, 10:22:32 AM
It was a 1000w mid drive
Post by: steeliedrew on July 15, 2021, 12:07:15 PM
I was looking at an ebike, it had internal hub gear shifting 5 speed, no derailer and a belt drive!
It was a 1000w mid drive
I’d like to see that thing. Sounds pricey though. Haha
Post by: KFhunter on July 15, 2021, 12:33:16 PM
I was looking at an ebike, it had internal hub gear shifting 5 speed, no derailer and a belt drive!
It was a 1000w mid drive
I’d like to see that thing. Sounds pricey though. Haha
Yes, pricy!
https://boltonebikes.com/collections/ebikes/products/warthog-mid-drive
Post by: ridgefire on July 15, 2021, 12:56:37 PM
Post by: CP on July 15, 2021, 01:32:45 PM
I was looking at an ebike, it had internal hub gear shifting 5 speed, no derailer and a belt drive!
It was a 1000w mid drive
I’d like to see that thing. Sounds pricey though. Haha
Yes, pricy!
https://boltonebikes.com/collections/ebikes/products/warthog-mid-drive
For just a bit more $:
https://volcon.com/grunt-explore
Post by: steeliedrew on July 16, 2021, 04:03:34 AM
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Post by: rickomatic on October 04, 2021, 04:26:25 PM
Then, just a couple weeks ago, my son and his buddy each got $150 fines for having an Ebike behind a closed (not even marked) gate in NE Oregon. The gamey waited at the gate for TEN HOURS waiting for them to come out. What kind of waste of resources is that? Anyway, make sure you check the areas you hunt before you pull the trigger. The spandex crowd, and "this is my honey hole" crowd are butt hurt about Ebikes, and they're affecting their use.
Post by: CP on October 04, 2021, 05:02:16 PM
Post by: steeliedrew on October 04, 2021, 06:14:32 PM
Post by: rickomatic on October 04, 2021, 07:54:18 PM
I don't think that the US forest service would put up "No Ebike" signs. It goes against Federal classification of a bicycle. If it's Federal land I would check with the forest service and make sure it's not just some Ebike hater putting up the signs.We’ll be over there in a couple weeks. I’ll try to get a picture. It was real. We called the WDFW and they confirmed it.
Post by: KFhunter on October 05, 2021, 10:19:19 AM
I don't think that the US forest service would put up "No Ebike" signs. It goes against Federal classification of a bicycle. If it's Federal land I would check with the forest service and make sure it's not just some Ebike hater putting up the signs.We’ll be over there in a couple weeks. I’ll try to get a picture. It was real. We called the WDFW and they confirmed it.
It needs to be challenged, or in time it could stand.
BLM and other land managers do this stuff all the time, if no one challenges then it stands given enough time.
Post by: Sandberm on October 05, 2021, 10:47:19 AM
There are getting to be more and more senior citizens tearing around the Tri-Cities bike paths on E-Bikes. Fat ,Santa Claus looking guys aged 65-75 with the wives in tow. They speed all over the place, their Santa Claus bellies not being a problem with the e assist. Little bicycle helmets, perhaps a small dog in a basket on the front or back.
The other day the wife and i and the dog went for a walk in a nature area. Our walk took us back to the bike path which runs parallel to the freeway. There, lying in a heap, bloodied and knocked unconscious was one of these Santa Claus look a likes. It looked as best i could tell that he had over inflated his tires and the front tire had popped off the rim and jammed between the front forks. Like grabbing a handful of front brake he was down before he knew what happened. We called 911, not knowing if he was going to wake back up. He eventually did a few minutes after we found him,...thank God...no memory of his crash.
So you old guys and gals be careful out there on your whizzer bikes eh?
Post by: GWP on October 05, 2021, 11:12:06 AM
Post by: rickomatic on October 10, 2021, 01:42:36 PM
Slight thread hi-jack incoming.Yea, if that old guy had only been younger, because everyone knows only old Santa Claus farts crash their bikes.
There are getting to be more and more senior citizens tearing around the Tri-Cities bike paths on E-Bikes. Fat ,Santa Claus looking guys aged 65-75 with the wives in tow. They speed all over the place, their Santa Claus bellies not being a problem with the e assist. Little bicycle helmets, perhaps a small dog in a basket on the front or back.
The other day the wife and i and the dog went for a walk in a nature area. Our walk took us back to the bike path which runs parallel to the freeway. There, lying in a heap, bloodied and knocked unconscious was one of these Santa Claus look a likes. It looked as best i could tell that he had over inflated his tires and the front tire had popped off the rim and jammed between the front forks. Like grabbing a handful of front brake he was down before he knew what happened. We called 911, not knowing if he was going to wake back up. He eventually did a few minutes after we found him,...thank God...no memory of his crash.
So you old guys and gals be careful out there on your whizzer bikes eh?
Oh, and I resemble that description. But, the chihuahua isn’t allowed to go hunting with us.
Post by: MR5x5 on October 11, 2021, 09:48:25 AM
I don't think that the US forest service would put up "No Ebike" signs. It goes against Federal classification of a bicycle. If it's Federal land I would check with the forest service and make sure it's not just some Ebike hater putting up the signs.
Ran into Specific "No E-bike" designations on US Forest land signs above Chelan a couple weeks ago. Not very prevalent for sure, but it is starting.
Post by: steeliedrew on October 11, 2021, 10:51:23 AM
I wonder in cases like that if that’s a blanket ban on all E-bikes or just those that are bigger than 750watts? I can’t see why they would be banned. They’re no more intrusive than a regular mountain bike, and if ridden on the same logging road, what’s the difference? I’m just speaking in terms of riding them on FS roads. I have zero intention of using mine on trails. It’s a tool to cover ground, and maybe help to get an animal packed out quicker if you’re successful.I don't think that the US forest service would put up "No Ebike" signs. It goes against Federal classification of a bicycle. If it's Federal land I would check with the forest service and make sure it's not just some Ebike hater putting up the signs.
Ran into Specific "No E-bike" designations on US Forest land signs above Chelan a couple weeks ago. Not very prevalent for sure, but it is starting.
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Post by: CP on October 11, 2021, 11:28:15 AM
I don't think that the US forest service would put up "No Ebike" signs. It goes against Federal classification of a bicycle. If it's Federal land I would check with the forest service and make sure it's not just some Ebike hater putting up the signs.
Ran into Specific "No E-bike" designations on US Forest land signs above Chelan a couple weeks ago. Not very prevalent for sure, but it is starting.
Did they have the FS logo on them?
Post by: CP on October 11, 2021, 11:29:57 AM
Post by: steeliedrew on October 11, 2021, 11:32:12 AM
There's a lot of fake signs out there.Haters…
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Post by: hunthard on October 11, 2021, 11:46:25 AM
Post by: steeliedrew on October 11, 2021, 12:38:38 PM
I would much rather have an ebike pull up to me on a landing than a truck.100%. To your point, I’ve been 7+ miles in before on a gated road on my mountain bike only to be passed by two guys on e-bikes. Did I get mad? Nope. My thought on the matter…I guess I better save money and buy one. And I now own an E-bike. problem solved. Haha. I’m keeping the mountain bike around though due to certain private timber companies that specifically say no E-bikes under their access rules.
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Post by: MR5x5 on October 11, 2021, 03:49:36 PM
I don't think that the US forest service would put up "No Ebike" signs. It goes against Federal classification of a bicycle. If it's Federal land I would check with the forest service and make sure it's not just some Ebike hater putting up the signs.
Ran into Specific "No E-bike" designations on US Forest land signs above Chelan a couple weeks ago. Not very prevalent for sure, but it is starting.
Did they have the FS logo on them?
Yes, absolutely.
https://www.trailforks.com/region/echo-ridge-16257/?activitytype=1&z=11.1&lat=47.91743&lon=-120.01678
Primary Trail Type: Cross-Country
eBikes Allowed: No
Shuttleable: YES
Land Status: National Forest
Land Manager: USFS Chelan Ranger District
Post by: CP on October 11, 2021, 04:02:24 PM
I don't think that the US forest service would put up "No Ebike" signs. It goes against Federal classification of a bicycle. If it's Federal land I would check with the forest service and make sure it's not just some Ebike hater putting up the signs.
Ran into Specific "No E-bike" designations on US Forest land signs above Chelan a couple weeks ago. Not very prevalent for sure, but it is starting.
Did they have the FS logo on them?
Yes, absolutely.
https://www.trailforks.com/region/echo-ridge-16257/?activitytype=1&z=11.1&lat=47.91743&lon=-120.01678
Primary Trail Type: Cross-Country
eBikes Allowed: No
Shuttleable: YES
Land Status: National Forest
Land Manager: USFS Chelan Ranger District
Well that sucks. I hope it doesn't spread.