Rad Runner Standard Vs Plus (200 mile review) Why you should save your money

It’s been about 200 miles since I bought my RadRunner.
E-Bike Must-haves:
Big Butt Seat - amzn.to/37hU02s
Cheap but amazing water bottle holder - amzn.to/3LKamjl
Anyone who goes on 10+ mile rides needs this - amzn.to/3w5qS6I
PROTECT YOUR BIKE FROM RUST AND GRIME (for real, buy this if you don’t own it…) - amzn.to/380BXhm
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There are so many things I wish I would’ve known before I bought this bike lots of good reasons and lots of bad reasons to make this decision. That’s why I wanted to make this video in case you were about to buy one. A lot of people asked me if they should get the regular version or if they should spend a little more to get the RadRunner plus. In this video I break down whether it’s worth it to spend a little more money and get the plus. I also will break down the pros and cons of buying the RadRunner standard. Finally I’ll break down what upgrades I think are worth buying. Overall this bike is really great.

[@surjracer56]

I’ve got the same bike. My low cost recommendation for the rear storage would be a collapsible milk crate from Walmart. Zip tie or Velcro wire wrap it on. Makes it easy to remove and it collapses out of the way.

[@SarasotaTim]

I don’t believe a single one of the other KZbin channels that review this eBike with all their music and fancy editing but most of all they get the bike FREE! Your video on the other hand is honest and believable. I didn’t even want an eBike before your video when you got it and now this one. Damn it I really don’t want to drop $2K right now with my outta work ass but fun is what I definitely need in my life right now 😎 Thanks brother I subscribed but I really ain’t interested in electric trucks I just bout a 4Runner that only gets 15 gallons to the mile but I love it and that is what my chat is about. I just got monetized and going to start doing some camping videos in the back of it seems to be a good niche for KZbin. 😎

[@guysmiley4830]

I zip tied a milk crate to the back of my rad runner. I keep my U lock on it so it doesn't rattle against the frame. I regularly transport a 12 pack of heineken glass bottles along with a pound or two of other random gear. It's a cheap solution that works and actually has it's own charm. It also makes a sort of back rest. It's quite comfortable.

[@missouriwilkinson9830]

Hey bro, don't let the haters get to you. Appreciate the review.

[@roygregory8334]

Drill a hole through the crank arm and into the pedal spindle . Tap a thread into the pedal spindle. Select the right size bolt and thread. Put an over size washer covering the crank arm screw the bolt in and tighten the bolt . A easy cost free repair.

[@nmf091786]

Watched your videos before buying my RadRunner, had no idea we we're both from GR! Just got the bike last week, so far I've enjoyed it, hoping I continue to do so!

[@larryl]

That's awesome!!! Maybe we will see each other on the white one someday!!!!

[@Charris4358]

I totally agree with this review! We actually have both the standard and the plus. I really prefer the simplicity of the standard 100%! We bought the plus first and I needed the seat upgrade for my 5yo and without riding any options first, it made sense to spring for the plus. I wish I'd have just bought the upgrade separately. I prefer the standard runner not just for the cost. The gears are useful in hilly situations but for Minneapolis I don't really need them. Sanfranssico? Yes, get the plus. Either way, standard or plus, I love our Radrunners.

[@chatrkat]

I know it’s been a year but hopefully you will see this. Your comment was very helpful. I’m ready to order but was having trouble deciding which of the 2 models to buy. I’m pretty much convinced the standard model, now called the “2”, is the best way to go.

[@daviddehass6877]

The seat post size for a RadRunner is 27.2 mm. It is the most common size for bikes so it makes sense for Rad Bikes. Smaller (BMX) and usually less expensive bikes often use 25.4 mm. Also, MTB often have post sizes that are a larger diameter. I agree, the seat itself not having rails is annoying for several reasons. Nice video, enjoyed the information.

[@scottbritton3332]

There is a setting after the tire width that is max speed (in kmph) which will increase the max speed from 20mph to 25mph. It it a specific setting separate from the tired width.

[@larryl]

Yeah, I did that too and found very little difference.

[@jakeburton6057]

This is the bike I purchased. Best money I've spent in a while. Don't even want to drive anymore...

[@johnkiljan7441]

Good review. You confirmed the conclusions I was already close to reaching. Have fun!

[@Copper.Cowboy]

I agree the pedal damage came over time. I always use blue lock tight and make sure it's snug, but not too tight. Likely an aluminum crank arm.

[@sammyfuentes2561]

Hi I have one like a month and I feel good with it iam upgrade the fenders and the seat and padles . Kip on with your videos there good.

[@XDM50]

Hey Larry, Great review! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience. -Duane

[@serendipitoussoaps3584]

I love mine. I agree It’s fun and you won’t have a bad time ever. I just want to ride it. Been thinking about just selling my car and just riding the bike and that’s a huge step for me. Do you think it’s really the quality of the part or because of the fall maybe caused the failure of the part? Only thing I think the plus would give is the multiple gears may be a huge upgrade. But the radrunner is a great start and upgrade as you said if you need to. Great video- subscribed.

[@chatrkat]

I’m ready to order either this or the Plus. I’ve already seem lots of reviews by the big channels. Your video was exactly what I wanted, someone familiar with ebikes giving an honest user review of that model. Your options really help too, thank you. One thing, do you feel any need for the 7 speed petal drive, for someone who will always ride using electric power? I really feel Rad builds a quality product, I’m very anxious to order mine. That loose thread is purely from the crash then it worsened over time until you became aware of the problem, but the good thing, you mentioned they have parts. That’s good product support! Let’s face it, mistakes happen, I speak from lots of experience in that department.

[@larryl]

Honestly, I have 4 ebikes and 3 have a 7 speed shifter. I think I’ve shifted each of them a total of 2 times. This bike has a solid single speed set up. As long as you’re consistently going to be using the bike at speeds above 10mph, you will never need to shift.

[@robdc4829]

I didn't like the fact the tires were proprietary - and now I find out the seat is proprietary!!

[@zzzxxzzz3248]

Hey Larry , buy a $5 milk crate and zip tie it to the back frame for storage ! Pick a color !

[@jakeburton6057]

That's exactly what I did. Saved me $80.

[@guysmiley4830]

I chose black to match the aesthetic of my rad runner. Makes a nice back rest

[@Instantpower332]

Thanks for an honest review. It's refreshing..

[@enchantkeymike8170]

I have Both bikes radrunner and rad runnerplus, I love both bikes in their own way, I put a gel seat covers on both bikes, radrunner has a way better kick stand, the front shocks is a huge difference on the plus, plus looks nicer, I feel like my rad runner is faster that my plus,due to being liter. They both suck for huge hills though, I have a dual motor scooter that blows both of them away.

[@markpepper9047]

Great video, watched this twice now. Will look up some of your other vids

[@larryl]

That’s awesome!!! 🙏

[@MiguelMorales-iz1dp]

Larry, thank you for this review. I live in Chicago and I'd like a bike to replace 'exclusive' use of my car for commuting to work (15 miles from home) and running errands. Do you think the Rad Runner is the right bike for this purpose?

[@lokmtb8503]

have someone pull the pedal away from the crank arm while you unscrew the threads on the pedal with a wrench. This should cause the loose threads to engage an allow you to remove the pedal.

[@billliss2128]

I just ordered two of the Radrunner Plusses, but I looked at the standard and thought about upgrading it as you did. I decided that the two upgrades that would have been uneconomical to do would be adding the Shimano 7 speed and upgrades to the front suspension. I didn't know if a single speed bike would be right for me in the long run.

[@larryl]

Very solid point about adding the 7 speed. That’s probably the most challenging upgrade to do yourself… Although I have 2 Ebike’s , this and another that has a 7 speed… honestly I don’t know if I have shifted the other bike even once lol

[@patrickcobb6570]

I have the plus and I love it. I use the shifter every time I ride. I prefer to use the lowest assist possible, and it allows me to adjust for whatever conditions I am facing to fine tune for the easiest pedaling with the lower assist.

[@rodneygalbraith4793]

Walmart plastic ammo box olive color fits perfect on back carrier just bolt er on. $25.00 and away you go.uo

[@patriciaribaric3409]

Thank you for that suggestion. I ordered this bike yesterday, and I already have several ammo boxes.

[@chatrkat]

Great suggestion! I’ve been looking around for something suitable and respectable looking. I did not want to go the milk crate route, that looks like a homeless guy (with a nice bike) then.

[@simba9844]

I do food delivery on this bike. Might seem weird if not doing food delivery, but consider getting the smaller delivery bag/box with the platform rack. It's awesome having a trunk. Also, switching out seat for a cloud 9 cruiser saddle was well worth it despite having to buy a post too(I found my post on ebay).

[@Copper.Cowboy]

What size seat post?

[@TropicalBlast]

It can go to 25, I have one myself and i did this, its musch faster. Go to the settings and you will see a 32 kph lable in one of the 4 settings. You can increase this with the up and down arrows on the button pad. I would recommend setting the wheel diamiter back though, you dont get acuret speed information nor distance. the 227 miles may actualy be 214, or somthng. Awsome review though.

[@MikeGTR]

Pedal thing happened on my RadMission as well, crank arm threading was stripped, still a great bike though after I replaced the parts

[@ElburroE]

The crank ARM didnt break.Look at the inside of the pedal where it goes into the crank arm. SOME pedals have allen wrench ends...try taking it off there if it has them.

[@forgetyourlife]

The seat post diameter is 27.2 which is very common.

[@larryl]

All of my seat posts (4 other bikes) are 31.6… plus the lack of rails is the real issue for me.

[@forgetyourlife]

@@larryl welp believe it or not a 27.2 post is easy to source and railed seats are the absolute standard so there are tons of seats sizes/shapes to choose from. Let me know if you need any further help.

[@chatrkat]

@@forgetyourlife great information, thank you for posting.

[@stanleywilson2844]

I thought you did a great job. Keep it up

[@DAVELa-Soul916]

Get a grinder and cut the pedal off and get a new set of pedals at your local bike shop..unless you have to somehow drill the Bolt on part of the pedal out also

[@d.hernden3892]

Contact Rad about your pedal issue, I had a similar issue. Rad replaced the crank arms for free even though it was my fault.

[@larryl]

Dang! I’m a little too late, but that’s good to hear that they took care of it

[@onecrazywheel]

@@larryl If it was too late to get service from them and replacement parts then I do not want to get a bike from this company. I thought about getting one of these bikes seriously but if it is "too late" to get service then I will look elsewhere. Get your broken crank arm and pedal replaced. Make a call and they should send you one out for sure

[@larryl]

@@onecrazywheel oh just meant like too late because I already had it ordered. They didn’t say it was too late. I have actually heard they are pretty good with customer service.

[@onecrazywheel]

@@larryl Ok cool. That's a huge difference. Thanks. I liked your down-to-earth video. Good review. I too like just the original version. I wish they were under a grand. Still a lot to swallow on cost. I may still just make an electric bicycle out of my mountain bike with a kit from Amazon and a big battery.

[@chatrkat]

@@larryl I spoke with Rad on the phone today, for the very first time. I was most impressed with them, and how my call was handled.

[@brucebigbie1537]

Thanks for the video! I was having a hard time on deciding if I should get this or the plus and you helped me decide on the regular version. I’m not sure how tall you are but do you feel that a 6’ tall guy can be comfortable on it?

[@chatrkat]

I said the same thing, I am ready to order and couldn’t decide which model. This video clinched for me. I can’t wait until mine arrives.

[@josephe9487]

Hearts the comment but doesn't bother to answer the question 🤣

[@99Racker]

Have you tried the old larger size milk crate bungeed or zip tied to the rear rack? Custom paint can colors. What is the best method to secure the bike if you go in the store? Thanks.

[@rwave24]

Total random question, but any suggestions on how to lock this bike when parking in the city vs at home? I’m not familiar with fat tires and the frame of the bike. Any suggestions would be much appreciated, thanks! Great video btw, I can’t wait till they ship mine in, from what I’ve been reading, I’ll be waiting a long time lol.

[@larryl]

To lock, definitely get a chain/rope style lock.(not a “U” style) Then I would just attach through the back tire and part of the rear frame. I don’t know if there’s a perfect way… but that’s at least what I would do, lol

[@danielberg7644]

I got a kryptonite chain lock for mine. It's the one that is recommended by "The lockpicking lawyer " on KZbin.

[@rwave24]

@@danielberg7644 I’ll have to check that video out, thank you for the replies!

[@brokenocci]

did you got your bike? how is it feeling?

[@rwave24]

@@brokenocci I did! But I ended up picking one up at the shop that was already built rather than wait for them to ship it. We love it! I did swap the seat for a more comfortable one :)

[@samspade4050]

It’s a simple 27.2 post

[@larryl]

All of my seat posts (4 other bikes) are 31.6… plus the lack of rails is the real issue for me.

[@donoliver3266]

Buy a lockable scooter helmet trunk and put it on the back

[@sintunayehu8694]

To do delivery work in DC which one you recommended ?the standard or the plus?

[@larryl]

They have the same exact batteries. So just get the standard. Then add a basket of your choice. Otherwise you would have a pointless seat instead of storage for deliveries

[@thebitingaquatot4693]

Can this be modified to a belt drive? I’m looking into getting this but I’m trying to go as low maintenance as possible

[@rj863]

Would you suggest this bike for food deliveries?

[@larryl]

100% I would get an extra battery though, if you plan on riding all day. A lot of places to add cargo for delivery. Plus it’s very reliable.

[@risagetman2786]

You didn't address the single speed. Was that a hindrance? Thanks.

[@larryl]

It’s a non issue for me. The gearing is perfect … even on my bikes with multiple speeds I never shift anyway.

[@attackscorpion5323]

Got swap the motor for a 3000w

[@danielberg7644]

Zip tie a milk crate to the rack.

[@larryl]

I really might end up doing that lol

[@danielberg7644]

@@larryl I did. I put a collapsible crate on the back of my Radrunner with zip ties. It holds three grocery bags full of groceries. I got the accessories for it too. I got the front rack and the storage console. But I'll use them when I go bike camping. The step through is nice for everyday riding.

[@markpepper9047]

Subbed 👍

[@Copper.Cowboy]

Are the brakes mechanical or hydraulic?

[@larryl]

Mechanical

[@TekinDuran]

Can you remove the battery to charge it?

[@larryl]

That’s a great question, I have never done that. BUT I am certain that you can. It has its own charge indicator and the plug is on the battery.

[@TheSamcdonald22]

Yes, very easy to remove and charge

[@gliderman1176]

Leviticus 18:22

[@Mjames55]

A mechanic should be able to tap that peddle and take it out for you

[@juliosdiy3206]

Standard is a rip off should have been under 1k, what the hell they cant even put on a 5 buck wheel well?

[@909butcher]

Do you get any exercise with this?

[@larryl]

It really depends how you use it… When I use just throttle mode absolutely no exercise lol… But there’s other settings where you can definitely get a good workout in

[@guysmiley4830]

If you keep the assist level at 1 and go up hills, you can definitely feel it. It's around 80 pounds of bike. I ride with a friend to keep me honest though. When I'm by myself it's too easy to cheat up hills with the throttle. You can go really far on one charge if you stay on assist level 1.

[@jerrymurphy4608]

riteon budy

[@Kevin_geekgineering]

radpower uses worst quality in its bikes, so disappointing

[@heydavisfamily]

SMH

[@truthsayer8918]

It's a kick push bike because the chain will certainly fall off And tell you America has just lost it's pride So over wait lazy...I own one....

[@larryl]

K

[@tomortale2333]

this guy ever work day in his life....naa// need to walk not ride...duuufus

[@larryl]

Sorry your life has been so tough Tom. Maybe you will find someone who could love you.

[@stxflyer]

boring

[@larryl]

lol