Why 'Forever Bikes' Don't Exist

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

🎟EBD Channel Memberships The Realist of REAL: bit.ly/EBD_Insider

[@tongpocalypse151]

Every time I think about thinning the herd, I tune up the candidate bike and give it a spin to make sure it's in sellable condition. After a couple of such shakedown rides, I realize what makes it so great, and back into the stable it goes. Rinse and repeat with the next candidate bike on the chopping block 😅

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

LOL I am guilty of this exact thing myself.

[@tevemullins8156]

Gotta get me one of those Omnium Cargo bikes. My son uses an Omnium to putz around on. Good times!!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

How Cool is the Mullins Family!

[@scottbendle442]

I have had a Specialized Haul for a couple of months, I really love it. It has definitely reduced how often I get in my van. The throttle is an option on the Haul that I added. To me the throttle is the "killer app" on a cargo bike. If you can load a bike up with hundreds of pounds, the throttle is a huge advantage to crossing a busy street, or taking off from a stop sign. I don't use it while I'm riding, but for a bike in traffic, using a throttle to cross streets reduces the opportunity for conflict with car drivers that never understand you can't acclerate like they do- except, with the throttle you can.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

LOVE this insight! Thank you for changing my perspective on the throttle. Your use case makes heaps of sense and now I want to load up the cargo bike and try this ;)

[@scottbendle442]

@@EverythingsBeenDone One more thing The Haul is more expensive, but it can hit 20MPH on the throttle and 28 MPH pedaling. The extra $500 is worthwhile "fun tax" to me.

[@bicivini]

Awesome!!! Had that jacket in the 90s 🙌🏽😎

[@Noop-Noop56]

"talk about outta sight" oooh baby that one got me! 😂

[@theweightofarms]

shoutout box dog, loved living around the corner from them in the time i did. still have a water bottle with their old branding!

[@jamesrafael6794]

Have a 40 yr. old bike. Suntour rd, shmano shifters. Still runs like yesterday.

[@sparkeyjones6261]

There's no such thing as "forever" anything. But, if you want to see about as close as it gets with regard to bicycles..... go to the big fish market, formerly called "Tsukiji" in Tokyo. You'll see every day bikes used by workers that have literally been passed down 3-5 generations. It's a wonderful sight to see.

[@dan_5319]

Wish this class of Ebikes were less.... disposable. Seem to come with lots of Walmart level parts. And ebikes with energy sucking 4 inch wide 2000 gram tires... why is that a thing? Love the idea of an E cargo in general.... My big dummy was a beast to get up a hill loaded.

[@johnnigri7269]

I bought my forever bike a few years ago and already regret it. It’s custom steel and nicely made but should’ve bought stock Ti.

[@DIY-DaddyO]

I'd look at the Engwe L20, maybe use it for deliveroo to earn a few dollars. They cost about £999. Or get an old Elephant bike and do the whole Baffang DIY thing...

[@PaulBeiser]

Well, at my age, 'forever' has a short runway 🤣🤣. Just got a new Trek Domane, fully tricked out. Next bike for sure will be an eBike (road)! Great idea to donate!!

[@RahLoh]

Think i would have taken that Cannondale Hooligan Neo you tried in the summer! that looked a bit nicer IMO, would love to see an apples to apples compare

[@thelazyreconnoiter583]

I’m a car free apartment dweller and have been thinking about picking up an omnium cargo mini, sorta the performance version of what you’re riding. The weight and the can’t really ride it with the motor off aspect of rad power bikes make them a no for me, but they’re super popular here in Wisconsin.?

[@pa3268]

Just rode my Radrover earlier today.

[@Jerrythill]

Bro, you should have got a “Gnargo”.

[@michaelbondad3912]

The walk home 😂

[@B_COOPER]

There is no such thing as a perfect bike… at least not until the next upgrade comes in the mail! Lol

[@fixed4816]

Throttles are class 2

[@2scoops624]

I bought 2 rad power bikes in 2017 and I cannot recommend them. Soooooo many part breakages, the motor, the charger, 2 controllers, 2 LCD screens, 4 throttles. Heavy at 65 lbs, hard to work on, super cheap parts, confined to free wheels (no cassettes), wouldn't charge in the cold, aluminum frame corrosion (yes, really).

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I appreciate this!

[@antoinedoinell]

it's much worse than that. google "rad power lawsuit"

[@Simte]

Absolute banger video Dustin. I've still got in my fleet my Tracklocross bike, now the oldest of them all, but the steel stallion I started with is long gone.

[@gonnok]

Saddest episode. That specialized was my favorite one (alomg with the Daccordi).

[@michaelmann6482]

“Motor in the rear hub, which seems fine.” Until you get a rear flat out on the road. Ask me how I know. I work as a bike mechanic and I’ve yet to meet another bike mechanic who doesn’t despise Rad Bikes.

[@antoinedoinell]

100%. the trick is to flip it upside down

[@timfreeman2603]

Yeah I’m an ex mechanic and change bikes often most recently getting a rear hub motor. (Polygon Gili Velo) First thing I did was swapping tyres to 20x2.4”. No punctures yet but it’s a bit of a pfaff removing rear wheel and wouldn’t do it on road given the choice. Since removed wheel a second time converting from 8 to 10speed.

[@ChanceCooper125]

Those tires look thick as hell. How would you get a flat short of running right over a big nail?

[@_dmart]

Yepp… rear hub motor e-bikes are the worsssttttt. Especially the more budget bikes because they don’t design their bikes to make much sense when it comes to working on em! (Or when it comes to how they’re spec’d)

[@BadaSkraw]

Maybe check out the REI Co-op Gen e1.2, its $1000 less, but still has hydro brakes, a frame mounted front rack, and a 50 mile range. It also has a rigid fork for cargo carrying!

[@ArjanGroe]

Dustin, I don’t really follow your story or message in this one. You haven’t really outlined your need for a cargo bike. And how does the old one hold you back (presumably) and the new one would allow you to get it done? To me it seems the old one is just fine, easy to maintain, not the latest and greatest but it didnt cost you, only space. Now the new “bike” (of which personally Im not a fan, no shame in that), that one will take more of everything, but what does it give? 5 minutes faster at your destination with less sweat? If thats the goal, you are all clear, my blessings. But I think you took a step backwards. Glad to see you donated the old workhorse, I mean, its obvious I feel, but good on you. I would love to hear your thoughts.

[@ehounshell]

That bike is ugly

[@iamlyam79]

I feel like mountain biking has changed too much but a road bike or (gasp) hybrid bike from BITD really doesn't have any issues today. Maybe just the far ends of cycling aren't conducive to the "forever bike". Another great video DK. Cheers!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Good insights and well said!

[@serisingh]

4:58 ok but at this point, just get a Vespa. That e bike looks so heavy and clunky. A Vespa/scooter would fit more, is safer to park in public, and would likely have a higher top speed…

[@cyclingjoezone]

I will keep riding my 1986 Zebra ATB bike I bought new at Bicycle Habitat.

[@BodieOutdoors]

I ride an Heirloom bike that will outlast me, and be passed down. Electronics for the most part, are designed to be throw away.

[@timshelhamer7374]

This video starts promising and went downhill quickly. Lame e-bike review? Really?

[@tylerhasabike5043]

Love what you’re doing as always, DK! Thank you! Also - what glasses are those? Like em!

[@Bandit1379.]

Oh man, goodbye truckbike... But... You're telling me if I go to CCC I might be able to get my hands on it?! Ooohh jeeze... I don't need it... I don't need it...

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

You could still swoop on that guy. They have been closed until today!!!!

[@_MattyG_]

Did they finally reopen? I got bikes to donate!

[@EvolveOutdoors]

I'll still be riding my Surly when those electric bikes are in the dump FACTS!

[@kevinmcgrath5126]

Very cool, I would consider an ebike as a car alternative if viking were safer in our town. I wouldn't want to risk it with a kid in tow. That's why I'm trying to get involved as an advocate for safer streets, connected trails/paths, and better bike and ped infrastructure

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I feel you on being nervous about having a kid on the bike!

[@JamesVanD]

Not sure if Viking will ever be safe 😢

[@tomas7403]

IMO a late 90s bike is still more than enough for 80% of the cyclists. BTW, I prefer the old cargo bike by far.

[@Syllaren]

It's not a class 1 if it has a throttle. Class 2

[@solarheat9016]

I liked the first cycle truck better. It just needed better brakes and wider gear range.

[@PatrickBeeson]

I have a 2002 Yeti ArcSL sitting in a box in my garage. I don't want to sell it, but I also don't ride it. Maybe wall art someday?

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I’m a big fan of displaying bikes ( if space allows )

[@im-on-youtube]

i refuse to believe that these videos are produced by one person - insane talent!

[@BOTGRINDER]

admotor sent me one of their electric mopeds to do a review video on and i barley ride it, its kind of a pain to carry up and down my stoop every time i want to ride it.

[@rustyshackleford9498]

Based on my admittedly limited knowledge of RADpower bikes, I would always caution people on getting them without ensuring the batteries and motors are thoroughly inspected. I feel like if I were in the market for a bike in this catergory, I'd get a Tern.

[@bartweimer8257]

Reise Muller - they have utility and commuter bikes that are amazing and....no throttle. LOVE mine. over 5000 miles on it and no issues at all

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Thanks for sharing!

[@smellslikeupdog_]

Super cool to hear the shop I work at get a shout out !! Box Dog is still here sadly cant do as much custom stuff as there was back in the day

[@Niknamew]

A forever bike is definitely possible. The best candidate for a forever bike, at least in my humble bumble opinion, is a commuter.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I still have my pimped out 1996 Cannondale F700, it was my forever bike. I had about 25 other forever bikes since.

[@toddtemres]

Mike Cleaver built that hard rock. Tour divide finisher.

[@toddtemres]

The guy, not the bike.

[@Mr-SRG]

Still riding a 2001 Felt 70 that came stock with the Shimano 105 groupset👊 I'd also still be riding my heavily updated 1995 Cannondale F400 if it hadn't been stolen from my campsite while sleeping... So forever bikes must not exist😢

[@Joshk750w]

Still riding my 1986 Slingshot! Love this bike. Came with a lifetime warrantee, and has not broken yet. Greendale bicycle company produced forever bikes! XT Roller cam brakes, SunTour XT quality components. Perfect fit for my body type. Great for dirt roads, and running around town. So thankful. But for modern mnt biking, I ride my full suspension carbon fiber electric bike. Mid drive, 750 watts, disc brakes, modern equipment. But around town, I still love to ride my 86 Slingshot. So cool. 😊

[@mowensmd]

eBikes SHOULD be for everyone. But when your city does nothing about rampant bike theft and is removing painted bike lanes...and never installing protected bike lanes...as others say here: we are at an impasse.

[@GeekonaBike]

If you've got the Regen breaking hub motor, riding at the lower power setting & a soft touch can more that double that 45 mi range. I get up to 120 miles on my Radwagon. PS the throttle is helpful when walking a loaded bike up steep teck.

[@cadriver2570]

Haul ST is super noisy and uncomfortable. Taking bumps is like getting punched.

[@willie3262]

I dunno, when these things catch on fire... it's a lithium ion battery. The shop I work at had a customer RAD bike get damaged when we flooded, it caught on fire in the basement a few days later, and lithium ion battery fires burn big & hot, and are extremely difficult to put out. I guess that's true for the many other lithium ion batteries in our lives, too, but it's a big battery, and it's on a vehicle that's gonna get wet from time to time. Not necessarily an issue unique to RAD, but it definitely scared me away from e-bikes.

[@_dmart]

I’d spend the extra $500 for the specialized. Better/immediate customer service, service parts are more readily available, more reliable, easier warranty help, better design and better specs (especially being hydro disc brake vs cable disc brakes many budget e-bikes are spec’d with).

[@JakeLuke308]

I'm not sure I would say Brilliant!, but this was very, very well put together and extremely fun to watch, okay brilliant. You got me. Perhaps there is an E-bike in my future, but I'm not sure how long that is. You?

[@oceanknight9]

I'll have you know that i bought my 1991 specialized rockhopper 2 years ago. there is no way for me to have bought it new, since its 4 years older than I am! I'll still call it my forever bike. that truck bike is sick though

[@quacker998]

My Rad Rover is what got me back into biking after my heart attack - those first tentative miles after open heart surgery made me appreciate the throttle and the fat tired suspension - love my Rad bikes.

[@the6ig6adwolf]

I rebuild/converted my dad's old Marinoni into a fixie, and while I don't ride it every day, I do plan on owning until the end of my days. #foreverbike

[@Omnis2]

No such thing as a forever bike? I beg to differ. I did my first century on my current bike and that thing took forever.

[@thombatty1950]

Two thumbs up for the Timber Trail cap!

[@marvinkamei7007]

bikes have evolved but the the human body and emotions. still the same. enjoy your ride cause your bike is better than you!!

[@jamesrafael6794]

Yeah, Elon missed a lot on this category. Most bang for the buck on everything.

[@scottbates5099]

Class 1 ebikes don't have a throttle, pedal assist only. At least they are supposed to be.

[@rondvivre3636]

Titanium fixed gear with friction shifters; #ForeverBike.

[@Designer_Opine]

Debunking the theory that any one face shape is suited only for one style of eyewear.

[@javierandresfajardo6552]

MY MAAAAAAAAAN videosssssssss bring me life godddd ddammittttttt

[@jbaillie]

That mural is absolutely amazing

[@klarkolofsson]

E-bike is seriously ugly but it gets the job done. Functional and all.

[@sizem_re]

I would really like to check out the Haul in person. Not a fan of the Rad quality having worked on a few. The issue the plagues all of them is brake pad lifespan... even the Bullitt seems to eat pads. It's possible this is a Seattle problem lol.

[@WordupG]

Seems like “bicycles” that are as heavy as a motorcycle should probably have motorcycle sized brakes.

[@B_COOPER]

@@WordupGLOL I agree, but I wouldn’t call them the same weight as a motorcycle… I know you don’t actually mean that but ya know… idk lol

[@alexsch9956]

But I like longer braking times! 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@donelliott7227]

mad respect for the Caballero deck on the workbench, and btw, the first mtn bike i purchased was a 1991 Specialized Rockhopper!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

My people!!

[@pault477]

I really like those SLOW AF stickers.

[@hoser7706]

Oooooohhh. Nice subtle slide-in of N+1 at the rnd…😬

[@caseyfasnut3692]

Is the SMITH hat one of your originals or nah?

[@siriosstar4789]

your wife is surely a bonafide saint .

[@angelicabrewer3711]

You should do a mt hood meet up and shred this winter

[@billyshakespeare17]

Lost me at ebike. Sayonara.

[@benswanson4473]

Solid move with Community Cycling Center; they’re awesome!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Ben knows!

[@tuplawee313]

It's a moped! Not a bike!

[@8rett]

I know this is months old, but I just picked up a Cero One eBike and if you haven't heard of it (I hadn't) I think it'd be right up your alley after your conclusion on this bike. Japanese designed truck bike, pedal assist only, and light (at least for an ebike), they're super cool! I remember watching this video months ago and have been looking for the right truck bike with my own ideas in mind after having a midtail for a while.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Thank you for the suggestion. That Creo looks great. and Seems to check all the boxes. Ill see if I can get my hands on one for the channel. How are you enjoying yours?

[@markbay1664]

😮 I want your truck bike 😢

[@brandony1711]

Those glasses... 🔥

[@Alex_564]

I assume swapping forks is not really an option without going custom. For me a derailleur & cassette swap to a wider range 9spd would make it a little better. Then again, I'd be looking at what Yuba has to offer in this class of bikes.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I think it would just make mroe sense to look at a different rig then swap all the stuff out. What do you think about those? Benno bikes?

[@Alex_564]

@@EverythingsBeenDone I have not heard much about it. Sometimes a swap might be cheaper. Like even with a rd+cassette swap this would be less than the Specialized you compared it to.

[@ddnn3]

I'd much rather have the specialized. Radpower has had a lot of QC issues and recalls. @@Alex_564

[@charlie_p0011]

I purchased a Blix packa which is similar to your Rad bike: rear hub, class 1, throttle, insanely heavy if you run out of battery. Fixing flats was a constant issue and a complete pain. I donated it to my friend’s sister’s teen - he loves it. I got a Larry vs Harry Bullitt cargo bike (with a flatbed in front). It is everything the Blix was not and it is the love of my life. Di2, mid hub, no throttle insanely light so I can ride it without the e. I swapped the stock head unit for a Garmin and it’s perfect. I’ve hauled other bikes, my dog, bins full of pop cans, a couch and anything I buy at the grocery store. It was way too expensive but totally worth it in the long run. First year I rode 3200 miles with it alone (I also have a very simple acoustic bike) and hope to up that metric in the next. I’d love to hear your thoughts on other e-bikes!

[@TeganTerrific]

Bought a Gocycle e-bike as a “last mile” / commute machine here in the Bay Area. Main appeal was being folding & removable battery was anti theft. Aesthetics its a 10/10 looks like it’s out of the future. It’s also step through so works for my 5’2” husband and my 6’ self. big knocks against it - Class 1 feels so underpowered in SF, faster than me on the uphill but its only got three gears and I’m used to 11 and 12 speed burrito powered bikes, makes me use the throttle too much. It’s heavier than my full suspension at near 45 lbs. everything is proprietary as hell, I can’t really do any repairs on it which is infuriating as a home mechanic (not that I’m gonna mess with a motor). It’s not a forever bike for me but it’s been enough to not need a second car for five years and got me through long Covid. I am planning on getting the Skitch (or something like it) when I get a full time gig again.

[@jakeg4489]

Love the transparency about how these videos happen, and the feedback produced. Currently rocking a mid drive ebike converted Velo Orange Piolet. The crossroads of “off-road tourer” and “utility ebike” is a lovely space to be. All the power and carrying capacity I’d need and a familiar head forward geometry. Dollar for dollar I get better battery options and range. Better than any store bought ebike IMO.

[@charrineau]

Whether or not there is such thing as a "forever" bike ultimately depends on where you personally land in regard to the Ship of Theseus thought experiment. The converted Rockhopper could be considered to be the same bike, despite its vast changes, and could even have been (painstakingly/unnecessarily) modified further to suit your current needs while retaining much of its identity.

[@mouniyou9368]

I don't know, I converted my 18 year old touring bike into a gravel bike. With the addition of 1x, disc brakes and a 1x GRX drivetrain, boy does it shred. Total quiver killer, it's the bike I've ridden the most the summer ahah

[@ARJWright]

The Specialized Haul just looks great. Rad isn’t bad… but, am just a tick less of a fan of hub motors. Forever bikes… neat topic. Def can see those “titanium, Rohloff-geared” runs as more into that category.

[@Souzaphotos]

Just donated my old sweet Iron Horse from the 90s and my kids old Diamondback to a local bike company that rehomes bikes two days ago!

[@geezers10]

Still riding my 1999 Mondonico that was custom made for me, at my age it is my forever bike; it's on its 3rd drivetrain.

[@Just.a.Therapist]

I’ve been thinking of getting the Specialized Globe Haul ST. Would love to see your thoughts/comparison!!

[@Tomkraai]

What about a Cake Åik? Just looked at that. Way more expensive, but looks good. And has an insane range with additional batteries

[@thomasmassey7295]

Just so you know. Ive seen a handful of your videos before but I subbed after this one due to the sticker on the fork of the truck bike.

[@nelsonsilva6842]

Man, just buy a supersport! Also, don't forget and bring also a rebel 500 and an 1100 to the fight.

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Really great dialogue and story line Dustin! Lots of good stuff here.

[@Chrisb8s]

I think the throttle is nice to get you going with a full load

[@LR6092]

No money exchanged hands. Only a 3k bike.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

ahem msrp $2,300

[@TheSuperAldrich]

I want that bike