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[RHB123]

So the Rad-rhino 6 fat bike has taken my fancy. I like the look, fat tyres, and everything about it really. Price hits my budget, so anything else I should consider? I'm 70 and want to get a little fitter, to help my health issues like arthritis and being a bit over-weight. Thanks to you all. Richard.

 

[sjpt]

Step-through is really helpful, and will get more helpful as time goes on.

Looks good value for what you get, though it's difficult to judge the quality of the components as mostly they just say 'Rad Power Bikes approved'

The battery should last a good few years, but it could be a custom one (frame batteries often are) and difficult to source a replacement when the time comes.

It is a very heavy bike. Our Raleigh Motus is quite a lump at 25kg, the RadRhino is 33kg. That mightn't matter too much when riding (depends how you ride), but it will be a big minus if you need to hump it anywhere, or heaven forbid need to ride it unpowered. Unusually, the step-though is quoted a fraction lighter (33kg) than the crossbar version (33.3kg).

It's got a high capacity battery, but with those tyres it's not going to be that efficient. I guess you may not be that concerned for a huge range anyway?

 

[cyclebuddy]

IMHO it looks very good value given the features/equipment level, especially at its current discounted price. The only things I'd be wary of are that it weighs 33kg which is very heavy if you need to manhandle it, and that the price of a replacement battery if you ever need one is half the price of the whole bike (£515?). If those issues don't concern you, it does look a great deal.

 

[RHB123]

Thanks guys, did not think about the extra battery price, glad you told me. The Raleigh is almost twice the price, and out of my pocket. I have a canal near me, and that will be where I ride mostly, maybe up to 5 miles at a time. Say twice a week, so no more than 20m miles a week, would that bugger up a battery much?

 

[RHB123]

Any other bikes you may suggest for about that price, I would like a hybrid type, as the canal can be a bit rough at times?

 

[cyclebuddy]

Thanks guys, did not think about the extra battery price, glad you told me. The Raleigh is almost twice the price, and out of my pocket. I have a canal near me, and that will be where I ride mostly, maybe up to 5 miles at a time. Say twice a week, so no more than 20m miles a week, would that bugger up a battery much?

You'll be fine with that usage for many years, provided you look after it properly (plenty of advice in other threads here), and provided you don't fall into the canal (as did happen to another member here).

 

[matthewslack]

One of my distant neighbours bought a step through Rad bike, hub motor, and has one regret. She saved a bit of money by getting a single speed instead of derailleur equipped 7 or 8 speed version. Can't get up the steep hill on her way home. Otherwise she is very happy with it.

So probably choose the gears version!

Fat tyres great for rough old canal towpath.

 

[AndyBike]

So the Rad-rhino 6 fat bike has taken my fancy. I like the look, fat tyres, and everything about it really. Price hits my budget, so anything else I should consider? I'm 70 and want to get a little fitter, to help my health issues like arthritis and being a bit over-weight. Thanks to you all. Richard.

I'd consider weight. The Rad bike comes in at close to 33kg(72lbs), and thats a serious weight to have to lug about should you need to move it up steps, or even physically. by holding the top tube. Mine is 23kg and I find that pretty heavy to lug or move unless wheeling it.

Sorry to say but theres too many companies working on the phrase Ebike, making out that all ebikes are the same, when that truly isnt the case.
Many here will understand what i mean when i use the comparison often touted by mail order or newspaper advert bikes of "Shimano equipped" which is a bit of an ambiguous turn of phrase. Same goes when looking at their spec list. They tout "Hydraulic brakes" like all are equal and just having 'hydraulic brakes' means theyre fit for purpose when the truth is they are bottom of the range, prone to failure and simply not up to the task of stopping a 70lb bike plus rider weight etc.

Many here build their own bikes because it is cheaper to do so. And hub motors, at least the quality ones are cheaper, but still a fair price. But few, if any will be putting them on bikes they got from argos for £99.99.

 

[Bikes4two]

33kg - Jeez, what is that made from - recycled gas pipe?

On a more serious note, when someone says "I've got that bike etc and am pleased with it" you need to understand what their relative bike buying experience is. A newcomer to biking/E-biking who had just spent £2k on their first bike is of course going to be happy with their purchase.

A couple of decades ago when mountain bikes were all the rage, a friend of a friend spent £80 on a machine from the local supermarket that looked like a bike but that's were the similarity ended - it was a complete dog of a thing!

 

[Bikes4two]

So the Rad-rhino 6 fat bike has taken my fancy. I like the look, fat tyres, and everything about it really. Price hits my budget, so anything else I should consider? I'm 70 and want to get a little fitter, to help my health issues like arthritis and being a bit over-weight. Thanks to you all. Richard.

Good on you for looking at getting fitter/slimer - has to be done - any improvement in fitness and weight is going to bring it's benefits (ask me how I know ).

You've had a range of opinions (above) and invariably your budget will dictate your ultimate choice.

If you know your way around bike mechanicals, a kit of some sort plus a donor bike will bring you a superior riding machine for less than half the price of the Rad-Rhino.

For example I spent about £350 on a TSDZ2 mid mount and battery kit plus £130 on a really great donor bike and the combination is a joy to ride (and I've been seriously riding/touring on bikes for several decades).

I do understand that kits are not for everyone - conversely I'd hate to think that you'd spend your hard earned on something that leaves you disappointed.