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Table of contents
Introduction
The RadCity 5 Plus is a new e-bike offering from Rad Power Bikes. It comes with a host of upgrades and improvements over the previous model, the RadCity 4. In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at the RadCity 5 Plus, discussing its pros and cons, and providing a comprehensive review to help you decide whether it’s the right e-bike for you.
Key e-bike details
Basics
- Base Price: $1,999
- Class: 2
- Max Speed: 20 mph
- Estimated Range: 28 to 50 miles
- Weight: 65 lbs
Motor & Electronics
- Motor: 750W brushless geared hub motor
- Motor location: Rear hub
- Battery: 48V, 14Ah (672Wh) semi-integrated battery
- PAS Sensor: Cadence
- Throttle: Yes, half twist
- Display: Backlit LCD Display
Components
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
- Drivetrain: 7-Speed Shimano Altus
- Belt Drive: No
- Tires: Custom 27.5″ x 2.0″
Misc
- Recommended Rider Height:
- Step-thru: 4’8″ – 6’0″
- High-step: 5’4″ – 6’5″
- Max Rider Weight: not given
- Payload Capacity: 275 lbs
What we like about it
- Hydraulic disc brakes for smoother and more responsive braking
- Rear geared hub 750 watt motor for more torque at lower speeds
- Integrated battery design for a sleek appearance
- Range of 28-50 miles for a variety of commutes and recreational rides
- Convenient throttle feature for a quick boost of power
- 2-inch wide puncture-resistant tires for added protection against flats
- Integrated high-capacity rear rack for easy attachment of a toddler seat or other gear
- Excellent rain fender coverage for riders in wet climates
- 1-year warranty for added peace of mind
Where it falls short
- Rear hub motor with cadence sensor, rather than mid-drive motor with torque sensor
- Shorter wheelbase and more upright posture compared to RadCity 4
- Relatively heavy (64lbs for step-thru, 65lbs for high-step)
In-depth review
The RadCity 5 Plus is a Class 2 e-bike with a throttle and pedal assist up to 20mph.
It features an upgrade from its predecessor with the addition of hydraulic brakes. These brakes provide a smoother and more responsive braking experience compared to the mechanical disc brakes found on the RadCity 4.
One of the other upgrades on the 5 is the new geared rear-hub 750 watt motor. This motor is geared, providing more torque at lower speeds, which is particularly helpful for hill climbing and acceleration.
The battery has also been redesigned to be more integrated into the frame, giving the bike a sleeker appearance. With a range of 28-50 miles, the RadCity 5 Plus is suitable for a variety of commutes and recreational rides.
The easy-to-read LCD screen displays essential information like speed, power output, and odometer readings, making it user-friendly for all riders. The throttle feature offers an additional level of convenience, particularly for riders who may need a quick boost of power. I find the throttle especially useful when getting started at a green light.
The RadCity 5 Plus is equipped with 2-inch wide puncture-resistant tires that help protect against flats. These are great tires and I’ve never had a flat on my RadCity 4 despite 1,000+ miles.
This e-bike also comes with an integrated rear rack that has a high capacity, making it easy to attach a toddler seat or carry other gear. The rain fenders provide excellent coverage, which is particularly beneficial for riders in wet climates.
The RadCity 5 Plus does have a few drawbacks. It has a rear-hub motor and cadence sensor rather than a mid-drive motor and torque sensor. Having owned both types, my preference is for mid-drive motor with a torque sensor because it provides a more natural bicycle feel. That being said, this isn’t a deal breaker.
Additionally, the wheelbase is shorter, and the riding posture is more upright compared to the RadCity 4, leading to a slightly more jerky or squirrelly handling experience. To be honest, I’m disappointed that they changed the geometry because I really enjoyed riding my RadCity 4 and found it slightly uncomfortable riding the 5.
Lastly, the RadCity 5 Plus is relatively heavy, weighing in at 64lbs for the step-thru model and 65lbs for the high-step model. This could be a concern for riders who need to carry the bike up and down stairs regularly.
Overall, the RadCity 5 Plus offers several improvements over its predecessor, such as hydraulic brakes, a geared rear-hub motor, and an integrated battery design. However, its heavier weight and handling characteristics may be a concern for some riders. If you’re considering a new e-bike, the RadCity 5 Plus is worth a look, but personally, I lean towards the RadRover 6 Plus over the RadCity 5 Plus.
Happy riding!
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