Hey Russ, I enjoy the similar bike routes you take, it's the content that makes your videos unique, plus your interaction to the comments section. I generally ride similar routes throughout my neighborhood with my music and bluetooth speaker, 20-22 mph 15-20 miles, so I never get bored, just love the riding, chilling out at the neighborhood park and getting out there. Keep riding Russ!
Russ I enjoyed today's ride because where I live near Brownsville, Texas we don't have the fantastic trees and vegetation you do in Chicagoland. I'm from Illinois and we miss the change of seasons . It's only hot and windy down here . Thanks for the service .
Looking through past videos. Bike/wheel size became a concern for me. I’m 6’0”, 235lbs (and losing) and I’m used to a 26” frame. My terrain is not terribly unlike yours. Mixed use paved trails near the river and city streets. I have more hills. I settled on the Rattan “Pathfinder ST” 26x4. Every design I looked at had some kind of negative quirk or positive advantage. About mailings. I used to save cereal box tops and send away for things. There was something magical about getting things in the mail. A set of wee plastic divers and a submarine that would float up and down in the tub. I met my late wife through the mail. Many of the most important relationships have been maintained that way.
Wheel diameters. A good topic to cover. Many of us may never give much thought to the pros and cons. The most obvious advantage of larger diameters is a smoother ride which offers a higher level of comfort on longer rides and irregular non-paved surfaces. Larger wheels typically translate to bigger frame models and heavier weights that generally require more powerful powerful motors and longer range batteries. Our first e-bikes were the compact folding style that were easier to handle, but the 350 watt motors and short range left much to be desired. As I may have said before, our KBO Breeze models are akin to driving a Buick - comfortable, fast, powerful and full-featured.
Most of my trails are like yours north of Detroit, Michigan. My first and only E-Bike has 27.5 x 2.25" tires. It was the best package at the sub-$1000 price range that was rated up to 399 pounds. It goes through everything on the paths this fall; acorns, walnuts, leaves, with no issues. I've been tweaking things and it will probably be perfect by the time snow flies. 😊
I have built several ebikes over the last 8 years. Wheel size matters. The efficiency of the motor is dependent partly on the diameter and the fact that RPM is set in the hall sensors means a larger wheel is less rotations for the speed achieved aka less wattage used and more range.
With a larger tire diameter there is more torque needed, but they can gear the motor to compensate for that. The only real difference is going to be that a larger diameter tire with the same tire width will handle bumps and imperfections better, while a smaller tire diameter gives slightly better control at low speeds specially if you are carrying a load on it. Ie a cargo bike loaded.
Hey Russ, It's Mr and Mrs. JoeG. When we chatted at the PD exchange, I mentioned my other bikes are also 20 inch, a Super 73 and a Radrunner Plus and now, the KBO ranger. I prefer the lower 20 inch profile for stability, handling, and for "stopping and starting". If you remember what I did as soon as I tried the Ranger was lower the seat height. lol because I dont pedal. I'm a little shorter than you at 5 9", so I feel a lot more comfortable and safe riding low with a lower center of gravity especially when I have a passenger, my kid mainly, and I took my wife on the Ranger as well. It's even comfortable for an adult passenger. With a passenger on board, I feel like if I have to stop suddenly and the passenger weight shifts I have way more control over the bike. Also having my feet flat on the ground also helps when getting started from a complete stop, especially with a passenger. With a 20, You don't have that "leaning" you talk about with a taller step-over bike when you're stopped and it's easier for me hop back on the seat too. The lower profile helps with the passenger getting on and off the bike as well. With no suspension on the ranger, the fat tires can help absorb some of the bumps if you lower the psi a little. For cargo bikes and moto type bike I think 20 inch is perfect. Other type bikes, I would probably go with a 24 at my height and inseam. Thanks Russ keep up the great vids!
I like the 3 inch tires over thin tires of my road bike days even on pavement. I have 20 inch ebike the only thing that could cause problems is my seat and handle bars are at max hight. I am 5feet 10in tall.
My hands were always sensitive to the cold, but I was surprised that my fingers were close to frostbite minutes into my 5 am rides once the temp hit below 30 f last year, since I never considered that "cold" in mid-fall. That's with your regular knit gloves. I had to resort to bar mitts to have a fighting chance in the low 30s on the bike.
My wife loves the 20inch Rad Mini Step-through that was once upon a time in the Russ stable of bikes. I really like my 27.5 inch tires with a medium size frame. I think the larger, thinner (2.25inch) tires roll easier on paved surfaces. One of the reason I ride with zero assistance from the motor quite a bit of the time.
Hi Russ, love your videos. I usually stay home when it rains, because I'm not sure how the ebikes handle the water, Have you had any issues with the electronics getting wet? I have a Nomad (love it, by the way). Maybe you could do a video someday. Thanks.
I have ridden in the rain a couple of times when I was caught in an unexpected downpour. My biggest concern was for the display screen. But it never really had any issues after the rain. Still, I worried about the battery getting wet and any other exposed electrical device. Even though nothing bad happened, I try not to ride in the rain just in case.
I noticed that if I can’t see more of the handlebars the motion causes some vertigo when watching. For me anyways. It’s like playing video games or watching movies with a first person view without a frame of reference. Anyone else notice this? Maybe it’s just me lol.
I don't know, but I do like my 27.5" rims and tires, the ride and the appearance it gives to the overall look. And I don't care for the smaller bikes, it looks like the older guy riding his kids BMX bike....take care.
Me too. Maybe it’s being older. I rode a road bike in my 20s with 26” wheels, so that’s what I got used to. Then I didn’t ride much for decades. I did ride an older Schwinn in the 80s and 90s to/from the train station. I don’t recall the tire size. 24” or 26” I guess. My e-bike purchased this year is an Aventon Pace 500.2 with the same 27.5” tires you have. Though I loved my Stingray in the late 60s, I believe those were 20”. But of course I was young.
Aniioki came out with the A9 Pro Max 52V Dual Motor. I've been waiting on the review but you mentioned some things that have me leaning towards the A8 version.
Hey Russ, 20" tires have more torque than 24", 26", or 28" because it has less resistance. My e-bike has 20" x 2.5" and for me it's perfect. I got an offer this morning to review a motorcycle e-bike, I refused it coz here in BC Canada we need to register e-motorcycles and we need a Class 6 (motorcycle license) to be able to ride legally. I turned it down coz I don't have a valid drivers license anymore coz I used to fall asleep every time I drove a car. It does get boring riding on the same roads or bike trails, my son and I was just talking about this. I just love going out and riding, smiling/saying hi at riders riding past me. I ride in the rain, it's not that bad coz I have a full face helmet so my head stays dry and my face is also covered with the face shield which also helps. I have an open face helmet for dry/sunny days. Thank you for another video 😎
The e-bike manufacturer replied, she said it's not an e-motorcycle, it's an e-bike, motorcycle style with two 1000 Watts motors, one in each wheel. She said I can use one motor or both at the same time. She asked for my address so she can give me the delivery cost. :)
I like fat tires. They run with less tire pressure and give me a softer ride (we’re similar body frame and weight) and more traction is always better on Alaska trails and roads. Otherwise I have no opinion on tire diameter. My bikes are all older 24 and 26 inch diameter. My ebike is a converted mountain bike with a Bafang mid mount motor which serves me well. I just don’t like the high bar on the bike frame and would rather have a step through. Though at the time I was looking to buy, nobody, but nobody would ship to Alaska. I enjoy your channel, keep it up.
@@RussIsRightyou're right about just liking the fat tires I get compliments on my fat tires all the time I like the Cozy ride of it although I realize there's no point and I'm just using up more battery
Hi Russ. I really like your channel. I would like your opinion on carrying bikes. I think others may be interested as well. I have a Rad City 5 and my wife has an EVELO trike. When we travel I can carry the bikes in the bed of my F150 truck. We are thinking about getting 20" bikes so we can use my wife's SUV o stead of the big F150. I don't know if I should get a bike rack or else consider folding bikes. I hope you find my question as a useful topic. Thanks. Jim M.
I usually bring folding bikes on trips but still, I put them on a bike rack with a 2” hitch. I find it overall easier to put even folding bikes on the rack rather than in the car folded up. Watch this video about it: ua-cam.com/video/EAFoaVGDzZY/v-deo.html
PS I bet it is plastic over the Halloween figures so they don’t get rained on. Those 3 really tall ones in the last video were something. Yeah, our neighborhood goes a bit crazy with Halloween decorations. Not us. I just do a bit of fall decorations.
I was watching your introduction clip, we saw a lot of handlebar back then in the early days. I guess if we have a choice of too much handlebar or hardly any handle bar, hardly any is my choice because we see more of the landscape. But usually you have a good balance of both. Makes sense that it is a challenge because you have so many different styles of ebikes. I read some comic books when young. I liked Archie. My son still has some old ones of his up in our attic. I need him to take them. LOL I have a 20” wheel step-through ebike and like it a lot. But I am 5’6’ and can’t handle a large ebike.
Seems like 20 inch wheeled ebikes are offered with bigger capacity batteries than 26 inch wheeled ebikes. Are there any 26 inch bikes with 40+ ah batteries for sale?
Hello, do you have a link or suggestion for where you get the thumb throttle. My son and I made a few prototypes on his 3d printer, but none worked very well, thanks,
Russ have you tried Cube, Specialized these electric e bikes? Those have mid motor and i look to buy one . Now i ride a chinese rear e bike that is quite fun and strong also
Hello Russ, I don't know why this is but your weather and my weather always seem to be right on the mark and I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada, going to spill buckets I think any moment so I just got back from getting a few groceries with my Rize X fatty, I don't remember getting anything free from comic books but I remember the Xray goggles and itching powder and joy buzzers etc you could buy. 26" wheels for me brother, I'm 6'1" and 220 ibs and I like a big bike, plus I drive in the winter and prefer the larger wheels, I think the 20" wheels would be better for shorter people although I have a few tall friends that love their folding 20" bikes.
A little cockeyed to the right sometimes, but not bad at all!! Kinda like the open full view, without handlebars better!! Oh ya, about 65 year ago, I bought one Sq. inch of Alaska, out of a Comic book, for $0.25!! Wondering what's become of my investment?? Could be a Gold mine there now!!??!! Think I've misplaced the Deed, long ago!! After so many bikes, it's no surprise your searching memory for names!! Senior moments!! Imagine the 20" is easier to put in the back of an SUV!! What's become of you 360 camera shot, in the videos??
The 360 shots are done only when I am reviewing a bike so you can see me ride. Too much work to process and edit the 360 videos, so I reserve it for reviews so you can see what the bike looks like when I'm riding it.
Well, not quite right down the street... maybe 20 mins by car. But we have done this several times last year and this year. Here's the most recent ones: ua-cam.com/video/BH6WdOgsK04/v-deo.htmlsi=zTrPezc5UPq07-yh ua-cam.com/video/AjbYee8s1lQ/v-deo.htmlsi=YV190K1kaX3KbOns
Yeah, that’s a tough one! But I don’t want to be dealing with getting rid of bad bikes after reviewing them. You can pretty much tell that any bike I do review has something about it that made me think the brand or the bike itself had something that is either really good or is a good value. But even if I get a bike that I thought would be good but turned out not to be, I would mention that.
Hey Russ, I enjoy the similar bike routes you take, it's the content that makes your videos unique, plus your interaction to the comments section. I generally ride similar routes throughout my neighborhood with my music and bluetooth speaker, 20-22 mph 15-20 miles, so I never get bored, just love the riding, chilling out at the neighborhood park and getting out there. Keep riding Russ!
👍
Russ I enjoyed today's ride because where I live near Brownsville, Texas we don't have the fantastic trees and vegetation you do in Chicagoland. I'm from Illinois and we miss the change of seasons . It's only hot and windy down here . Thanks for the service .
Looking through past videos. Bike/wheel size became a concern for me. I’m 6’0”, 235lbs (and losing) and I’m used to a 26” frame. My terrain is not terribly unlike yours. Mixed use paved trails near the river and city streets. I have more hills. I settled on the Rattan “Pathfinder ST” 26x4. Every design I looked at had some kind of negative quirk or positive advantage. About mailings. I used to save cereal box tops and send away for things. There was something magical about getting things in the mail. A set of wee plastic divers and a submarine that would float up and down in the tub. I met my late wife through the mail. Many of the most important relationships have been maintained that way.
Wheel diameters. A good topic to cover. Many of us may never give much thought to the pros and cons. The most obvious advantage of larger diameters is a smoother ride which offers a higher level of comfort on longer rides and irregular non-paved surfaces. Larger wheels typically translate to bigger frame models and heavier weights that generally require more powerful powerful motors and longer range batteries. Our first e-bikes were the compact folding style that were easier to handle, but the 350 watt motors and short range left much to be desired. As I may have said before, our KBO Breeze models are akin to driving a Buick - comfortable, fast, powerful and full-featured.
Most of my trails are like yours north of Detroit, Michigan. My first and only E-Bike has 27.5 x 2.25" tires. It was the best package at the sub-$1000 price range that was rated up to 399 pounds. It goes through everything on the paths this fall; acorns, walnuts, leaves, with no issues. I've been tweaking things and it will probably be perfect by the time snow flies. 😊
👍
I think a 24" wheel would be a good compromise between comfort and handling. With front suspension, of course.
👍
What do you think 20" vs 26" ?
@@bennygarcia8132 Depends how you use and where you ride, if you don't need the folding feature, or are vertically challenged, a 26.
I have built several ebikes over the last 8 years. Wheel size matters. The efficiency of the motor is dependent partly on the diameter and the fact that RPM is set in the hall sensors means a larger wheel is less rotations for the speed achieved aka less wattage used and more range.
With a larger tire diameter there is more torque needed, but they can gear the motor to compensate for that. The only real difference is going to be that a larger diameter tire with the same tire width will handle bumps and imperfections better, while a smaller tire diameter gives slightly better control at low speeds specially if you are carrying a load on it. Ie a cargo bike loaded.
Hey Russ, It's Mr and Mrs. JoeG. When we chatted at the PD exchange, I mentioned my other bikes are also 20 inch, a Super 73 and a Radrunner Plus and now, the KBO ranger. I prefer the lower 20 inch profile for stability, handling, and for "stopping and starting". If you remember what I did as soon as I tried the Ranger was lower the seat height. lol because I dont pedal. I'm a little shorter than you at 5 9", so I feel a lot more comfortable and safe riding low with a lower center of gravity especially when I have a passenger, my kid mainly, and I took my wife on the Ranger as well. It's even comfortable for an adult passenger. With a passenger on board, I feel like if I have to stop suddenly and the passenger weight shifts I have way more control over the bike. Also having my feet flat on the ground also helps when getting started from a complete stop, especially with a passenger. With a 20, You don't have that "leaning" you talk about with a taller step-over bike when you're stopped and it's easier for me hop back on the seat too. The lower profile helps with the passenger getting on and off the bike as well. With no suspension on the ranger, the fat tires can help absorb some of the bumps if you lower the psi a little. For cargo bikes and moto type bike I think 20 inch is perfect. Other type bikes, I would probably go with a 24 at my height and inseam. Thanks Russ keep up the great vids!
Glad that the KBO went to your family. It is being used as it should!
26" bike larger profile if you drive in traffic with automobiles.
I like the 3 inch tires over thin tires of my road bike days even on pavement. I have 20 inch ebike the only thing that could cause problems is my seat and handle bars are at max hight. I am 5feet 10in tall.
I prefer 20" wheels bc I'm 5'2" and a step though fit me well
My hands were always sensitive to the cold, but I was surprised that my fingers were close to frostbite minutes into my 5 am rides once the temp hit below 30 f last year, since I never considered that "cold" in mid-fall. That's with your regular knit gloves. I had to resort to bar mitts to have a fighting chance in the low 30s on the bike.
👍
My wife loves the 20inch Rad Mini Step-through that was once upon a time in the Russ stable of bikes. I really like my 27.5 inch tires with a medium size frame. I think the larger, thinner (2.25inch) tires roll easier on paved surfaces. One of the reason I ride with zero assistance from the motor quite a bit of the time.
👍🙂
Hi Russ, love your videos. I usually stay home when it rains, because I'm not sure how the ebikes handle the water, Have you had any issues with the electronics getting wet? I have a Nomad (love it, by the way). Maybe you could do a video someday. Thanks.
I have ridden in the rain a couple of times when I was caught in an unexpected downpour. My biggest concern was for the display screen. But it never really had any issues after the rain. Still, I worried about the battery getting wet and any other exposed electrical device. Even though nothing bad happened, I try not to ride in the rain just in case.
Thank you. I think we’re on the same page.
Too much of the handlebars or not enough. Us viewers are never happy! Personally, I like seeing the handlebars!
Me too.
I noticed that if I can’t see more of the handlebars the motion causes some vertigo when watching. For me anyways. It’s like playing video games or watching movies with a first person view without a frame of reference. Anyone else notice this? Maybe it’s just me lol.
Thanks for the ride along your awesome
Glad you enjoyed it!
I don't know, but I do like my 27.5" rims and tires, the ride and the appearance it gives to the overall look. And I don't care for the smaller bikes, it looks like the older guy riding his kids BMX bike....take care.
👍
I agree.
Me too. Maybe it’s being older. I rode a road bike in my 20s with 26” wheels, so that’s what I got used to. Then I didn’t ride much for decades. I did ride an older Schwinn in the 80s and 90s to/from the train station. I don’t recall the tire size. 24” or 26” I guess. My e-bike purchased this year is an Aventon Pace 500.2 with the same 27.5” tires you have. Though I loved my Stingray in the late 60s, I believe those were 20”. But of course I was young.
In IL, our road patches have patches. It seems after some time, the repeated patches cost as much as replacing.
Aniioki came out with the A9 Pro Max 52V Dual Motor. I've been waiting on the review but you mentioned some things that have me leaning towards the A8 version.
I got “1000 Things You Can Get Free”. It was a little booklet. That would have been about 1962!
Hi from Turkey. Aren't 20" wheels meant to be better for getting up hills as they provide more torque??
It does offer more torque.
Hey Russ, 20" tires have more torque than 24", 26", or 28" because it has less resistance. My e-bike has 20" x 2.5" and for me it's perfect. I got an offer this morning to review a motorcycle e-bike, I refused it coz here in BC Canada we need to register e-motorcycles and we need a Class 6 (motorcycle license) to be able to ride legally. I turned it down coz I don't have a valid drivers license anymore coz I used to fall asleep every time I drove a car. It does get boring riding on the same roads or bike trails, my son and I was just talking about this. I just love going out and riding, smiling/saying hi at riders riding past me. I ride in the rain, it's not that bad coz I have a full face helmet so my head stays dry and my face is also covered with the face shield which also helps. I have an open face helmet for dry/sunny days. Thank you for another video 😎
The e-bike manufacturer replied, she said it's not an e-motorcycle, it's an e-bike, motorcycle style with two 1000 Watts motors, one in each wheel. She said I can use one motor or both at the same time. She asked for my address so she can give me the delivery cost. :)
👍
So are 20 inch wheels better for hills?
Depends on the bike.
All I have is 500W Max at 980W with 20" it takes less torque from the motor to turn the wheel a whole turn@@manoz6194
I like fat tires. They run with less tire pressure and give me a softer ride (we’re similar body frame and weight) and more traction is always better on Alaska trails and roads. Otherwise I have no opinion on tire diameter. My bikes are all older 24 and 26 inch diameter. My ebike is a converted mountain bike with a Bafang mid mount motor which serves me well. I just don’t like the high bar on the bike frame and would rather have a step through. Though at the time I was looking to buy, nobody, but nobody would ship to Alaska. I enjoy your channel, keep it up.
👍😊
@@RussIsRightyou're right about just liking the fat tires I get compliments on my fat tires all the time I like the Cozy ride of it although I realize there's no point and I'm just using up more battery
Hi Russ. I really like your channel. I would like your opinion on carrying bikes. I think others may be interested as well. I have a Rad City 5 and my wife has an EVELO trike. When we travel I can carry the bikes in the bed of my F150 truck. We are thinking about getting 20" bikes so we can use my wife's SUV o stead of the big F150. I don't know if I should get a bike rack or else consider folding bikes. I hope you find my question as a useful topic. Thanks. Jim M.
I usually bring folding bikes on trips but still, I put them on a bike rack with a 2” hitch. I find it overall easier to put even folding bikes on the rack rather than in the car folded up. Watch this video about it: ua-cam.com/video/EAFoaVGDzZY/v-deo.html
@@RussIsRight thanks Russ.
PS I bet it is plastic over the Halloween figures so they don’t get rained on. Those 3 really tall ones in the last video were something. Yeah, our neighborhood goes a bit crazy with Halloween decorations. Not us. I just do a bit of fall decorations.
I was watching your introduction clip, we saw a lot of handlebar back then in the early days. I guess if we have a choice of too much handlebar or hardly any handle bar, hardly any is my choice because we see more of the landscape. But usually you have a good balance of both. Makes sense that it is a challenge because you have so many different styles of ebikes. I read some comic books when young. I liked Archie. My son still has some old ones of his up in our attic. I need him to take them. LOL I have a 20” wheel step-through ebike and like it a lot. But I am 5’6’ and can’t handle a large ebike.
👍
Seems like 20 inch wheeled ebikes are offered with bigger capacity batteries than 26 inch wheeled ebikes. Are there any 26 inch bikes with 40+ ah batteries for sale?
You should try the 26x4 Chaoyang Sandstorm or Origin 8 Supercell great long lasting tire and quiet on pavement
The 26s ride over bumps much better and the narrower tire bikes may have a more upright and comfortable ride…
Yes, they do ride over bumps better!
Hello, do you have a link or suggestion for where you get the thumb throttle. My son and I made a few prototypes on his 3d printer, but none worked very well, thanks,
It is in the description of my video here: ua-cam.com/video/OPPBwhGP-Ns/v-deo.htmlsi=c8fhjztvcxRQkCI5
How long can you store a rad power battery at 75 percent charge.🚴🏾♀️🚴🏾♀️
Hard to say. But I had heard that you should at least check on those batteries at least once a month minimum.
Russ have you tried Cube, Specialized these electric e bikes? Those have mid motor and i look to buy one . Now i ride a chinese rear e bike that is quite fun and strong also
I have not tried these. I did a review recently on a mid-drive Himiway Rambler though. Still getting used to having to constantly shift while riding!
Russ do u use a mic when ur on the bike or just the mic from ur camera
I use an external mic.
@@RussIsRight I need to look into one
Hello Russ, I don't know why this is but your weather and my weather always seem to be right on the mark and I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada, going to spill buckets I think any moment so I just got back from getting a few groceries with my Rize X fatty, I don't remember getting anything free from comic books but I remember the Xray goggles and itching powder and joy buzzers etc you could buy. 26" wheels for me brother, I'm 6'1" and 220 ibs and I like a big bike, plus I drive in the winter and prefer the larger wheels, I think the 20" wheels would be better for shorter people although I have a few tall friends that love their folding 20" bikes.
It is going to rain today here as well!
A little cockeyed to the right sometimes, but not bad at all!! Kinda like the open full view, without handlebars better!! Oh ya, about 65 year ago, I bought one Sq. inch of Alaska, out of a Comic book, for $0.25!! Wondering what's become of my investment?? Could be a Gold mine there now!!??!! Think I've misplaced the Deed, long ago!!
After so many bikes, it's no surprise your searching memory for names!! Senior moments!!
Imagine the 20" is easier to put in the back of an SUV!!
What's become of you 360 camera shot, in the videos??
The 360 shots are done only when I am reviewing a bike so you can see me ride. Too much work to process and edit the 360 videos, so I reserve it for reviews so you can see what the bike looks like when I'm riding it.
Please go ride the fox.river trail. Right down the street from you!
Well, not quite right down the street... maybe 20 mins by car. But we have done this several times last year and this year. Here's the most recent ones: ua-cam.com/video/BH6WdOgsK04/v-deo.htmlsi=zTrPezc5UPq07-yh ua-cam.com/video/AjbYee8s1lQ/v-deo.htmlsi=YV190K1kaX3KbOns
I would like seeing the speed. Otherwise I don't care.
How can we know if a e-bike is a bad choice if you don't review them????😀😀😀
Yeah, that’s a tough one! But I don’t want to be dealing with getting rid of bad bikes after reviewing them. You can pretty much tell that any bike I do review has something about it that made me think the brand or the bike itself had something that is either really good or is a good value. But even if I get a bike that I thought would be good but turned out not to be, I would mention that.
A 20" wheel has a 16 inch rim, when you put a 4" tire on it you have a 24" diameter wheel.
Frost heaves.