Thanks for the comment...the Ripcurrent S is a solid choice. I've had mine for over 2 years and have thousands of miles on and have not had a single issue with it.
Juiced Bikes get ZERO Love from reviewers. We have two Juiced RCSs and they have been rock solid for the 1300 miles we have rode them. Just upgraded to RCS Step Thru for both of us...great upgrade and expect the same reliability going forward.
I’m in the market for this type of e-bike. I see very little reviews for juiced bikes. Not sure why. One thing i see is the price is the highest for similar specs. Ariel rider Kepler 52v 1000watt 1800 max. $1900. So yeah huge price difference and i see the Kepler all over TH-cam . So likely juiced just need to get in line with the competition possibly?
@@jimjr9143 When we first started looking we looked at Amazon for the $1,300 Admotor, then said lets get something "decent" for a few more dollars. That put us in the Radrover range of $1,800 at the time. Was just about to pull the trigger (they were in "the cart") and stumbled on Juiced Bikes. The selling point was the "S" which included the Rack and Fenders plus it already had hydraulic brakes; adding the rack and fenders to the RR added $300! So, essentially for the same price as a RR with those options we also got 52v 19Ah battery and figured out how to unlock Race Mode! Most of these Chinese Made eBike are the same. I would think about your IDEAL eBIKE...then add the options YOU need/want and see what bike is best based on total cost. Now you can add the RCS Performance Controller...30 MPH Throttle ONLY! RIP!
@@jimjr9143 Just looked at the Kepler...same Motor as the v2 RCS...but, the outside the frame controller kind of scares me...JB puts it in the down tube for a cleaner look and better protection from elements. Not a fan of the "camel hump" frame...but, keeping $400 in your pocket might be more important! FYI...you JUST missed the BLACK FRIDAY JB Sale where the RCS Was $1,999! Wait until after xMas...it will drop again. + JB has STOCK and they arrive in 2-4 days vs. PRE-ORDER with Kepler!
Just wanted to say after spending $2k on a very powerful Ariel Rider Kepler step-thru (not!), I ended up selling it because it was just too big. It has everything you dream about: 1k motor, 52v battery, etc. It was so strong - could race up any long steep hill - amazing bike for the money, BUT, you have to be 5'6-1/2" minimum to ride the bike (I'm 5'3"). So I then bought a RAD Rover 6 Plus. I feel much safer, easy to get on/off, can escape in a fall, etc. BUT, it's a dog. I test rode it for 2 hours on hills yesterday, doing every combination of assist 2-3, gear 2-3, then throttle....by the time the throttle kicks in, the bike would have fallen over, so you have to brake, stop..... I then tried throttle only, and again, makes it 1/3 way up a fairly steep hill, then dogs out. I was hoping to commute to work, but I have to get over a large hill (White Hill in Fairfax, CA). This won't do it :-( So now I am extremely bummed. Not sure what to do. Order a Juiced bike??? or try and upgrade this somehow. Controller seems to be hidden inside the frame, as is part of the gutless battery. Reply
My GF is 4'11" and rides the Juiced Ripcurent S with the seat slammed...It's maybe just a tad big for her, but should fit you. The throttle will give you 20mp even on hills approaching 8% inclines. The motor isn't super torquey because it's a hub-based motor, but it's plenty powerful. Unlock Race mode and you have 28mph under pedal assist. Juiced also makes a step-through model.= if you prefer that...
I have a few recommendations. First find out the peak torque rating (in Nm) of your Radrover’s hub motor has and what maximum current (in A) has. Motor torque, the size of the wheel and the total weight of the bike, rider and cargo determine the maximum slope the bike can make headway against. It also determines how quickly you can accelerate. Amps of the controller (and peak rpm’s of the motor) determine your top speed (Amps x voltage = power = work done per unit time). Since you have to tackle a long steep hill, you will want more torque and amps, as well as good brakes that can handle the downhill part and not overheat. If you’re curious about what upgrades could bump the capabilities of your Radrover check the upgrade kits available from someone like Area 13 ebikes, and see also if the Eggrider display works with the v6 model’s controller. It can unlock a couple more amps out of the stock controller. Area 13 sells a variety of upgrades to Rad Power ebikes - displays, controllers, motors, but you have to check what works with what model. If you want to look at a replacement, given your size, I’d recommend looking at higher-spec folding ebikes. Not only do the frames fit a wider range of rider sizes, but the typically smaller wheels provide mechanical advantage to both acceleration and braking given the same motor, controller and brake systems. It’s a direct ratio of the different wheel sizes. What you compromise is top speed you feel comfortable pedaling at. Some of these little ebikes can go very fast, but you will be pedaling at a very high cadence unless they come with both a smaller top speed cog on the rear and a large chainring up front. As far as brands, Lectric recently upgraded both the motor and controller on their XP 3.0. The motor now is capable of 55Nm of torque, up from 35Nm on the 2.0 version. You can usually get it for under $1k. If you want to look at more capable folders, there are options from Espin, Wallke, Amped Rides, Vitilan, ENGWE, Vituvia, Fucare with hub motors with torque outputs ranging from 80 to over 100Nm. If you’re willing to stretch your budget to mid drive systems, Tern makes several small-wheeled ebikes (some have folding frames, but most don’t) with the Bosch system. I like these ebike review sites for researching different models: Electrek (electrek.co/guides/ebikes/) Electricbikereview (electricbikereview.com/) Electricbikereport (electricbikereport.com/) Good hunting and happy riding!
@@chow-chihuang4903 WOW! Thank you! I am starting to understand all of this bike lingo - kind of like a college course for sure! I wish one of these influencers - like Area 13 (who is awesome) would do a TH-cam class on gear ratios with pedal assist ratios up a hill, on the flats, on a downhill, etc. I originally thought the higher the pedal assist UP HILL mean't more assist, when it actually need a certain amount of speed to be in that assistance. Then I thought you could add throttle while pedaling - not one or the other - so hubby is trying to get me to understand all of this - but even doing all of this correct, the RAD 6 Plus is pretty gutless on hills.
@@gardenscape-NCal Regarding PAS level corresponding to a speed, that’s because your Radrover uses a cadence sensor. Each level dictates what the motor will put out as you keep the pedals moving. Try out models with a torque sensor. Think of it as the PAS levels dictate the maximum the motor will put out, but the amount of effort you put into pedaling controls the actual amount the motor puts out, or the setting controls what percentage the motor will match your effort. It allows more control but you have to put in more work. For a long steep hill, you may decide to stay with a cadence sensor after all, but try and see what you prefer! A few ebikes come with both types. As far as I know, only Juiced allows you to decide which one is predominant. They offer that ability on all but their single-speed RipRacer model.
Hi Todd, great review. Could you tell me what handlebars you swappped the high rise bars out with? Did you need a new stem? I just purchased 2 Ripcurrent S's today for my wife and me. I have test ridden all the models down in San Diego and liked the Ripcurrent a lot, but I was not a real fan of the high rise handlebars. However, the bikes were on a screaming closeout deal today ($1500 ea with the 2 bike discount), so that made it an easy choice. Your bars look MUCH better than the stock ones, and I woud like to do the same thing. Again, I appreciate the info you provided in your review!! Glad to know you haven't had any issues with your bike.
Looked a Lil clumsy n timid on that last turn ya captured. Go into it a Lil too hot for your skill level? Or is that exceeding the fatter tires cornering capability?
Bit of an odd comment seeing as though I'm a Cat 2 competitive Mountain biker and a mid-Atlantic champion criterium racer, so corners are kind of my thing...but I guess we all miss the apex once in a while...in any case, thanks for watching the whole video just for that troll comment!
I'm certainly not a troll, I watched your video for your decent presentation of your bike. I was just making a observation and asking a legitimate question about the fat tires because I have no experience riding with those on a bike. Someone else liked my comment, so apparently I wasn't the only person who noticed. I'm sorry if I hurt that ego of yours. You'll be alright. No need to provide me with any feedback on the fat tires. I'll get the information from someone more grounded and confident with who they are. Next time don't put a video of yourself in a corner that makes you look like a bitch. Maybe your better on dirt than on pavement. Take care, Merry Christmas!
Hey great video! I noticed you said you were MD so am I. I'm 6'7 and on the fence between the ripcurrent S and the pedego trail tracker... Not sure if you had experience/knowledge of those bikes as well and could give me some advice. Thanks in advance! Keep up the videos
Hey Aaron, Thanks for watching the video. Unfortunately I have no experience with the pedego trail tracker, (nor do I have experience being 6'7"...i'm only 5'8"...😂😂) I will say this thought...I looked up the trail tracker and although some of the components (briakes/shifters) are better, the battery and the motor are not as powerful as the Ripcurrent S...And IMO that's the most important part of the Ebike...Hope that helps
I’m 6’6” and after researching for a couple years, I finally went with an xl ripcurrent s. It’s been updated to 1000 watts nominal and is currently on sale for 2000 bucks. I also bought the controller upgrade with brings the peak power to almost 1900 watts at 36 amps!!! I also like that this bike is actually big enough to use for pedaling exercise versus these moto style bikes that tall people can’t really pedal. Good luck to you and happy riding!!☺️
New subscriber here- Very cool video, do you mind me asking how tall you are and do you feel the medium frame size is a good fit for your height? Thanks.
Thanks for the question. I should have mentioned that in the video...I'm 5'9" and it fits me just fine. My GF rides the bike too albeit with the seat post al the way down...it might be a bit big for her though...The manufacture claims that the medium fits people from 5'3" to 6'1"...while that's a VERY wide range, I'd day it would fit people 5'3"- 5'11" anyway...Hope that helps...
Great review thanks!! Trying to decide on an ebike for hunting.
Thanks for the comment...the Ripcurrent S is a solid choice. I've had mine for over 2 years and have thousands of miles on and have not had a single issue with it.
Just got one! New to the e-bike scene. Great review
Juiced Bikes get ZERO Love from reviewers. We have two Juiced RCSs and they have been rock solid for the 1300 miles we have rode them. Just upgraded to RCS Step Thru for both of us...great upgrade and expect the same reliability going forward.
Yeah, I agree! I'd like to get the step-thru for my GF...Thanks for watching
I’m in the market for this type of e-bike. I see very little reviews for juiced bikes. Not sure why. One thing i see is the price is the highest for similar specs. Ariel rider Kepler 52v 1000watt 1800 max. $1900. So yeah huge price difference and i see the Kepler all over TH-cam . So likely juiced just need to get in line with the competition possibly?
@@jimjr9143 When we first started looking we looked at Amazon for the $1,300 Admotor, then said lets get something "decent" for a few more dollars. That put us in the Radrover range of $1,800 at the time. Was just about to pull the trigger (they were in "the cart") and stumbled on Juiced Bikes. The selling point was the "S" which included the Rack and Fenders plus it already had hydraulic brakes; adding the rack and fenders to the RR added $300! So, essentially for the same price as a RR with those options we also got 52v 19Ah battery and figured out how to unlock Race Mode! Most of these Chinese Made eBike are the same. I would think about your IDEAL eBIKE...then add the options YOU need/want and see what bike is best based on total cost. Now you can add the RCS Performance Controller...30 MPH Throttle ONLY! RIP!
@@jimjr9143 Just looked at the Kepler...same Motor as the v2 RCS...but, the outside the frame controller kind of scares me...JB puts it in the down tube for a cleaner look and better protection from elements. Not a fan of the "camel hump" frame...but, keeping $400 in your pocket might be more important! FYI...you JUST missed the BLACK FRIDAY JB Sale where the RCS Was $1,999! Wait until after xMas...it will drop again. + JB has STOCK and they arrive in 2-4 days vs. PRE-ORDER with Kepler!
Just wanted to say after spending $2k on a very powerful Ariel Rider Kepler step-thru (not!), I ended up selling it because it was just too big. It has everything you dream about: 1k motor, 52v battery, etc. It was so strong - could race up any long steep hill - amazing bike for the money, BUT, you have to be 5'6-1/2" minimum to ride the bike (I'm 5'3"). So I then bought a RAD Rover 6 Plus. I feel much safer, easy to get on/off, can escape in a fall, etc. BUT, it's a dog. I test rode it for 2 hours on hills yesterday, doing every combination of assist 2-3, gear 2-3, then throttle....by the time the throttle kicks in, the bike would have fallen over, so you have to brake, stop..... I then tried throttle only, and again, makes it 1/3 way up a fairly steep hill, then dogs out. I was hoping to commute to work, but I have to get over a large hill (White Hill in Fairfax, CA). This won't do it :-( So now I am extremely bummed. Not sure what to do. Order a Juiced bike??? or try and upgrade this somehow. Controller seems to be hidden inside the frame, as is part of the gutless battery.
Reply
My GF is 4'11" and rides the Juiced Ripcurent S with the seat slammed...It's maybe just a tad big for her, but should fit you. The throttle will give you 20mp even on hills approaching 8% inclines. The motor isn't super torquey because it's a hub-based motor, but it's plenty powerful. Unlock Race mode and you have 28mph under pedal assist. Juiced also makes a step-through model.= if you prefer that...
I have a few recommendations.
First find out the peak torque rating (in Nm) of your Radrover’s hub motor has and what maximum current (in A) has. Motor torque, the size of the wheel and the total weight of the bike, rider and cargo determine the maximum slope the bike can make headway against. It also determines how quickly you can accelerate. Amps of the controller (and peak rpm’s of the motor) determine your top speed (Amps x voltage = power = work done per unit time).
Since you have to tackle a long steep hill, you will want more torque and amps, as well as good brakes that can handle the downhill part and not overheat.
If you’re curious about what upgrades could bump the capabilities of your Radrover check the upgrade kits available from someone like Area 13 ebikes, and see also if the Eggrider display works with the v6 model’s controller. It can unlock a couple more amps out of the stock controller. Area 13 sells a variety of upgrades to Rad Power ebikes - displays, controllers, motors, but you have to check what works with what model.
If you want to look at a replacement, given your size, I’d recommend looking at higher-spec folding ebikes. Not only do the frames fit a wider range of rider sizes, but the typically smaller wheels provide mechanical advantage to both acceleration and braking given the same motor, controller and brake systems. It’s a direct ratio of the different wheel sizes. What you compromise is top speed you feel comfortable pedaling at. Some of these little ebikes can go very fast, but you will be pedaling at a very high cadence unless they come with both a smaller top speed cog on the rear and a large chainring up front.
As far as brands, Lectric recently upgraded both the motor and controller on their XP 3.0. The motor now is capable of 55Nm of torque, up from 35Nm on the 2.0 version. You can usually get it for under $1k. If you want to look at more capable folders, there are options from Espin, Wallke, Amped Rides, Vitilan, ENGWE, Vituvia, Fucare with hub motors with torque outputs ranging from 80 to over 100Nm. If you’re willing to stretch your budget to mid drive systems, Tern makes several small-wheeled ebikes (some have folding frames, but most don’t) with the Bosch system.
I like these ebike review sites for researching different models:
Electrek (electrek.co/guides/ebikes/)
Electricbikereview (electricbikereview.com/)
Electricbikereport (electricbikereport.com/)
Good hunting and happy riding!
@@chow-chihuang4903 WOW! Thank you! I am starting to understand all of this bike lingo - kind of like a college course for sure! I wish one of these influencers - like Area 13 (who is awesome) would do a TH-cam class on gear ratios with
pedal assist ratios up a hill, on the flats, on a downhill, etc. I originally thought the higher the pedal assist UP HILL mean't more assist, when it actually need a certain amount of speed to be in that assistance. Then I thought you could add throttle while pedaling - not one or the other - so hubby is trying to get me to understand all of this - but even doing all of this correct, the RAD 6 Plus is pretty gutless on hills.
@@gardenscape-NCal Regarding PAS level corresponding to a speed, that’s because your Radrover uses a cadence sensor. Each level dictates what the motor will put out as you keep the pedals moving.
Try out models with a torque sensor. Think of it as the PAS levels dictate the maximum the motor will put out, but the amount of effort you put into pedaling controls the actual amount the motor puts out, or the setting controls what percentage the motor will match your effort. It allows more control but you have to put in more work.
For a long steep hill, you may decide to stay with a cadence sensor after all, but try and see what you prefer!
A few ebikes come with both types. As far as I know, only Juiced allows you to decide which one is predominant. They offer that ability on all but their single-speed RipRacer model.
Hi Todd, great review. Could you tell me what handlebars you swappped the high rise bars out with? Did you need a new stem? I just purchased 2 Ripcurrent S's today for my wife and me. I have test ridden all the models down in San Diego and liked the Ripcurrent a lot, but I was not a real fan of the high rise handlebars. However, the bikes were on a screaming closeout deal today ($1500 ea with the 2 bike discount), so that made it an easy choice. Your bars look MUCH better than the stock ones, and I woud like to do the same thing. Again, I appreciate the info you provided in your review!! Glad to know you haven't had any issues with your bike.
Thanks for the comment. I used the Deity 25mm rise bars...they're about $90 online. I agree...I didn't like the high rise bars either.
@@ToddBickling Thanks so much for the info!!
Great review! Love the feedback
Thanks...My girlfiend would LOVE to try the step-through model...😜
You guys need to put straight handle bars like he did. Those stock bars are awful
@@joep.6307 🤣🤣 I agree! 🤣🤣
Looked a Lil clumsy n timid on that last turn ya captured. Go into it a Lil too hot for your skill level? Or is that exceeding the fatter tires cornering capability?
Bit of an odd comment seeing as though I'm a Cat 2 competitive Mountain biker and a mid-Atlantic champion criterium racer, so corners are kind of my thing...but I guess we all miss the apex once in a while...in any case, thanks for watching the whole video just for that troll comment!
I'm certainly not a troll, I watched your video for your decent presentation of your bike. I was just making a observation and asking a legitimate question about the fat tires because I have no experience riding with those on a bike. Someone else liked my comment, so apparently I wasn't the only person who noticed. I'm sorry if I hurt that ego of yours. You'll be alright. No need to provide me with any feedback on the fat tires. I'll get the information from someone more grounded and confident with who they are. Next time don't put a video of yourself in a corner that makes you look like a bitch. Maybe your better on dirt than on pavement. Take care, Merry Christmas!
Hey great video! I noticed you said you were MD so am I. I'm 6'7 and on the fence between the ripcurrent S and the pedego trail tracker... Not sure if you had experience/knowledge of those bikes as well and could give me some advice. Thanks in advance! Keep up the videos
Hey Aaron, Thanks for watching the video. Unfortunately I have no experience with the pedego trail tracker, (nor do I have experience being 6'7"...i'm only 5'8"...😂😂) I will say this thought...I looked up the trail tracker and although some of the components (briakes/shifters) are better, the battery and the motor are not as powerful as the Ripcurrent S...And IMO that's the most important part of the Ebike...Hope that helps
I’m 6’6” and after researching for a couple years, I finally went with an xl ripcurrent s. It’s been updated to 1000 watts nominal and is currently on sale for 2000 bucks. I also bought the controller upgrade with brings the peak power to almost 1900 watts at 36 amps!!! I also like that this bike is actually big enough to use for pedaling exercise versus these moto style bikes that tall people can’t really pedal. Good luck to you and happy riding!!☺️
Very nice ebike. Even for $2300. I personally would not be using clip-shoes on those pedals.
Why not? I have clip on my Ristretto 303 FS which is 3500 peak watts and does 45 mph...
New subscriber here-
Very cool video, do you mind me asking how tall you are and do you feel the medium frame size is a good fit for your height? Thanks.
Thanks for the question. I should have mentioned that in the video...I'm 5'9" and it fits me just fine. My GF rides the bike too albeit with the seat post al the way down...it might be a bit big for her though...The manufacture claims that the medium fits people from 5'3" to 6'1"...while that's a VERY wide range, I'd day it would fit people 5'3"- 5'11" anyway...Hope that helps...
@@ToddBickling Thank you!