I purchased a Radmission electric bike for $500, and then invested an additional $200 in essential accessories like fenders and racks. Reflecting on this, I realized I could have spent three times as much for a Radrunner with similar features. However, my experience with the Radmission has been overwhelmingly positive; in fact, I find it to be the superior bike.
When considering higher-end brands, a key selling point is often frame size variety. Brands like Specialized emphasize frame size to ensure a perfect fit. Yet, historically, bicycle manufacturers adopted a different approach. Just as Henry Ford revolutionized automobiles with mass production and affordability, Raleigh bicycles focused on delivering quality bikes at unbeatable prices. This efficiency necessitated a “one-size-fits-all” philosophy for their dealer network. Interestingly, Raleigh bikes achieved comfortable rides even on uneven surfaces like cobblestones without front suspension, largely due to well-designed handlebar height. This height adjustment kept the hand grips aligned with the steering axis, contributing to stability.
Thinking about bicycle design and comfort brings to mind an everyday observation: the standard spacing between ladder rungs. It’s typically around 12 inches. I believe this is due to human ergonomics. In my own home, a built-in ladder has rungs spaced 14 inches apart. Climbing this ladder requires a significantly higher leg lift, bending my knee beyond 90 degrees and demanding considerable arm assistance. Conversely, ladders with 12-inch rung spacing are much easier to ascend and descend. This spacing closely matches the natural step height a person can comfortably manage without excessive knee flexion.
Raleigh bicycles were renowned for their comfort and pedaling efficiency. A crucial design element was the seat position, set back to ensure the rider’s knee wasn’t bent excessively (more than 90 degrees) at the top of the pedal stroke. This design facilitated long, powerful, and efficient power transfer. It also allowed riders to effectively shift their weight onto the pedal from the top to the bottom of the pedal stroke, mimicking the natural motion of walking and reducing pressure on the saddle, thus enhancing comfort.
To accommodate riders of varying heights with a single frame size, Raleigh ingeniously angled the seat tube back by approximately 30 degrees. This clever design meant that as the saddle was raised for taller riders with longer inseams, it also moved rearward, accommodating riders with longer femurs. This adaptability is illustrated by my sister’s experience. As a second-grader, she confidently chose a 26″ Raleigh, knowing she could ride it comfortably. She paid a mere $10 for it, compared to $70 for a Schwinn, which she found too inefficient for longer rides. This efficiency was a significant advantage, especially considering the bicycle safety standards of the time, where bicycle accident fatality rates were considerably higher than today.
I, as a first-grader, also enjoyed riding that Raleigh. Later, in fourth grade, I transitioned to a boys’ frame, perhaps influenced by social norms. Remarkably, at age 18, the same frame size that suited me at age 7 remained ideal. This highlighted the effectiveness of Raleigh’s “one-size-fits-all” design.
Similarly, with my Rad Power bikes, I found it necessary to make adjustments to both the seat and handlebars to achieve optimal stability, pedaling efficiency, and overall comfort. While high-end, expensive bikes are undoubtedly appealing, I suspect I would likely need to make similar modifications to them as well to achieve my desired riding experience. In many ways, there’s a comfort in sticking with what you know and can adapt, rather than venturing into the unknown with a pricier alternative.
