What I learned a year after buying my first electric bike (RadRunner 1) 

Thanks for watching! What else should I put in my emergency repair kit? Let me know!

I recommend cheap, thin work gloves in your emergency kit. If you're on your way somewhere your hands will at least be clean. For all the negative commenters, I think it's best to encourage new riders, not to tear them down. There's enough people working at bike shops who do that already. I've heard enough stories from new bikers who almost gave up after being told they weren't a "cyclist".

That's a great video especially for those looking to purchase their first e-bike. Unless you're a nerdy type or extreme biker and your looking for advice on what type of bike to buy, I'd search out sites like this one, posting advice after having owned their bike for a period of time. Otherwise, it's too easy to get confused about all the technical details. Here's my recommendations after having owned my first e-bike for about 20 months and 2,700 km. First thing you should know is that I'm a 74 year-old non-extreme biker. My trips usual go up to 10 km and no more. Throttle: My bike has pedal-assist only. My biggest regret is that it doesn't have a throttle. This would be frequently helpful when starting from a standing stop on rough ground or even on gentle inclines. And I would strongly prefer a "handle twist throttle". Tires: I've biked for many years and even though it's not extreme biking, I've had my share of flat tires. I'd say that I've become an expert (almost as good as a pit crew at the Indianapolis 500) at repairing flats. I've learned that good quality tires reduce the chance of flats and I've also learned to monitor the wear on my tire treads and replace them proactively. E-bikes are much heavier than traditional bikes and often take you in places where it would be more than awkward to go anywhere for repairs. So, make sure that you start with good quality tires, especially if you purchase a less well-known brand. Hub-drive vs Mid-drive: My bike is a mid-drive. While I can't say I deeply regret the lack of a hub-drive, my preference would be for a hub-drive. Admittedly, I don't have experience with a hub-drive, but I like the sense of security that I could still propel my bike if there was a failure with the chain, chain rings or pedals. Suspension. My bike has no "shock absorbing features. I would at least like shock absorbers on the front shocks. Those things that are not important to me: Battery: Assuming you purchase a well-known brand (I would never buy on-line), and you're a rider like me, battery life is irrelevant as any name-brands I've looked at have acceptable range. While I'm fortunate that I get incredible range (well over 110 km between charges and I re-charge when I have around 20% left), it wouldn't bother me if I got less than half of that. Re-charging is relatively simple and quick. I hope this helps someone. Cheers.

I live in the land of goat heads. I grew tired of patching the tires (which I was able to do quite easily and quickly without removing the wheel), so I took the plunge and ordered Tannus foam inserts. Not only have I not had a flat since, but the ride quality has significantly improved.

A $3 patch kit could have saved you a lot of money and time

Throw some zip ties in your emergency kit. They're small and flexible, so you can fit a bunch of them. They come in handy if you need to tie something down or need to do a quick repair.

Awesome update! I remember watching first video you did when I purchased my first electric bike Radmini 4. Changed my lifestyle getting rid of my car and going electric. I ended up purchasing Radmission 1 since it is a lot lighter for me living on second floor apartment. I live 5 miles away from my work at University and there are plenty of bike safe paths and trails to take. Not only have I saved a lot of money but also a lot of time and stress not having to deal with traffic and even parking on campus. I just put my bike in our production room. With a back rack and pannier bag has helped a lot. Along with using Slime I recommend cleaning your chain often and adjusting your brakes. Wipe your bike down and check cables often too. I have two locks a Kryptonite U-Lock that is attached with flex frame bracket and also ABUS Wheel lock attached to frame.

I have been a mountain biker over 22 years now. Just recently I bought an Ancheer e bike from Amazon. Being familiar with components, I did some upgrading straight away. I replaced the coil forks with rockshocks Reba air forks from my old 29er. I also replaced the cheap plastic pedals and a much softer seat. It's awesome. Today I replaced the front sprockets and went from a 42 tooth large sprocket to a 48 tooth for faster pedaling speeds. So far so good

Ebike is big game changer ! Luv seeing ppl riding ebikes ,old ppl can now ride again ,me and my bad knee couldn't do hills but now I have so much more freedom ,and I don't pollute 👍

The zip-ties hint below is definitely a good one! They WILL come in handy at some point! Also, I use Tannus Armour inserts on my tires and they are lifesavers, without the hassle of slime that can unbalance your tires. Thanks for the vid!

I live in Germany and biking is huge here, with many excellent trails. Like you though, my greatest fear is not actually using an expensive bike if I buy it. It's good to hear that your purchase seems to have inspired a new habit. Hope it does for me too!

Almost a year later after buying a RadRunner 1, I kinda wish I had gone with the more expensive RadRunner Plus. Just for the various upgrades. FYI: RRP comes standard with the fenders, better light (still not great), seat upgrade, passenger package, Side panels for back wheel and foot pegs (part of the passenger package), console upgrade which also increases the speed cap from 20 mph to almost 30, and an 8 speed drive train. The RR1 is single speed and geared really low. Being as heavy as it is, a single speed drive chain is a real work out at times even with the motor. RRP also has suspension, while the RR1 has none at all. I can't really confirm as I have no speedometer, but I'm pretty sure my max speed is a little higher when using pedal assist compared to just using the throttle. It also seems to accelerate faster compared to throttle. If you need to lock it up, because of the frame and other things, try getting a good chain or folding lock. A Ulock is too use restricted and may not work very well for this bike. Personal experience from someone who bought a ulock first and regretted it. I bought it without the fenders and I live in Washington. So that was my second upgrade after the seat. Let me explain to people who don't understand. The seat that comes standard with the RR1 is integrated with the seatpost. It is the way it is because of the Passenger Package upgrade (it drops flush with the PP cushion where another seat wouldn't), but if you aren't adding that on, you WILL WANT to replace it or alter it. The seat is the most uncomfortable thing ever. Radpower Bikes and others do sell seat and seatpost replacements, but I went for a cheap under $20 solution and bought a seat cover for an exercise bike. Threw that on and it made a world of difference. The headlight that comes with the RR1 is only 40 lumen. Even Dollar Tree flashlights or the round push lights are better than it! I mounted stronger lights on because I ride a lot at night to avoid traffic and the existing one was so weak, it could barely give me any heads up to threats up ahead and couldn't even warn me of branches above. Speaking of threats, before I upgraded my headlights to what they are now, I had somewhat weaker ones on (still stronger than the one that came with it) While heading back on what would be about a 5 mile ride (about 25 minutes) because the headlight and the lights I was using at the time were so weak, I ended up hitting a nail with my back tire. My speculation is that my front tire rolled over the nail but the pressure of my tire running over the end (one of the nails that looks like it has a spool on the end) cause it to angle up and pierce right through my back tire. I wasn't even 5 minutes away from where i had started, but that meant walking back rolling a 65lb bike... over 10 minutes... then walking home because i didn't have any of my repair stuff with me, a little over an hour, in the dark... got home after 1am. If I had stronger lights then, I probably could have avoided the situation. I started carrying my tools with me after that. The kickstand can be a blessing or a curse. Since that's where it is, you have to be real careful on some terrain and keep an eye out for curbs and whatnot. It's also an absolute FILTH MAGNET. I have to keep a tarp at the home of a relative I visit the most while riding. Popping the kickstand down, the vibration of the spring shakes loose any dirt or grime on it and most water on the bike if I have been riding in any kind of wet conditions, almost any puddle generated by my bike is right under the kickstand. In your emergency kit: 1. A light if you ride in the dark so you wont be making any repairs in low light or use one you have for visibility to do that. 2. Zip ties. if you have to remove the back tire, you have to unplug the cable. You need the zip ties to re-secure any cables you have to displace. 3. A small power bank. 4. 2 of something you can use as props while making repairs. If you have to flip the bike upside down, you will need to place something under the handlebar handles so that they are raised up from the ground and you aren't grinding them and your console/bell/etc into the ground. 5. A small first aid kit. If you are riding in any areas where something can graze your arms or legs, this can help. I was very happy with my purchase even though RRP would have been better. Ride Rad and Ride Safe! :)

You produced a very well done video! Thank you for posting and for the effort you put I to the production. We have 2100 miles on our pair of ebikes and your recommendations are all spot on. We even have the same Cloud o seats!! One addition I recommend is carrying a small tool pouch including one zip ties. The have helped us not be stranded twice

Bro!!! This is one of the best and most informative videos about the RadRunner and bicycling in general! Really great video, this info is incredible

This guy is just learning things about riding bikes in general.

Best general info on real-world e-bikes I’ve seen so far. Definitely helped push me toward getting one!

My first mountain bike had only front suspensions, true I got sore bum too after 40 km long rides. Later I got my full suspensions Merida ebike, was a wonderful experience having it. Thank you.

*Things I learned after upgrading my Rad runner with the Bolton upgrade kit.* - 35a controller drains stock battery significantly and just barely fits in the stock housing. - The LCD screen is nice but has to programmed which can be tedious. - Pedal assist and Mph do not function after following the programming video provided by Bolton (on my own to figure out the I/O at this point). - On a positive note the acceleration went from 0-20 in 6 seconds rather the 16 seconds with the stock controller. The upgrade really brings the bike to life but the battery upgrade is a must to keep things practical.

You mention a set of allen keys, make you have the larger size allen for tightening the bottom bracket spindle on the crank shaft. This can work loose in the first months of usage, particularly where you have hilly terrain and you are assisting the motor. Also its advisable to have a bell or horn on the bike as most people wont hear you coming, and wont react fast enough to the extra seed of an ebike. Finally its also useful to apply some greaze to the where the cable enters the hub motor. This prevents water etc entering the hub motor. If you live in cold climates the water accumulating in the hub motor can actually freeze runing the motor's internals.

Bike kits used to come with a patch kit for innertubes. It was just rubber squares and the proper glue. You find the hole by putting the tube in water and watch for the bubbles. :) There was also a spoke straightener. You might want to get a couple of small bungee cords to keep your backpack secure. Then you won't have to put a hand back going around corners. Reflector tape is always good to have so cars can see you from the side at night. Jon in rural BC, Canada

I hope eventually (it’ll take a long time) bikes once again become our mode of transport in the US. Other countries have it together especially in their cities, biking is a very normal and safe mode of transportation.

I have the Volt Mariner Step Thru (it also folds for storage ease too) and my friend has the same Rad you do...I love the Volt way better since it has 9 levels of assist and feels like more power due to that (my friend can never keep up without pedaling hard). Also the Rad helmet is cheaply made (my friend's clips have fallen off three times and she just bought it in summer 2020) and Volt's (free with bike) is D.O.T. certified (you can ride a motorcycle with that helmet legally). Thanks for the tips on the seat...I have ridden 2 1/2 hours on mine to turn around and come right back (I bought an extra battery for longer rides) and you are right, it does make it hard to ride again the next day due to soreness.

Tannus tire liners have been my greatest addition! Next thing is probably a second battery for greater range

In your emergency pack put zip ties and electrical tape they can really help with emergency fixes like if your chain snaps for example or rear derailleur breaks.

Nice video. Thank you. Tip for the bike kit. Tape, small bungees, zip ties, spoon, there's a knife on your Leatherman, so you don't need that. Sunscreen, dollartree poncho, small flashlight and some first add supplies. I know that sounds like a lot, but compartmentalize with zip plastic bag and you can keep everything nice and tidy.

Nice video. I've got an ebike as well. I definitely agree with the advice about having a service tech look over your bike when you get it. I didn't do that, and I ended up breaking my chain on my second ride (due to the shifters not being adjusted property).

Thanks for a quick but detailed video, you answered a lot of our questions as we look into bikes and racks. Thanks

rad runner series are amazing. i have had RR2 for 3 years now and i love it. idk how much life i have left on this bike but i will def buy another one when it finally breaks down on me

Love the video! I have the same ebike, it’s been a lot of fun, I’ve been thinking about changing the seatpost too.

this is the most informative, no bullshit pleasant video ive seen on rad runner. im almost in tears

THANK YOU I definitely benefitted from the radrunner videos and lectric ebike video by CNET! Im working my way toward purchasing my first ebike and i have a few years of city cycling experience. I can see how i might appreciate these features specifically demonstrated in the video. I wanted to know how well it stores at home and on a car, the quality of acceleration in different road conditions, the seat comfort, the cargo options, out of the box setup, and general service/repair advice. i wanted to see the headlight use at night, but overall very helpful video!

Good job. Went thru the same tube issues. Slim an liners definitely worked. Riding Rad. See you out there.

Also, my stock RAD 25 amp controller died after only 1200 miles. I upgraded to a 35 amp controller and color display for $225. I love the extra power, especially up hills. After watching a few RU-vid videos, I learned to repair my old controller for under $20, so now I have a spare and lots more knowledge about how e bikes really work.

My wife and I ride everywhere on ours. So much fun!

I suggest getting an elastic cargo net for your basket. Helps to keep stuff from jumping out of the basket. Another way to toughen a tire is to use an old tire as a liner (after you cut off the beads and maybe some of the sidewall).

Great video. I was wondering about hitch racks for ebikes, and you answered that question. Thanks!

Good info about tire liner and slim filler. Thanks for sharing. Winnipeg Manitoba Canada 🇨🇦🇨🇦

Love my RadRunner, glad you are enjoying yours!

Hey great video!! Another thing you might want to put in your bag is a good quality adjustable wrench. Also make sure you have a small flashlight incase you need to repair something on your Ebike after dark, Or if you get lost on a trail after dark like I did and needed to read a trail map on a post to try to figure how to get out lol.

i had an extra jar of Flex Paste and ended up just coating the entire inside of the tire casing with a paint brush .. seems to be solid .. cheers thanks for the tips.

I had a couple of flats, I repaired them quickly with glue and tube patches, didn't even take the tire off the rim. And now I have installed tube protection liners, again I did not take the tires off the rims. It is a good idea to learn how to patch a tube, and carry a patch kit with you, I can foresee a situation where it would be essential on trails far from a real road, alternatively carry a spare tube and tools to get the wheels off.

A small foldable lantern is also great to keep in the emergency kit. Changing a flat at night sucks.

I enjoyed your video. We have (2) RAD bikes and love them. I would buy a tube patch kit at your local bike shop and throw it in your bag. Also if you buy lock and security items for your bike, that definitely adds to the expense. RAD Bikes are a great value and so fun to ride.

for your Emergency Kit, how adding a small First Aid Kit. Mole Skin for blisters, Band-Aids, Triple Antibiotic Ointment, Sun Screen, Bug repentant if you wanna stop along the route and the bugs are nasty. You can get most of this stuff in a First Aid Kit that is the size of your wallet and from the size of your E-Kit, it looks like it would fit.

Thanks! Looking to buy my first one as soon as I find the right one, so every tip I get is helpful.

excellent video! getting a spare battery and keeping it in a mountable battery storage case comes in handy for long hauls!

How timely! I just got a HyperScorpion from Juiced Bikes. Got it delivered today. It's my first e-bike. I also have an electric scooter. However, I wanted an e-bike for a while for running errands. The e-scooter is more for fun.

I use both tire liners and slime in my winter bike that has spikes on it. Changing tubes in extreme temps is very challenging

I always have tools,patch kit,extra tire tube, rag,Handle bar jack & a electric pump that I keep on my planner bag at all time.

Great video! Thank you for putting this together!

Nice review!! Thank you! If I could recommend anything else to carry.. duck tape.. real grey duck tape… it’s the best first aid staple: uses other than bandages.. endless. You could wrap it tightly around the pump handle and never know it was there till needed.

Interesting video, thank you. I grew up using a bicycle as primary transportation until I was almost out of high school. What struck me was that you are ordering tubes online instead of going to the bike shop, and that you didn't order enough tubes to stay in business between flats. I was super gratified to see your tool kit with spare! Congratulations on your new hobby!

Along with the previously suggested zip ties and patch kit. Maybe some duct tape and a chain tool. Learning some basic maintenance and basic repair skills beforehand is also good idea.

E bike would seem an excellent commuting option. Especially if you live 10 miles from work. Would have to pay for gasoline and parking. Also you wouldn't have to fight gridlock to get to parking. Definitely better than mass transit.

I felt the Rad Runner was the wrong choice. For first time buyers follow this advice and its only my opinion. 1) Check to see if ebikes are allowed in your area. 2) Pick a bike that is tailored to your needs; size, how far it will go, comfortable riding position. 3) Pick a bike company with good customer service. 4) Make sure you have a bike shop to repair it. Never buy an ebike just because it looks good on social media. Good luck and ride safe.

@Logan Moy we both ride e-bikes (mine is the Ride1Up Core-5 with fenders and a rear rack), and we both play nearly identical Roland V-Drums. Mine is the TD25-KV, and I've set up my pads nearly exactly like you did. I'm retired now, but was a video production pro my whole life, living and adjusting to the transition from analog to digital. I still love taking stills and videos with my Lumix G9, and post some drum cover videos here and there on my channel. My wife and I live in South Florida. Keep up the great videos!

Suggestion for your emergency kit- gloves to keep your hands clean when you need to change a punctured inner tube on the road. I carry a thin pair of gardening gloves with me which is great for avoiding getting your hands all greasy when fiddling with the chain and tire.

Exactly what I was looking for Logan, right down to the model I was considering, although probably for different reasons. I have the need to commute a significant distance several times a week, but I also have the need for a step-through as well as the ability to store it in a Park and Ride locker. I wasn't sure the RadRunner would fit the locker easily and I need at least a 40-mile range. So I went with a scooter solution, the Emove Cruiser by Voro Motors. I'll let you know how it works out, maybe even make a video showing why the commute is so important to me.

I agree with all of it. I got the rad runner last year and had the same issues. Haven’t spent money on new seat or suspension as learned how to balance my contact points. I also use the green stuff and got the mudguards. I use it everyday in the winter and now I am using mostly regular bikes as I started to turn off the power in my rad so often that got my legs in shape to ride regular bikes uphill. I love the bike! Love the video review!

Bro I feel you on going to the bike shop. My first bike I got online and had to return it 2 weeks later. Second bike I got at a shop. They have done so much work to my bike. Just little things here and there but after 7 months of changing this replacing that. The bike rides better than new.

Excellent tips. Great on liners and sealant.

If you’re riding on mostly paved surfaces, you should change the tires to road tires. You’ll get better range and a smoother ride. And you can still ride on hard packed dirt like fire roads.

Thanks for this. I've been thinking about getting a ebike and this helps me make an informed choice.

I carry my spare tubes inside a Ziplock bag. Talcum powder is then dumped into the bag. This helps the tube move around within the tire and prevents the tube from sticking to the inside of the tire. On my road bikes, I only use Kevlar belted tires. Once ran a set of 700c x 20 tires one season (about 2K miles) with only one flat. I also carry a chain breaker. I speak from experience on this recommendation.

I've had the Ariel Rider X-Class (48V version) for over a year now and over 3000 miles. It has many of the things you are adding. And it's very fast, if needed. I love it and ride it as often as weather allows. And it's price point is VERY friendly, with many top end features.

I have truly truly enjoy this series. I have learned so much from you. I live in San Francisco in a studio apartment a very small studio apartment. I'm trying to find a way to store my bike in my room without breaking my lease. Holes in the wallet etc. If you have any ideas or any way to point me please let us know. Thank you so much for all the hard work you do it is appreciated.

awesome video. very practical and informative. keep it up. 👍 suggestion for kit: at least two sets of disposable gloves to keep your hands clean. some sort of rag or baby wipes / dude wipes to clean up potential messes, clean hands, spills from groceries or drinks. maybe a powerbank or airtags somewhere hidden.

Not sure if anyone else mentioned this for your emergency kit, a puncture repair kit, but not much use with the tubes with slim in, but definitely for your spare, because it’s not unheard of to get a puncture whilst you are riding home on your spare.

Big thumbs up it is! Great video - short, dynamic and very helpful 👍 Thank you!

That's crazy. The tubes for my 30hp hyw capable motorcycle are $4 Canadian.

Hi! I love your videos on ebikes. Do you only use your bike on weekend or do you use it daily? If so, maybe you can show us your “A day in life with ebike” to show us how your prepare, face challenges on the road, or maybe limiting yourself to a certain limit because the battery says so

I have a drawstring bottle bag for my water bottle. I also have a motion sensor security alarm on my eBike that is armed and disarmed with a remote control. I didn’t notice a display on your eBike, but some disposable gloves or ziplock bag will keep your display dry if you two get caught in the rain while riding. A good bike chain would be nice to have for when you have to secure your eBike while you run into a store or coffee shop. A good bike cover would be nice to cover your eBikes when they are being transported on the back of the vehicle. Use some bungee cords to make sure the covers are secured tightly.

I used the green tire slime. Works great and cheap. Buy your tires tubes and brake pads in advance. Get good lights. Multiple lights is better.

I think a 9mm would make a great addition to the emergency pack.

If you are running sealant, you may as well drop the tubes entirely and run tubeless!

I've read some really good suggestions. One I didn't see, and perhaps I missed it, is a couple of master links for the chain if it were to break.

Spot on review. I have a UK spec., does not have a throttle but a boost to get you up to 6kph, because of the single gear - a great feature. Saddle agree, torture until the foam seemed to break up and soften. Seat stem nonstandard UK size. Power levels buttons, agree. Fiddly. Try using it at night without a head torch, and with gloves. Charging procedure, switch off within an hour of being fully charged. Try that if you come home late at night and sleep for eight hours, and it charges in 4/5. Lastly, on the cons, there are 8 mounting points, welded on, with bolts, and two welded brackets on the rear carrier. Easy fit accessories, but, if you don't want the baskets and whatnot, how much have you paid for mounting points you will not use? Odd thing, the brake levers are wrong way round, The right hand lever works the rear brake. On the other hand it's a great ride. Often fling it around on woodland trails, where I can leave behind my younger, fitter friend, on his expensive mountain bike. Do I recommend it yes.

If you're having that many problems with inner tubes and your tyres. Invest in better tyres and tubes, the OEMs always suck. Better tyres will have better durability and a better, more comfortable ride.

A band-aid or two, plus an alcohol wipe (or five) to clean your hands if you need to touch greasy parts, or if have a skin scrape wipes may help keep infection at bay. Good luck and GREAT job on your video!

i got a canondale ebike and it makes me like biking so much more than a regular bike. i am super happy i got it. i have become braver too. And because it's heavier with thicker wheels, i care less about pot holes.

Buy a mid drive which has already puncture protected ebike tires. Upgrade seat, pedals and grips to ergo ones.

I like your video, but I disagree with you on a couple of things. First, any time you can have a bicycle delivered to you and put it together yourself you should. Never give up an opportunity to learn and know your bicycle. Being able to repair your bicycle yourself means never having to walk home. Second, I would prefer good tires with built in protection over tire liners or slime.

I love my ebike and im looking for my next one. Mine is smallish and i want one with bigger tires and front shocks. I have a nakto pony which is working great but its low profile. This video is one of the rad power bikes which was my first choice. Way differennt price points. I also considered a juiced bike but i have decided on a super 73. So stylish. You can also get credit for these bikes. I dont have a car and my ebike does everything. For older riders this will get you around nicely. I highly recommend ebikes!

My one year of ownership is just coming up. Watching your video made me think of how I use it. I don't have a rack as mine is to supplement car usage. I ride to work or short trips to the near by shops. During winter it's too cold so my car is still important at certain times of the year.

The feeling of being a proud ebike owner. Great video!

If you have AAA Auto club membership they will pick you up.

Great tips, though sometimes it's hard to find a bikeshop willing to work on Rad bikes. Not impossible, but it takes some searching. We got our Rad Rovers in March 2021. Best investment we've made in a long time. We have a Thule easyfold XT2 bike rack because the Hollywood rack was on backorder(thanks pandemic). Would've preferred the Hollywood rack, but the Thule is serviceable. Both are rated to carry ebikes.

Thanks for all the tips. They all make sense

I would add a little hip flask to my emergency kit. You never know when you might need a shot.

why replace inner tube. just get patch kit

Thank you very good information to know as im thinking about my first purchase

I saw zip ties mentioned, but as an alternative there are these little Velcro straps you can use for basically anything depending on the length you buy.

on a long ride i always bring 1 or 2 imodium or any diarrhea medicine.

Maybe add a patch kit to that emergency kit

I got me a 1000 watt e-bike with fenders and a racks for $1249.00 including colored rims shipped to my house by UPS got it in three days. All I had to do is install the front wheel the rack and the two fenders and the handlebars. It has an ignition key on the handlebars and a key on the battery. came from Chino Hills I am so happy it goes 35 mph. It has five stages where you can conserve electricity. You can use full power or pedal assist the best investment I have made. Oh and it's a folding bike. They come in red blue and green and white very beautiful bike

I completely agree about punctures, I had the same issue, I bought the tannus armour bundle as I was sick of changing the tube all the time. The ride feels a little flatter with less bounce but I still enjoy the bike. I'm often questioned about it, I always answer " my best purchase ever ". It's a pity about delays for accessories and parts. I'm still waiting for sidecars and trailers.

Wow, I'd never be able to justify buying an $800 rack to myself. 😅

When you have to start adding weight to the bike for a emergency kit I’d start questioning if it’s worth just taking a motorbike or a car instead. Bikes are suppose to be light to cycle them and this extra stuff goes against that ethos, if it’s just for transport and not exercise take a moped or motorbike.

Deffinitly recommend buying from local bike shops, they guys at my shop are super helpful and friendly and the bike they recommended me has been heaps of fun for 3+ years now. The shop is Revolution Cycle in Rosland BC Canada,and the bike is a 2019 Lafree from "Giant", though it appears they've moved that over to a separate cargo E-bike brand called "Momentum" now, if anyone is curious

As mentioned tire liners work well, however tire sealant work best on tubeless tires due to drying effects at the leak.Adding sealant to a tube does not work for most punctures because the leaking tube doesn’t have direct air contact. The slim just leaks in between the tube and the tire wall. The tube never seals and air escapes through the spoke nipples. It’s a mess, especially when you’re on the side of the road fixing a flat.