A Glimpse at the Shiny Carbon Ride

The Radiant Carbon: A Luxurious Masterpiece

Designed and released in 2018, TheRide’s Radiant Carbon is the epitome of opulence. This year, the company aims to produce a more affordable model, although the carbon fiber frame alone added around $2,000 to the overall cost, as stated by Ellsworth. Nevertheless, for their inaugural bike, they decided to go big and exemplify excellence.

An Exquisite Blend of Beauty and Performance

The Radiant Carbon lives up to its moniker, being meticulously constructed entirely from carbon fiber. Its power derives from the Shimano STEPS e6100 mid-drive motor, boasting a nominal power rating of 250W. While this motor usually generates 60Nm of torque, the version installed in The Radiant Carbon has been fine-tuned to exceed 70Nm, as affirmed by Ellsworth. Concealed within the frame lies a 630Wh battery, theoretically capable of propelling the bike for over 100 miles on a single charge.

The Ingenious Shimano STEPS e6100 Motor

The Shimano STEPS e6100 motor, a Class 1 e-bike motor empowered with 250W, draws its energy from a 630Wh internally-integrated battery nestled within the frame.

Astounding Performance and Unparalleled Comfort

At Sea Otter, we had the pleasure of experiencing the Radiant Carbon firsthand. The motor’s performance proved outstanding, especially on steep inclines, and despite the bike’s cruiser-like geometry, pedaling efficiency was impressive. The geometry, aptly named “expanding universe geometry” by Ellsworth, prioritizes ease of access. The cockpit has been meticulously designed to facilitate easy mounting and allow riders to place their feet on the ground while seated.

Revolutionary Convenience: The Enviolo AutomatIQ CVT Drivetrain

One of the remarkable features of the Radiant Carbon is the Enviolo AutomatIQ CVT drivetrain, a groundbreaking and still relatively rare gearing system that automatically adjusts its shifts for you. All you have to do is select your preferred cadence, and the hub seamlessly adapts the gear ratio to ensure you maintain that pedaling pace regardless of your speed. Admittedly, it took some time for my brain to adapt to the AutomatIQ system, as shifting became unnecessary. However, true to its promise, the hub effortlessly adjusted itself, sparing me from uncomfortable exertion. This feature is bound to captivate the ever-growing community of e-bike enthusiasts; it simplifies the riding experience, making it effortless and freeing the mind from unnecessary concerns.

A Visionary Blend: The Enviolo AutomatIQ CVT Drivetrain

The Enviolo hub, connected to the Shimano motor through a Gates carbon belt drive, not only protects your pants from greasy chains but also ensures optimal performance. Additionally, the exceptional Magura MT30 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes handle braking duties, providing unmatched stopping power.

The Unique Design of the Radiant Carbon

Aside from its special geometry, the frame of the Radiant Carbon boasts some distinctive structural elements. In order to achieve a truly one-of-a-kind design, certain parts were intentionally removed. The fork, for instance, now only features a single left leg, while the right-hand seatstay and left chainstay have been completely eliminated. These modifications were made to reduce the bike’s “visual” weight, as stated by Ellsworth, the creator.

A Distinctive Appearance

The result of these alterations is a visually striking look for the Radiant Carbon. By omitting the seat stay, chain stay, and one of the fork legs, this bicycle exudes a truly unique aesthetic.

Inspiration from E-Bikes and Motorcycles

E-bikes often appear bulkier and heavier due to the motor and battery components housed within the frame’s tubes. However, the larger tubes not only add visual mass to the bike but also provide structural reinforcement. This reinforcement allows for the removal of certain frame elements commonly found on traditional bicycles.

Furthermore, Ellsworth drew inspiration from motorcycles, particularly the single-sided swingarms found on Ducati models. He expressed his admiration for the sleek and alluring look of a Ducati single-sided swingarm, emphasizing its undeniable appeal.

Get Your Own Radiant Carbon

Although only a limited run of 360 models of the Radiant Carbon has been produced, you still have the opportunity to own one. The bike is currently available for purchase on TheRide’s website, where it will be delivered right to your doorstep by a dedicated concierge service. Alternatively, if you happen to be in southern California, you can personally buy the bike at TheRide’s shop in Newport Beach.

Thank you for taking the time to read our comprehensive review of TheRide Radiant Carbon. We would love to hear your thoughts and answer any questions about this remarkable bike. Please leave your comments below!