Experience Unmatched Freedom with Every Ride
A Seamless Arrival and Setup Experience
Rad Power Bikes has mastered the art of delivering a fully assembled bike right to your doorstep. Upon arrival, the bike was securely packaged, requiring minimal effort to get it road-ready. After unfolding the bike, adjusting the handlebars, and tightening a few bolts, I was pedaling down the street in under 10 minutes. For those who may feel intimidated by assembling a bike, Rad Power Bikes offers intuitive instructions that guide you through each step effortlessly. Once on the road, the full-color display provided clear information, and the controls were intuitive, making my first ride a breeze.An Ideal Companion for Travelers and Adventurers
The RadExpand 5 Plus boasts a foldable design that makes it incredibly portable. It folds down to a compact size—approximately 30 inches high, 25 inches wide, and 40 inches long—making it easy to store in the back of most vehicles. Despite its portability, the bike weighs a substantial 74 pounds, so assistance might be needed when loading it into a vehicle. However, this feature is particularly beneficial for RV enthusiasts or anyone looking to enjoy rides away from home. The bike's step-through frame accommodates riders between 4’10” and 5’10”, though taller individuals like myself at 6’2” found it comfortable as well.Power and Performance That Surpasses Expectations
Equipped with a powerful 750-watt motor and 64 Nm of torque, the RadExpand 5 Plus delivers impressive performance. The rear hub motor, combined with torque sensors, provides ample power, especially on flat terrain. While climbing steep hills posed a slight challenge compared to mid-drive motors, the bike handled most inclines without issue. The 720 Wh battery ensures extended range; I managed to cover 68 miles on a single charge at lower power settings. Even using only the throttle, I achieved a respectable 37 miles. The battery is UL certified and features Safe Shield technology, providing peace of mind during overnight charging.Riding Comfort and Handling
Despite its upright posture, the RadExpand 5 Plus offers a surprisingly smooth and enjoyable ride. The large, knobby tires and suspension fork absorb shocks effectively, enhancing comfort over rough terrain. Although the bike would benefit from a suspension seat post, the overall handling remains agile and responsive. On dirt roads, the bike’s stability and confidence shine, allowing for confident navigation even at higher speeds. The hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors ensure reliable stopping power, bringing the bike to a halt quickly and safely.Versatility and Utility in Everyday Use
Around town, the RadExpand 5 Plus transforms into a versatile utility vehicle. The throttle provides quick acceleration, making it easy to keep up with traffic and adding a touch of exhilaration to daily commutes. The bike’s cargo capabilities are impressive, with a payload capacity of 315 pounds. I attached a large cargo basket to the rear rack, which comfortably carried groceries, camping gear, or even Christmas hams. This bike’s adaptability makes it perfect for various activities, whether you're running errands or planning a weekend getaway.Discover How Innovative Regulations Can Protect Venice’s Heritage While Welcoming Travelers
Regulatory Measures to Ease Overcrowding
The Italian authorities have introduced several measures aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of mass tourism on Venice. One significant step involves limiting tour groups to no more than 25 individuals. This cap ensures that each group remains manageable, reducing congestion in narrow streets and historic sites. Moreover, megaphones are now prohibited, allowing for a quieter and more serene atmosphere. Additionally, large cruise ships are no longer permitted to dock within the heart of the city, safeguarding the fragile lagoon ecosystem.These regulations mark a pivotal shift towards sustainable tourism practices. By controlling the flow of tourists, the government aims to enhance the visitor experience while minimizing disruption to local life. However, some residents believe further actions are necessary. For instance, cities like Barcelona and Amsterdam have successfully implemented Airbnb restrictions to prevent property prices from spiraling out of reach for locals. Such measures could offer valuable lessons for Venice as it seeks to protect its unique character.The Impact on Venetian Residents
The influx of tourists has significantly altered the fabric of Venetian society. Many long-time residents have chosen to relocate due to rising living costs and overcrowded neighborhoods. According to recent data, Venice's population has dwindled to approximately 50,000—the lowest it has been in three centuries. This demographic shift raises concerns about the city's future. Without a thriving local community, Venice risks becoming a mere tourist attraction rather than a vibrant, livable city.Camilla, a lifelong resident, embodies this dilemma. She enjoys working in the tourism sector and sharing her beloved city with visitors. Yet, she acknowledges the strain caused by overcrowding and escalating expenses. Balancing her passion for showcasing Venice with the practical needs of supporting her family is an ongoing challenge. Despite these difficulties, Camilla remains committed to preserving the authentic essence of her hometown. She takes pride in offering tourists a glimpse into everyday Venetian life, revealing hidden gems often overlooked by conventional tours.Strategies for Sustainable Coexistence
To ensure Venice thrives as both a cultural treasure and a livable city, innovative strategies must be explored. Encouraging off-season travel can help distribute visitor numbers more evenly throughout the year. Promoting lesser-known districts can also alleviate pressure on popular areas. Furthermore, fostering partnerships between local businesses and tourism operators can create mutually beneficial opportunities. For example, small-scale tours focusing on traditional crafts or culinary experiences can provide economic benefits while introducing travelers to authentic aspects of Venetian culture.Ultimately, the key lies in striking a harmonious balance between welcoming visitors and maintaining the city's unique identity. By implementing thoughtful policies and engaging the local community, Venice can continue to captivate the world without losing its soul. Initiatives like Intrepid Urban Adventures’ Cicchetti & Wine Tour exemplify this approach, offering an intimate look at the city through the eyes of its residents. Such efforts not only support the local economy but also foster a deeper connection between visitors and the vibrant heritage of Venice.The parent company of Outside magazine has recently undergone significant restructuring, leading to the termination of 20 employees across various departments. This move has raised concerns about the future of the publication, both in print and online. CEO Robin Thurston announced the changes via an internal email last Thursday, coinciding with the acquisition of Inntopia, a travel booking software used by major ski resorts. The layoffs have affected key editorial figures, including long-serving staff members, and have left the remaining team with fewer resources. Thurston emphasized the company's intention to refocus on category-specific content creation and expand its digital offerings. Despite these challenges, the company remains committed to maintaining its print circulation and plans to go public within three to four years.
In the wake of the acquisition of Inntopia, the leadership at Outside Inc. decided to reorganize its editorial structure to better align with its new business strategy. According to Thurston, the goal is to enhance user experience by providing more comprehensive guidance beyond just informative articles. For instance, instead of merely listing top ski resorts, the company aims to integrate seamless travel booking services directly into its platform. This shift reflects a broader vision to make Outside a one-stop resource for outdoor enthusiasts. The restructuring involves consolidating expertise in specific categories such as snow sports, cycling, hiking, camping, wellness, mountain biking, triathlon/running, climbing, and food and fitness. By doing so, Outside hopes to deepen audience engagement through video content, mapping tools, and activity feed platforms.
Since acquiring several outdoor publications from Active Interest Media in 2020 and purchasing Outside from Larry Burke in 2021, Thurston’s Pocket Media has been actively reshaping its portfolio. The integration of these acquisitions into the subscription-based Outside+ service has been a central part of this strategy. However, this transformation has not come without challenges. Two previous rounds of layoffs have already taken place, impacting multiple teams. The most recent round has particularly shaken the editorial department, where positions ranging from editors-in-chief to associate editors have been eliminated. Employees who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed dissatisfaction with the severance packages offered, describing them as inadequate. Some are still in negotiations over their terms of departure.
A spokesperson later clarified that Outside will continue to publish in print, dispelling rumors that it would cease physical distribution. The Nov/Dec issue boasted a circulation of 675,000, and the Spring 2025 issue is currently in production, set for release on March 1st. Moreover, the summer issue, due out in late May, will feature a redesigned and reimagined version of the magazine, broadening its scope. Mary-Frances Heck, the current editorial director of lifestyle brands, will take on a new role as General Manager of Outside Media and Business Growth, overseeing all digital and print content. Her extensive background in lifestyle media positions her well to lead this transition. Despite the layoffs, Outside remains dedicated to delivering high-quality content through its robust team of over 60 full-time creators and contributors.