Blix Sol X Comfort vs Rad Power RadExpand 5 Plus
Two commuter e-bikes at a similar price, compared on the same normalized specs. Both scored by us, both reviewed in full.
The verdict
They're tied on price and Genius score, so this comes down to whether you value the Blix's torque, payload capacity, and lighter build or the Rad's bigger battery and fatter tires.
Buy the Blix Sol X Comfort
Buy the Blix Sol X Comfort if you want more torque (70Nm vs 64), a lighter bike to lift or carry, and a much higher 400 lb payload capacity, plus the convenience of auto electric shifting. It's also the pick if you actually want throttle access via its Class 2/3 rating.
Buy the Rad Power RadExpand 5 Plus
Buy the RadExpand 5 Plus if you want the bigger 720Wh battery for a real range buffer and prefer the stability and cushioning of 4-inch fat tires over rough or loose surfaces. Just accept the lower 315 lb payload cap and 10+ lb heavier frame.
The differences that matter
- Rad Power RadExpand 5 Plus carries 106 Wh more battery, which is the main thing that sets how far you get.
- Blix Sol X Comfort is 11 lb lighter, which you notice lifting it or carrying it up steps.
- Blix Sol X Comfort claims 10 more miles of range, though both figures are the manufacturer's optimistic "up to" number.
Who each one is for
Blix Sol X Comfort
Everyday commuters who want a comfortable, low-maintenance bike that can cruise on the throttle and carry a real load.
Rad Power RadExpand 5 Plus
Everyday commuters who need a comfortable, do-it-all bike that folds away in a small home or a car.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Blix Sol X Comfort | Rad Power RadExpand 5 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,899 | $1,899 |
| Motor (nominal) | 750W | 750W |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Battery | 614.4 Wh | 720 Wh |
| Claimed range | 70 mi | 60 mi |
| Weight | 62 lb | 72.5 lb |
| Max payload | 400 lb | 315 lb |
| Motor type | hub | hub |
| E-bike class | Class 2/3 | Class 1/2 |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc, 180mm Rotors | Hydraulic Disc, Gemma GA-1000B |
| Drivetrain | Microshift 8-speed (electric, auto function) | Shimano 7-speed (1x7) |
| Tire size | 26" x 2.4" | 20" x 4.0" |
Highlighted values are the better of the two where both brands publish the number. Where a spec isn't published we leave it blank rather than guess.
The short version on each
Blix Sol X Comfort
What's good
- The auto-shifting 8-speed drivetrain changes gears for you, so there's no guessing about which gear you want at a light or partway up a hill.
- 70 Nm of torque from the 750W motor gets a loaded bike moving from a stop and up the everyday hills of a normal commute.
- A throttle plus a switchable Class 2/3 setting lets you ride without pedaling and decide how fast, and where it's legal.
What to know
- Value is the soft spot here. A few commuters with a similar motor and range come in for less money.
- The electric auto-shifting is convenient, but it's more electronics to depend on than a plain cable-and-lever drivetrain.
Rad Power RadExpand 5 Plus
What's good
- Has a throttle and ships in Class 2, so you can cruise up to 20 mph without pedaling
- Folds in half to fit where a normal bike won't, from a hallway closet to behind a car seat
- Big 720Wh battery with an up-to-60-mile claimed range means fewer trips to the charger
What to know
- At 72.5 lb it's heavy for a folder, so lifting it up a flight of stairs is a real workout
- You're paying partly for the fold and Rad Power's brand support, so a non-folding commuter can offer more range or parts for the same money
Full Blix Sol X Comfort review → Full Rad Power RadExpand 5 Plus review →