Cannot believe the price increase

I turned 70 this past October. Today I'm riding the most recent addition to my quiver, a Topstone Neo Carbon 3...drop handlebars, 39 lbs, I feel like I am being profiled ;)
You just need one more bike to have your quiver at the correct amount!
 
You just need one more bike to have your quiver at the correct amount!
While on a group ride with traditional cyclists, I mentioned I wanted to demo ride a Vado SL. One of the buddies looked at me and demanded:
-- Why would you need to own the fourth e-bike?
-- Yea, right. My garage is too small. Bad idea!
:D
 
Congratulations, @Rincon! I can understand your feeling about the Creo weight very well. I got some more physical strength by carrying e-bikes in my hands; these weigh 53-58 lbs, and more with a full pannier or two. However, carrying, say, my Trance E+ or Vado over obstacles can be painful (and it is good if Walk Mode can be used). Recently, I felt humiliated when a group of riding mates had to lift my fully loaded Vado up tall stairs.

Now, I went in Specialized store and lifted a Vado SL in one hand. That was really impressive! I fancied myself on a long trip with a backpack or a lightly loaded pannier, a range extender on the bike, and perhaps another one in the baggage. That would be a dream! I'm only afraid my legs require more assistance than a SL could give me...
 
I went expecting to order the brilliant blue Creo SL, but they had this neat oil slick model in stock.
Looks great and love the yellow pedals. Bright coloured pedals are the future.
 

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I am considering what many roadies will consider the ultimate sacrilege. Had my Creo E5 and Vado 3 for sale at the bike shop with a plan to get the Vado SL5 equipped. Problem is there are none to even order. A rack is a must and the 5.0 is available without racks and the only way to mount a rack is with the fender/ rack combo which is likely not available. Now am thinking of getting the Creo Comp Carbon Evo and, gasp, mounting a rack on it. Basically would fit my original idea but drop vs flat bars.
 
Or you could put on a RItchie Venturemax or comp Beacon alloy gravel bar. They have way less drop than a standard drop bar, decent flare at the drops and a nice flat top surface for comfort. They are almost a hybrid between flat bar and drop bar.

I just installed the Venturemax on my Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 3 as I was concerned that at 70, not having ridden a drop bar in over three decades, I would not be comfortable in the drops. It was a good move. I found I can use all the hand positions on this bar with comfort. It weight just 270 grams and cost $104. For another $200 you can get the same handlebar from them in Carbon that shaves a mere 40 grams off...not worth it to me.


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The Ritchie Comp Beacon has even less drop and more flair, not quite as much shape and comfort on top but only $50
https://us.ritcheylogic.com/us_en/comp-beacon-handlebar this one is 30 grams heavier
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The S-Works Creo comes with the SRAM AXS eTap grouppo. I have that on my gravel bike, so I wanted it on my e-gravel too. The grouppo alone probably costs more than you’ll ever spend on a bike, but what the heck. I’m not you. It also comes with an extra battery. As to Gucci, I’m not a fan but if I were I wouldn’t hesitate to trim my private jet in Gucci leather, because why not?
gee whiz, mister , you have a jet ?
 
I am considering what many roadies will consider the ultimate sacrilege. Had my Creo E5 and Vado 3 for sale at the bike shop with a plan to get the Vado SL5 equipped. Problem is there are none to even order. A rack is a must and the 5.0 is available without racks and the only way to mount a rack is with the fender/ rack combo which is likely not available. Now am thinking of getting the Creo Comp Carbon Evo and, gasp, mounting a rack on it. Basically would fit my original idea but drop vs flat bars.
If you're looking for a rear rack for your Creo you may want to take a look at the Tailfin. Nice and light and designed for a carbon road bike, but not cheap.....then-again, neither is your bike ;)

 
If you're looking for a rear rack for your Creo you may want to take a look at the Tailfin. Nice and light and designed for a carbon road bike, but not cheap.....then-again, neither is your bike ;)
I've got the original Tailfin rack, which I use for bike commuting. I like it a lot. For me, the nice thing is I can swap it back and forth between my gravel bike and my road bike with little time and effort, and I can painlessly remove it entirely when not needed.
 
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