MAPC
Active Member
I am approaching 100 miles on my Vado and I think it is time to share my early observations. Was hoping to hit 100 this weekend but, alas, my plans for a ride yesterday were foiled so I am hovering at 90.
I'd normally structure a note like this as 'The Good' 'The Bad' and 'The Ugly'....but I cannot. I can only share 'The Good'.
COMO vs VADO:
No doubt at all that I made the right decision. I have NOT ONCE felt that it was too upright for me and given that reaction I know I would have found the Como too 'cruiser-like'.
CLASS 1 vs CLASS 3:
I DEFINITELY find myself over 20mph enough to know that a Class 1 would have left me wanting for more.
SPECIALIZED MARKETING LINE:
They hit the nail on the head with the 'It's you....only faster'. This is the perfect summation. The bike feels so natural- I don't 'feel like' I am on an eBike at all- other than I don't struggle to cruise along or wish that my ride was coming to an end. I feel like I am getting exercise, increasing my heart rate and enjoying the great outdoors.....but the Turbo makes it pleasant and fun.
MISTAKE MADE:
I never tried to remove and reinstall the battery while at the LBS when I picked it up....and now I am afraid to take it out for fear that I won't be able to get it back in (based on all that I have read about the 'trickiness' of the process). I will suck it up and do it sooner vs later I am sure!
IS THERE ANYTHING I'D LIKE TO BE DIFFERENT:
1- I am curious as to whether or not there are other riders who wish that there was at least one higher gear. I find that I never get below 8/9/10 and keep thinking I'd like to shift up from there.
2- I am trying to decide if I like the saddle or if I wish I could find a wider/more padded version. I thought about The Cup but not sure if it is suited for upright riding. Others are recommending Brooks B17 but I have a hard time imagining that something that hard will be comfortable. The stock saddle isn't bad, so I will likely 'ride it out' a bit.
COLOR:
LOVE LOVE LOVE the Dove Gray. Yes- there are a lot of Crimson fans out there (and Crimson definitely looks sharp) but I could not be happier with the Dove Gray. Paint finish is fantastic.
TYPICAL RIDES:
My rides have been 5-15 miles, flat/moderate hills. My assist levels have stabilized at 190-195% (not sure that others typically see), and other than 1-2 hills (where I have toggled up to level 2 for 100 yards or so), I am always in level 1.
Well, I think that's all for now....more to follow as I get more familiar with 'Gropius'.
Just thought I'd post a quick update- at about 125 miles:
LOVE LOVE LOVE this BIKE! It is amazing how smooth and natural it feels
1. I have given up on changing the chain ring....at least for now. My LBS is not giving me a lot of confidence in making the change, finding the parts, etc. and I am just not knowledgeable enough to deal with it on my own.
2. I am waiting on changing out the saddle until I can go into an LBS in person to try some
3. I ordered a racktime basket for the rear rack as I like using the bike for errands and am tired be being limited to my small backpack....but they sent the wrong part (they sent me a rack and not a basket- replace I'll be here by end of week)
PS- and, needless to say, the DOVE GRAY continues to look AWESOME (and clearly better than Crimson!).
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