EBR made me do it! (new Vado SL 5.0 EQ)

[fatshark]

Something cheap and cheerful from Amazon or eBay I think ... almost certainly this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09KV89XYR

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Something cheap and cheerful from Amazon or eBay I think ... almost certainly this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09KV89XYR

Many thanks!

Of course, no good deed goes unpunished. The link brings up the above. Could you post a screenshot of the mount when you get a chance? I know nothing about Go Pro stuff.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

If you search for something like "extension arm mount for gopro" you will find a few similar options.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Night test
The SL got its first night test tonight — just 5 solo miles around my poorly lit neighborhood, which in places gets quite dark.

o The EQ headlight is a Lezyne STVZO E115, 310 lumens. Beam pattern is pretty narrow right-left but otherwise what you'd expect with STVZO compliance. Brightness is adequate but not great. It's visible from the side as required by CA law, but just barely.

The headlight's lack of a daytime flashing mode is incomprehensible on a bike of this caliber. Even my lowly hub-drive has that! in accordance with CA law.

o The EQ taillight is a small, fender-mounted Lezyne STVZO, 11 lumens. No way to judge adequacy without a 2nd observer but probably fine.

The lack of a taillight braking indication is incomprehensible in a bike of this caliber. Even my lowly hub-drive has that!

o Making up for the lost reflectors with reflective LED slap bands on my ankles is OK for now.

Is the EQ package worth it?
In retrospect, would probably have been better off putting my own battery-powered lights on a non-EQ and adding fenders later as needed.

But hey, the EQ kickstand's nice, and near as I can tell, only the 5.0 EQ comes in yellow. That gorgeous yellow's worth most of the EQ premium by itself!

 

[mschwett]

…The headlight's lack of a daytime flashing mode is incomprehensible on a bike of this caliber. Even my lower middle-tier hub-drive has …

flashing lights are actually illegal on a bicycle (or any vehicle) in california. specialized wouldn’t sell them that way, but of course you can buy them and use them yourself, likely with no chance of any officer ever caring.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

flashing lights are actually illegal on a bicycle (or any vehicle) in california. specialized wouldn’t sell them that way, but of course you can buy them and use them yourself, likely with no chance of any officer ever caring.

Ah, right you are! Thanks for clarifying this. Post corrected.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Jeremy, your headlight is actually stronger than mine on Vado SL 4.0. You might try adjusting (tilting) it up for a better coverage. I rode my Fearless with the tail-light for three years, also often at night and no issue. (Yes, you are living in a heavily motorized world region so your needs for e-bike lighting could be more demanding). Only bear in mind your lights are powered from a small e-bike battery; some users here in the Forums actually complained the power draw for the lighting affected the range of their Vado SL!

The matter of the STOP indicator is disputable. It is not used on e-bikes in Europe as no bicycle is expected to have a STOP indicator. Moreover, brake levers used on premium bikes have no sensor to activate the braking indicator. The only exception are e-bikes built as L1e-B, or European S-Pedelecs (such as my Vado 6.0), where the braking indicator is mandated by the law. (Now, if I wanted to buy a replacement TRP Zurich brake lever for my Vado 6.0, it is impossible now as S-Pedelecs didn't catch in Europe...)

There are external rechargeable tail-lights such as Sigma Blaze Flash that automatically indicate braking based on inertia (my brother uses it on his unequipped bikes).

My Vado SL as seen from 300 m (330 yds) on a daytime ride.

 

[fatshark]

Is there really a need for cycle braking lights?

Since the topic is lights, I'll repeat my recommendation for a Garmin RTL-515 rear radar. I've now used one for 18 months, and it would be the first accessory I'd purchase for a new bike. It 'talks' to my phone running RideWithGPS and has performed flawlessly.

I live in the country, so cars are relatively few and far between, but tend to be driven fast. It's also a very scenic part of the world, and a good proportion of the drivers are tourists ... those that aren't being driven fast (usually locals) are 'rubbernecking' at the scenery and paying scant attention to what's happening on the road.

The radar indicates the presence of a car well before I can hear the engine/tyre noise. There's an audible indication of the speed the car is travelling. It's rechargeable and I get 3-4 rides per charge (of 2-3 hours each).

And it has a light ... actually, several modes, including one that flashes more frequently when a car is approaching to warn the driver.

PS In the dark, I supplement the rather weak bike rear light with a Knog 'Blinder' (though mine is an older model, also rechargeable) which is tiny and appears so bright I'd be worried about retinal burns.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

PS In the dark, I supplement the rather weak bike rear light with a Knog 'Blinder' (though mine is an older model, also rechargeable) which is tiny and appears so bright I'd be worried about retinal burns.

I use the same older Knog Road Blinder R70 on my modified Vado SL. However, I respect the drivers and do not want to blind them. During the daylight, I set the tail-light to the lowest blinking setting. After the sunset, I set the light to only two LEDs with the constant intensity. I could see my own e-bike from the distance, and believe using the "blinding" settings makes your ride less safe as the driver behind you loses their night vision, and would be certainly hating you.

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Is the EQ package worth it?
In retrospect, would probably have been better off putting my own battery-powered lights on a non-EQ and adding fenders later as needed.

The non eq version already comes with the fitted lights. The rear light is tucked under the saddle and is pretty powerful. In winter if going on a long ride where I might hit dusk/night on way home I carry extra flashers in bag to strap on, when light is fading. Just as an extra precaution.

I bought the non eq version because I already had mudguards and a suitable rear rack and the bike came fitted with lights. Didn't reckon the extra £££ for that was worth it.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Another bag option is one that attaches to the handlebars.

A sudden thought.
Jeremy's Vado SL is equipped with FutureShock front suspension. Hanging a handlebar bag would affect the suspension sag. Yes, there is a 'helper spring' in the FS set to be installed to increase the stiffness of the shock absorber. Is it wise to sacrifice the performance of the best suspension stem in the market to carry a handlebar bag?

If you want to carry a bag on the handlebars, the spring rate must be increased.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

A sudden thought.
Jeremy's Vado SL is equipped with FutureShock front suspension. Hanging a handlebar bag would affect the suspension sag. Yes, there is a 'helper spring' in the FS set to be installed to increase the stiffness of the shock absorber. Is it wise to sacrifice the performance of the best suspension stem in the market to carry a handlebar bag?

If you want to carry a bag on the handlebars, the spring rate must be increased.

Excellent point. The FutureShock 1.5 on my SL 5.0 is surprisingly effective for only 20 mm of travel and no damping. Back to the storage drawing board!

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Excellent point. The FutureShock 1.5 on my SL 5.0 is surprisingly effective for only 20 mm of travel and no damping. Back to the storage drawing board!

Specialized/Fjällräven Handlebar Rack

A solid handlebar rack for mounting your bags in front of your bike, if a little expensive

road.cc

Make and model: Specialized/Fjallraven Handlebar Rack
Size tested: One size
Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
S/F says, "Versatile aluminium frame rack for transporting everything from postal packages to drybags or a tent on your bike. Attaches directly to the handlebar (fits handlebars with 31,8 mm diameter) and works with all types of bikes, except extreme downhill bikes. An anti-rotation guyline prevents the frame rack from tilting forward. Webbing straps to attach gear are not included. Part of the Fjällräven/Specialized series for urban rides and bikepacking adventures. Note: The handlebar rack is only tested and approved for aluminum handlebars."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Specialized:
Light and strong aluminum construction.
Three under-rack accessory mounting holes for lights, cameras, etc.
Max load of 5kg.
Fits handlebars with 31.8 mm diameter and works with most types, including straight and drop models.
Compatible with Specialized's Future Shock suspension system.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Specialized/Fjällräven Handlebar Rack

A solid handlebar rack for mounting your bags in front of your bike, if a little expensive

road.cc

Make and model: Specialized/Fjallraven Handlebar Rack
Size tested: One size
Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
S/F says, "Versatile aluminium frame rack for transporting everything from postal packages to drybags or a tent on your bike. Attaches directly to the handlebar (fits handlebars with 31,8 mm diameter) and works with all types of bikes, except extreme downhill bikes. An anti-rotation guyline prevents the frame rack from tilting forward. Webbing straps to attach gear are not included. Part of the Fjällräven/Specialized series for urban rides and bikepacking adventures. Note: The handlebar rack is only tested and approved for aluminum handlebars."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Specialized:
Light and strong aluminum construction.
Three under-rack accessory mounting holes for lights, cameras, etc.
Max load of 5kg.
Fits handlebars with 31.8 mm diameter and works with most types, including straight and drop models.
Compatible with Specialized's Future Shock suspension system.

Interesting!

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Interesting!

No expert but I suspect there is tolerance - after all you get riders of all shapes sizes and weights. Plus when cycling, different pressures and percentage of body weight resting on the bars fluctuates as you ride. A light bag with some coats snacks gloves keys phone what have you, probably wouldn't affect the future shock tolerances too badly. If in use and you notice the suspension is less effective, less dampening & if you end up using a handlebar bag regularly you could always swap out the compression to a firmer one. That's maybe what that "Compatible with Future Shock systems" might allude to.

 

[fatshark]

I'd be astounded if it made a difference ... and riding mine with/without anything in the bag doesn't seem to change the feeling of the suspension.

Of course, if I packed the bag with the lunch I wanted, rather than what I need for the day, then perhaps it would compress the FutureShock

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

What is your opinion on panniers Jeremy? If you want one, be aware it is the Specialized Tailwind that fully matches the Vado SL rear rack (I recommend the "right hand side" one). The rack is small, and most of panniers are too big. (No experience with trunk bags).

Beginning to come around to the idea of a single right Tailwind pannier to be clipped on only when I know I'll need the extra storage.

Are you absolutely SURE that the Tailwind's compatible with my SL 5.0 EQ's Racktime rack? Getting conflicting info from the Specialized website.

Have to say, that rack's pretty worthless for uses other than a Racktime-compatible trunk bag or basket — mainly for lack of secure bungee cord and net attachment points.

In my opinion, the last thing you want is a waist bag!

Why so? I've ridden with a small (1L?) waist pack many times. If all else fails, a slightly larger one with room for a windshell and a few small items seems like a tolerable fallback for my most pressing storage needs.

Again, I'd only consider a much smaller than normal trunk bag for this bike, and the only Racktime offering comes in the wrong color.

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Are you absolutely SURE that the Tailwind's compatible with my SL 5.0 EQ's Racktime rack? Getting conflicting info from the Specialized website.

It worked for me. As you know, I have de-equipped my SL since, so my opinion here wouldn't be really useful. Could you visit your LBS and do a check?

Have to say, that rack's pretty worthless for uses other than a Racktime-compatible trunk bag or basket — mainly for lack of secure bungee cord and net attachment points.

I hold no high opinion on that rack. I used to treat my SL as a grocery shopping e-bike, and I was overloading the rack with Ortlieb panniers (I could not use their bottom hook). The first rack got bent, which was pulling the rear fender and rubbing the tyre. The rack was irreparable after getting bent. Bought and installed the next rack (and actually stopped doing grocery shopping with the SL). After de-equipping the e-bike, I attach a removable Ortlieb Quick Rack, which is absolutely fantastic. Aye, I had to get rid of the Racktime and the tail-light...

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

It worked for me. As you know, I have de-equipped my SL since, so my opinion here wouldn't be really useful. Could you visit your LBS and do a check?


I hold no high opinion on that rack. I used to treat my SL as a grocery shopping e-bike, and I was overloading the rack with Ortlieb panniers (I could not use their bottom hook). The first rack got bent, which was pulling the rear fender and rubbing the tyre. The rack was irreparable after getting bent. Bought and installed the next rack (and actually stopped doing grocery shopping with the SL). After de-equipping the e-bike, I attach a removable Ortlieb Quick Rack, which is absolutely fantastic. Aye, I had to get rid of the Racktime and the tail-light...

Pedaled over to the one local shop with a Tailwind pannier to try. Compatibility with the Racktime EQ rack confirmed. Didn’t test for heel strikes.

Ambivalent about the quick-release clips. Very convenient for my use case, but they make the pannier awfully easy to steal. The Tailwind also looks really bulky on the bike. Since I have another bike for shopping trips, will look for something smaller.

Why do you prefer a solo pannier on the right?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Didn’t test for heel strikes.

That could be an issue! (I had this problem with my Tailwind but my feet are large!)

Ambivalent about the quick-release clips. Very convenient for my use case, but they make the pannier awfully easy to steal.

Yes. All good panniers I have owned (mostly Ortliebs) were quick release. I didn't think it could be a problem (but that depends on the crime rate in the area).

The Tailwind also looks really bulky on the bike.

Yes it does

Why do you prefer a solo pannier on the right?

• Easier to get off the bike (I dismount the bike on the right)
• Protecting the derailleur in the case of a crash. It will be the pannier to get the impact.