Experience Thread: A noobie getting into a specialized vado 5.0 IGH

[TonyB6255]

I've became a big fan of Micro Tune. I am averaging the same time on my 12 mile fitness ride and using half as much battery. Same ride using Eco and Sport I used 188wh and using micro I used 92wh

 

[Avg_Joe]

Fyi, I tried on the essential rain pant today. It's "ok". IT felt like it would be more annoying than it is worth. I am probably going to invest in some good multi-purpose all-weather pants instead. I am not likely to go out in truly bad weather, so I probably don't need "proof", just "resistant". But I shall see soon.

While at REI, you should have got some Nikwax wash-in waterproofing. I have a couple of pairs of old synthetic Marmot hiking pants which I waterproofed at home, works a treat, repurposed pants that would have gone to charity, saves money. They are too big for me now, but are perfect over a base layer when it cools off.

 

[shelglass]

Nothing beats Ortliebs. Just saying.

I have Ortlieb's that I used for motorcycling over 25 years ago they have been all over creation, really, so
when I needed panniers for my Vado SL that's what I turned to

 

[e-boy]

Don't own , haven't used , but caught my interest .
Brooks Suffolk Rear Pannier 18-22L
Uses Ortlieb QL2 attachment system .
https://www.brooksengland.com/en_us/suffolk-rear-pannier.html

Brooks has discontinued the Norfolk and Suffolk front and rear panniers .

 

[dynamic]

Today's ride was a bit different. The family went to a local cremee stand and I went by bike. They then went home and I took a big loop home on mostly dirt roads. I encountered two mac trucks which both made it hard to see due to the dust kicked up into my eyes. The oncoming one was particularly bad as I was on a fast downhill at the time. Not sure it's worth getting eye protection for that but I definitely had to slow down. Total riding was a bit short of 14 miles. Given how well the battery was working, I let myself use more assistance to rapidly clear hills. And, I think, this was the most elevation I tackled as well. I had 60% battery left at the end. But I was using 50-100% micro tune for much of the trip so it's not surprising either. On the way to the cremee stand I was averaging 18 mph and was intentionally pushing assistance so not to be too far behind the people in cars.

Left hand still went numb, but I think the grip may need some adjusting compared to the right hand. I also have my apple watch there, and it may be creating some pressure on the wrist. The saddle was pretty good. It actually just felt like something to sit on this ride. I pushed it forward about a centimeter. Should probably be raised just slightly as well. I really think the answer is raising the handlebars and getting a more upright position.

I was going to take another ride to pickup dinner, but I didn't because I realized my pannier just wasn't going to hold that kind of content easily. This is where an ortlieb or banjo brothers market/grocery pannier would have been useful.

One thing I like: I am concerned less and less about terrain and battery life. If I put in *any* planning, I am unlikely to have range or hill issues. I am still avoiding some routes as the elevation maps look a bit intense. But as long as I am not trying to conquer them and *still* ride another 20+ miles, it should be fine. And most of the hills I have done are *doable* in lower assistance levels. They aren't *fun* that way, but I could manage it. Slowly.

I was experiencing a lot of that enviolo grinding after coasting today. I have stopped bothering with downhill pedaling as coasting is already in the 25-35mph range and there is really no point at all. Also, I found myself needing to slow down on the dirt roads as traction definitely was taking a hit. The high gear on this bike just isn't high enough to bother. But as I reach the bottom of a hill, I start pedaling and it grinds. The garmin is still awesome. Having it alert me when I can't hear the approaching vehicle because of downhill wind is fantastic.

Bike goes to the shop on monday to look into the issues. And magpeds arrive by tuesday if shipping can be believed. However, I am really loving the clip-ins. EVen walking isn't as much of an issue. On flat surfaces, it doesn't bother me. The problem is when walking on anything with dirt/gravel where that stuff hits the cleat. It drives me crazy. I don't think even magped plates will be recessed enough to fully resolve that. And clipping in is more and more natural. Magpeds need to have basically no other flaws to make them worth it over these pedals.

Happy Riding!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Left hand still went numb, but I think the grip may need some adjusting compared to the right hand.

Have you ever heard of SQlab Innerbarends? Not sure what the reason of your hand numbness might be; suffice to say installing Innerbardends on my both e-bikes certainly changed my cycling life. My riding position has greatly improved, hand numbness and butt aches are gone! Two varieties of Innerbarends exist: 411 that can be used together with any grips (such as GP1) or 710 that are integrated with SQlab 410/402 grips. Perhaps worth a try?

Just to report I made a Gran Fondo (130 km, 81 mi) on Saturday riding my Vado 5.0. The ride involved 50% of forest/gravel. Innerbarends 411 with Ergon GP2 grips, Selle Royal Respiro Moderate saddle, and CrankBrothers Stamp 1 Large pedals. My handlebars are now located as low as only possible for my Vado. No pain or ache whatsoever!

I'm so jealous of MicroTune! Yesterday, I spent quite a time tuning my Vado's motor by hand to find out 40/40% assistance might be right for riding gravel with a group of traditional riders. 35/35% was too slow, and 45/45% was too fast!

 

[e-boy]

Today's ride was a bit different. The family went to a local cremee stand and I went by bike. They then went home and I took a big loop home on mostly dirt roads. I encountered two mac trucks which both made it hard to see due to the dust kicked up into my eyes. The oncoming one was particularly bad as I was on a fast downhill at the time. Not sure it's worth getting eye protection for that but I definitely had to slow down. Total riding was a bit short of 14 miles. Given how well the battery was working, I let myself use more assistance to rapidly clear hills. And, I think, this was the most elevation I tackled as well. I had 60% battery left at the end. But I was using 50-100% micro tune for much of the trip so it's not surprising either. On the way to the cremee stand I was averaging 18 mph and was intentionally pushing assistance so not to be too far behind the people in cars.

Left hand still went numb, but I think the grip may need some adjusting compared to the right hand. I also have my apple watch there, and it may be creating some pressure on the wrist. The saddle was pretty good. It actually just felt like something to sit on this ride. I pushed it forward about a centimeter. Should probably be raised just slightly as well. I really think the answer is raising the handlebars and getting a more upright position.

I was going to take another ride to pickup dinner, but I didn't because I realized my pannier just wasn't going to hold that kind of content easily. This is where an ortlieb or banjo brothers market/grocery pannier would have been useful.

One thing I like: I am concerned less and less about terrain and battery life. If I put in *any* planning, I am unlikely to have range or hill issues. I am still avoiding some routes as the elevation maps look a bit intense. But as long as I am not trying to conquer them and *still* ride another 20+ miles, it should be fine. And most of the hills I have done are *doable* in lower assistance levels. They aren't *fun* that way, but I could manage it. Slowly.

I was experiencing a lot of that enviolo grinding after coasting today. I have stopped bothering with downhill pedaling as coasting is already in the 25-35mph range and there is really no point at all. Also, I found myself needing to slow down on the dirt roads as traction definitely was taking a hit. The high gear on this bike just isn't high enough to bother. But as I reach the bottom of a hill, I start pedaling and it grinds. The garmin is still awesome. Having it alert me when I can't hear the approaching vehicle because of downhill wind is fantastic.

Bike goes to the shop on monday to look into the issues. And magpeds arrive by tuesday if shipping can be believed. However, I am really loving the clip-ins. EVen walking isn't as much of an issue. On flat surfaces, it doesn't bother me. The problem is when walking on anything with dirt/gravel where that stuff hits the cleat. It drives me crazy. I don't think even magped plates will be recessed enough to fully resolve that. And clipping in is more and more natural. Magpeds need to have basically no other flaws to make them worth it over these pedals.

Happy Riding!

I use the Arkel folding grocery pannier on my Giant ; love it .

https://www.arkel-od.com/shopper-foldable/

 

[e-boy]

Today's ride was a bit different. The family went to a local cremee stand and I went by bike. They then went home and I took a big loop home on mostly dirt roads. I encountered two mac trucks which both made it hard to see due to the dust kicked up into my eyes. The oncoming one was particularly bad as I was on a fast downhill at the time. Not sure it's worth getting eye protection for that but I definitely had to slow down. Total riding was a bit short of 14 miles. Given how well the battery was working, I let myself use more assistance to rapidly clear hills. And, I think, this was the most elevation I tackled as well. I had 60% battery left at the end. But I was using 50-100% micro tune for much of the trip so it's not surprising either. On the way to the cremee stand I was averaging 18 mph and was intentionally pushing assistance so not to be too far behind the people in cars.

Left hand still went numb, but I think the grip may need some adjusting compared to the right hand. I also have my apple watch there, and it may be creating some pressure on the wrist. The saddle was pretty good. It actually just felt like something to sit on this ride. I pushed it forward about a centimeter. Should probably be raised just slightly as well. I really think the answer is raising the handlebars and getting a more upright position.

I was going to take another ride to pickup dinner, but I didn't because I realized my pannier just wasn't going to hold that kind of content easily. This is where an ortlieb or banjo brothers market/grocery pannier would have been useful.

One thing I like: I am concerned less and less about terrain and battery life. If I put in *any* planning, I am unlikely to have range or hill issues. I am still avoiding some routes as the elevation maps look a bit intense. But as long as I am not trying to conquer them and *still* ride another 20+ miles, it should be fine. And most of the hills I have done are *doable* in lower assistance levels. They aren't *fun* that way, but I could manage it. Slowly.

I was experiencing a lot of that enviolo grinding after coasting today. I have stopped bothering with downhill pedaling as coasting is already in the 25-35mph range and there is really no point at all. Also, I found myself needing to slow down on the dirt roads as traction definitely was taking a hit. The high gear on this bike just isn't high enough to bother. But as I reach the bottom of a hill, I start pedaling and it grinds. The garmin is still awesome. Having it alert me when I can't hear the approaching vehicle because of downhill wind is fantastic.

Bike goes to the shop on monday to look into the issues. And magpeds arrive by tuesday if shipping can be believed. However, I am really loving the clip-ins. EVen walking isn't as much of an issue. On flat surfaces, it doesn't bother me. The problem is when walking on anything with dirt/gravel where that stuff hits the cleat. It drives me crazy. I don't think even magped plates will be recessed enough to fully resolve that. And clipping in is more and more natural. Magpeds need to have basically no other flaws to make them worth it over these pedals.

Happy Riding!

I use a rear view mirror attached to my sunglasses / eye protection .
Couldn't ride without them .

Bike Peddler Take A Look Cycling Eyeglass Mirror , Original (not the compact)

Okley Sutro Lite Prizim Road Lenses

 

[dynamic]

Had a new experience today. I decided to do some mixed riding and went up into the local park. But this time I stayed on the "road" after the cars have to stop. Initially, 4 or 5 bikes could have ridden together in one direction. And it was simply a gorgeous wooded ride on a packed trail. I followed the "hottest" heatmap in RWGPS which turned into single track over time. RWGPS couldn't navigate it either, and annoyingly, the trail map doesn't show up once you are navigating (or maybe the navigation mode uses a different map setup than the route planner which I could probably change).

Apparently, when I said the other day that I probably wouldn't go more offroad than the dirt back roads? Yeah, that wasn't true. Today, I experienced pedal and heal strikes while trying to navigate a trail. And clip ins were a bit annoying simply because I had to stop and check the map as the trail splits every 1/4 mile or so. I see why mountain bike people prefer wide grippy pedals. I quickly learned to keep my pedals level or rotated away from the ground (whether going up or down).

At one point I picked the wrong direction briefly and had to come back up. I almost walked it, but putting the assist at 100% made it easy to get started up a rock and root covered trail. The grade on RWGPS for that section says it was only 4.7% but man, it didn't feel that way. Felt a lot worse.

I spent almost all my energy tracking where my tires were going to avoid the deepest/largest objects. It was not easy, but it was a lot of fun. Doing that downhill, constantly on the brakes, trying to dodge tree stumps and not fall off the bike is pretty intense even on not crazy downhill sections.

That was only the first 3ish miles. The trail took a lot longer than I thought it would. The next part was a 2.8 mile climb on dirt backroad. While the elevation wasn't more than I have done, i have not done such a long single climb. Typically it is rolling hills around here. I was already exhausted from the single track, and just went for 100% assist going up this hill. I also turned on some music on my phone. This was quite a pleasant ride. It had 11.2% max grade at some point but the average was 4.8.

It was, again, a misty morning. So the views were not as spectacular as they could have been. But, I am really enjoying the cooler morning weather. The rain coat is a bit warm by the end of the ride, but completely appropriate for wind reasons.

This is a lot of fun. I might be doing a grocery missed run shortly as shopping came up short this week. It's almost faster to go by bike since parking is not a thing and I can just put the bike in front of the door to most stores.

This ride continued to make me think I should have gone more "mountainy" than "hybridy". While the bike did fine, I could see myself wanting to do more local trails.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

This ride continued to make me think I should have gone more "mountainy" than "hybridy".

I would have kept your Vado for the pavement. If you like riding trails, Tero 5.0 would be a natural choice (you do not need a Levo if you do not ride "technical" trails!)

 

[dynamic]

I would have kept your Vado for the pavement. If you like riding trails, Tero 5.0 would be a natural choice (you do not need a Levo if you do not ride "technical" trails!)

Two bikes are not on the table.

I have no idea what this trail is. Not sure how to find out.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Two bikes are not on the table.

I have no idea what this trail is. Not sure how to find out.

A technical trail is a gnarly "singletrack" full of rocks, sudden turns, surrounded tightly by trees, with a lot of tree roots and often mud. Very steep downhill sections. Long wooden gangways sometimes.

Artificial singletrack "gardens" are accessible in many places. A technical singletrack has entry/exit gates, is one-way only with clear markings of the difficulty level. If your trail allowed you a possibly safe trip on your Vado, it is not a "technical" one. I need to mention I happen to ride my big Vado on easy forest paths, especially with the tyre inflation pressure reduced to the allowable minimum. However, my Vado feels "shaky" in the forest, and often I am unable to ride faster there.

 

[dynamic]

A technical trail is a gnarly "singletrack" full of rocks, sudden turns, surrounded tightly by trees, with a lot of tree roots and often mud. Very steep downhill sections. Long wooden gangways sometimes.

THese were all present to some degree. But none of them were particularly difficult to overcome. I couldn't find any reference to my actual route in all trails or some other trail tracking software. The nearest ones were marked as "easy" in all trails. I wouldn't want to do anything much harder than this. It would quickly go from "fun" to "monotonous". At least, not on the vado. If having the right bike made it feel a lot more stable, then yeah, I could see myself pushing further into single track.

However, my Vado feels "shaky" in the forest, and often I am unable to ride faster there.

Yeah, that's a good description. On the packed gravel/dirt it was pretty normal. But once I hit rocks, roots, trees and variety of whatever, it felt really uncomfortable going downhill. I basically lived on the brakes.

The other thing that really bugged me were washboard trails or roads. It was both bumpy/uncomfortable and made the bike feel skittish below me. The rougher wooded terrain was the same way, but it was irregular bumps instead of regular.

The tero appears to have very little quality of life stuff on it. If they made a comfy suv version of the tero, yeah, that would probably be a better bike for me.

 

[TonyB6255]

THese were all present to some degree. But none of them were particularly difficult to overcome. I couldn't find any reference to my actual route in all trails or some other trail tracking software. The nearest ones were marked as "easy" in all trails. I wouldn't want to do anything much harder than this. It would quickly go from "fun" to "monotonous". At least, not on the vado. If having the right bike made it feel a lot more stable, then yeah, I could see myself pushing further into single track.


Yeah, that's a good description. On the packed gravel/dirt it was pretty normal. But once I hit rocks, roots, trees and variety of whatever, it felt really uncomfortable going downhill. I basically lived on the brakes.

The other thing that really bugged me were washboard trails or roads. It was both bumpy/uncomfortable and made the bike feel skittish below me. The rougher wooded terrain was the same way, but it was irregular bumps instead of regular.

The tero appears to have very little quality of life stuff on it. If they made a comfy suv version of the tero, yeah, that would probably be a better bike for me.

I would not even consider taking my Vado on trails like that, if anything off road it would be hard pack gravel or dirt.

 

[e-boy]

THese were all present to some degree. But none of them were particularly difficult to overcome. I couldn't find any reference to my actual route in all trails or some other trail tracking software. The nearest ones were marked as "easy" in all trails. I wouldn't want to do anything much harder than this. It would quickly go from "fun" to "monotonous". At least, not on the vado. If having the right bike made it feel a lot more stable, then yeah, I could see myself pushing further into single track.


Yeah, that's a good description. On the packed gravel/dirt it was pretty normal. But once I hit rocks, roots, trees and variety of whatever, it felt really uncomfortable going downhill. I basically lived on the brakes.

The other thing that really bugged me were washboard trails or roads. It was both bumpy/uncomfortable and made the bike feel skittish below me. The rougher wooded terrain was the same way, but it was irregular bumps instead of regular.

The tero appears to have very little quality of life stuff on it. If they made a comfy suv version of the tero, yeah, that would probably be a better bike for me.

What would you want on a Tero ?
Front & rear rack , and fenders are available as add-ons .

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The other thing that really bugged me were washboard trails or roads. It was both bumpy/uncomfortable and made the bike feel skittish below me. The rougher wooded terrain was the same way, but it was irregular bumps instead of regular.

The only thing you can actually do about that is reducing the tyre pressure towards the allowable minimum. Which will not eliminate all the shaking but will reduce the rapid vibration greatly.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I would not even consider taking my Vado on trails like that, if anything off road it would be hard pack gravel or dirt.

I was demo riding the least expensive version of Tero on a forest ride. It felt much easier than my Vado there but I have never tried the Tero on a real "singletrack". Technical trails are not my cup of tea. Yes, I used to own a full suspension Giant e-MTB (similar to Levo) and did some scary downhill rides successfully but eventually decided I was not into it.

 

[dynamic]

What would you want on a Tero ?
Front & rear rack , and fenders are available as add-ons .

Radar, belt drive, enviolo. Still not interested in chains. They are so last century.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Radar, belt drive, enviolo. Still not interested in chains. They are so last century.

Dynamic, you're a noobie, right? The things you've just mentioned do not belong to the mountain biking world. Especially the IGH and the belt are not the MTB thing. You wanted a SUV e-bike and you've got it. It is not a mountain/trail e-bike in the slightest sense. Yes, you can ride forest paths and fire-roads with some inconvenience.

If you are really interested what the e-MTB world is about, I greatly recommend watching some Electric Mountain Bike Network videos on YouTube!

 

[dynamic]

The things you've just mentioned do not belong to the mountain biking world.

Pretty sure they said that about IGH on all bikes not that long ago. Cycling in general has one of the most resistant cultures to change that I have seen. I am definitely to new to make such a determination for myself, but the only real argument I have heard against belt drive is it would be harder to fix on the trail. Carrying a spare and some bikes having designs that make it hard to swap. And suspension designs are tricky with belt. But on trail functionality? I haven’t heard an argument that isn’t rooted in dislike/fear of change. “I don’t know how well it will perform” is not the same as “it doesn’t work well because of X”. Again, not something I know about other than reading gobs of forum posts.

And honestly, none of that matters. Specialized didn’t put belts and IGH on these bikes because they thought it was better or worse. They did it because customers were demanding it. That is going to happen on tero level mountain bikes as well. Whether or not it’s a good idea. Market forces have more say than design principals.