Hello From Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

[Prairie Dog]

@mmp65 - Welcome to the forums from a fellow flatlander. Best of luck in your search and I think that you'll find these forums along with its many knowledgeable members as a good place to start.

 

[mmp65]

@mmp65 - Welcome to the forums from a fellow flatlander. Best of luck in your search and I think that you'll find these forums along with its many knowledgeable members as a good place to start.

Thanks for the warm welcome neighbour. The start here has been great for sure.

 

[PedalUma]

I would want to think of a way to take something such as a used red Roll down to Montana and to come back with a red low mileage demo Vado from a dealer there. One red bike down, one red bike back. Maybe if you already had business or social plans in that area it could be worth it. The thing is the setup would be nicer than a Canadian firmware version which is capped at 32kph or 20mph. The US version is also capped, but at 40kph. I am comfortable on longer rides at maintaining about 25mph, when safe conditions prevail. And have no intention of crashing at higher speeds, but it still is nice to have speed on tap like money in the bank. You could then visit anywhere in the US with the bike annually for firmware updates. Updates require the serial number. In this case one first registered to a US dealer. It is a harmless bike doing as intended and not in limp mode.

 

[mmp65]

I would want to think of a way to take something such as a used red Roll down to Montana and to come back with a red low mileage demo Vado from a dealer there. One red bike down, one red bike back. Maybe if you already had business or social plans in that area it could be worth it. The thing is the setup would be nicer than a Canadian firmware version which is capped at 32kph or 20mph. The US version is also capped, but at 40kph. I am comfortable on longer rides at maintaining about 25mph, when safe conditions prevail. And have no intention of crashing at higher speeds, but it still is nice to have speed on tap like money in the bank. You could then visit anywhere in the US with the bike annually for firmware updates. Updates require the serial number. In this case one first registered to a US dealer. It is a harmless bike doing as intended and not in limp mode.

Try interesting indeed. Have a brother in law who is a US citizen and living here. He and my sister are headed stateside later this month…

 

[PedalUma]

Interesting. He could always bring 'his' bike that is in Canadian Vacation Mode, temporarily, just for his visit. And, then with a change of plans needs he to store it there and fly back fast. His wife then can drive back later at the end of the planned vacation visit.

The most beautiful bike is on sale. It is a Como SL 4. The bike is now $1799. The exact same price as a direct-to-consumer, heavy as hell, hub drive Aventon or Velotric. The bone white is the nicest.

 

[mmp65]

Interesting. He could always bring 'his' bike that is in Canadian Vacation Mode, temporarily, just for his visit. And, then with a change of plans needs he to store it there and fly back fast. His wife then can drive back later at the end of the planned vacation visit.

The most beautiful bike is on sale. It is a Como SL 4. The bike is now $1799. The exact same price as a direct-to-consumer, heavy as hell, hub drive Aventon or Velotric. The bone white is the nicest.

Interesting thoughts. Thanks. Is the battery range lesser on the SL models?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Interesting thoughts. Thanks. Is the battery range lesser on the SL models?

It really depends how you use the e-bike. SL e-bikes require pedalling from you, and are not the best on steep hills. Simply saying, these usually provide half the assistance of the "full power" e-bikes meaning you either have to pedal harder/faster or ride a way slower. Necessary to mention, Como SL is the heaviest SL e-bike, and it is only marginally more lightweight than the Como.

The discounted price of the SL is CAD3,000.

 

[PedalUma]

Interesting thoughts. Thanks. Is the battery range lesser on the SL models?

Yes, the capacity is lower on the SL. For 95%+ of my rides I do not require full capacity on any of my bikes. Court mentioned in that video, 'Why don't they just use an external bottle battery?' It is funny because that has been my preference for years. He also points out the lack of a USB port. My batteries have those along with an aluminum case, 35e cells, and premium BMS.

I am going to go into the weeds on these batteries for a moment. If this is boring, don't read it. Last week a man presented me with one of these batteries that had been sitting at no charge for two years and appeared dead. What happened is the BMS shut down due to its low voltage cutout protection. I fed a low current into the USB, like an IV drip. After four hours it woke the BMS and I could charge it to 100%. Then I used the port in the other direction to take the battery down to a stable 90%. I did this while using a button volt meter in the charge port. That way I could monitor voltage real time. The batteries are locking and fit in what looks like a bottle cage. They come in different sizes so you can always pack a second one. They also have an ON/OFF switch that is a good safety feature and allows the BMS to charge either to 100% for a big ride or to 90% for longer service life.

Another thought: Your brother in law could visit with the bike each Victoria Day. And take it back with him to the States each Thanksgiving Monday.

 

[mmp65]

Yes, the capacity is lower on the SL. For 95%+ of my rides I do not require full capacity on any of my bikes. Court mentioned in that video, 'Why don't they just use an external bottle battery?' It is funny because that has been my preference for years. He also points out the lack of a USB port. My batteries have those along with an aluminum case, 35e cells, and premium BMS.

I am going to go into the weeds on these batteries for a moment. If this is boring, don't read it. Last week a man presented me with one of these batteries that had been sitting at no charge for two years and appeared dead. What happened is the BMS shut down due to its low voltage cutout protection. I fed a low current into the USB, like an IV drip. After four hours it woke the BMS and I could charge it to 100%. Then I used the port in the other direction to take the battery down to a stable 90%. I did this while using a button volt meter in the charge port. That way I could monitor voltage real time. The batteries are locking and fit in what looks like a bottle cage. They come in different sizes so you can always pack a second one. They also have an ON/OFF switch that is a good safety feature and allows the BMS to charge either to 100% for a big ride or to 90% for longer service life.

Another thought: Your brother in law could visit with the bike each Victoria Day. And take it back with him to the States each Thanksgiving Monday.

More great information. Thanks.

 

[lexfurther]

Hello and welcome to the forum! I’m excited for you to be here. There’s a lot to explore, and I hope you find it all useful. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ve found that asking questions really helps ease my stress. People here are fantastic, from one of the guys here i heard about https://stateofwriting.com/uk/sociology-writing-service service and now my life is so much easier . Enjoy!

 

[hoagie]

Hello from a Como 5.0 IGH owner. Have you made a decision? I will say that I have ridden my bike over 60 miles a couple of times and it has plenty of battery and power. I like to run a “fast” cadence most of the time. I still run the stock seat (might swap out soon) but did put new Crank Bros pedals on it.

 

[PedalUma]

I am liking my demo Vado 4 more and more. I spin a rail trail at 87 and it flies at 42 kph. I have created great bikes for years but those are not accessible to decimals of seven nines of people. This bike is a pleasure.