Looking to get the right fit for me

[ethanstarkey]

I'm having a hard time deciding between the Vado 4 (though if I could, I'd get a 5) and the Como 5. I was told that if I ride pretty frequently and could end up commuting with it that I shouldn't do the Como, and that I would have to lean into hills on the Como (which doesn't sound like that big of a deal). I want comfort, but I also like to go fast and "get up and run"

I keep getting told to buy the Vado 4, but the Como is advertised as a commuter, so idk.

 

[rochrunner]

I've never been sure exactly what a "commuter" is supposed to be since I've known people to commute on everything from road bikes to MTBs. I've never ridden a Como, but feel that my Vado 4 is the more "sporty" choice and has a better riding position if you really want to ride at speed. At 20+, the forward lean helps balance you naturally against the wind resistance as opposed to having to use your arms to pull yourself forward into the wind on a more upright bike. Or at least that's how it would seem to me. It's also what made my BMWs better touring motorcycles than, say, a Harley.

 

[Art Deco]

Give this old thread a look

Reason(s) for the harsh Vado ride

Given the number of suspension seat posts mentioned here (and I'll probably join the crowd soon), I suspect I'm not the only one to have noticed this, and I'm simply curious about why this seems to be so. Mainly, I've been surprised at how jolting the ride on my Vado can be. As an example...

electricbikereview.com

 

[ethanstarkey]

Give this old thread a look

Reason(s) for the harsh Vado ride

Given the number of suspension seat posts mentioned here (and I'll probably join the crowd soon), I suspect I'm not the only one to have noticed this, and I'm simply curious about why this seems to be so. Mainly, I've been surprised at how jolting the ride on my Vado can be. As an example...

electricbikereview.com

Thanks, that was a lot of good info if I decide on a Vado 4, I just looked at the specs on here and am sad to find that the vado 4 only has 72 newton meters of torque compared to (seemingly) all others (Como 5, Vado 3/5), so that may be the nail in the coffin for Vado 4, though I should mention I know basically nothing about how all the inner working of power/motors goes, so ultimately I will need to test out the Como vs Vado 4 and see how it really feels.

I am open to other suggestions of a different manufacturer as well. I would love to spend the extra money on a Vado 5, but they just aren't available right now. I also was told by my LBS that the Vado 3 (like the Como 5) just isn't for frequent use. Made it seem like it was a parts issue with the Vado 3, and a frame thing with the Como 5. Pardon any newbie ignorance, it's been 20 years since I rode basic bikes as a kid.

 

[rochrunner]

Not sure what you're doing where the Vado 4 wouldn't be enough, but... BTW, my criticism of the ride quality as the OP of that other thread was mostly due to my dealing with a back problem at the time. I've since mostly recovered, installed a Redshift post, and stopped filling my tires to the max and no longer have any complaints.

 

[ethanstarkey]

Not sure what you're doing where the Vado 4 wouldn't be enough, but... BTW, my criticism of the ride quality as the OP of that other thread was mostly due to my dealing with a back problem at the time. I've since mostly recovered, installed a Redshift post, and stopped filling my tires to the max and no longer have any complaints.

Maybe I wasn't as clear as I should've been. I'm wondering if (however the magically combination of torque/engine/etc works) the Vado 4 is faster/more powerful than the Vado 3 because the newton meters are 72 on the Vado 4 compared to 90 on the Vado 3 (at least from the models that are on this website.

Secondly, I am wondering if the Como 5 will suit my needs just fine because it seems to have the Vado 5 motor and I've heard that the Vado 5 motor is a real beast, but I'm hearing that the Como 5 (and the Vado 3) aren't built for daily riding.

 

[PedalUma]

The Vado is cooler. 72Nm is fine, given that drivetrain components are designed for about 80Nm. The power draw rate will be less, giving plenty of feel and range. The saddle could easily be swapped with something more 'commuter' and less 'sporting.' Who wants to commute with adult diaper pants? A friend just sent this image from Germany.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Ethan,

Let make the facts clear:

1. Como was the most comfortable of e-bikes I had a chance to ride. Relaxed riding position, possible to rest on your toes on stops;
2. Como 5 boasting the 90 Nm/550 W max peak power.

If I were you, I would only consider (very decent) Vado 4 in case were it available and you would be in need in taking a sport riding position on it. AFAIK, Vado 3 is equipped with lower torque 1.2e motor (I could be wrong).

Version 3: 1.2e motor, 460 Wh battery
Version 4: 1.2 motor, 500 Wh battery
Version 5: 1.3 motor, 600 Wh battery (priceless!)

If you can afford Como 5, it is a no-brainer.
P.S. Vado 5.0 has the same motor/battery as Como 5.0 but requires leaning over the handlebars more than the Como.

 

[ethanstarkey]

After riding my girlfriends Vado 3, and the SL 4 being around 30 Nm, I’m thinking 72 Nm could get annoying uphill when I don’t want a workout at all. I would spend the extra amount if there were any Vado 5’s available new anywhere near me.

Also my LBS isn’t willing to refund the SL 4 I bought a few days ago, so I’m stuck with them and so I’m thinking of having them update the drive train to the components on a Vado 5 (since there will be a difference of $500 and I want 1-2 higher gears) and update some other little things to make up for the remaining balance I may have because most people I’ve talked to say that I should get a Vado. I will of course test ride the Como and Vado 4 before pulling the trigger.

 

[Allan47.7339]

I don't really see where you've listed your requirements so it's a little hard to make a recommendation. I understand it's a little late since you already have a Vado SL which is a completely different bike model from a Vado or Como. Changing the components from a Vado SL 4 ten speed to a Vado SL 5 twelve speed will probably be more expensive than you estimated since you will need a new rear derailleur, new shifter, new chain and a new hub and wheel rebuild. These components may also be in very short supply.

 

[ethanstarkey]

I don't really see where you've listed your requirements so it's a little hard to make a recommendation. I understand it's a little late since you already have a Vado SL which is a completely different bike model from a Vado or Como. Changing the components from a Vado SL 4 ten speed to a Vado SL 5 twelve speed will probably be more expensive than you estimated since you will need a new rear derailleur, new shifter, new chain and a new hub and wheel rebuild. These components may also be in very short supply.

I am finding out my desires while this post is evolving because I have a short period of time to return it. I am thinking of getting the regular vado 3 and getting the regular vado 5 drive train at this point. Thoughts/ideas?

 

[Allan47.7339]

Typical questions to ask yourself. How far do you intend to ride? How often? If commuting, how far? Do you currently ride or are you new? Are you riding in traffic? Do you have to carry the bike up or down stairs? Do you ride with others? City riding, errands, on streets or only on a MUP. Access your fitnes level and decide how much e-assistance you need.

I think you will find changing from 10 to 11 speed is fairly easy but changing to 12 speed is much more difficult. And parts may be hard to find right now.

Shimano compatibility page:

2023-2024 SHIMANO Product Information Web

 

[ethanstarkey]

How far do you intend to ride? 10-30 mi

How often? 2-4 times a week

If commuting, how far? not commuting, but wouldn’t mind it in the future

Do you currently ride or are you new? I haven’t ridden much since I was a kid, but it really is like riding a...

Are you riding in traffic? I have rode in traffic the few times I’ve ridden since restarting

Do you have to carry the bike up or down stairs? No

Do you ride with others? yes, usually

City riding, errands, on streets or only on a MUP. Some gravel roads, but mostly city riding, occasional errands.

thanks

 

[PedalUma]

The KMC 11-Speed e-chain is nice but a 9-Speed chain and cassette are more robust and still have the overall range. With power, the minor increments in between are not as important. I put a comfy, trimmed, moustache bar on a friend's Vado recently with ergo grips and a gel saddle. @ethanstarkey, would you post a photo of your bike? We love photos on EBR. Thanks.

 

[Allan47.7339]

How far do you intend to ride? 10-30 mi

How often? 2-4 times a week

If commuting, how far? not commuting, but wouldn’t mind it in the future

Do you currently ride or are you new? I haven’t ridden much since I was a kid, but it really is like riding a...

Are you riding in traffic? I have rode in traffic the few times I’ve ridden since restarting

Do you have to carry the bike up or down stairs? No

Do you ride with others? yes, usually

City riding, errands, on streets or only on a MUP. Some gravel roads, but mostly city riding, occasional errands.

thanks

Seems like Vado SL should be a good fit. If you have a lot of steep hills it can be a bit of work. It's an easy bike to ride with others either with or without power. If you want a e-bike with a some help, it's the Vado SL. If you want an e-bike with a lot of help it would be a Vado. In some traffic the Vado can be a little easier because of the extra assist but it can also be a bit of a hazard if you are going faster than your bicycle handling and traffic skills. While they are both Class 3 bikes I cannot get the Vado SL much above 20 mph on the flats due my mass. If you have a commute the Vado will probably be faster due to starts and stops. I used a Turbo S for a 20 mile one way commute to reduce the total travel time but I got about the same amount of exercise because I was always pushing the pace. Now that I have a Vado SL and don't commute, I have not ridden my Turbo S much at all. You will have to go through your lists and add up your scores to decide.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Taking Vado 3 and upgrading the drive-train to the one of 5.0 is not a smart decision (if doable at all, I agree with Allan). For instance, the 3.0 has Quick Release wheel axles while 4.0 and 5.0 come with modern thru-axles.

Vado 3.0:

• 1.2e motor (50 Nm)
• 460 W battery. Nowadays, even 500 Wh battery is perceived as pretty small (acceptable for e-MTB because of weight saving), with 600 Wh being the norm.
• Older Quick Release axis design
• ... (more)

The 4.0 means a great leap forward with componentry, motor, battery. The 5.0 is the best of the best.

Why don't you consider Como 5, Ethan?

 

[Rás Cnoic]

How far do you intend to ride? 10-30 mi

How often? 2-4 times a week

If commuting, how far? not commuting, but wouldn’t mind it in the future

Do you currently ride or are you new? I haven’t ridden much since I was a kid, but it really is like riding a...

Are you riding in traffic? I have rode in traffic the few times I’ve ridden since restarting

Do you have to carry the bike up or down stairs? No

Do you ride with others? yes, usually

City riding, errands, on streets or only on a MUP. Some gravel roads, but mostly city riding, occasional errands.

thanks

I might have missed this in the thread - but is the situ that you have a Vado SL don't like it and want something more powerful like a Como or full fat Vado? Is it speed, comfort or hill climbing is your main problem?

If hill climbing a quick, simple & cheap fix is to swap out the front chain ring for a 38T - on steep hills the smaller chainring has a remarkable effect on the SL motor and really helps.

 

[ethanstarkey]

I might have missed this in the thread - but is the situ that you have a Vado SL don't like it and want something more powerful like a Como or full fat Vado? Is it speed, comfort or hill climbing is your main problem?

If hill climbing a quick, simple & cheap fix is to swap out the front chain ring for a 38T - on steep hills the smaller chainring has a remarkable effect on the SL motor and really helps.

I do have the Vado SL 4 and it’s not fast enough, I want complete ease with hill climbing (when I don’t want to work out). On my way to the bike shop 2 hrs away from my house now to feel the difference between Vado 3 and Como 5

 

[ethanstarkey]

Taking Vado 3 and upgrading the drive-train to the one of 5.0 is not a smart decision (if doable at all, I agree with Allan). For instance, the 3.0 has Quick Release wheel axles while 4.0 and 5.0 come with modern thru-axles.

Vado 3.0:

• 1.2e motor (50 Nm)
• 460 W battery. Nowadays, even 500 Wh battery is perceived as pretty small (acceptable for e-MTB because of weight saving), with 600 Wh being the norm.
• Older Quick Release axis design
• ... (more)

The 4.0 means a great leap forward with componentry, motor, battery. The 5.0 is the best of the best.

Why don't you consider Como 5, Ethan?

Everything I was reading said the Vado 3 had 90 Nm?

 

[Art Deco]

Everything I was reading said the Vado 3 had 90 Nm?

Better check that carefully. I believe the E motors are 40 to 50 nm. of torque on both the Vado and Como 3s.