New Old Bike Day

[rochrunner]

This is the "NOS" Vado 4.0 that I mentioned in another thread. I picked it up today after they installed a Mastermind TCU to replace the simpler unit that they put in 4.0s. I'll post another photo in a couple weeks when I've done all the changeover from my old SL 5.0, installed the ShockStop stem, etc. I'm also finally going tubeless since I've had the rims and tires for it for a while and now would be a good time for the full conversion.

One observation and question: I got this bike mainly to have a low-step bike that would make it easier for me to mount and dismount considering my balance and stability issues (and age!). I'll have to practice somewhat since I've been using the leg-over method on bikes and motorcycles for about 75 years now (really!!). Right now I can step over the bike, clearing the upper tube, but not by much. However, that's right where they put the upper bottle mount! Mounting a cage and bottle there means having to clear several more inches. It would be nice if they had placed it further forward on the tube. The lower mount is a lot less convenient and is also where the extender battery would go. Any ideas about how to mount a bottle cage in a more convenient location?

 

[Twowheelxtc]

SKS sell bottle cage mounts on straps that work ok.
Ortlieb have O straps that are a bit like Voile and it’s possible to get them really tight.

https://us.ortlieb.com/cdn/shop/files/productimage-f9966-2.jpg?v=1737542759&width=2000

These can be placed anywhere on the bike and work well.

 

[Base]

good looking bike ;D

o straps are ok, also these from M-wave are also very usefull, https://www.bike4travel.nl/bikepacking-accessoires/5470-m-wave-flexibele-nokjes-887539028404.html

and there are plety options to mount a bottle cage to the handle bar or stem

just came to mind, SKS has a cage with straps attachet, topcage as far as I remember

 

[Twowheelxtc]

Yes you’re right about using the bars. if I’m using a range extender I just put a bottle in a feed bag. A handy position that works well

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Congratulations!

Any ideas about how to mount a bottle cage in a more convenient location?

BOTTLE CAGE ADAPTER - Practical bike water bottle holder adapter for drinking bottles | SKS GERMANY

Flexible bottle cage adapter from SKS GERMANY for bike accessories. Easy mounting and perfect alignment. Discover now and secure your bottle!

www.sks-germany.com

You just attach your existing water bottle cage with the same screws you would use to mount the cage on the frame then attach the SKS Germany mount to the seat-post. It is absolutely solid.

I had that done on my Vado 6.0 where it was impossible to install the cage on the step-through frame. Later, I started using a hydration backpack instead.