New Vado SL 4.0 - harsh ride!

[Yamanovichson]

Thank you!

What is the right size and length of the stem?

 

[pete H]

I bought the 80mm stem as recommended by Redshift. Its the same length as the Specialized OEM

 

[Yamanovichson]

Should the frame side clamp size be standard?
(Standard 1-1/8in)

 

[pete H]

Yes standard 1 1/8

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Yamanovichson
Please report the progress (as it goes)

I was on a business trip to Helsinki Finland last week and could not help you but I think @mfgrep and @pete H have contributed with a lot of valuable advice.

Cheers!

 

[Yamanovichson]

My solution was as follows. I share the link of the product I bought from Aliexpress. Both products are very high quality, I recommend.

Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! ￡2.44 27％ Off | ZTTO High-Strength Bicycle Stem Gopro Mount Lightweight CNC Holder Universal adapter for XC AM MTB Mountain bike Road Bike

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EwbVPy5

Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! ￡7.12 17％ Off | Aluminium Alloy 360 Degree Rotating Joint Adapter Mount for Gopro Hero 12 11 10 Max XiaoYi SJCAM SJ4000 Action Camera Accessory

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EvoRpsd

 

[fifteenkey]

I installed the Redshift stem yesterday. Is there a procedure or trick to ensuring the stem and wheel are perfectly aligned?

 

[pete H]

Not to my knowledge. Just did it by eye. It's not critical.

 

[rochrunner]

I installed the Redshift stem yesterday. Is there a procedure or trick to ensuring the stem and wheel are perfectly aligned?

Like any stem, you can get close by eye and then when riding you'll notice if you want to tweak it a bit. For me, any bit of misalignment really bugs me but rarely requires more than one repositioning.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I installed the Redshift stem yesterday. Is there a procedure or trick to ensuring the stem and wheel are perfectly aligned?

Stand in the front of the bike. Keep the front wheel between your knees and delicately work on adjusting the perfectly straight line. Tighten the stem bolts.

 

[fifteenkey]

Stand in the front of the bike. Keep the front wheel between your knees and delicately work on adjusting the perfectly straight line. Tighten the stem bolts.

That did the trick! Thanks, @Stefan!

 

[fifteenkey]

Re: The stem. I used this for the headlight: VEXPLO Bicycle Handlebar Mount...https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXVVXS5Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

For the Redshift seatpost, can I just ditch the wiring to the taillight on the saddle and use the Varia RTL515?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Re: The stem. I used this for the headlight: VEXPLO Bicycle Handlebar Mount... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXVVXS5Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It is hard for me to visualize how you did it A picture, please?

For the Redshift seatpost, can I just ditch the wiring to the taillight on the saddle and use the Varia RTL515?

If you are ready to do it, yes, sure. It took me a long time to make the decision of getting rid of the tail-light on my EQ... Have you already bought the RS seat-post?

 

[fifteenkey]

Oh, and I have not yet purchased the seat post.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Thank you!
I wonder whether a Vado SL is really as shaky in the rear as to deserve a suspension seat post. I'm writing this because I'd love to install an electronic dropper seat-post on my SL... Perhaps you could try yours with the stock seat-post to find out if the changes to the rear are really necessary?

 

[fifteenkey]

Sorry, I'm not sure I understand. Try the Varia with the stock seatpost? I weigh 234 lbs and I have installed the stem with the highest strength elastometers. The effect, if anything is subtle. I do think I feel less wear and tear on my hands and shoulders but maybe that's just in my head. I'm wondering if the seat post will add a little bit more comfort although it's not bad with stock. Then of course, I've read all about replacing the tires with wider ones. I love the bike. I guess I'm just playing around with tweaks based on much of what I read here!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I weigh 234 lbs and I have installed the stem with the highest strength elastometers.

My fully clad weight is similar to yours. I use the blue and yellow elastomer pieces in the top chambers, and my stem is 100 mm. Necessary to mention I only use two pieces because I also have Innerbarends, and my riding position is far forward, making the weight on the long stem similar to what a drop bar would have gotten from me. I feel you should try a single blue elastomer piece in one of the top chambers only. (I used that before installing Innerbarends). Your riding sensation should be like "flowing" over harsh terrain, and you should feel your e-bike frame as if it were breaking Please experiment a little. The RS ShockStop stem is indeed very good but it should be optimized.

Now, I can understand the Varia is the priority for you. Yes, please do as you intend! The combination of RS SS front/rear is a beautiful experience provided both items are carefully tuned in.

Besides, what is the tyre inflation pressure of yours?

 

[fifteenkey]

Thanks for the elastometer tip! I've been lowering PSI over time. Currently 53 front and back.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Currently 53 front and back.

Nice! I was riding about the same until I converted the wheels to tubeless. Now, 46 on regular roads or 44 for gravel/offroad. Quite recently, I forgot re-inflating the tyres and rode mixed terrain at 38 psi It was an improbably soft ride but again, it is 42 mm and tubeless. I'm sticking at 44-46.

 

[fifteenkey]

I'll go to 50psi next! My rides are 99% asphalt roads and trails. The stock 38mm tires seem fine. Maybe I'll go wider when I need new ones.