Hello everyone from Melbourne Australia
! I'm proud to say it's taken 4 days in between work and juggling my 3 year old but I've made it through the 76 pages of content!
It seems a bit neive of me to ask in a post like this if you think this bike is incredible (as built) as there has been plenty of discussion of modifications
I'm hoping go keep mine stock.
It's wonderful and inspiring to hear of people of all ages and different medical conditions out and about thanks to there trusty SLs.
I'm in my late thirties and on the heavier side about 105kgs - keen to convert my commute on the train (round trip) of approx 1.5 hours into the same or less time doing a 17.5 km ride each way/35 km round trip which sounds like it may be achievable with some assistance. The ride on my non ebike is about 2:10.
I’m trying to choose my LBS (now I have learnt what that means
) there are 2 contenders - I’ve emailed each to try and get myself across the line! I’m right on the edge of saying yes to a 2022 turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ.
@Stefan Mikes many thanks for all your contributions to this post and the forums I feel as if I have gotten to know you!
My outstanding items are
- Price - it’s a huge outlay so trying to secure a good deal some other retailers have them on sale the moment
- Insurance - do you have it? Do I need it? Ky current insurers for home contents won’t cover it
- rack/kids seat/rear light - tried to work with Specialized and Thule to resolve this but couldn’t - they’ve both concluded in need to work with LBS - I need a rack that can take the OEM rear light but also hold 25kgs in the most light structure possible so I can carry my 16kg 3yo on a bike seat
- lighting - I’ll take all your advice on board but will need better lighting for the end of my ride at this time of year the path on the last 4kms home is essentially pitch black
- Trek! Have just launched a 2023 bike I stumbled upon at a shop near work the other day
https://www.trekbikes.com/au/en_AU/bikes/hybrid-bikes/electric-hybrid-bikes/fx/fx-2/p/35850/ it’s $3499 whereas the Vado SL 4.0 EQ rrp is $6000 here… worth a look? Thoughts? Yes he’s rear hub motor
- Other brands for the price - did anyone look at Bianchi, Cannnondale, Cannon? Is there other brands/models I should look at?
- great idea about hiding AirTag in frame! Keen to hear how anyone has done it? If so how?
- I had not been looking at the 5 as I am fortunately young enough to still take the bumps - but am intrigued by the Mastermind control with security built in - is it good or a gimic - the extra $1800 is a big stretch for me - not sure it’s worth it? But I am terrified of bike theft disclaimer I do work in and love tech…
- Does the 4 SL EQ have the ability to have a front rack installed?
- 300 charge cycles is mentioned - can someone please explain this to me? Surely the bike will not only charge 300 times from empty? Any info appreciated.
Thank you so much for reading my post and for everything you’ve all shared.
Wish me luck! I think im sold!?