Specialized Vado 4 vs Gazelle Ultimate 380+ (long)

[Stefan Mikes]

Brakes are still solid but not as precise as new. Maybe it is time for a bleed?

Brake pads are to be inspected first. They wear out a way earlier than the hydraulic system would dehermetize.

 

[newts]

"dehermetize" -- I like that word. Thanks, I will check.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Did you buy a Vado 5 meanwhile @newts?

 

[newts]

Did you buy a Vado 5 meanwhile @newts?

No I didn't like the electric shifter. I went with the Gazelle and very happy with it.

 

[newts]

Just a followup. Almost 8K miles and running strong. Most of miles are TURBO mode commuting 20-25 MPH most days. Maybe 10% is rail trails on the weekend.

Virtually no maintenance. I adjusted the belt tension 2-3 times. Flat tire and tube replacement. The battery mount came loose and I had to take it apart and back together with thread locker. And just recently I replaced the tires with some new Schwalbes (forget the model) with a better profile for gravel and apparently still as good or better street rolling for e bike.

So far no brakes or anything else. The battery seems fine. I try to maintain a 40-80% charge cycle and only run it out a few times.

Anything else I should look at? The belt seems fine with no concerning wear.

 

[Brendon@OEB]

Have you had it plugged in to check the software? If it's been awhile that's a great thing to add to your annual maintenance. Check the bearings on the front hub, those Deore hubs are loose ball and might need some attention, same with the headset.

Nice work on the miles! Have you upgraded the headlight or display?