Sefutau2020
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Northern VA
Let me start by saying, this bike is impressive. The Ride1Up Vorsa is solidly built, and I really appreciate that they took the time to smooth out the welds. That kind of detail matters. I've owned 11 e-bikes over the years, Specialized, Trek, Giant, and even the Ride1Up Prodigy V2. I still have a Specialized Vado 4 and a Trek Allant 8s, so when I say this Vorsa holds its own, that’s not light praise.
Yes, it’s a bit heavy, but it’s not unmanageable. It rides smooth and solid. The Continental Ruban tires are surprisingly quiet, and they roll well. I’ve got the suspension fork locked out, because for me, the combo of 2.6” wide tires and the adjustable stem delivers more than enough comfort. That setup works.
This is also my first hub motor e-bike, so I wasn’t sure what to expect going in; but I’ve been blown away. The ability to toggle between torque and cadence sensing is a game changer. Add a throttle on top of that? You’ve got options. Personally, I don’t think I’ll use the throttle much. This bike is powerful. Just bump the PAS and you’re gone. I could stay in Tour mode (30%) all day; no joke. The torque sensor response feels dialed in, and after tuning the cadence amps down to match the torque ratios, it felt great on both modes.
Now, I recently sold my Prodigy V2. Two reasons. First, the XR frame always felt small for me at 6’2” with a 32” inseam. Second, the battery just wasn’t cutting it for my rides. The Vado 4 has a 710Wh battery, the Trek 8s has 625Wh—the Prodigy’s battery (504w) just wasn’t enough. Don’t get me wrong, the Prodigy is a great bike. With that Brose motor, it’s basically a baby Vado 4 at a lower price. But having ridden both, I’d still pick the Vorsa.
Sure, it’s heavier, but the Vorsa gives you:
The only con? The 11-32T cassette. Ride1Up really needs to step that up to at least an 11-42T, and bump the drivetrain to 9 speeds minimum. That’s the only area where the spec feels behind the rest of the bike.
Other than that, the Vorsa is a winner.
Yes, it’s a bit heavy, but it’s not unmanageable. It rides smooth and solid. The Continental Ruban tires are surprisingly quiet, and they roll well. I’ve got the suspension fork locked out, because for me, the combo of 2.6” wide tires and the adjustable stem delivers more than enough comfort. That setup works.
This is also my first hub motor e-bike, so I wasn’t sure what to expect going in; but I’ve been blown away. The ability to toggle between torque and cadence sensing is a game changer. Add a throttle on top of that? You’ve got options. Personally, I don’t think I’ll use the throttle much. This bike is powerful. Just bump the PAS and you’re gone. I could stay in Tour mode (30%) all day; no joke. The torque sensor response feels dialed in, and after tuning the cadence amps down to match the torque ratios, it felt great on both modes.
Now, I recently sold my Prodigy V2. Two reasons. First, the XR frame always felt small for me at 6’2” with a 32” inseam. Second, the battery just wasn’t cutting it for my rides. The Vado 4 has a 710Wh battery, the Trek 8s has 625Wh—the Prodigy’s battery (504w) just wasn’t enough. Don’t get me wrong, the Prodigy is a great bike. With that Brose motor, it’s basically a baby Vado 4 at a lower price. But having ridden both, I’d still pick the Vorsa.
Sure, it’s heavier, but the Vorsa gives you:
- A better display
- Both torque and cadence sensors
- Brighter, better-integrated lights
- An adjustable stem
- A more powerful motor
- A bigger battery
- And yes; a throttle
The only con? The 11-32T cassette. Ride1Up really needs to step that up to at least an 11-42T, and bump the drivetrain to 9 speeds minimum. That’s the only area where the spec feels behind the rest of the bike.
