AvalancheRun
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
I am looking to purchase my first e-bike. I have narrowed the choices down to three fairly different bikes, the Specialized Turbo Vado, the Gazelle Ultimate C380+/T10, and the Aventon Aventure 2. Just wanted to get some thoughts before my final test rides.
The bike will be used for transportation, light errands, and exploring around town. I want to get out of the house more often without my car, and without getting a workout from the bike. The hills near have up to 12% grade with only about 30 feet of runout due to traffic. We have some gravel trails and rough roads here and there. 40 miles in a day would be the theoretical max. 10-20 might be an average.
My priorities in order of preference are comfort, hill climbing ability, range, fun factor, and build quality/reliability. I am hesitant to admit that aesthetics also factors in fairly significantly. All three have local dealers within 10 minutes.
Initial test ride notes:
Gazelle (tried only a C7 model so far): very smooth experience, climbed parking structure ramps very well, quiet. It’s hard to explain but the connection of myself to the bike to the ground felt harmonious. Riding position was too upright. Did not ride over rough roads or bumps. Concerns about the battery size for the money. C380+ HMB looks very nice, but it’s my least favorite design of the three. The belt is appealing on the basis of quietness, and lower maintenance.
Specialized (tried a Vado 4.0 SL EQ): not enough power for climbing. By far the most nimble, like a lightweight finely tuned sports car. Found it to be very comfortable, but did not ride over any bumps. Quietest of the three. Favorite design. Brose motor reliability? I have also come across some talk of the torque overwhelming the drivetrain. Is the Turbo Vado 4.0 due for an update?
Aventon (tried Aventure 2) - surprised by the quality of the fit and finish. Cushy ride. Love the turn signals, front/rear lights, app integration. Swallowed up bumps. Throttle would be nice to have when coming home from a workout. Did not test hill climbing ability. Hides weight well but would be a bear to pedal unpowered. Torque sensor felt natural. Loudest of the three. Enjoyed the power on tap. Costs half of the others.
One thing that bugs me slightly is the Aventon seems to have the most range and hill climbing ability in the ElectricBikeReport reviews (Gazelle not tested). I am assuming the mid-drive Vado would win out on longer inclines of a couple mile or more.
The bike will be used for transportation, light errands, and exploring around town. I want to get out of the house more often without my car, and without getting a workout from the bike. The hills near have up to 12% grade with only about 30 feet of runout due to traffic. We have some gravel trails and rough roads here and there. 40 miles in a day would be the theoretical max. 10-20 might be an average.
My priorities in order of preference are comfort, hill climbing ability, range, fun factor, and build quality/reliability. I am hesitant to admit that aesthetics also factors in fairly significantly. All three have local dealers within 10 minutes.
Initial test ride notes:
Gazelle (tried only a C7 model so far): very smooth experience, climbed parking structure ramps very well, quiet. It’s hard to explain but the connection of myself to the bike to the ground felt harmonious. Riding position was too upright. Did not ride over rough roads or bumps. Concerns about the battery size for the money. C380+ HMB looks very nice, but it’s my least favorite design of the three. The belt is appealing on the basis of quietness, and lower maintenance.
Specialized (tried a Vado 4.0 SL EQ): not enough power for climbing. By far the most nimble, like a lightweight finely tuned sports car. Found it to be very comfortable, but did not ride over any bumps. Quietest of the three. Favorite design. Brose motor reliability? I have also come across some talk of the torque overwhelming the drivetrain. Is the Turbo Vado 4.0 due for an update?
Aventon (tried Aventure 2) - surprised by the quality of the fit and finish. Cushy ride. Love the turn signals, front/rear lights, app integration. Swallowed up bumps. Throttle would be nice to have when coming home from a workout. Did not test hill climbing ability. Hides weight well but would be a bear to pedal unpowered. Torque sensor felt natural. Loudest of the three. Enjoyed the power on tap. Costs half of the others.
One thing that bugs me slightly is the Aventon seems to have the most range and hill climbing ability in the ElectricBikeReport reviews (Gazelle not tested). I am assuming the mid-drive Vado would win out on longer inclines of a couple mile or more.
I also ride a Vado SL with Tektro brakes and organic pads and these are silent.