rochrunner
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Rochester Hills MI
When I dropped into the LBS a few days ago and ended up test riding a Vado SL 4.0 (non-EQ), what struck me is that the bike looked exactly what I had always pictured for my ideal e-bike: very close to the Crosstrail that I've been riding the last 10 years, but with a bit of e-bike boost. It even pedaled and rode like my Crosstrail. So I assumed that if I got one, I would prefer this version. The lack of fenders doesn't bother me -- I've done fine without for the last 45 years -- and I am not a big fan of the Racktime rack that is like the one on my Vado 4.0.
However, the modifications that I'd like to make are both problematical. First off, that rear light under the seat will be a problem if I install a suspension post and change the seat (which is a given). I guess I'd end up just taking the light off altogether since functionally I prefer using my Garmin Varia radar taillight that has some nice features both for the rider and for approaching traffic (flashes faster and brighter when a vehicle gets close). I would also want to install a wider, more general-purpose rear rack, but that too is a bit of a hassle since there are no built-in mounting points and it's necessary to install a special collar on the seatpost. Doable but shouldn't be necessary.
So do any current SL owners want to comment on which version you bought and the pros and cons that you've found with your choices? (Stefan, you need not comment since I know where you stand .)
FWIW, the Vado 4.0 is also similar to the Crosstrail in many ways, but the +25lbs sort of kills the similarities.
However, the modifications that I'd like to make are both problematical. First off, that rear light under the seat will be a problem if I install a suspension post and change the seat (which is a given). I guess I'd end up just taking the light off altogether since functionally I prefer using my Garmin Varia radar taillight that has some nice features both for the rider and for approaching traffic (flashes faster and brighter when a vehicle gets close). I would also want to install a wider, more general-purpose rear rack, but that too is a bit of a hassle since there are no built-in mounting points and it's necessary to install a special collar on the seatpost. Doable but shouldn't be necessary.
So do any current SL owners want to comment on which version you bought and the pros and cons that you've found with your choices? (Stefan, you need not comment since I know where you stand .)
FWIW, the Vado 4.0 is also similar to the Crosstrail in many ways, but the +25lbs sort of kills the similarities.