I've seen the future and I'm ready
#1
Have bike, will travel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
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I've seen the future and I'm ready
Well, after more than 20 months of lurking on the sidelines, I've purchased my first E-Bike: The Specialized Vado SL 5.0.
It comes along at a time when I'm eager to rebuild my cycling fitness. I sharply stopped my healthy cycling habit in 2019. I was in very good cycling shape during the winter of 2017/2018 and was cycling 300-500 miles per month. 2019 started strong, but I stopped cycling during the summer.
My search for an E-Bike has been very specific. The combination of features I was seeking really didn't exist in the spring of 2019. This included;
28 mph Class 3 performance
Low to moderate pedal assist power, something to improve climbing but that required significant effort from the cyclist.
Light weight, 35 lbs or less total bike weight
Long cruising range.
Well integrated controls, displays and systems with a hidden battery
700x38 tire size.
Moderate price point
I really didn't expect to find this combination of features on a production bike. However, a few weeks ago I noticed a listing for a near new Specilaized Vado SL 5.0 featured on Facebook. Not only did the bike fit my criteria, it was my size and a 75 minute drive from home. The bike had less than 750 miles and is as-new. I saved $1640 from Retail.
See: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/turbo-vado-sl
Pictures below. I’ve added a Brooks C17 saddle, Ergon GP5 grips, Shimano pedals, Vittoria Hyper tires and some aerobars I already owned.
It comes along at a time when I'm eager to rebuild my cycling fitness. I sharply stopped my healthy cycling habit in 2019. I was in very good cycling shape during the winter of 2017/2018 and was cycling 300-500 miles per month. 2019 started strong, but I stopped cycling during the summer.
My search for an E-Bike has been very specific. The combination of features I was seeking really didn't exist in the spring of 2019. This included;
28 mph Class 3 performance
Low to moderate pedal assist power, something to improve climbing but that required significant effort from the cyclist.
Light weight, 35 lbs or less total bike weight
Long cruising range.
Well integrated controls, displays and systems with a hidden battery
700x38 tire size.
Moderate price point
I really didn't expect to find this combination of features on a production bike. However, a few weeks ago I noticed a listing for a near new Specilaized Vado SL 5.0 featured on Facebook. Not only did the bike fit my criteria, it was my size and a 75 minute drive from home. The bike had less than 750 miles and is as-new. I saved $1640 from Retail.
See: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/turbo-vado-sl
Pictures below. I’ve added a Brooks C17 saddle, Ergon GP5 grips, Shimano pedals, Vittoria Hyper tires and some aerobars I already owned.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 01-24-21 at 09:31 AM.
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#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SE Wisconsin
Posts: 776
Bikes: Trek 970, Bianchi Volpe,Casati
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Anything that gets you out riding is a good thing in my book. I like the aero bars add on , been thinking of adding aero bars to my vintage trek 930, turned into commuter/ gravel /tourer.
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#4
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,846
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
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Any vintage bikes for sale?
Like a crappy Frenchie?
My next new bike purchase may be 'e'.
The cockpit does look unusual, but waiting for the ride reports, that's the measure of how a mule can kick.
Like a crappy Frenchie?
My next new bike purchase may be 'e'.
The cockpit does look unusual, but waiting for the ride reports, that's the measure of how a mule can kick.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Last edited by Wildwood; 01-23-21 at 08:44 PM.
#5
Have bike, will travel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
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Riding the bike is surprisingly normal. I've set the adjustable eco mode to 25%. This adds 25% to my wattage, just enough to overcome the added weight. The power adjustment can go from eco to full power at the press of a button. The top power level can double my output. With max power it's possible to take 15% grades at 10 mph or more. I still have to make an effort, but now the speed doesn't drop like it would on my non-assist bike. The change in cycling is primarily psychological. I feel I can take any double digit grade at 10 to 15mph. I now can enjoy a hilly ride without ever going anaerobic. I'll have a more detailed ride report when the weather allows.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 01-25-21 at 02:28 PM.
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#6
Broom Wagon Fodder
Haters gonna hate. I can think of a couple of good uses I would have for a bike like this. For instance, my commute, back when we all went into the office, is 26 miles each way by bike. It's just a little too far to show up nice and fresh for work. This would be great. It's pretty flat out here but I have a friend that lives in Kona, HI. He's a good bit up the hill from the shoreline. He rides a scooter most days. If I lived where he lived, I'd be all over something like this.
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#7
just another gosling
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Everett, WA
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I've seen the future too, and while I don't have to like it, it's still there. Good to know there will be nice bikes. I won't be able to train myself out of a hole forever. My guess is that 80 is the outside limit for riding in the hills. On RAMROD the oldest rider is almost always about 80. Never seen anyone over 81. Thing is, the 80 guys mostly look like the guys who whupped my butt years ago. I doubt I'm one of them. At Stevens Pass, where I ski, there's an over 80 club, complete with patches. They do OK. I saw one 94 y.o. guy who could barely walk, but skied beautifully on smooth slopes. I think he was French, though. They're not like ordinary humans.
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Results matter
Results matter
#8
Have bike, will travel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
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161 Posts
I've seen the future too, and while I don't have to like it, it's still there. Good to know there will be nice bikes. I won't be able to train myself out of a hole forever. My guess is that 80 is the outside limit for riding in the hills. On RAMROD the oldest rider is almost always about 80. Never seen anyone over 81. Thing is, the 80 guys mostly look like the guys who whupped my butt years ago. I doubt I'm one of them. At Stevens Pass, where I ski, there's an over 80 club, complete with patches. They do OK. I saw one 94 y.o. guy who could barely walk, but skied beautifully on smooth slopes. I think he was French, though. They're not like ordinary humans.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 01-24-21 at 06:20 AM.
#9
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Central Fl
Posts: 138
Bikes: Argon 18 Gallium, GF 29er, old Trek Madone
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Yes, I love cycling and alpine skiing and I plan to enjoy both with moderation for the next 15 years. However, I've always been a larger than average person without any special anaerobic gift. I've always struggled on climbs compared to other cyclists in the A group. But then I've noticed most of the sprinters and time trial specialist in the pro peloton also get spit out the back on the long alpine climbs. It's all about power to weight ratio and anaerobic capacity. Either you won the genetic lottery or you didn't. No amount of training can turn a typical recreational cyclist into Peter Sagan.
I’m a big, older rider, too. No Sagan, either. While genetics plays a roll for elite racers, for me, I find controlling my weight by eating less and pushing myself harder on the bike, helps not getting dropped.
’Course, it’s pretty flat around here....
#10
Have bike, will travel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
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...and you have a longer cycling season than many. I have to tolerate losing some fitness every winter and then work hard to rebuild my fitness from March to June every year.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 01-24-21 at 07:11 AM.
#11
Let's do a Century
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 8,316
Bikes: Cervelo R3 Disc, Pinarello Prince/Campy SR; Cervelo R3/Sram Red; Trek 5900/Duraace, Lynskey GR260 Ultegra
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A lot to like about the bike. You certainly did your homework. The bars would be the only thing I’d have to change but it sounds like you’re working on that. Climbing double digit grades at 10 mph would be a dream come true for me!!!
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Ride your Ride!!
Ride your Ride!!
#12
Have bike, will travel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
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Thanks' jppe, it's always good to read your posts and opinions.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 01-24-21 at 02:36 PM.
#13
Nice score on the bike. You will find yourself riding it more than planned! They are a ton of fun, especially on the flat sections as the speed is easily obtained. At some point in time, perhaps when I am nearing the end of cycling as a viable recreational activity, an ebike will be in the stable. One thing to note, Specialized only extends warranty to original owners. Although we have only seen a few battery failures and controller failures with Specialized ebikes, it does happen, and these parts are not cheap. Just take really good care of the bike, read the owners manual, especially the sections on battery care.
#14
just another gosling
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Everett, WA
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BTW it's not that sprinters lack anaerobic ability. They have that, which is what distinguishes them. They lack aerobic ability. A great deal of that is choice. Most of them would make fine domestiques. It's that slight tilt one way or the other to an enormous talent and then training toward that tilt. I'm actually a talented sprinter for a club level rider and my age, but what I like to do is climb. I love to see the valley drop away. Oh well.
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Results matter
Results matter
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Great White North
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Bikes: 2013 Cannondale Caad 8, 2010 Opus Fidelio, 1985 Peugeot UO14, 1999 Peugeot Dune, Sakai Select, L'Avantage, 1999 Specialized Hard Rock
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I like how the e-bikes are designed to hide the battery and make them look more like a regular bike. Hey, I'm not ready for pedal assist yet but never say never, and I'll ride one of those adult trikes if that's my only choice in 10 or 20 years!
I do adjust my rides as I get older and make sure I'm comfortable with the pace I'm going. I'm not out to prove anything to anyone and happy to be moving my body and enjoying what I'm doing.
I do adjust my rides as I get older and make sure I'm comfortable with the pace I'm going. I'm not out to prove anything to anyone and happy to be moving my body and enjoying what I'm doing.
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#16
just another gosling
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Everett, WA
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My guess is we'll be lucky to make it to 80 w/o going to a 'bent or ebike! Two of my oldest riding friends have just gone to ebikes at about 78. There are a bunch of us, early to mid 70s, who can still ride but I expect we'll be dropping like flies in the next couple of years. When the time comes I have my eye on the Honda Super Cub. Less expensive than lots of ebikes!
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Results matter
Results matter
#17
Seat Sniffer
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,700
Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti; 2006 Schwinn Fastback Pro and 1996 Colnago Decor Super C96; 2003 Univega Alpina 700; 2000 Schwinn Super Sport
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Yes, I love cycling and alpine skiing and I plan to enjoy both with moderation for the next 15 years. However, I've always been a larger than average person without any special anaerobic gift. I've always struggled on climbs compared to other cyclists in the A group. But then I've noticed most of the sprinters and time trial specialist in the pro peloton also get spit out the back on the long alpine climbs. It's all about power to weight ratio and anaerobic capacity. Either you won the genetic lottery or you didn't. No amount of training can turn a typical recreational cyclist into Peter Sagan.
No ebike for me yet either, but that day may come if I don't kill myself first.
On the issue of training, you would be surprised ... I was. I know a guy who could barely finish double centuries before getting a good trainer. It's now pretty tough keeping up with him on a fixie. Ditto the three other clients I know of. They are MUCH stronger than they used to be.
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Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
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I also thought about an electric mtb for exploring but a motorcycle seems like a better option, and cheaper, too.
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#19
Senior Member
I too am of the opinion "whatever it takes to allow someone to enjoy cycling". That said, I'm seeing way to many e-assist bikes ridden by what appear to be inexperienced cyclists at much too fast a speed.
My dad is 91 and still riding his 50 year old CCM bike. I bought him a new bike two years ago with step thru frame, larger tires for a softer ride and a suspension seat post. He tried it and said he liked his old bike better. Go figure. I've suggested an e-assist to which he replied "the day I can't ride my bike is the day I stop riding". So much for trying.
My dad is 91 and still riding his 50 year old CCM bike. I bought him a new bike two years ago with step thru frame, larger tires for a softer ride and a suspension seat post. He tried it and said he liked his old bike better. Go figure. I've suggested an e-assist to which he replied "the day I can't ride my bike is the day I stop riding". So much for trying.
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#20
Seat Sniffer
Join Date: Sep 2007
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I actually toyed with the idea of an e-bike while I was still working and my fitness had declined to the point I couldn't even enjoy the rides I like to do. You know I've never been a great climber but that's what I like. Since retirement and having more time to ride I am climbing better most of the time. An e-bike with the range to carry my 200 pounds on a 8000 foot 80 mile ride might be a tough ask.
I also thought about an electric mtb for exploring but a motorcycle seems like a better option, and cheaper, too.
I also thought about an electric mtb for exploring but a motorcycle seems like a better option, and cheaper, too.
Two summers ago, I was suffering big time climbing Little-T to Bear Divide. It was super hot and I started cramping. It got so bad about 50 yards from the top, I had to get off the bike.
So I stood there and tried stretching and doing what I could so I could hop back on the bike and ride to the top. Rick suggested (and it made more sense) to simply WALK to the top, as that would have gotten me there and stretched things out at the same time. But there was a part of me that said ... I've never walked up a hill, and there is no effin way I am going to start now. And yea ... I never did. No matter how much I had to stop, I made sure I rode to the top of that and Dillon Divide too.
Yea ... bull headed stubbornness sometimes.
__________________
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
#21
don't try this at home.
A local rider's wife got a Trek road e-bike. Now she can come on our 40-70 mile rides. She usually keeps the boost level at 1 or 2 out of 4 levels, so it's still a workout. Still had two bars out of four on the charge level after a hilly 50 mile ride!
There's a lot of reserve power. She can climb way faster than I can.
There's a lot of reserve power. She can climb way faster than I can.
#22
Have bike, will travel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
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No ebike for me yet either, but that day may come if I don't kill myself first.
On the issue of training, you would be surprised ... I was. I know a guy who could barely finish double centuries before getting a good trainer. It's now pretty tough keeping up with him on a fixie. Ditto the three other clients I know of. They are MUCH stronger than they used to be.
On the issue of training, you would be surprised ... I was. I know a guy who could barely finish double centuries before getting a good trainer. It's now pretty tough keeping up with him on a fixie. Ditto the three other clients I know of. They are MUCH stronger than they used to be.
I fully expect to ride the regular bike 60 miles a week and ride the e-bike on alternative days providing me with 400-500 miles a month from March to November. The e-bike will help me stay in the tempo range and help build base miles.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 01-25-21 at 01:26 PM.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
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Truth is ... I'll probably reach the point where I should go for an ebike before I actually will. I was telling a non-cycling friend about the odd mentality involved last weekend driving around in the Santa Monicas.
Two summers ago, I was suffering big time climbing Little-T to Bear Divide. It was super hot and I started cramping. It got so bad about 50 yards from the top, I had to get off the bike.
So I stood there and tried stretching and doing what I could so I could hop back on the bike and ride to the top. Rick suggested (and it made more sense) to simply WALK to the top, as that would have gotten me there and stretched things out at the same time. But there was a part of me that said ... I've never walked up a hill, and there is no effin way I am going to start now. And yea ... I never did. No matter how much I had to stop, I made sure I rode to the top of that and Dillon Divide too.
Yea ... bull headed stubbornness sometimes.
Two summers ago, I was suffering big time climbing Little-T to Bear Divide. It was super hot and I started cramping. It got so bad about 50 yards from the top, I had to get off the bike.
So I stood there and tried stretching and doing what I could so I could hop back on the bike and ride to the top. Rick suggested (and it made more sense) to simply WALK to the top, as that would have gotten me there and stretched things out at the same time. But there was a part of me that said ... I've never walked up a hill, and there is no effin way I am going to start now. And yea ... I never did. No matter how much I had to stop, I made sure I rode to the top of that and Dillon Divide too.
Yea ... bull headed stubbornness sometimes.
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#25
Senior Member
There can be, and is, a place for an E-Bike that a bicyclists can use and still not be riding a moped.... IMO
1; It should be less than 500 watts.
2; It should have to be pedaled to go anywhere, no throttle.
3; It should have a torque sensor, not a rotation sensor.
4; It should be able to be ridden like a normal bike without any assist if one wanted to.
5; It should be restricted to a max speed of 32Kms/Hr. for assistance where it cuts out.
Having one like the one above, allows me to keep fit and ride my E-Assist bike for a 2,400Km per year average, instead of maybe just using it like I used to... 400Kms a year...
1; It should be less than 500 watts.
2; It should have to be pedaled to go anywhere, no throttle.
3; It should have a torque sensor, not a rotation sensor.
4; It should be able to be ridden like a normal bike without any assist if one wanted to.
5; It should be restricted to a max speed of 32Kms/Hr. for assistance where it cuts out.
Having one like the one above, allows me to keep fit and ride my E-Assist bike for a 2,400Km per year average, instead of maybe just using it like I used to... 400Kms a year...