Bike Forums - An e-bike is going to happen eventually

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Rented e-mountain bike in CO so I could keep up with the gang climbing the ski service roads in the summer. Absolute blast and multiple settings can definitely still get your workout in if you power down.

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

700x38 tire size.

Moderate price point

I really didn't expect to find this combination of features on a production bike. However, a few days 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 500 miles and is as-new. I saved $1640 from Retail.

See: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/tu...kaAv4mEALw_wcB

Congrats, enjoy, and be safe!

Long journey ended well; have a ball!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barrettscv (Post 21891283)

Pictures. I’ve added a Brooks C17 saddle, Ergonomic GP5 grips, Shimano XT pedals and some aerobars I already owned.

You have the correct saddle, bottles, and good grips. The pedals aren't XT though but still excellent pedals and one I highly recommend. I would try them with the pins or add some pins they will hold on to your shoe better and was one of the things missing from the good ole' PD-A530s which are still an excellent pedals but the grip is lacking on those.

I like the bike. It is taking me some time to get used to aero bars on flat bars but I have come around especially since a lot of top adventure racers and touring cyclists are using them to great advantage and comfort on the long rides.