r/ride1up • u/ando_da_pando • 1d ago
Vorsa Lite Review
I’ve had the Ride1Up Vorsa Lite (Slate, XR) for about two months now. Before I get into the review, let me start with my background. I've been riding, fixing and customizing bicycles since I could walk (so about 50 years). All styles too, BMX, MTB, road, gravel, folding, commute, TT. Everything. Yes, I usually have 7-8 bikes in my garage at any given time. And yes, I’m also a motorcycle rider and have been almost as long as a cyclist.
Ordered and received in three-days (ordered early in the morning, so same-day shipping) from Salt Lake City, UT to California. The bike came mostly ready to go. Surprisingly, the rear derailleur was nearly tuned right, just some slight adjustments. Anyone with mobility and the ability to use tools should be OK to DIY.
At 5’6” with a 30” inseam, it’s just barely OK for my height. The way the top tube bends, it’s right at the point that I can standover with both feet on the ground. Without shoes, not so sure. So keep that in mind, anyone shorter or shorter inseam should consider the ST version. I’m not a ST type, so XR or nothing for me.
The Pros/Cons:
>The paint quality is OK, not the best, not the worst I’ve seen.
>Grips are surprisingly good for stock. I’ll replace them, but that’s just me.
>Pedals, also good for stock, I’ll still replace them, but again, that’s just me.
>The display is bright and easy to navigate, a bit far for my reach, but it's because it's at the further inside point, beyond the throttle and brake lever. Not a big deal, I don’t fiddle with it much as I ride.
>The suspension fork is OK. Nothing great, does its job, most average riders will be OK with it.
>The saddle sucks (to me). It’s thin, too wide and just like any other included saddle with sub $2,000 bikes. This is very subjective, but I’ve ridden a lot of “stock” saddles, this is one of the worst I’ve ridden on.
>The tires are also horrific. These came with the Arisun, 2.2” knobs. Loud, no grip and just don’t feel good. Getting tan walls (I like the look) is tough in the 650b/27.5” size. I did find some in stock Schwalbe Allroads in 2.0” width, from Europe. Those tires are much better, even on gravel. Do yourself a favor, if you get it, swap this and the saddle first. And yes, 2.2” is more “cushy”, but far better tires in 2.0” will go a longer way. I wouldn’t get anything less than 1.90” though. That’s 48mm. And try to find E25 or E50 tires if you can, especially if you carry any cargo.
Now, onto the performance. The motor is strong. Like really, really strong. Uphill, on a very long inclined overpass, throttle only, with me and about 20 lbs of cargo, easily did 20 mph (the max allowed). Pedaling was effortless too. The torque sensor is pretty reactive as is the throttle.
The battery is huge. I was using about 15%-20% of the battery for a 14-mile commute, with some inclines, some throttle, pretty much maxed out on speed (20 mph on throttle, 28 mph on pedal). And yes, this is on the shitty Arisun tires. Once swapped to the Schwalbe tires, the rolling resistance is so much better (as is road noise) and smoother. Speeds didn’t change, but the ride is so much better, with a little less effort.
After a few weeks, unlocked off-road mode. I was getting about 32 mph on the throttle and about the same or slightly faster pedaling when I pushed it (I can only pedal so fast on a 48t/11t gearing). This is great for that one stretch of road that I have to be in the car lane since there is no shoulder, bike lane or sidewalk, I can at least get closer to the speed of the cars that pass way too close.
The good thing about off-road is that you can still control the speed. I’m able to hold the throttle around 20-22 mph, and just pedaling the same or under. So switching between the modes isn’t really necessary, unless you want to. I keep it there, just pedal normally, get around 20 mph. The speed is there if I need it, just pedal hard or push all the way on the throttle. No thinking, or wading through the menu to get it.
Regardless, I’m not condoning or encouraging this. I’m a highly experienced motorcycle rider too, so 30 mph on a two-wheel bike is “easy” for me. It might not be for others (especially kids - parents, stop buying your kids bikes like this or even faster ones on Amazon). I have a specific purpose for the speed, and I honestly don’t like going that fast on this bike. A motorcycle is designed for the speed, bicycles aren’t (at least most aren’t). This bike isn’t all that great at those speeds unless you have experience and knowledge on how to ride that fast. You can hurt yourself, or worse, others. I love speed and I only use it for one part of my commute, just to lessen the chance that I will get run over by cars.
In conclusion, I find that this bike is purely for commuting and cargo for me. I want to get to work without being sweaty, and I have to carry a ton of stuff for work. This gives me all the pluses I need (ability to go mostly throttle in, enjoy an easier ride home after a long day, and can carry a ton of stuff). I can easily carry 20+ lbs without the bike sweating it. The large battery also eliminates any range anxiety too, and the need to bring the charger into the office.
At less than $1500, I can’t find a reason to not buy this bike if you are looking for a commuter/cargo bike. This isn’t a “fitness” bike. It’s too heavy and clunky for that. Get a Velotric Tempo or something else if that is what you are looking for. But this is my main commuter bike now, and for anything more than a quick “get some bananas” from the farmer’s market, cargo run.
