Have you ever felt a profound sense of awe or freedom?
Reflecting on past memories, I recall how being on the saddle allowed me to discover the essence of a place: its charming alleys, verdant landscapes, and the gentle hum of conversations, all while balancing gracefully on two wheels giving a sense of freedom. These emotions still stir when I think about cycling, and I cherish how seamlessly physics, emotions, and the mind harmonize on a bike.
So, I was eager to restart my 🚴 routine in Stockholm, drawn by its many benefits but more profoundly, cycling has been a lifeline for me, providing a daily dose of mindfulness and reminding me of life’s worth.
Why now?
But the two factors holding me back were:
- Storage
- Weather
Storage
Stockholm is notorious for bicycle theft, which made me hesitant to get a bike when I moved from Singapore to Sweden in August 2020. I was tempted to buy one, but my apartment building didn’t have bike storage, and my unit was on the sixth floor, making it difficult to take a bike in and out. I knew that would mean I'd never use it. Fortunately, my new apartment has both a lift and access to a bike garage, so I can now enjoy cycling without any worries.
I keep my bike in the apartment for better sleep 😴.
Weather
Ask anyone about Stockholm's weather, and you'll likely get a less-than-enthusiastic response. It's true—more than eight months of the year are rainy, dark, or too cold. I used to think I could only cycle during the three summer months, leaving my bike unused for the rest of the year.
However, I've realized that even those three months are incredibly valuable, and with the right gear, I can extend my cycling season for a few more months. Now, I'm eager to make the most of every ride, regardless of the weather!
Stockholm
Cycling in Stockholm is a delight, though the city's traffic can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the meticulously designed bike paths offer serene alternatives to main roads, guiding you through scenic routes along waterfronts and parks. The city boasts extensive bike lanes and a strong commitment to sustainability, enhancing your ride. You can explore a variety of routes, including gravel paths, trails, and roads, using Komoot or Bikemap.
Stockholm also offers the convenience of taking your bike on ferries and trains. For more details, check here. Just remember that bikes are permitted on commuter trains(pendaltåg) but not on the Tunnelbana.
Choosing the cycle
The Vado SL has been on my mind since last year when I accompanied a friend on his search for a new bike. During our visits to various bike shops, I discovered the Vado SL and was immediately impressed. However, at that time, it was priced at 40,000 SEK, which was a bit out of my budget. This year, I was thrilled to see it on sale, and I finally seized the opportunity to make it mine.
Vado SL 4.0 EQ
Given Stockholm’s hilly terrain, I knew that a regular bike would leave me feeling exhausted constantly, so I decided to look into e-bikes. I also wanted one of the lightest models, just in case the battery runs out and I need to ride it like a regular bike. The Vado SL 4.0 turned out to be a perfect fit, weighing just over 15 kg, which makes it easy to carry and handle.
You can read about the detailed specification here.
Below is the pic of the bike just after picking it from the Specialized concept store.
Specialized App
When you purchase your bicycle, you can register it in the app to ensure your lifetime warranty.
I found the app quite user-friendly and appreciate its ability to connect with various services. Personally, I've linked mine with Garmin and Strava.
I appreciate the home dashboard of the app for its elegant design and functionality. It offers convenient access to essential information, including battery status, tuning, and ride recording.
To record your ride, you must start it manually, as the bike does not initiate recording automatically, though the odometer will continue to count. This likely conserves phone battery, as recording relies on the phone’s GPS.
In the app's rides section, you can view all your rides and access crucial data points, such as distance, elevation, speed, power, and battery consumption.
Experience after 500KM
With each kilometer, my connection with the bike grew stronger. The Swedish summer has been perfect for cycling, as the cool temperatures make for comfortable rides all day long. In just three weeks, I covered my first 500 kilometers, exploring both the city and its outskirts. Every ride has been a joy, revealing new sights and making each journey even more rewarding.
I love how well the bike handles both on roads and trails. I've reached speeds of 55 km/h and still felt completely balanced. While it doesn't have the front suspension of a mountain bike, it’s still capable on trails, even if it’s not meant for flying stunts. It also provides just enough power to help me climb steep hills effortlessly.
Moving forward
I've rekindled my love for cycling, which has become essential for maintaining my mental health. Looking ahead, I'm considering the following pursuits:
Joining group rides in Stockholm
Joining races
I have already signed for Vätternrundan 100 km race for 2025. In the meantime, I am looking forward for small races around Stockholm such as STHLMBike.
Solo bike packing
With summer drawing to a close, I will plan for the solo bike trip next year.