VanMoof S5 test, review, experiences, halo rings, gen 5 hi-vis lights, SPC+, brakes and battery consumption : 👍
⪮ There was a lot of speculation and fear on social media, because of covid19 and the supply chain etc. delays. It has been a long and bumpy road but I’m glad that it’s here and real.
🗓️ The order was completed on the 5th of April and the planned delivery date was sometime in July 2022. It didn’t happen but a month later, in August VanMoof launched test rides in selected brand stores. I visited the stores in Amsterdam and was test-riding the S5 and A5. Compared to the test bikes, I can confirm that this S5 looks and feels better. For instance, back then I didn’t really like the touch and feel of the new buttons but the S5 which I received has a higher quality pairs of buttons installed.
📦 The new package material is great, it keeps all parts firm and the inner surface protects the body and paint. Like previous models, there is an assembly kit, a toolbox, reflectors, an air pump, a power adapter, and user manuals (but no party horn, bell sound is also not there anymore).
⚙️ Motor cable! Motor Cable! Motor cable! I lost count, how many times I mentioned it. I even had a YouTube video with the title “VanMoof Motor Cable Struggle is Real”, it took me more than 15 minutes, and a lot of nerves but VanMoof nailed it this time! It took less than a minute to bind the cable and cover it. So happy to see this great design and easy-to-connect experience.
🚲💨 After the first quick spin with the S5: No complaints, it’s fast, it has an awesome torque sensor, and it shifts flawlessly. Its acceleration is mind-blowing, the front wheel -literally- slipped. I went from 0 to 30 kilometers in 5.5 seconds. The bike can easily do 28–30km on a flat road, so that’s good. More precisely, better than S3’s EU mode. Unfortunately, I couldn’t set the US mode, but I’m sure the real experts on that subject have started their work. 🙂
🔦 The bike firmware is still on v1.0.0 and I couldn’t find any new feature or other use for the additional buttons. But compared to the bike I tested in August, a new awesome feature is there, now riders can flash the front light! 😃 It’s awesome.
🧘 The circles of the front and rear lights are always on. When the bike is stationary, the bike symbolizes breathing, just like the matrix display does. The lights are bright, especially the headlight, which is visible from afar when lit. I showed other bikers and car drivers what VanMoof achieved with the lights and it caught the attention of them all.
🌈 It looks like they’ve improved the halo ring animations, with the LED lights transitioning in smoother ways. You can see the rainbow colors when getting the bike out of shipping mode; maybe we can see a rainbow-mode easter egg like Tesla’s soon.
🔋 A few people have complained about battery drain when the bike is stationary, I didn’t experience it. I started to ride the bike with 99% battery level, after 6.5 km the battery level dropped to 87%. I kept pressing the boost, and the support level was almost always at 4. Riding 6.5 km with 12% battery means going (even account) 54 km with 100% battery, which is acceptable in my opinion. Especially when you go with boost and support level 4.
🚲 Aesthetically, I still think the S3 is superior in design (but the color, finish and bright lights of the S5 immediately impressed many people in town). I wish they would apply the chain tensioner & its box to the S3 as well as all other electronic parts such as the e-shifter, kick lock, and lights. 😃 I think many of you’d also agree with it.
💿 S3/X3 are famous for their squeaky breaks. 😜 I find it just fine, especially when riding in town. People are not shocked by the sound and react fast. Therefore I was touching the breaks gently to make them hear the squeaks. Yesterday I was riding the bike in town 😅 and I had to use the bell instead since the new ventilated disk design fixed the issue.
🔔 The new bell sound ‚Ping‘ is great success! It replaced the ‘Party Horn’. However, I am still looking forward for the „custom bell sound upload“ functionality.
📱 SP Connect adapter is easily replaceable with the SPC+ adapter. So, if you already bought the SPC+ case (the adapter should come together with the case) or thinking about it, then you shouldn’t worry. All you need is a minute and the Allen Key №3.
Use code VANMOOFER15OFF to save 15% at sp-connect.com
⛰️ VanMoof S5 feels like the S3 when riding uphill, but it’s more reliable thanks to the torque sensor when you stand up and hit the pedals hard, it waits until you release pressure before shifting.
🚴 I got some questions regarding the pedals as well, whether they have better grip or not. S5 & A5 have the same pedals as S3 & X3 (2021).
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