I purchased my V+1 Stratos in February 2024, but have not left a review, yet.
Having just completed my TA cycle ride on the Vielo from Cape Reinga at the top of the NZ north island to Bluff the most southerly point of the south island, a bikepacking trip of circa 3,000km, now is an appropriate time to leave a review.
Over the course of this trip of 31 days, my bike performed flawlessly, handling really well on the multiple surface conditions on trails, gravel roads and sealed roads (Kiwi for tarmac), fully loaded with bikepacking bags. Although weight wise admittedly this trip was accommodation only with a sleeping bag and emergency bivy as a back-up.
My V+1 with SRAM Rival 10-44 was set-up for this trip pretty much stock as purchased, with the exception of my saddle of choice, an upgrade to SwissStop disc pads with fins and Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC 45mm tyres, which were good choices.
The build quality of the Vielo is superb. The only adjustment, other than drivetrain cleaning/lube, required during this adventure being for a slipped seatpost by 5mm, checking bolts on the front rack and recharging the derailleur battery every few days.
No bike issues or mechanicals and only 1 puncture for the entire trip. This is super impressive when you consider the variety of conditions and the amount of dust NZ gravel roads produce. At times you are sharing the gravel with fast moving UTEs (pickups) and heavy trucks, with accompanying dust clouds.
I normally ride this bike with a lighter wheelset, but for bikepacking I was really impressed with how the stock DT Swiss 1800 Spline wheels spun and handled the trip.
If of interest, the Aeroa handlebar rack/bag, Ortlieb 16.5L saddlebag and Apidura Expedition half frame bag I used were really solid and a great fit for the V+1, with the first two able to be quickly removed/reattached to the bike at the end/start of the day. The set-up also allowed room for my Garmin, lights and the attachment of shopping close to my accommodation.
Water adds an essential but significant weight on such a trip with remote sections and I was using 2 Elite 750ml bottles and a small Evoc rucksack with a 2 litre bladder. As already stated the handling was superb despite all of these add-ons.
I am looking forward to more adventures with my V+1 and for future trips with camping I may now look at the option of a Tailfin rack to allow panniers, which a few riders I encountered on my NZ trip were using and recommended.
Thanks to all at Vielo for providing such a great ride and experience!