Is the S30 basically a higher seat angle V20?

[Bentsoup]

So I know of at least one key difference besides the seat angle, the S30 has rear suspension. In searching this forum and BROL, it seems like the S30 has basically taken on this image of being a Vendetta in sheep's clothing. I can tell you that mine is fast, but has anyone done a side by side for the S30 and V20?

 

[benphyr]

S30 is shorter wheelbase and rear suspension with a seat angle of 33 degrees for the S30. The V20 has longer wheel base (possibly better high speed stability), no suspension (possibly lighter and stiffer so better on good roads), and seat angle of 20 degrees (possibly worse vision, definitely better aero). Differences in speed are going to be impacted by all sorts of setup variables but the V should be faster all things being equal. S30 will be fast too but not quite as fast.

If you want to sell your s30 there are lots of interested parties myself included.

 

[Bentsoup]

Thanks, man, but I have no intention of selling it. Love the bike! I was just curious about the differences between it and the V20. I didn't know that the V20 has a longer wheelbase, that's definitely interesting. Does it add stability?

 

[benphyr]

Thanks, man, but I have no intention of selling it. Love the bike! I was just curious about the differences between it and the V20. I didn't know that the V20 has a longer wheelbase, that's definitely interesting. Does it add stability?

The longer wheelbase will have all of these results:

It moves the axle back relative to the rider’s ear. Some taller riders noted that balance could feel weird if the ear was behind the axle.

And shifts a little bit more weight to the front wheel decreasing wheel slip slightly.

It also decreases the sensitivity to steering input which is better for high speed but less nimble during low speed manoeuvres.

And slightly smooths bumps and transitions.

 

[MrSteve]

Thanks, man, but I have no intention of selling it. Love the bike! I was just curious about the differences between it and the V20. I didn't know that the V20 has a longer wheelbase, that's definitely interesting. Does it add stability?

The longer wheelbase of the Vendetta, compared with the S30, is there to accommodate the reclined seat.
The Vendetta's more reclined seatpan effectively expands the wheelbase.
The advantages of more wheelbase?
-Better front (drive) wheel contact up hills for better traction.
-keeping the rider's inner-ear, or balancing organ, between the axles.
When your inner-ear is behind the rear axle, things feel different.
Disadvantages of more wheelbase?
-Bike is a little heavier because the frame, seatpan and rear cable are all extended.
-Rider is lower which lowers the center of gravity which makes balancing the bike, at first, a little more challenging.
-Turning circle can be bigger, but the rider can learn to compensate.
Techniques include sitting up, leaning the bike and/or more steering input depending on speed.

Aerodynamics, due to more wheelbase, is affected too to a minor degree.
That's just my experience.

 

[chicorider]

I own and ride both a V20 and S30, each with nearly identical components and wheels. The S30 is a little heavier and "feels" a little slower. But when I end my rides, average speeds on both bikes are nearly identical. The S30 "feels" slower because my head is a little higher off the road, so the landscape appears to be passing by more slowly, when in truth it isn't. Sometimes the S30 is faster than the V20, especially when climbing, because the steeper seat angle gives me a little more to push against. It sprints better than the V, but also has more wheel slip than the V. The S30 is better for social riding, while the V, for me, is a little more comfortable, so I ride it more (because most of my rides are solo). Both bikes corner well, but the V, with a 4 inch longer wheelbase and without suspension, feels more planted on choppy roads. When I travel to ride new roads, I load up the S30 because the more upright view gives me a better look at unfamiliar roads. The same goes for the winter months, when my after-work rides often end in the dark.

If, for some reason, I could only keep one, I would choose the V20, but not by much. Fortunately, I don't have to make that choice. It would make me sad. The good news is that both bikes are rad, so whichever one you have, you're in for a good time.

 

[bladderhead]

S30 sprints and climbs better than the V? I guess this applies to a Silvio2 as well. I am glad I chose that one. I need all the help I can get.

But I am still not getting a motor.