NBD – Grizl ESC CF8 w/ECLIPS

I've only put 50km on it thus far, review in a week or so. Size S, I'm around 177/80 h/is.

Some initial comments/questions:

• This is my first drop bar bike and "serious" bike in almost 20 years (I'm 42). I'm still getting my fit dialed in.
• She rides great, a tad more "tank-like" than road bikes I've had/tried, but in a pleasant way. I have no speed demon aspirations, so that is pretty much exactly what I was looking for. Puts a smile on my face!
• My current plan is to build up endurance/strength until I can do some nice "bikepacking" (no camping) trips around central Spain. I live in Madrid. Picture was on the Rio path, maybe I'll take a better one today, about to head out to Casa de Campo.
• Not 100% on the Fizik saddle. It is better than others I've used for urban, but I'm not sure how well it would treat my rear on full days in the saddle.
• Question: Any saddle suggestions for that use case?
• Not so sure about the ECLIPS yet – I find myself not quite going fast enough to charge it much yet (averaging around 18km/h). Or it just isn't charging, not sure yet. The App was a PITA to set up – had to watch the video to know what the pairing code was (iOS), but is now working. I can't seem to find where in the app it tells me when it is charging – is that part of the Strava integration? I don't use Strava [yet?].
• That being said, FOMO hit me on it, and I would need lights anyway.
• There's some part of me, a couple of days in, that regrets not going for the OG with Di2 for around the same price, but I wanted the Escape geo.
• Pedals – I plan on staying on flats/platforms. I can't stand clipless, I've tried before, and since ~90% of my rides are going to be in and around Madrid, lots of stop and start. Right now I have some "urban" flats on there, truly flat with grip tape, but that's a stopgap.
• Question: Any flat pedal suggestions?
• Unpacking and setting up the bike was easy. 15 minutes. Only issue was a mild rub on the front brake, which was remedied by just pulling the calipers and reinstalling. I'd guess shifting in shipping. Rub is gone now. Smooth as butter.
• That's it for now, full review when I've had more time.