ShockStop Stem on Vado SL

[rochrunner]

For those who have put this stem on your Vado SL (1st gen), what did you do about mounting the headlight?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I've bought a RedShift ShockStop Utility Mount.

It is an extender that is screwed onto the front of the stem (bottom here). I also bought and installed a ShockStop Stem Computer Mount (Wahoo) for the top. The horizontal part of the Utility Mount is a 1" diameter tube. I also bought a handlebar GoPro mount (cannot say what model). Since most GoPro cycling mounts are for 31.8 mm (1 1/4") handlebar -- its part near to the stem -- I had to use a quite big piece of rubber as a shim.

Note: In the absence of the Computer Mount, you can install the Utility Mount in the top position, which would place the headlight above the cables.

However, there is a simpler way.

If you have free handlebar real estate around the stem then a 31.8 mm GoPro mount just goes there. (This is an earlier version of my cockpit setup). I chose the Utility Mount later to shift the headlight farther forward: the reason was to bypass all the cables.

Note: The Vado SL headlight is GoPro mount compatible. Install it upside down for proper lighting.

P.S. I found this generic handlebar GoPro mount in the history of my orders but the one I currently have installed on my Vado SL is a different one (longer, and with a GoPro angle adjustment screw).

 

[RunForTheHills]

You could do it the old fashioned way and mount it to the fork in the brake mount hole.

https://www.amazon.com/towild-Headl...-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

 

[Stefan Mikes]

You could do it the old fashioned way and mount it to the fork in the brake mount hole.

Probably doable but that would might eliminate the possibility of installing, for example, an SKS Germany Speedrocker front fender.

 

[RunForTheHills]

Probably doable but that would might eliminate the possibility of installing, for example, an SKS Germany Speedrocker front fender.

View attachment 205411

I am not familiar with the Speedrocker fenders. Do they have some advantage over normal fenders that would be compatible with the light mount?

 

[Base]

I'd opt for a spacer with a go pro style mount

I'd go for the Lupine one with an extension.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I am not familiar with the Speedrocker fenders. Do they have some advantage over normal fenders that would be compatible with the light mount?

@rochrunner has bought an unequipped Vado SL. He can ride without the fenders, that's one option. Installing standard Specialized fenders is highly impractical, as the rear fender is integrated with the tail-light and the rear rack; Vado SL non-EQ has the rear light integrated at the saddle. Moreover, the integrated Specialized rear rack for Vado SL 1 is flimsy and apt to irreversible bending.

I would recommend going with the unequipped e-bike and use several proven temporary items:

• Ortlieb Quick Rack is very strong, and it installs/uninstalls in seconds
• SKS Speedrocker fenders mount instantly front and rear. Removing them is even faster. These are ideal for the 38 mm tyres provided with Vado SL 1 4.0 un-EQ
• However, the rear SKS Speedrocker could be too tight for a 42 mm tyre if the user wants wider tyres. I use an Ass Savers Win Wing Gravel 2 in the 42 mm configuration but an SKS Speedrocker for the front.

The good thing about the temporary items is they can be installed, uninstalled and used in any combination (fenders with the rear rack or without; no fenders but with the rear rack).

One of possible configurations: Ass Savers Win Wing Gravel 2 only, 42 mm tyres.

Ortlieb Quick Rack, no fenders.

SKS Speedrocker: front.

I don't say your solution wouldn't work. It might not work. While @Base has even shown a proper GoPro mount (with an extender).

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Probably doable but that would might eliminate the possibility of installing, for example, an SKS Germany Speedrocker front fender.

View attachment 205411

Fits fine with Speedrockers. Changed over 3 years ago. More powerful light as well.

 

[rochrunner]

You could do it the old fashioned way and mount it to the fork in the brake mount hole.

https://www.amazon.com/towild-Headlight-Bracket-Aluminium-Compatible/dp/B0CBC23852/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3L6GW1RZYTOSW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6nw_sNdcQmHHDlw587M_-EZzeSFi9NaRmXWOUhy5aV59Ac9GDoN40h7B1rpGhZeKTeuhN_WBnHzRTjYFPZUEeLwjJbHdfF59Gu6At12C3pcqSuh8InQXmdWPTfgm4MSlNdGn0BGaLFmOI-YubVBMcRUDgUjV7dHZvJcqmO6yWUWw_U6EVLAd1dSCZI1CxUxnOEKWB8hwYX_fRZ4FvV7M5oOwuBPxiiq7-gpehYHqt3J4_rZM9Q1K1dq7f9NwrIJn0l0FA1qifaZQt6oiZEFgexddTwQ-X8zFHaaZ20ySrO8.qO6R_89sJd7jti1pwjNfUikOhpNbN5Q_SWm1RombAtc&dib_tag=se&keywords=headlight+fork+mount+bicycle&qid=1769995401&sprefix=headlight+fork+mount+bicycle,aps,254&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Nice item but I believe that the Vado SL headlight has to be mounted "upside down" (as originally equipped) and it doesn't look like there'd be room for that.

 

[Base]

Nice item but I believe that the Vado SL headlight has to be mounted "upside down" (as originally equipped) and it doesn't look like there'd be room for that.

thats indeed my idea with suggesting these spacer-light-mount options.

 

[rochrunner]

I'd opt for a spacer with a go pro style mount
View attachment 205413
View attachment 205414

I'd go for the Lupine one with an extension.

Very slick! I haven't seen anything like this before, will check it out. Thanks.

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Fits fine with Speedrockers. Changed over 3 years ago. More powerful light as well.

View attachment 205423

BTW those tyres are Panaracer Gravel Kings SK size 43mm, Speed Rockers fitted fine. Now have a pair of WTB Byways 44mm, also fit fine. Have had these ones on for 2 years plus, always with the speed rockers.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

BTW those tyres are Panaracer Gravel Kings SK size 43mm, Speed Rockers fitted fine. Now have a pair of WTB Byways 44mm, also fit fine. Have had these ones on for 2 years plus, always with the speed rockers.

This may depend on the frame size. Mine is M.

 

[Rás Cnoic]

So is mine

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Different tyres and how the knobs protrude - as the bishop said...

 

[Stefan Mikes]

You could measure the actual width of your tyres using a caliper, Ras. I can measure mine.

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Are your tyres accurate or wider/narrower? I'm sure I have a caliper - somewhere -

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Are your tyres accurate or wider/narrower? I'm sure I have a caliper - somewhere -

Mine are surprisingly accurate.

 

[stompandgo]

BTW those tyres are Panaracer Gravel Kings SK size 43mm

I have them in 45mm. They run at 50mm on wide rims like my RX880.

 

[Rás Cnoic]

I have them in 45mm. They run at 50mm on wide rims like my RX880.

They are off the bike currently so can't measure them. Though I might stick them back on if we continue with rubbish weather, great tyres for forestry trails etc and in these endless rainy days some short gravel rides seem more practical then long road rides. These SK ones are a bit chunky for road compared to the Byways. I mean neither are going to win awards in that rolling resistance barrel site but the Byways are pretty fast on the rough tarmac lanes around here.