Specialized Turbo Vado SL: An Incredible E-Bike (User Club)

[stompandgo]

Ditching the fenders is fine, as long as you like the look and won't miss the OEM rack. There is always a way to add an aftermarket rack and taillight/radar.

There's also nothing wrong with rotating your tires, but that kicks the can down the road. That's not a bad idea at this point in the season. Do that, and plan the endgame for later.

At any rate, good luck, and enjoy.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

There's also nothing wrong with rotating your tires, but that kicks the can down the road. That's not a bad idea at this point in the season. Do that, and plan the endgame for later.

Agree, at this point, I can temporize or do something radical for a long-term solution. No good middle ground.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Vittoria Terreno T10 700x37c.

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Sanity check: New 40 mm Tracer in front, old 38 mm Pathfinder in rear?

Is this crazy? Got confirmation today that my SL 1 EQ will NOT accept a 40 mm Pathfinder in the rear with the fender in place. And that LBS says a 40 mm Tracer will be no better.

So to get the bike going again, my regular LBS suggested (a) rotating my good 38 mm Pathfinder Pro to the rear, and (b) trying a new 40 mm Tracer TLR up front to improve braking on steep offroad descents. Not unheard if, they said, and it has some appeal — at least as a temporizing measure till the rear Pathfinder quits.

What then? Don't really need fenders in this climate, so maybe ditch the EQ fenders and rack and find a new stand-alone rack and tail light. I know it's been done successfully — just not quite ready to take that step.

TIA for your thoughts.

Re the light. I have opposite problem with my non EQ version, I don't want to swap seat post (for dropper or carbon or suspension eg) because the light is attached to saddle frame and is a very good light! Wondering if your saddle and post are the same so you could simply purchase the light and run wiring up seat post instead of to rear fender? You'd have to buy the rear light as they are different shapes etc but if the saddle and post are designed for it then it would be straightforward.

Re fenders removal. Exactly how much rain do you get there in sunny south cal?! If you took that step you could fit 40s easily and with some brand/shape up to 44s, like my WTB Byways.

As for fenders, I've been using the SKS Speedrockers (designed for gravel bikes) for over 8 years and 6 of those on the Vado SL. Advantage is I can still have my 44s on, the fenders are Velcro so it takes 5 mins to take off, 10 to put back on. Cost about £45 so not breaking the bank. Racks, because yours is connected to fender, I have a Tortec Velocity narrow rack, alloy, again pretty cheap but a solid affair.

All is possible. But in short term swapping the tyres will be fine I'd say. A bit more rolling resistance with front tyre but no big deal and more grip on sketchy cornering.

 

[BEC111]

I did it. I’m trading in my Vado SL1 Model 4EQ for a new Vado SL2 5. Got a really good trade in value making the purchase a no brainer and as many can attest, that’s my normal state. It”ll take a week and a half or two for delivery and assembly. Very exciting for this old man.

I picked it up today. I just did a quick ride around my neighborhood to get a feel for it and to just ride it . (Spelling edit)

Some first impressions:

The SL2 is much smoother and quieter than the SL1. It also feels more powerful and stable. It appears to be faster at a given cadence and gearing but riding a hundred yards is not a good sample.

So far, happy.

It’s going to be dangerously hot the next few days so may not do a real ride until Friday or Saturday.

More news to come.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

I picked it up today. I just did a quick ride around my neighborhood to get a feel for it and to just ride it . (Spelling edit)

Some first impressions:

The SL2 is much smoother and quieter than the SL1. It also feels more powerful and stable. It appears to be faster at a given cadence and gearing but riding a hundred yards is not a good sample.

So far, happy.

It’s going to be dangerously hot the next few days so may not do a real ride until Friday or Saturday.

More news to come.

Congrats! Looking forward to updates on the SL 2.