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

[2wheelsgood]

Just a thank-you to everyone who helped me with my planned SL 1 brake upgrade. Going with Shimano GRX RX820 gravel calipers and 1-finger levers. Will probably have all necessary parts by the end of the month.

Fascinated to hear the outcome of this. That sounds like it should be a night and day upgrade.

What levers did you choose by the way?

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Fascinated to hear the outcome of this. That sounds like it should be a night and day upgrade.

What levers did you choose by the way?

I certainly hope so. Will report back.

Shimano Deore BR-M6100 Front lever $30
Shimano Deore BR-M6100 Rear lever $30
Shimano GRX RX820 Front caliper $100
Shimano GRX RX820 Rear caliper $100
Shimano 160 rear caliper adapter $21
Shimano BH-90 hose kit $33 each ($66)
RT64 160mm rotors $40 each ($80)
Front labor is $100
Rear labor is $ 120+
Total $657+ before tax

Part prices are in line with those on Jenson USA. The listed levers and hoses were originally proposed for the RX410 calipers — no mention of changes needed for the RX820s. The rear labor figure assumes that hose routing around the motor goes smoothly.

Fingers crossed!

 

[Rás Cnoic]

I certainly hope so. Will report back.

Shimano Deore BR-M6100 Front lever $30
Shimano Deore BR-M6100 Rear lever $30
Shimano GRX RX820 Front caliper $100
Shimano GRX RX820 Rear caliper $100
Shimano 160 rear caliper adapter $21
Shimano BH-90 hose kit $33 each ($66)
RT64 160mm rotors $40 each ($80)
Front labor is $100
Rear labor is $ 120+
Total $657+ before tax

Part prices are in line with those on Jenson USA. The listed levers and hoses were originally proposed for the RX410 calipers — no mention of changes needed for the RX820s. The rear labor figure assumes that hose routing around the motor goes smoothly.

Fingers crossed!

What's that rear adapter for Jeremy? Is it a post mount caliper or something?

It's crazy to note that if you went for the GRX 820 Brifter lever you'd be paying $300+ for one! They f*ck you at the (drop bar) drive in!

 

[stompandgo]

I certainly hope so. Will report back.

Shimano Deore BR-M6100 Front lever $30
Shimano Deore BR-M6100 Rear lever $30
Shimano GRX RX820 Front caliper $100
Shimano GRX RX820 Rear caliper $100
Shimano 160 rear caliper adapter $21
Shimano BH-90 hose kit $33 each ($66)
RT64 160mm rotors $40 each ($80)
Front labor is $100
Rear labor is $ 120+
Total $657+ before tax

Part prices are in line with those on Jenson USA. The listed levers and hoses were originally proposed for the RX410 calipers — no mention of changes needed for the RX820s. The rear labor figure assumes that hose routing around the motor goes smoothly.

Fingers crossed!

As long as the lever and caliper use the same type of mineral oil (standard or LV), they are compatible.

The calipers are flat mount. The adapter is for 160mm rotors. Direct mount is 140mm.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

It's crazy to note that if you went for the GRX 820 Brifter lever you'd be paying $300+ for one! They f*ck you at the (drop bar) drive in!

Just one more reason to love flat bars!

 

[2wheelsgood]

I certainly hope so. Will report back.

Shimano Deore BR-M6100 Front lever $30
Shimano Deore BR-M6100 Rear lever $30
Shimano GRX RX820 Front caliper $100
Shimano GRX RX820 Rear caliper $100
Shimano 160 rear caliper adapter $21
Shimano BH-90 hose kit $33 each ($66)
RT64 160mm rotors $40 each ($80)
Front labor is $100
Rear labor is $ 120+
Total $657+ before tax

Part prices are in line with those on Jenson USA. The listed levers and hoses were originally proposed for the RX410 calipers — no mention of changes needed for the RX820s. The rear labor figure assumes that hose routing around the motor goes smoothly.

Fingers crossed!

As I understand it, your levers are not much different to my 8100 XT levers - you will love the one finger operation I am sure.
The overall feel and modulation of that full setup should be really impressive.

 

[Allan47.7339]

The Rear Wheel Matter Becomes Hot!

I also asked for an advice at a gravel cycling group. The same man who convinced me the Wheeltop derailleur was a good thing also convinced me to contact a wheel builder by name Lemon Bike. So I got an offer:

• DT Swiss U623 rim (29", e-MTB, 25 mm internal rim width, total system weight limit 180 kg, 32 spoke holes), RDU623CDAB32SA9807
• DT Swiss 350 Classic rear hub, 12x148 mm, 32 spoke flanges, Centerlock, Star Ratchet 24T, steel freehub (HG freehub), H350TCDSR32SA9853S
• Sapim Strong spokes with Sapim Polyax Double Square nipples, 32 pcs.

That should be a super strong wheel! The price is by a margin higher than the HU 1900 ready wheel I considered earlier.

I will ask for the shipment for after 16th April when I'm back home.

My Creo 1 has wheels built with a gravel 32H G540 rim and 350 hub with over 15000 miles. They are still as true as when they were new. My Creo came with oem Roval carbon wheels but I exceed their load rating so I never used them and sold to pay for the new wheels. Not worrying about wheels is good especially bombing down hills.