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  1. Rider51

    Turbo Vado power vs Vado SL power

    ... Let's just not lose sight of the fact that the SL weighs just over 30lbs, while the Vado is over 50. That definitely factors in. I like practical terms, much more than just numbers. Bear with me if I bore you! The Vado has a lot of power. Noticeably more power than an SL. More power...
  2. Rider51

    Vado SL 5.1 GQ, a 27.5/650b “Gravel-Queen”

    I used to work for a Specialized dealer and before the Tero came out, there was a rumor that the next Specialized e-bike would be something closer to the Diverge Evo. In essence, a more aggressive, gravel focused Vado SL. That didn't happen, and instead the Tero came out, not that there's...
  3. Rider51

    SL Range Extender 'Range' Considerations

    As an FYI, I had my Vado SL in a box for over three months while I moved/traveled. When I put it in the box it was at 100%. Three months after just sitting there, I was surprised to see it still had about 65% power remaining.
  4. Rider51

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

    I worked for quite a while in a tier 1 Specialized dealer bike shop. Believe me, you could ride the Vado SL in turbo mode uphill all day, and the motor isn't going to get damaged. I never saw, or heard of this, from anyone, anywhere. I haven't even heard of anyone living somewhere like Phoenix...
  5. Rider51

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

    Definitely handles a lot like a regular flat-bar road bike, or fitness bike. Just a bit heavier. Very similar. It is not silent. The Vado and Como are almost silent. The SL makes noise that nearly everyone tunes out a minute or so into riding. If you're riding in a city, you may barely even...
  6. Rider51

    Has anyone put carbon rims on a Vado SL 5.0 EQ Step-Thru?

    I might be missing something here, but what are you trying to accomplish by upgrading to carbon wheels? Speed? Distance? More comfortable ride? You said you weren't overly impressed by the 4.0, but didn't say exactly why. Harsher ride? Not quite as much power or speed as you were hoping for...
  7. Rider51

    Vado SL 4.0 EQ Tubeless Setup?

    Came across another person (on another forum) who converted these to tubeless. It's certainly not something Specialized approved. It may not even be recommended by most mechanics, but apparently people are doing it successfully. YMMV.
  8. Rider51

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

    A couple comments on Wahoo vs. Garmin. I found that Apple people have a little more affinity towards the Wahoo, and I agree with Stefan, the Bolt v2 is the way to go. I think the Wahoo interface is a little more streamlined, though both can be programmed, in fact, lots of open source third party...
  9. Rider51

    Need opinions from Creo and Vado SL riders

    Yes, if you're looking to commute, and not sweat much at all, the Vado SL may not be for you. Or you'll be riding along less than 20kph in turbo mode all the time (slower of course on any hills). Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just that the bike isn't truly designed for that...
  10. Rider51

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

    I work in an LBS, I can guarantee you the motor 100% disengages when off. That means there is NO resistance, other than what there normally is with parts on an "organic" bike. None. If you read somewhere that some E-bikes do, it's true. Even the Vado (not the SL, the full Vado), and Como have...
  11. Rider51

    Need opinions from Creo and Vado SL riders

    I agree that 2022 won't be the year of "normal" bike buying and repair, like pre-Covid. Some brands prepared better, and are catching up. Specialized is one of them. Others did not, and still aren't close. There's also still a shortage of some components. It could be simple things, like spokes...
  12. Rider51

    Need opinions from Creo and Vado SL riders

    True. This is why I tell people riding a Creo is like another sport. Or like driving a Ferrari. You can get going real fast, very quickly. Most people just don't need that speed. It's a joyride for sure, but do you really need to own such a machine? I think Stefan has noted that the Vado (non...
  13. Rider51

    Need opinions from Creo and Vado SL riders

    The price drop is internal only, and not a big drop. That means Specialized as a company has a higher stock than normal of 2021 Creo SL's (and a some Levo's). Picture this: it's August of 2021 and your LBS bike store has 1 Creo on the floor, and they think there are two coming in the next month...
  14. Rider51

    Need opinions from Creo and Vado SL riders

    Not sure where to post this, but an internal dealer notice from Specialized indicates cost to dealers for most Carbon Comp Creo SL's (as well as some E5, and Levo's) are set for a limited price drop. This doesn't mean you're going to see a big sale coming up, but it may mean they are catching up...
  15. Rider51

    Need opinions from Creo and Vado SL riders

    Unfortunately the EVO moniker isn't as clearly defined as that video would have you believe. It may have back in 2015, but it does a lot less now. Put another way, what makes sense on the Stumpjumper translates well to this day, and does the Epic for the most part. Interpreting that to the Creo...
  16. Rider51

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

    If you're okay charging your own lights (e.g. not run off the internal battery, which if I may say, is such an awesome idea on it's own), this is my personal favorite: Light and Motion Combo Not cheap, but it works extremely well. Very bright, several features, weatherproof, easy to use.
  17. Rider51

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

    What a great post! Thanks so much for sharing with us.
  18. Rider51

    "Significant Motor Resistance While Pedalling With Motor Off" Myth Busted: Physical Proof

    I'm with Stefan. I've ridden a few e-bikes, including ones where the motor completely disengages (I own one). It's the weight that's the issue. Until you get to the level of something like a Specialized Creo, or Obrea Gain, etc. you're going to notice the weight being the drag more than anything.
  19. Rider51

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

    Having test ridden quite a few of these, you may be surprised that you cannot feel much difference between the L and XL if you are within range. Unless you're very specific in your needs and desires. There's also wiggle room with the stem size, even saddle adjustments, that are fairly macro if...
  20. Rider51

    Anybody Ride a Specialized Turbo Tero Yet?

    Stefan - You have mentioned this bike before, but I think this is the first time I've gotten a good look at it. I imagine with the rigid fork the power is even greater than before due to weight savings. I know you have RedShift on your SL, but am curious why you didn't go that direction here? I...
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