2021 vs 2022 Vado SL 5.0

[GuruUno]

Looking at the specifications, the only difference I see is the drivetrain components and $500 difference between the model years.
Is there a benefit to the 2022 specified components over the ones that were on the 2021 model?
If the average person were to ride both bikes and compare, what would they notice?
Also, on the SL 5.0, what is the maximum tire width that can be used? (non EQ, no fenders)
Also, being that the OEM tire size is 700x38C would the Electrak 2.0 Armadillo Reflect fit? (2")

 

[RAYDAHS]

2022 - UI/Remote
Specialized MasterMind TCU, percentage of remaining charge, 120 possible display configurations, MicroTune assist adjustment, over-the-air updates, ANT+/Bluetooth®, w/Handlebar remote

2021 - UI/Remote
Specialized TCU, 10-LED State of charge, 3-LED Ride Mode display, ANT+/Bluetooth®, w/Handlebar remote

 

[mschwett]

the average person would notice that the 50t big cog of the 2022 SRAM version is 10% easier to ride up a steep hill than the 2021 Shimano version, and that the 11t small cog means they you have to pedal 10% faster to go fast than the 10t on the 2021 version. 44:11 is not a particularly tall top gear, so the 2022 version feels a little more trail/utility oriented than it is road oriented. SRAM vs shimano is a matter of taste in many ways at this level; there are very minor pros and cons to each.

the stated max clearance is 42mm, while it’s remotely possible those 51mm armadillos would fit, it would be very, very surprising. not an appropriate tire for an SL bike.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

44:11 is not a particularly tall top gear,

As I am in a lucky position not only to own a Vado SL but also a matching 48T chainring, I can only say the 104 BCD, 4-bolt, 48T ring fits Vado SL e-bikes If anybody needs a high top gear; as I have reduced the chainring on my "big" Vado from 48 to 42T for the flats, and am installing a 38T one for the mountain rides.

 

[e-levity]

Also, on the SL 5.0, what is the maximum tire width that can be used? (non EQ, no fenders)
Also, being that the OEM tire size is 700x38C would the Electrak 2.0 Armadillo Reflect fit? (2")

47mm is about the widest 700 tire you can fit (even without fenders or rack). I like the Specialized Tracer 700x47.

If you need wider you’ll have to go with smaller wheels. Mrs levity uses 27.5 (650b) wheels and can fit tires up to 2.1” wide.

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

We decided to convert Mrs levity’s Vado SL EQ to a GQ, i.e. make it a gravel bike “fit for a Queen”. We used bits we’d saved from her previously modified Vado 6 and Creo to customize a new Medium sized SL: EQ parts: Remove the lights and fenders since we’re fair weather riders in southern...

electricbikereview.com

 

[gpburdell]

@GuruUno Given you recently had Vado 5.0, also pay very close attention to the battery and assist difference of the SL vs non-SL models.

Vado 5.0 is 90Nm torque, 720Wh battery, motor provides 4x rider power up to 560 watts output (250w nominal)
Vado SL is 35Nm torque, 320Wh battery, motor provides 2x rider power up to 240 watts output.

Of course the SL is also a bunch lighter too, so that helps some, but be sure your needs would be met by the SL models.

Turbo System

support.specialized.com

Turbo SL System

support.specialized.com

 

[GuruUno]

I already have a 2021 5.0 SL with 1800 miles on it.
Trying to see if I can make it a better ride.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

47mm is about the widest 700 tire you can fit (even without fenders or rack). I like the Specialized Tracer 700x47.

If you need wider you’ll have to go with smaller wheels. Mrs levity uses 27.5 (650b) wheels and can fit tires up to 2.1” wide.

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

We decided to convert Mrs levity’s Vado SL EQ to a GQ, i.e. make it a gravel bike “fit for a Queen”. We used bits we’d saved from her previously modified Vado 6 and Creo to customize a new Medium sized SL: EQ parts: Remove the lights and fenders since we’re fair weather riders in southern...

electricbikereview.com

An excellent post, as always, Mr @e-levity! I could see the "Gravel Queen" performing in the Death Valley and was impressed!

My observation is that only gravel cyclists who ride a lot in very harsh terrain would go as far as 47-622 (28 x 1.75") or 54-584 (27.5 x 2.1"). Most of them never leaves the 42-622 (28 x 1.6") territory, with many of them riding the 38-622 (700x38c). And they ride tubeless, at low inflation pressure (often as low as 30 psi). The reason being, more narrower tyres and lack of the inner tube both make the bike more lightweight, and with less of the rolling mass. On the other hand, lower wheel pressure = more of rolling resistance. I could see gravel cyclists deflating their wheels before entering long off-road segments, and re-inflating when long pavement ride was expected.

Both gravel e-bikes and Vado SL need to be as lightweight as possible. Adding weight makes sense when it is absolutely necessary; it is counterproductive otherwise.

I love this picture (gravel cyclists and urban obstacles) Just fancy how lightweight these bikes are! (The bike in the centre has exceptionally wide tyres).

 

[Gee_Whiz]

As I am in a lucky position not only to own a Vado SL but also a matching 48T chainring, I can only say the 104 BCD, 4-bolt, 48T ring fits Vado SL e-bikes If anybody needs a high top gear; as I have reduced the chainring on my "big" Vado from 48 to 42T for the flats, and am installing a 38T one for the mountain rides.

The Vado or Vado SL can take two chainrings? Also, how do you find the motor noise Stefan? I read that the Creo is loud but the SL is quiet.. but its the same motor lol

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The Vado or Vado SL can take two chainrings?

Not. One of the reasons is keeping the Q-factor (or, the horizontal distance between both crankarms) possibly low. The motor is pretty wide. If you look carefully, you will see how tight the clearance between the chainring and the motor case is! The limiting factor is the length of the motor axles to which both the chainring and crankarms are attached.

There are very rare mid-drive motor e-bikes with a 2x chainring. It is generally avoided in the design.

Also, how do you find the motor noise Stafn? I read that the Creo is loud but the SL is quiet.. but its the same motor lol

I was asking the question to several riding mates of mine, and to my brother (when he rode Vado SL), too. Answers:

• Brother: "Nothing, when compared to the Yamaha motor noise on my Giant Trance E+"
• Buddy 1: "Nothing to talk about"
• Buddy 2: "Sometimes I hear it, sometimes I don't"
• Buddy 3: "Yes, audible but it is not unpleasant at all. Just giving the indication the motor works".

I was trying to find the reason why some Creo (and some Vado SL) owners were bitching about the SL motor noise. One explanation could be there have been different batches of the SL motors. Another might be the Creo frame resonates the noise more. Third: The riding position on the Creo, with the rider's head closer to the motor. Fourth: These riders are either sensitive to the noise; or, they have not ridden other motors

Having said the above: Riding an older Vado (1.2, 1.2s motors) is as much quiet/stealthy as it is sometimes scary. Fancy an e-bike riding quiet tyres at high speed and no noise whatsoever... It feels like a ghost!

 

[kahn]

Not. One of the reasons is keeping the Q-factor (or, the horizontal distance between both crankarms) possibly low. The motor is pretty wide. If you look carefully, you will see how tight the clearance between the chainring and the motor case is! The limiting factor is the length of the motor axles to which both the chainring and crankarms are attached.

There are very rare mid-drive motor e-bikes with a 2x chainring. It is generally avoided in the design.


I was asking the question to several riding mates of mine, and to my brother (when he rode Vado SL), too. Answers:

• Brother: "Nothing, when compared to the Yamaha motor noise on my Giant Trance E+"
• Buddy 1: "Nothing to talk about"
• Buddy 2: "Sometimes I hear it, sometimes I don't"
• Buddy 3: "Yes, audible but it is not unpleasant at all. Just giving the indication the motor works".

I was trying to find the reason why some Creo (and some Vado SL) owners were bitching about the SL motor noise. One explanation could be there have been different batches of the SL motors. Another might be the Creo frame resonates the noise more. Third: The riding position on the Creo, with the rider's head closer to the motor. Fourth: These riders are either sensitive to the noise; or, they have not ridden other motors

Having said the above: Riding an older Vado (1.2, 1.2s motors) is as much quiet/stealthy as it is sometimes scary. Fancy an e-bike riding quiet tyres at high speed and no noise whatsoever... It feels like a ghost!

My Creo, aluminum, is not a ghost.