2025 Vado

[Stefan Mikes]

I meant, the big Vado battery is more than twice the capacity of the one on Vado SL

 

[MartsEbike]

Marts, I think at your age and fitness you would be absolutely fine with a Vado SL, I have a flat bar Creo which is basically the same just carbon frame but same engine and battery, I have had it just over 4 yrs and regularly do 40 mile 4500 ft rides around the Peak District which has some bloody steep climbs. I'm 68 and got the bike after having a heart attack and 4 stents fitted and it has really improved my fitness. I would advice a test ride I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the power and how easy it is to pedal above the 15.5 mph cut off.

Thank you @Amoto65 ! The Peak District is amazing and one of the places I'd like to go and explore with this new bike so this is very encouraging to hear! Especially hearing that you've had a heart attack and stents! Glad this is helping you back to fitness!

 

[MartsEbike]

Glad to hear it!
I only hope you can some demo ride to make sure the SL would support you properly on the climbs! Now, the hills actually do "eat" the battery but there is always the Range Extender, should you need it. It is hard to replace the big battery of the full power Vado though

Yep it would be great to find a dealer with both in stock if possible. Testing back to back should give a pretty good idea of what feels best. Sadly my usual LBS appears to sell every brand except Specialized!!! The next nearest store is an "Evans Cycles", they're a big chain type bike store. I prefer small LBS over the big chains as they tend to be a more friendly to requests for test rides!

I've also just learnt about "Real bike rental"! (Not Santander bikes! ) I've found a company online that will lend you a Specialized Creo 2 SL! Its just £75 for a full day in the saddle.. Sadly they don't have any Vado/Vado SL's for rent.. But its a similar bike so I might give this a go if I can't find a dealer to give me a test ride!

They're located up in Scotland too, not far from some really hilly/mountainous terrain, so it would be a good day out and proper test!

Specialized Creo SL Hire

www.innerleithenbikeshop.co.uk

Peeblesshire

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I've found a company online that will lend you a Specialized Creo 2 SL! Its just £75 for a full day in the saddle.. Sadly they don't have any Vado/Vado SL's for rent.. But its a similar bike so I might give this a go if I can't find a dealer to give me a test ride!

Only bear in mind Creo 2 has the same stronger motor as Vado SL 2 Carbon but the battery is only 320 Wh. It might not work for a long range in the hills unless you pedal hard!
If you owned a SL 1.2 motor e-bike (such as Creo 2), you could down tune the motor, of course. I also wonder if Creo 2 comes with a road handlebar remote... @Dazmanturbo?

P.S. I can see the Scottish rental offers Creo 1 EVO, which was the Specialized attempt to make a gravel e-bike from a road e-bike (SL 1.1 motor, same as in Vado SL). If it is Creo 1, you might be forced to change assistance levels by pushing a button on the top tube of the frame.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Yep it would be great to find a dealer with both in stock if possible. Testing back to back should give a pretty good idea of what feels best. Sadly my usual LBS appears to sell every brand except Specialized!!! The next nearest store is an "Evans Cycles", they're a big chain type bike store. I prefer small LBS over the big chains as they tend to be a more friendly to requests for test rides!

I've also just learnt about "Real bike rental"! (Not Santander bikes! ) I've found a company online that will lend you a Specialized Creo 2 SL! Its just £75 for a full day in the saddle.. Sadly they don't have any Vado/Vado SL's for rent.. But its a similar bike so I might give this a go if I can't find a dealer to give me a test ride!

They're located up in Scotland too, not far from some really hilly/mountainous terrain, so it would be a good day out and proper test!

Specialized Creo SL Hire

www.innerleithenbikeshop.co.uk

Peeblesshire
View attachment 184282

Definitely do the Creo 2 test. If it's marginal on hills like the ones you want to ride, or if it's WAY more than adequate, you'll have a pretty clear answer on the Vado SL 5.

Otherwise, you'll just have to chance it. My path to an SL 5 might help you weigh your odds.

I'm 76 with funky knees and ride about ⅓ as much as you do — half of it in fairly hilly terrain. I always pedal and always with some effort. Don't consider myself a strong rider, but low assist usually suffices. Pre-SL, I'd been using strategic blips of throttle on top of pedaling to maintain knee-friendly cadences at all times — on hills, on starts, through intersections, etc.

Finally bought my SL 5 a month ago after much dithering out loud on EBR. Huge win, but reservations going into it were similar to yours:
1. Will the SL get me up local 10-15% grades with acceptable effort on my part?
2. Will I be able to stay in ECO or OFF enough to avoid a range extender on typical rides in my hilly terrain?
3. Will my knees tolerate the lack of throttle backup?

The 2 short test rides I got were encouraging but by no means conclusive. So I took a chance — largely on encouragement from EBR members I've come to trust. (Thank you all!) Turns out, all 3 answers are YES.

The SL gives me all the help I need in a nimble package that's a true joy to ride. Had to reduce the chainring from 44t to 40t to get there, but the bike and I are now a perfect match on home turf.

 

[Te. S]

@MartsEbike you should test ride or demo all of them to see witch one is best fit for you ,
I have had both Vado 5.0 and SL 5.0, i prefer the SL due to more exercise for me and lighter weight bike , i use it for workouts and some commuting and it has been great, I tried the Creo did not like the drop bars, you can't go wrong with either one, good luck and lets us know what you go with.

 

[MartsEbike]

@MartsEbike you should test ride or demo all of them to see witch one is best fit for you ,
I have had both Vado 5.0 and SL 5.0, i prefer the SL due to more exercise for me and lighter weight bike , i use it for workouts and some commuting and it has been great, I tried the Creo did not like the drop bars, you can't go wrong with either one, good luck and lets us know what you go with.

Definitely do the Creo 2 test. If it's marginal on hills like the ones you want to ride, or if it's WAY more than adequate, you'll have a pretty clear answer on the Vado SL 5.

Otherwise, you'll just have to chance it. My path to an SL 5 might help you weigh your odds.

I'm 76 with funky knees and ride about ⅓ as much as you do — half of it in fairly hilly terrain. I always pedal and always with some effort. Don't consider myself a strong rider, but low assist usually suffices. Pre-SL, I'd been using strategic blips of throttle on top of pedaling to maintain knee-friendly cadences at all times — on hills, on starts, through intersections, etc.

Finally bought my SL 5 a month ago after much dithering out loud on EBR. Huge win, but reservations going into it were similar to yours:
1. Will the SL get me up local 10-15% grades with acceptable effort on my part?
2. Will I be able to stay in ECO or OFF enough to avoid a range extender on typical rides in my hilly terrain?
3. Will my knees tolerate the lack of throttle backup?

The 2 short test rides I got were encouraging but by no means conclusive. So I took a chance — largely on encouragement from EBR members I've come to trust. (Thank you all!) Turns out, all 3 answers are YES.

The SL gives me all the help I need in a nimble package that's a true joy to ride. Had to reduce the chainring from 44t to 40t to get there, but the bike and I are now a perfect match on home turf.

Hi @Te. S and @Jeremy McCreary, thank you both for your comments!

I've contacted my LBS Evans Cycles to try an SL 4.0 this weekend (Medium Frame!! ). Unfortunately they don't have any Vado test bikes available at the same store, which is annoying! They have another shop about 20 miles away which has an Vado 3/4's, but no SL's left! They expect more stock but don't know when! Other local bikes shops aren't proving much better either so I may be forced to buy online.

Tredz (online retailer) has SL 5.0's in XL size. They also have Vado 4.0's but only small size available. Vado 3.0's are available in all sizes.

On pricing the Vado SL 4.0 can be had for £2,250, while the SL 5.0 is £3,200. Almost £1000 difference so will have to weigh up if its worth paying extra for. The SL 4.0 appears to be the best value for money, and I'm highly likely to upgrade components myself in due course so I'm 50/50 on it... But I'm tempted by the future shock on the 5.0!

Maybe a suspension stem and seat post will suffice instead.

I'm getting closer to deciding to pull the trigger on it. Just a little baffled as to why stock is so low. Feels like we're still in the covid days!

Anyhow, thank you again guys, I'll keep you updated with how it goes!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The SL 4.0 appears to be the best value for money, and I'm highly likely to upgrade components myself in due course so I'm 50/50 on it... But I'm tempted by the future shock on the 5.0!

If you buy a Vado SL 4.0 unequipped then it is easy to equip it but the cost will start piling up. The cost of the carbon fork and Future Shock could be in the range of £650, and the better SL 5.0 drivetrain doesn't come free either (hence the 5.0 is expensive). Now, the Redshift Shock Stop suspension stem alone is not cheap either, and it requires you to rearrange the cockpit, which is a mess. The next question is "equipped or unequipped?" You might want to ride a Vado SL for commuting or other city rides and yes, England is rainy! EQ would simply let you riding urban areas with no hassle.

What I would choose myself is yet another matter but my needs are probably very different from yours!

 

[Te. S]

thats good deal on SL 4.0 is it a 2023/24 or 2025 year, you can try find a SL 5.0 last years model to get a better deal you might have to drive some way to get it.
this is prices from USA on SL 5.0 and SL 4.0 just for comparison Good luck

Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ

Meet the Vado SL. This super-light e-bike was designed to take on anything from daily commutes through urban landscapes to clocking even faster workouts...

www.specialized.com

Turbo Vado SL 5.0

Meet the Vado SL. This super-light e-bike was designed to take on anything from daily commutes through urban landscapes to clocking even faster workouts...

www.specialized.com

Turbo Vado SL 4.0

Meet the Vado SL. This super-light e-bike was designed to take on anything from daily commutes through urban landscapes to clocking even faster workouts...

www.specialized.com

 

[Stefan Mikes]

You cannot compare the U.S. to the UK @Te. S but the "Find the dealer" next to the chosen model in the Specialized regional website is a worthy action.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Hi @Te. S and @Jeremy McCreary, thank you both for your comments!

I've contacted my LBS Evans Cycles to try an SL 4.0 this weekend (Medium Frame!! ). Unfortunately they don't have any Vado test bikes available at the same store, which is annoying! They have another shop about 20 miles away which has an Vado 3/4's, but no SL's left! They expect more stock but don't know when! Other local bikes shops aren't proving much better either so I may be forced to buy online.

The SL 4.0 test you've lined up will go a long way toward your SL vs. regular Vado decision. But you really should drive the 20 miles to test any version of the latter as well.

This will address a key quality that will come up on every future ride — overall feel. After 5 weeks, 34 rides, and 350 mi on my new SL 5.0 (2022 year), I love it more than ever. The reasons are hard to put into words — hence the need to feel it for yourself.

One very important quality to compare is responsiveness — not just to the motor, but to your own inputs as well. The SL's responsiveness and handling make it a joy to ride. This isn't just about overall mass. It's also about geometry and mass distribution, including various moments of inertia. Feel how the regular Vado stacks up.

Also compare a related quality — cornering. Hard for me to understand how the SL combines responsiveness and stable cornering, but it does.

Happily, the SL feels a lot more powerful than the specs would imply. This came as quite a pleasant surprise. Still puzzling over it.

Question is, does your riding really call for the regular Vado's extra power and torque? Might or might not. Only testing will tell.

Finally, be sure to ride both bikes with the motors off. There's a certain pleasure in riding under your own steam that goes well beyond the silence. And as many SL members have noted, the SL's very good at that.

It's a complex decision full of tough trade-offs. Good luck!

 

[2wheelsgood]

Hi @Te. S and @Jeremy McCreary, thank you both for your comments!

I've contacted my LBS Evans Cycles to try an SL 4.0 this weekend (Medium Frame!! ). Unfortunately they don't have any Vado test bikes available at the same store, which is annoying! They have another shop about 20 miles away which has an Vado 3/4's, but no SL's left! They expect more stock but don't know when! Other local bikes shops aren't proving much better either so I may be forced to buy online.

Tredz (online retailer) has SL 5.0's in XL size. They also have Vado 4.0's but only small size available. Vado 3.0's are available in all sizes.

On pricing the Vado SL 4.0 can be had for £2,250, while the SL 5.0 is £3,200. Almost £1000 difference so will have to weigh up if its worth paying extra for. The SL 4.0 appears to be the best value for money, and I'm highly likely to upgrade components myself in due course so I'm 50/50 on it... But I'm tempted by the future shock on the 5.0!

Maybe a suspension stem and seat post will suffice instead.

I'm getting closer to deciding to pull the trigger on it. Just a little baffled as to why stock is so low. Feels like we're still in the covid days!

Anyhow, thank you again guys, I'll keep you updated with how it goes!

The Vado SL 5.0 can be bought for £2800 at quite a few places in the UK.

That narrows the gap to the 4.0 and to my mind is worth the money for the following reasons:

- DT Swiss R500 tubeless ready wheelset
- GX Eagle 12 speed
- Future shock
- Carbon fork
- Mastermind TCU
- Upgraded brakes

 

[MartsEbike]

Thanks guys for all your comments, definitely more food for thought! Given everything that has been said I think I'll focus on trying to get a Vado / Vado SL 5.0 rather than the 4.0! As @2wheelsgood has mentioned. It really does have many upgrades that would be nice to have! I'd only kick myself later for not opting for it!

@Stefan Mikes I hope to get an EQ version if possible, like you say we normally have a lot of rainy/miserable weather here in the UK, and the mud guards etc will come in handy! Luckily this year we've had an "Indian Summer". Nearly the end of October and its still nice T-shirt weather!

@Jeremy McCreary Yep, the test ride this weekend will reveal much about how the bike performs. I'm quietly hoping for good things as everyone has spoke highly of it. I've also watched countless youtube videos - and they all sing its praises. It seems a fairly capable bike by all accounts.

I must admit I done something today that I rarely ever do, I took my Traditional Bike out for a 10 mile ride. It's a Specialized Sirrus X 3.0, and in many ways its a similar bike to the Vado SL, except its not electric! I've owned this bike for around 2-3 years and only rode it to the local shops and back. In fact its criminal how few miles I've put on it - its practically like brand new! Anyways, I thought I better test myself given I'm going to be putting more effort into this new bike.

I have to admit, the 10 mile ride on my Sirrus was harder than riding 30 miles ride on my Frey! Its been a bit of a revelation when you've spent the last few years practically ghost pedalling everywhere! I found muscles that haven't been exercised in quite some time . Anyhow I have to say it was a good ride. The bike is fairly light at around 11kg, and I could maintain around 15-20mph over flat ground easily enough, and when really pushing it I hit 28mph! Averaged 13mph over the entire ride, but I had to stop and navigate a couple of nasty busy A roads, and I also stopped a couple of times to take photos. I'm pretty confident the 1.1 motor will be enough.

Some things did become clear though. The need for suspension. I encountered some awfully potholed and pitted roads out in the villages and countryside, not helped by impatient drivers often forcing you to the gutter too. When you've been riding a full suspension bike with big 2.8" tyres you forget just how bad the roads can be in places! In fact this has left me wondering if the 20mm travel on the Future Shock is enough... I think it should be, but my ride today was jarring in places.

I was 99% sure I was going to pull the trigger and get an SL, but my ride today has me looking again at the larger 80mm suspension travel on the big Vado.

Still a little confused about this.

 

[MartsEbike]

Would you believe it but the 2025 Turbo Vado SL 2 Carbon LTD is now saying out-of-stock on the Specialized UK website.

You snooze, you lose

Turbo Vado SL 2 Carbon LTD - Forward 50 Collection

Nothing delivers more power, speed, and range at such lightweight than Turbo Vado SL 2 Carbon. It’s a premium, performance machine carefully engineered ...

www.specialized.com

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

....Some things did become clear though. The need for suspension. I encountered some awfully potholed and pitted roads out in the villages and countryside, not helped by impatient drivers often forcing you to the gutter too. When you've been riding a full suspension bike with big 2.8" tyres you forget just how bad the roads can be in places! In fact this has left me wondering if the 20mm travel on the Future Shock is enough... I think it should be, but my ride today was jarring in places.

I was 99% sure I was going to pull the trigger and get an SL, but my ride today has me looking again at the larger 80mm suspension travel on the big Vado.

Between the stock Future Shock 1.5 and the tubeless 700x38 mm tires I'm now running at 35 psi, I feel no need for more suspension on my SL 5.0. Granted, the pavement here's generally in pretty good shape. But that assessment includes some pretty bumpy offroad, too.

Other SL members have reported similar tubeless results. Too bad you won't be able to test that option before buying.

 

[2wheelsgood]

With Future shock and upgraded tubeless 700x42 Pathfinder Pro I cannot imagine needing anything more if riding on the road.

Some of the roads in Surrey UK are truly awful and the bike and tires handle it all with aplomb.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Stefan Mikes I hope to get an EQ version if possible, like you say we normally have a lot of rainy/miserable weather here in the UK, and the mud guards etc will come in handy! Luckily this year we've had an "Indian Summer". Nearly the end of October and its still nice T-shirt weather!

I'm staying in the London Bankside 26-28th October. Fancy a beer together?

'All foreign feet down Poland Street'

(I do love Brewdog Soho in Poland Street!)

I must admit I done something today that I rarely ever do, I took my Traditional Bike out for a 10 mile ride. It's a Specialized Sirrus X 3.0, and in many ways its a similar bike to the Vado SL, except its not electric! I've owned this bike for around 2-3 years and only rode it to the local shops and back. In fact its criminal how few miles I've put on it - its practically like brand new! Anyways, I thought I better test myself given I'm going to be putting more effort into this new bike.

I can recollect how hard it was when I mounted my old Romet Wagant already in my e-bike era! It was only 5 km but I was spent post ride!

I have to admit, the 10 mile ride on my Sirrus was harder than riding 30 miles ride on my Frey! Its been a bit of a revelation when you've spent the last few years practically ghost pedalling everywhere! I found muscles that haven't been exercised in quite some time . Anyhow I have to say it was a good ride. The bike is fairly light at around 11kg, and I could maintain around 15-20mph over flat ground easily enough, and when really pushing it I hit 28mph! Averaged 13mph over the entire ride, but I had to stop and navigate a couple of nasty busy A roads, and I also stopped a couple of times to take photos. I'm pretty confident the 1.1 motor will be enough.

If you could ride your Sirrus at that performance, the SL 1.1 will be exactly what you need! 13 mph average is what I usually get on my Vado SL

In fact this has left me wondering if the 20mm travel on the Future Shock is enough... I think it should be, but my ride today was jarring in places.

Trust me, 20 mm of the travel at the stem is exactly what you need, especially with such a perfect solution as Future Shock.

I have ridden raw cobblestone and washboard gravel on my Vado SL with Redshift comfortably, and Future Shock is claimed to be even better! Yes, I was riding tubeless at low pressure and the tyres gave even more compliance than the suspension stem itself!

The photo was taken on the afternoon a day before the race. My Vado was shaking like crazy, and some bolts started loosening. After the return to the guesthouse, I tightened the loose screws and deflated the tubeless tyres to the pressure recommended for the terrain. I was actually riding the terrain at the full speed on the race the day after!

You snooze, you lose

You seem to have missed the fact only 250 LTDs have been made worldwide, and the LTD is in fact a mythical creature nowhere to be found

With Future shock and upgraded tubeless 700x42 Pathfinder Pro I cannot imagine needing anything more if riding on the road.

The EQ version only allows 700x38 mm. However, it is not an issue. Pathfinder Pro or Trigger Pro 38 mm can be installed tubeless on the Vado SL, and be run under a fairly low pressure for a lot of extra suspension. I of course agree with you the Future Shock plus tubeless rule!

 

[MartsEbike]

Between the stock Future Shock 1.5 and the tubeless 700x38 mm tires I'm now running at 35 psi, I feel no need for more suspension on my SL 5.0. Granted, the pavement here's generally in pretty good shape. But that assessment includes some pretty bumpy offroad, too.

Other SL members have reported similar tubeless results. Too bad you won't be able to test that option before buying.

Thanks @Jeremy McCreary I must admit I was planning on buying this in the new year, but with all the researching I've done and with help from members here my confidence has grown considerably that the SL 5.0 is the right buy. Still had a couple of niggling factors in the back of my mind (as you do before spending £££££) but with so many people happy with their bikes I thought to myself - they can't all be wrong - just go for it!

I was dangerously close to just buying one last night. Balfes Bikes has a 10% off deal right now on an 2024 SL 5.0. £2880. Its only available in Silver, and its not the EQ version... But surely I could buy mudguards at a later date, and what I save today I can put towards a suspension seat post, or a range extender! I can see this purchase happening any day now.

With Future shock and upgraded tubeless 700x42 Pathfinder Pro I cannot imagine needing anything more if riding on the road.

Some of the roads in Surrey UK are truly awful and the bike and tires handle it all with aplomb.

Thanks @2wheelsgood . Always handy to hear from another Brit! As you'll know exactly what I mean when I say awful roads! If its working for you it should work for me.

Never gone tubeless before so that'll be a new experience!

I'm staying in the London Bankside 26-28th October. Fancy a beer together?

Hi @Stefan Mikes ... I would love too but the timing is a little awkward! I saw you mention this before and I checked my shift rota to see if its possible to meet up but I'm back to work tomorrow night! At best I might have a slim window of opportunity available Saturday afternoon, after my test ride of an SL but before I head off for my night shift. But I would be pushing it timewise to get to and from London in time for work. If so it would have to be non-alcoholic drink though as there is a zero-tolerance policy where I work.

Its a shame as I've just had the last 4 days off. Back to work for 5 nights and then I'm off again for 2 weeks!! I may have to travel to Poland for this beer! (Luckily I do have staff discount on flights! )

I have ridden raw cobblestone and washboard gravel on my Vado SL with Redshift comfortably, and Future Shock is claimed to be even better! Yes, I was riding tubeless at low pressure and the tyres gave even more compliance than the suspension stem itself!

The photo was taken on the afternoon a day before the race. My Vado was shaking like crazy, and some bolts started loosening. After the return to the guesthouse, I tightened the loose screws and deflated the tubeless tyres to the pressure recommended for the terrain. I was actually riding the terrain at the full speed on the race the day after!

WOW... right. I complain about our roads but obviously they're nothing like that! A real test of build quality!!!

If you made it over that OK then I should be fine! In fact I don't think I've ever found a road/path anything like that around here.

You seem to have missed the fact only 250 LTDs have been made worldwide, and the LTD is in fact a mythical creature nowhere to be found

Haha true These sort of bikes are glorified ornaments to be put on mantlepieces. They'll never touch the tarmac! Made for those with more money than sense!

The EQ version only allows 700x38 mm. However, it is not an issue. Pathfinder Pro or Trigger Pro 38 mm can be installed tubeless on the Vado SL, and be run under a fairly low pressure for a lot of extra suspension. I of course agree with you the Future Shock plus tubeless rule!

This is good to know Stefan! Thank you for mentioning it. The tyres on my Sirrus are 42's (upgraded from 38's!) and tbh they ride well! I would have been highly likely to change these - only to find out I was limited by the mudguards!

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Thanks @Jeremy McCreary I must admit I was planning on buying this in the new year, but with all the researching I've done and with help from members here my confidence has grown considerably that the SL 5.0 is the right buy. Still had a couple of niggling factors in the back of my mind (as you do before spending £££££) but with so many people happy with their bikes I thought to myself - they can't all be wrong - just go for it!

I was dangerously close to just buying one last night. Balfes Bikes has a 10% off deal right now on an 2024 SL 5.0. £2880. Its only available in Silver, and its not the EQ version... But surely I could buy mudguards at a later date, and what I save today I can put towards a suspension seat post, or a range extender! I can see this purchase happening any day now.

I'll be very interested to hear your honest thoughts on the SL after your test rides. It's certainly not right for everyone. The important thing is that you end up with the right bike for you.

Smart move to put your upcoming SL and regular Vado tests into perspective with a ride on your beautiful white Sirrus. Riding my neighbor's fancy 20 lb road bike in the run-up to my SL purchase confirmed that my quest for a light, responsive ebike was on the right track. Brought back fond memories of how it felt to ride such a bike some 50 years out from my road-biking days. (Exclusive mountain biking and then ~25 years of very little cycling followed.) The SL's a significant step in that direction.

Now questioning the wisdom of paying $750 for the EQ package in semi-arid SoCal. Would love to try 42 mm tubeless tires next, and the rack design is seriously flawed for my purposes. Lots of posts about third-party fender and rack options from @Stefan Mikes and others.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Its only available in Silver, and its not the EQ version... But surely I could buy mudguards at a later date, and what I save today I can put towards a suspension seat post, or a range extender! I can see this purchase happening any day now.

Better reconsider it. You cannot install the Redshift seat-post because the tail-light wire goes through the hollow stock seat-post (RS is not hollow!) DON'T. I assure you properly inflated rear tyre will protect your lower back. If you fancy a suspension seat-post, go with the EQ version.

Yes you could try a Kinekt 2.1 but then you have to drill a hole in the seat-post and route the wires... DON'T.