Buying a new old-stock Vado SL

[rochrunner]

I've been perfectly happy with my Vado SL 5.0 and envisioned riding it indefinitely; at 80yo my bicycle adventuring days are behind me and I'm mainly interested in just enjoying my rides. However, for various health and safety reasons, I would really be better off with a step-thru frame but have had trouble finding one that's suitable. I'm not going to detail my requirements since I'm not looking for brand/model suggestions here, but one of my biggest priorities was not adding much if any weight vs. the SL 5.0. There was a Trek bike that I was considering (FX+ 7S), but it has some possibly serious drawbacks, and the Vado SL 2 line has gone in a direction I'm not crazy about and weighs too much.

Anyway, it turned out that there are still some "old" SLs available, including a step-thru in the right size. The only issue is that it's a 4.0 so I'd be giving up a few features. Not having the FutureShock isn't a big deal since there's always the Redshift solution, but I think I would really miss my Mastermind TCU and its MicroTune feature. However, I checked with the LBS and they've done a number of these conversions so it will be no big deal.

The huge plus factor for me is that all of my modifications and add-ons can be swapped right over from the 5.0. For example, my Redshift seat post is exactly the right diameter and all of my "handlebar hardware" items will fit the same. The biggest carry-over would be the $1K+ custom wheels with Onyx Vesper hubs that are still almost new; their boost hubs are not compatible with the SL 2 or any of the other bikes I've considered, but of course an easy swap to the NOS bike. I also have a barely-used extender battery that, again, will carry right over.

So when I went to the dealer I found that they don't draw from the same inventory as the "web store" does and they could only find the same model in XL. So I returned home and easily ordered it online. Looks like I have some (enjoyable) work ahead of me to swap all the parts around, returning my 5.0 to its original configuration and getting my new one ready to go.

 

[Rás Cnoic]

I'm keeping an eye on eBay here in Uk for used Vado SLs, as the prices are dropping and if I see a bargain for around £800 (currently most upwards £1,000 - £1600) I might just buy as a 'parts bin' back up - a lot don't seem to have had many miles on them, so I'd get a spare battery, motor, TCU plus all the mechanical parts. Whereas a replacement motor alone new is around £800, battery £500, though I'm sure I'd find discounted ones. A good idea of yours!

 

[zbikeman]

I bought a used 2022 Vado SL 4.0 a few months ago, after owning a Sirrus X 5.0 with Future Shock and liking it. For whatever reason, I thought upgrading the Vado SL 4.0 to a Future Shock fork wouldn't be difficult.

Turns out I was mistaken. The Vado SL 4.0 fork is a very nonstandard 12x110 boost (not Future Shock compatible), whereas the Vado SL 5.0 fork with Future Shock is 12x100 non-boost.

I could find a used Vado SL 5.0 fork and then install with a Future Shock, but that would be quite expensive. Probably close to $1K USD if I did it myself. That's a bit cost-prohibitive.

This turns out to be a big deal for me. I'm not a fan of the 4.0's aluminum fork. It is fairly harsh next to my Sirrus X 5.0 Future Shock 1.0 fork.

I also run a short extension 40mm Specialized stem, so Redshift won't work for me. Their shortest stem now is 55mm, but it's only for road bars. 80mm is the shortest for 22.2 bars as of this moment.

I wish I would have done more research before getting the 4.0. If I had realized I was buying into a nonstandard fork, would have waited for a 5.0.

So I understand your frustration with the nonstandard wheel size on the Vado SL 4.0. Kind of odd they went with such a weird size. Doesn't make upgrading any easier.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

It's so good to hear from you Doug after such a long time! I'm sure your decisions are justified and practicable. Are you swapping only because of the High-Step frame of your existing e-bike?
(Sometimes, I would appreciate the Step-Through frame as well!)

The Vado SL 4.0 fork is a very nonstandard 12x110 boost (not Future Shock compatible), whereas the Vado SL 5.0 fork with Future Shock is 12x100 non-boost.

Not what I see on Specialized website:

I think both SL 4.0 and 5.0 share the Boost hub.

 

[rochrunner]

Turns out I was mistaken. The Vado SL 4.0 fork is a very nonstandard 12x110 boost (not Future Shock compatible), whereas the Vado SL 5.0 fork with Future Shock is 12x100 non-boost.

The front hub on the custom wheels that I had made for my 5.0 is 12x110.

 

[rochrunner]

It's so good to hear from you Doug after such a long time! I'm sure your decisions are justified and practicable. Are you swapping only because of the High-Step frame of your existing e-bike?
(Sometimes, I would appreciate the Step-Through frame as well!)

Yes, that's the reason. My group of regular riding friends is aging and I was there when one guy took a fall that in our younger years he would have jumped right up from. This time, he broke his hip pretty badly and is done permanently with riding. I don't want to end up that way! I posted here previously about my bike-mounting problems and I think this is the best and safest solution.

And I hate to say this, but (as you know via Strava) my old road bike is permanently on a smart trainer in my basement, and I've recently had trouble getting onto it even though it's stationary and fixed in place!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Take care Doug. Good talking to you!

 

[Mike TowpathTraveler]

Would a mountain bike-style seat dropper post help?

 

[mschwett]

I've been perfectly happy with my Vado SL 5.0 and envisioned riding it indefinitely; at 80yo my bicycle adventuring days are behind me and I'm mainly interested in just enjoying my rides. However, for various health and safety reasons, I would really be better off with a step-thru frame but have had trouble finding one that's suitable. I'm not going to detail my requirements since I'm not looking for brand/model suggestions here, but one of my biggest priorities was not adding much if any weight vs. the SL 5.0. There was a Trek bike that I was considering (FX+ 7S), but it has some possibly serious drawbacks, and the Vado SL 2 line has gone in a direction I'm not crazy about and weighs too much.

Anyway, it turned out that there are still some "old" SLs available, including a step-thru in the right size. The only issue is that it's a 4.0 so I'd be giving up a few features. Not having the FutureShock isn't a big deal since there's always the Redshift solution, but I think I would really miss my Mastermind TCU and its MicroTune feature. However, I checked with the LBS and they've done a number of these conversions so it will be no big deal.

The huge plus factor for me is that all of my modifications and add-ons can be swapped right over from the 5.0. For example, my Redshift seat post is exactly the right diameter and all of my "handlebar hardware" items will fit the same. The biggest carry-over would be the $1K+ custom wheels with Onyx Vesper hubs that are still almost new; their boost hubs are not compatible with the SL 2 or any of the other bikes I've considered, but of course an easy swap to the NOS bike. I also have a barely-used extender battery that, again, will carry right over.

So when I went to the dealer I found that they don't draw from the same inventory as the "web store" does and they could only find the same model in XL. So I returned home and easily ordered it online. Looks like I have some (enjoyable) work ahead of me to swap all the parts around, returning my 5.0 to its original configuration and getting my new one ready to go.

View attachment 204432

great project! is that the color you're getting? love it.

if you really wanted to... you could switch the mastermind over, no?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Would a mountain bike-style seat dropper post help?

Doug has got a perfect and expensive Redshift suspension seatpost. I do understand his need for a lower top-tube. I still can throw my leg over a High-Step frame of my Vado SL but I found it problematic when wearing heavy winter clothing. I have also found it difficult to dismount my e-bike in slippery conditions, too. As we get older, the step-through or low step frame becomes priceless!