Buying/Configuring a Vado

[California]

Have you changed up the zip code when you search? That's what I did when looking. And that's how I found the Davis store. I had to do a minor road trip to Davis myself. In some way. it made getting the bike more special and exciting but then I'm easily amused! Good luck......

No I didn't but it was giving me Fresno, Portland and Colorado!

But how does warranty work if you buy it at a store so far away that you don't want it serviced there?

 

[gpburdell]

It doesn't work that way. Out of the handful of links that are in there, most end up being a different type 4.0, IHG or something. It isn't a 1:1.

what you claim is opposite my personal experience

people are donating their free time trying to help you. don’t throw that back at them. nobody here (AFAIK) works for Specialized. We’re just friendly folks helping one another

I’m out. Good f’g luck dude.

 

[California]

what you claim is opposite my personal experience

people are donating their free time trying to help you. don’t throw that back at them. nobody here (AFAIK) works for Specialized. We’re just friendly folks helping one another

I’m out. Good f’g luck dude.

Gosh, believe me I did many searches and had no luck myself. Maybe others had better experiences. I am trying to be friendly and very much appreciate that advice. I didn't throw anything back. Literally the Carmel website links to a sidecar if you click.

 

[sanyata]

Warranty is through Specialized so most any store should take care of you. Also, there are Specialized centers run by them. I know there's one in Sac, SF and I think Santa Cruz. I bought a Levo two years ago from a different shop than where I have work done on it. Nice shop, nice people and never a bad vibe. I suppose a bike shop could be cantankerous about a bike not sold by them, but I'd bet that Specialized Support would help you out.

 

[sanyata]

Never felt like you were being negative, just trying to find a bike. Pay no attention to that person. We're both new here and simply trying to have a positive experience.

 

[California]

Never felt like you were being negative, just trying to find a bike. Pay no attention to that person. We're both new here and simply trying to have a positive experience.

Thank you for that. I found the specialized searching a bit challenging. I'm glad you found a bike that does appear to be in stock!

The system is a bit confusing to me with the mix of website sales, in store sales, and dealer sales.

 

[California]

FWIW I have a Vado 4.0 that I bought used for $2000 less than the Vado 5.0 which I’d planned to buy and frankly find the 4.0 gives more power than I need. Remember torque and power are related but different, power is the thing to focus on as well as magnification of rider input.

I’d see if you can locate a used Vado 4.0 and see if that doesn’t work for you. If not then keep it a year until a 5.0 shows up.

FYI a Garmin Varia RTL515 works great with my Vado 4.0

From https://support.specialized.com/turbovado/en/components-compatibility/turbo-system

you probably aren't here anymore but I do appreciate this post. I'm not too much of a spec person, but I did test the different motors on a step hill with a few different models. If I remember correctly as it was about a month ago, there was a large difference between 3.0 and 4.0. The 5.0 just had a fun punch that the 4.0 didn't that I could use on the short steep grades that I run into. I was testing them all in low gears (but different models aren't 1:1 of course) and the 5.0 had a level of 'fun' that the 4.0 didn't. I think the 4.0 would be fine for what 'I need' but these bikes are beyond the 'need stage' of course.

 

[sanyata]

A lot of the stores don't show their inventory. That Carmel store and the Santa Cruz store both show bikes in stock on the Specialized site but their own sites don't list inventory of any of their bikes. If those are closer for you, give them a call tomorrow to confirm. I think it comes down to how much the stores spend on their web site and how active they want to be on constantly updating them.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Since Tero and Vado have the same frame, do I just swap the handlebars on the Tero for the Vado handlebars? I think the handlebars being farther out was where I felt the difference. My arms are a bit shorter than average for my height. Then pay a bit more to get the fender and rack and I have the Vado that I wanted in the first place. Does that make sense?

You can actually replace the Tero handlebars with any standard flat handlebars of the diameter at stem of 31.8 mm. Some people just trim their bars to the preferred length. Only enough of real estate needs to be left at the bars to accommodate the grips, brake levers, the shifter (at the right hand side), the remote (at the left hand side). Nice if you could find some space for a bell, too.

The issue with the real estate on the bars is you have to mount all the parts in the grip area of 22.2 mm diameter, which is limited in length.

(You would install a Wahoo mount near to the stem -- at the 31.8 mm part -- so that doesn't matter).

 

[California]

I had some interesting new thoughts pop into my head with the tradeoffs between the 4.0 and the 5.0 motors. The 4.0 due to its lower torque effectively has a longer range. My typical ride is about 15 miles includes significant elevation change maybe averaging 800' (can vary from 300' to 1500'), so I was focusing a bit on this that I didn't need more range. But I think it would be fun to do a long climb like some of the bigger mountains now that I could be assisted, so then range would be a factor.

The second thought was that for all the bikes I test rode in all brands, I tried them in 'off' mode. I found even ECO type modes there was always a bit more pedal assist than I like on the flats. So I'm a bit concerned with having increased torque when I don't want to (but I did not compare this low end scenario on my various rides). Nor do I know how low one can configure the computer.

The third thought is that I now ride a recumbent where you cannot stand up and pedal. So when you hit the long 17% grade the only option is to walk to bike up the hill, which was a real drag when I had clip on shoes. Perhaps I could even get up my hill with a 3.0 if I stood up while pedaling on a normal bike? Even worst case scenario the walk mode would push the bike itself up the hill.

Next up in thoughts is to explore alternative handlebars options. Thanks for the info @Stefan Mikes

I'm now leaning towards a custom 4.0 Vado where I put in the Tero 5.0 granny gears, some in-between tires and perhaps a handlebar that is just either a 1-2" taller or wider.

I so appreciate the help!

 

[Nubnub]

I
The second thought was that for all the bikes I test rode in all brands, I tried them in 'off' mode. I found even ECO type modes there was always a bit more pedal assist than I like on the flats. So I'm a bit concerned with having increased torque when I don't want to (but I did not compare this low end scenario on my various rides). Nor do I know how low one can configure the computer.

One good thing about Specialized bikes is that you can customize assist levels thru the Mission Control app. So if ECO is too much assist with the default setting (I believe it is usually around 30-35%), you can reduce it to suit your needs. Newer bikes with Mastermind controls allow you to adjust assist in 10% increments on the fly - so you could use this feature to figure out what assistance levels you'd want instead of the defaults. So you should be able to tune the 5.0 to lower assist/increase potential range. If money is not a critical factor, I'd still go with the 5.0 as it can be detuned as necessary and still retain full power for fun factor rides. Plus the 5.0 will have better components.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I'm now leaning towards a custom 4.0 Vado where I put in the Tero 5.0 granny gears

You certainly mean Tero X 6.0 gears. You cannot do it as Tero X 6.0 is using a 12-speed cassette but Tero 5.0 and Vado use a 11-speed cassette. The difference is as fundamental as it is not doable. However, you can easily replace the chainring in Vado 4.0 with a 38 or 36T one to change nature of the drivetrain from "commuter" to "alpine"

Now, it is not the stronger motor is automatically less economical then the weaker one. Think of two cars of the same make/model equipped with modern engines of different capacity. The bigger motor allows you accelerate faster and possibly get at a higher speed, especially uphill. However, when you are driving either of them at the same speed on the flat, each of them basically consumes the same amount of gasoline per mile.

More Newton-meters means higher Motor Peak Power. You simply have more power "under the hood". However, Specialized assistance tuning that allows you set Assistance Factor (mechanical Watts of the motor per Watts of you leg power) and Max Motor Power limiter will control how much of energy is taken from the battery. For instance 35/35% assistance on my 90 Nm Vado 6.0 gives approximately the same performance and battery consumption as 80/80% setting on my 35 Nm Vado SL. You are free to set the assistance as you please, especially with the MicroTune feature of the new Mastermind e-bikes (you are tuning the motor with buttons as you ride). (Thank you @Nubnub for your post!)

But with the 90 Nm, a press on the Turbo button uphill would be a pleasant surprise for you. Just because you would have 565 W of mechanical power under the hood (about 715 W of electrical power), and 4.1x Assistance Factor.

The third thought is that I now ride a recumbent where you cannot stand up and pedal. So when you hit the long 17% grade the only option is to walk to bike up the hill, which was a real drag when I had clip on shoes. Perhaps I could even get up my hill with a 3.0 if I stood up while pedaling on a normal bike? Even worst case scenario the walk mode would push the bike itself up the hill.

I am unable to stand out-of-saddle and pedal. I made all my most steep/long climbs on the Vado seated, Turbo, granny gear if needed. I need to mention I was even able to sing during one of my 19% Slovak climbs!

 

[dynamic]

@California

I am just going to chime in with my vote for the Tero X 6 and add the RTL515 radar to it. I have owned a vado, and it is a great bike, but when the going gets rougher/steeper here, it can still be a bit hard at rough high grade hills. Buy new handle bars and stem if you need to. If the price gets you, then the vado is great.

My wife is probably pulling the trigger on a como 5.0 soon. The differences between them come out in the terrain. All should be able to be made to fit you very well.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

and stem

Not. The Specialized stem is highly specialized Why should he replace a standard size stem in the first place? The handlebars replacement will do.

 

[dynamic]

Not. The Specialized stem is highly specialized Why should he replace a standard size stem in the first place? The handlebars replacement will do.

First thing my bike fitter replaced to adjust reach. But, yeah, it can be challenging on some specialized models. I still use that replacement stem on the FLX as it reduces reach significantly (in addition to different handle bars).

 

[Stefan Mikes]

First thing my bike fitter replaced to adjust reach. But, yeah, it can be challenging on some specialized models. I still use that replacement stem on the FLX as it reduces reach significantly (in addition to different handle bars).

The Specialized stem has the display and the headlight integrated into the steam. IMHO, the OP might try a smaller frame, and replace the bars.

 

[dynamic]

The Specialized stem has the display and the headlight integrated into the steam. IMHO, the OP might try a smaller frame, and replace the bars.

That’s annoying on the tero x. Wasn’t an issue on the vado.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Specialized always integrates the display (if present) into the stem.

Vado 5.0 IGH.

Moreover -- depending on the model -- the stem can be fairly weird Still, Specialized stems are A-Head standard and any 31.8 mm flat handlebars fit there.

 

[dynamic]

Specialized always integrates the display (if present) into the stem.
View attachment 151121
Vado 5.0 IGH.

Moreover -- depending on the model -- the stem can be fairly weird Still, Specialized stems are A-Head standard and any 31.8 mm flat handlebars fit there.

Not on my vado. The clamps just went around the stem but attached to the handlebar. It was a non-issue. Very easy.

 

[Jim in Central CA]

A lot of the stores don't show their inventory. That Carmel store and the Santa Cruz store both show bikes in stock on the Specialized site but their own sites don't list inventory of any of their bikes. If those are closer for you, give them a call tomorrow to confirm. I think it comes down to how much the stores spend on their web site and how active they want to be on constantly updating them.

I don't have any experience with the Carmel store but I always make it a point to stop by Work Horse Bikes when I am in Monterey. It is downtown so parking can be a challenge, but they always have a good selection of inventory available and the staff seems to know their stuff, so I recommend Work Horse if you are in the area. Their address is 486 Washington Street, Monterey.