Hello and an ebike question for Specialize riders

[EBiker2022]

Hi. This is my first post. I recently found out the motor in my Specialized Como 4.0 is completely shot so I'm researching a new ebike.

I went to the bike store for test rides today and enjoyed riding the Specialized Turbo Valdo SL 4.0. I really like how light weight it is! It doesn't have the sheer power of the Como, but it makes up for it by being extremely nimble.

I bike to work and back every day in busy city traffic, so I'm looking for a good commuter bike. With the elevator work currently going on in my building, having a lighter bike that I can carry up and down stairs will be a major plus. I'm looking to spend under $5,000, so this is definitely in my price range. And it comes in a small size, so another plus.

Thought I'd ask the ebike community if anyone has any experience with this ebike.

Thank you.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The Vado SL community members can be met in this thread:

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

I had never believed in the whole Specialized SL thing until I could ride an SL myself. My bad legs can deliver 70-80 W on average (with short burst of far more if I have to). I have got used to the "full power" modern e-bikes, the 24 kg (or heavier), mid-motor, and integrated removable battery...

electricbikereview.com

Feel free to ask any questions there.

 

[EBiker2022]

Thanks, @Stefan Mikes. I'll head over there now.

 

[MBC]

Hi. This is my first post. I recently found out the motor in my Specialized Como 4.0 is completely shot so I'm researching a new ebike.

I went to the bike store for test rides today and enjoyed riding the Specialized Turbo Valdo SL 4.0. I really like how light weight it is! It doesn't have the sheer power of the Como, but it makes up for it by being extremely nimble.

I bike to work and back every day in busy city traffic, so I'm looking for a good commuter bike. With the elevator work currently going on in my building, having a lighter bike that I can carry up and down stairs will be a major plus. I'm looking to spend under $5,000, so this is definitely in my price range. And it comes in a small size, so another plus.

Thought I'd ask the ebike community if anyone has any experience with this ebike.

Thank you.

Hi there,
I too chose this bike for the weight and small size. My first choice bike wasn’t available til spring and I wanted to start riding now, so I had to upgrade to the Specialized.
I am really enjoying getting back into what was my passion 40 years ago, and today was even musing on rebuilding my old bike!
I have set the intention to commute the 19 km to & fro work by bike once per week, and so far so good. My route is mostly gravel path, and the bike handles very well. I am happy with lower power as I want to increase some increase my fitness.
The bike certainly isn’t perfect. I think Specialized has cut corners in a few places. The rack is a poorly designed disappointment, the app sometimes doesn’t record the whole trip, the Turbo Connect display has to be purchased separately, the pedals are cheap, and it’s unnecessary for the lights to always be on…
Im picky, though all in all I’m still happy w my purchase.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

the Turbo Connect display has to be purchased separately

It is because you have the choice not to buy the TCD but connect a Garmin Edge or Wahoo ELEMNT instead. The bike GPS computer I mentioned not only connects to your Turbo e-bike, not only provides GPS navigation but also registers your trips flawlessly. (Compared to the bike GPS computer, the TCD costs dimes).

the pedals are cheap

The most expensive bikes come without pedals whatsoever as the pedals belong to the personal "contact points" of the rider with the bike (the others are the saddle and handlebar grips). The pedals are the first thing to be replaced on any bike.

The rack is poorly designed

How comes I've never noticed that for more than a year?! And trust me, I'm a picky person.

it’s unnecessary for the lights to always be on…

It is for you to be seen. It increases your survival chances. The battery draw for the lights is symbolic because of efficient LEDs.

Congratulations on your new ride!

 

[MBC]

It is because you have the choice not to buy the TCD but connect a Garmin Edge or Wahoo ELEMNT instead. The bike GPS computer I mentioned not only connects to your Turbo e-bike, not only provides GPS navigation but also registers your trips flawlessly. (Compared to the bike GPS computer, the TCD costs dimes).


The most expensive bikes come without pedals whatsoever as the pedals belong to the personal "contact points" of the rider with the bike (the others are the saddle and handlebar grips). The pedals are the first thing to be replaced on any bike.



How comes I've never noticed that for more than a year?! And trust me, I'm a picky person.

It is for you to be seen. It increases your survival chances. The battery draw for the lights is symbolic because of efficient LEDs.

Congratulations on your new ride!

Pedals are already replaced with clipless.
I’m fine with the saddle and grips for now. Next expenditure is for a new rain jacket and panniers.

Rack has lost a nut from the front rack-fender attachment, and the rear rack-fender attachment keeps rattling loose. Locktight application next, after I find a replacement nut. Damn nuisance to tighten every few rides. (My commute is on gravel).

The 5.0 SL light has an off switch I believe, so this isn’t Specialized trying to keep us safe, it’s about cost.

The detachable TCD should come with the bike if it costs dimes. I have no need for something fancier.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The 5.0 SL light has an off switch I believe, so this isn’t Specialized trying to keep us safe, it’s about cost.

Has it?

The detachable TCD should come with the bike if it costs dimes. I have no need for something fancier.

Should it? There is no rule a bike should be equipped with a display. MC app works as a display, too. And there is the TCU with battery and assistance levels.

My TCD is collecting dust in a drawer.

Sorry to hear about your rack issues. My rack is flawless. I typically carry groceries in panniers attached to the Racktime rack.