New Vado 5

[DanInStPete]

After 5 months of agonizing over what type and which bike to buy I landed on the Turbo Vado 5.

I made a few changes, including Panaracer Gravel King gumwalls running tubeless.

No issues but just got started. Holding out hope I have good luck with it. My initial impressions are smooth, QUIET, tight, responsive. I think I'm going to like it very much...

 

[Nxkharra]

Great looking bike. I have one just like this also 2020 Vado 5.
I see your seat post and handlebar extension.
please provide info and your review on how they work.
I also see that you have removed the rear fenders and carrier. Reason?
Looks sporty and simply good.
Is this a 2020 model. Did you change location of front light?

 

[Mulezen]

I’m trying to decide between the Vado 5 and the Trek Allant9s...I have a Super Commuter7 and want to upgrade to class three. I need local LBS support. I read on here of problems and strengths of both. Why did you two pick the Vado?

 

[DanInStPete]

I was between both as well, and also the Allant 8. My main problem with the Allant 9 is that there is no option for front suspension, not even a stem. I considered doing it anyway but I just don't want that jarring on my wrists - I find it uncomfortable.

I seriously considered buying the 8 and adding a suspension fork. I could have done that for less than the Vado 5 but it would have been hassle. I also don't like the silver color.

I went into a local Trek store to talk about some options and didn't really like the shop. My Specialized dealer I already have a relationship with (this is my 3rd bike from them) and there is value in that.

I'm only a few days in but I'm happy with the decision. I'm really impressed with the bike, particularly the quietness and smoothness of the motor (which it is known for).

 

[DanInStPete]

Great looking bike. I have one just like this also 2020 Vado 5.
I see your seat post and handlebar extension.
please provide info and your review on how they work.
I also see that you have removed the rear fenders and carrier. Reason?
Looks sporty and simply good.
Is this a 2020 model. Did you change location of front light?

Thank you. The seat post is a Cane Creek Thudbuster ST. I've used their products on several bikes and I like them. I have not tried a Kinect, but I'm happy with the ST and it's much cheaper so that works for me. The grips are Ergons.

I don't commute, only ride for pleasure, exploring and exercise. If I carry anything I put it in a backpack. Getting rid of the rack saves a bit of weight, but to be honest it's mostly vanity. I like sexy bikes, and that rack is (meaning the rack on the Vado in general) NOT sexy to me

It is a 2020 and that is the light that came with it. I have noticed it is different from others...

 

[Mulezen]

Thanks...I’m back and forth...there is one thread on cabling/shifter problems with the Trek 9, and other threads on Brose which bother me. I did stop in a different LBS(Carytown Bikes) recently primarily to see if they serviced the Trek SC7. I stopped since the store I bought it at seems clueless about a firmware update. I had a good long conversation with someone who did know what she was talking about. They sell both Trek and Specialized. She leaned towards the Trek9 mainly because the shop has had communication problems with Brose. On the other hand Nxharra’s trunk bag sure looks fine.

 

[DanInStPete]

It’s a tough call for sure. If I’d had a better experience the day I went to the Trek shop I might have the 9. I also was concerned about some of the Brose threads, particularly the guy who replaced his motor 4 times. However, they replaced his bike with a 2020 and he has like 3,500 trouble-free miles (apparently Brose fixed a problem with the belts).

I DO like the Trek option of the additional battery, though I probably don’t really need it at this time.

If I were commuting or backpacking that trunk bag would definitely be the ticket. Maybe one day...

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I use Ortlieb E-Mate pannier with my Vado 5.0 as it has a sexy look; and I hate my back sweating under the backpack. Just saying Besides, removing the rear fender with carrier and thus removing the registration plate and the all-day rear light would be illegal in my country.

Congratulations @DanInStPete and I wish you great pleasure riding your new bike!

 

[Ebiker01]

I use Ortlieb E-Mate pannier with my Vado 5.0 as it has a sexy look; and I hate my back sweating under the backpack. Just saying Besides, removing the rear fender with carrier and thus removing the registration plate and the all-day rear light would be illegal in my country.

Congratulations @DanInStPete and I wish you great pleasure riding your new bike!

What Ulock is that ? It looks massive.

You Need a seatpost suspension on that sexy Vado. Are the roads really good over there ?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

What Ulock is that ? It looks massive.

It's a Kryptonite Keeper, model 2013

You Need a seatpost suspension on that sexy Vado. Are the roads really good over there ?

Surprisingly, I feel no need for a suspended seat. The Vado geometry plus 2" tires do miracles together. My other bike equipped with a cheap front shock and a suspension seatpost feels less comfy on the same roads. Regarding the road quality you might be really positively surprised. Poland has unbelievable number of new roads and bike lanes thanks to smart participation in the EU. For example, we have many new motorways and expressways around Warsaw now. Each new principal road needs secondary roads. These are new, perfect and no traffic there at all. You can zoom for many kilometres on roads that seem to be made just for you and your speed bike. Even village roads are mostly new and of high quality. I can say it for at least the Masovian voivodship where I live.

However, I was trying some offroad rides, too. My surprise was even bigger. Where my other bike shakes to the level my hands and head get sick from vibrations (gravel roads, for instance) the very same Vado rides smoothly. Strange but I attribute that to the bike geometry and the tires.

 

[Rob NJ]

Thanks...I’m back and forth...there is one thread on cabling/shifter problems with the Trek 9, and other threads on Brose which bother me. I did stop in a different LBS(Carytown Bikes) recently primarily to see if they serviced the Trek SC7. I stopped since the store I bought it at seems clueless about a firmware update. I had a good long conversation with someone who did know what she was talking about. They sell both Trek and Specialized. She leaned towards the Trek9 mainly because the shop has had communication problems with Brose. On the other hand Nxharra’s trunk bag sure looks fine.

Hi, I am one of the people that just bought the Allant 9.9 and have concerns with the shifter. I am pretty convinced that it is just a much tighter spring than the previous version of Shimano shifters on the Trek SC 8. My wife’ SC 8 is sitting next to my new bike so I can compare. LBS was great and we determined there is no friction in the cabling, so has to be the shifter. I think now it is not a defect but just the way the new shifter for Shimano was designed. It is a mountain bike setup and quite rugged. Going to run it for a few weeks and see how I like it. If the tighter springs is not to my liking, then I will figure something out with Shimano. Don’t want you to have The wrong impression.

FWIW, in my two years with my SC8+, I never felt the need for a seat suspension or front forks. Perhaps I just have a hard a$$. I did buy a Kinect for my wife this Christmas. I do think the big tires help. We ride longer recreation rides.

 

[DanInStPete]

I edited my former post to clarify what I meant about the rear rack - what I meant was that I don't prefer the look of the rack and rear fender on the Vado in general, NOT that there is anything wrong with Nxkharra's bike. Certainly it is very functional and useful, and if I need it at some point I'll put it back on.

@Stefan Mikes thank you, I'm really liking it. But I wish mine was the color of yours! I love that grey color...

@Rob NJ I always wanted a Super Commuter 8+, Trek really nailed it with that bike. What are your thoughts on the new Bosh motor?

 

[Rob NJ]

Definitely smoother, quieter and ”torquier” Seems to have a lot less drag when pedaling without the motor. Since it is winter here in NJ I have not been able to ride much. Next couple of weeks we are driving to FL. More later... By the way, we have a VRBO rented on Grove St in St Pete for 10 days. We will be riding all over the area. Meet us at a brewery and you can take a spin If you want.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

It's a pity two great speed bikes, Trek Super Commuter 8+ and BH Nitro have been discontinued. There are not many classy speed bikes left unless we are talking expensive and heavy Riese & Muller. Oh yes, Haibike has some but I dislike the frame shape of that brand.

Did you ever wonder what's happened to bright, colourful painting of bikes? Whites or greys or blacks are dominating the market now. I envy owners of high-end Turbo Levos their bike colours... Why did Specialized stop painting Vados in reds or blues is a mystery for me. I personally dream of a yellow-black bike.

 

[Rob NJ]

It's a pity two great speed bikes, Trek Super Commuter 8+ and BH Nitro have been discontinued. There are not many classy speed bikes left unless we are talking expensive and heavy Riese & Muller. Oh yes, Haibike has some but I dislike the frame shape of that brand.

Did you ever wonder what's happened to bright, colourful painting of bikes? Whites or greys or blacks are dominating the market now. I envy owners of high-end Turbo Levos their bike colours... Why did Specialized stop painting Vados in reds or blues is a mystery for me. I personally dream of a yellow-black bike.

Well, there is a very good chance that I might like my Allant better than my SC 8+! It seems easier to pedal under no power, has a nicely integrated battery, stronger and quieter motor. We shall see. If I get used to the spring on the shifter or change it, I think it will be better than my SC. Will certainly be comparing them in the future! Especially since my wife is still riding the SC8+. By the way Stefan, we lived in Amsterdam for 4 years, and I rode my bike to work every day! Miss Europe (lived 15 years in DE, CH, NL, and UK over the last 33 years) and the great bike ways in the Netherlands. Merry Christmas.

 

[fooferdoggie]

It's a pity two great speed bikes, Trek Super Commuter 8+ and BH Nitro have been discontinued. There are not many classy speed bikes left unless we are talking expensive and heavy Riese & Muller. Oh yes, Haibike has some but I dislike the frame shape of that brand.

Did you ever wonder what's happened to bright, colourful painting of bikes? Whites or greys or blacks are dominating the market now. I envy owners of high-end Turbo Levos their bike colours... Why did Specialized stop painting Vados in reds or blues is a mystery for me. I personally dream of a yellow-black bike.

They will bring colors back so they can sell new models. My bulls is a great commuter bike nice and fast.

 

[Rick53]

I’m trying to decide between the Vado 5 and the Trek Allant9s...I have a Super Commuter7 and want to upgrade to class three. I need local LBS support. I read on here of problems and strengths of both. Why did you two pick the Vado?

If you are a taller person The vado to me anyway feels more roomy : It's also more comfortable Ride position : I haven't purchased yet : But likely at 6'0 tall will go Vado. The Alliant feels like the Trek FX which was just to compact feeling : The Vado is more of a Dual Sport feel from a size point

 

[Mulezen]

I’m 6’2”...I do like my Trek SC7, and I like what I’m hearing here about the new Bosch motor. Still the usable rack on the Vado, and front suspension I think are deciding factors. I did consider the rail extender with extra battery but my longest rides in the SC are a pedestrian 30 miles...so I’ll get the Vado and with the 10% store credit also have something to put down on a Verve for GF

 

[Ebiker01]

BH Nitro have been discontinued.

You’r probably the only one here who mentioned this secret gem . I know back home (I’m also from there ! ) people know about Bh.

The Nitro 2019 one Is much better then the Trek. I put a 52t ring in front and it does 29-31mph !! Can’t do that on a Trek.

Also The warranty is very good- 5years and zero technical issues.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The Nitro 2019 one Is much better then the Trek.

I wonder why the BH web site does not mention Nitro. Discontinued for good? It was one of my very few candidates against Vado but I couldn't buy it.

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