Specialized never makes things easy for me...

[rochrunner]

...in that they never seem to have the exact combination of features that I'm looking for. I've pretty well decided to change my Vado 4.0 for a Vado SL 5.0 some time between now and the beginning of next year's season, the timing being more than a little dependent on what my LBS can get in stock. Before buying the Vado 4, I had described my ideal e-bike as "my Crosstrail with a motor". At the time, the regular Vado was as close as I could find as far as geometry is concerned, but the weight meant that I couldn't have the same fun with it in some conditions as with a much lighter, more flickable bike, and it had a lot more power than I really needed.

After seeing and taking a ride on a Vado SL 4.0 a few weeks ago I can say that it truly is a Crosstrail replacement for me and in fact feels pretty much identical with the mode set to Off and even weighs about the same! I decided on the SL 5.0 because I like the idea of the extra gearing and the front shock, and had also decided on the non-EQ version since I don't need fenders, would like to use a rack of my choice, and it has more suitable tires for the unpaved surfaces that I am often on (Pathfinder vs Nimbus).

When the step-thru (ST) models were recently introduced, I started seriously thinking of going that route until I saw that Specialized had done it to me again: there is not a non-EQ version of the 5.0 ST! They have a non-EQ 4.0 ST, but for some strange reason not in 5.0 form. So my decision now is to stick with the regular-frame SL 5.0 or get the SL 5.0 ST EQ, then remove the fenders and rack and change the tires, which is like throwing away $100 worth of stuff and spending an extra $100.

Why don't they consult with me before making product decisions like this??

 

[Amoto65]

Aren't first world problems a bitch

 

[Deacon Blues]

They consulted me and I said, "We don't need no stinkin non-EQ version of the 5.0ST!"
Joking aside, you'll probably have to buy the SL 5.0 ST EQ and make the changes to suit you. If you do, I'm recommend selling the fenders, rack, and tires to recoop some of your $$ outlay, or put them in storage so they can be installed back on the bike when, somewhere down the road, you sell the bike.

 

[jodi2]

I didn't know until 1minute ago that there is no SL ST 5.0 non-EQ...

I think you can recover some of the money quite easily with offering EQ fenders and rack on ebay or similiar platforms. Surely there are others with non-EQ which realized later that they need that parts or they see your offer and order non-EQ version and feel happy that they saved $100 or $150...

But for the suspension you can go also a different way, which is more flexible and cheaper.

ShockStop Suspension Stem

The minimal design of the ShockStop Stem blends seamlessly with the aesthetic of modern bikes, while reducing fatigue and strain. Along with the ShockStop Suspension Seatpost, this system works together to suspend the rider and smooth out rough terrain on the bike you already own, making your...

redshiftsports.com

I don't have own experiences with it, but several Vado SL 4.0 owner here use it and I guess the supsension effect will be similiar to FutureShock. Apart from the price it's also much lighter and - that would be the main advantage for me, it's more flexible and "safer" regarding frame lifetime and maintenance: If you don't like or don't need the supsension anymore, you just take it off and throw it away. But if you future Shock system inside the frame is making trouble, you are forced to repair it and maybe for a lot of money.

 

[rochrunner]

I didn't know until 1minute ago that there is no SL ST 5.0 non-EQ...

I think you can recover some of the money quite easily with offering EQ fenders and rack on ebay or similiar platforms. Surely there are others with non-EQ which realized later that they need that parts or they see your offer and order non-EQ version and feel happy that they saved $100 or $150...

But for the suspension you can go also a different way, which is more flexible and cheaper.

ShockStop Suspension Stem

The minimal design of the ShockStop Stem blends seamlessly with the aesthetic of modern bikes, while reducing fatigue and strain. Along with the ShockStop Suspension Seatpost, this system works together to suspend the rider and smooth out rough terrain on the bike you already own, making your...

redshiftsports.com

I don't have own experiences with it, but several Vado SL 4.0 owner here use it and I guess the supsension effect will be similiar to FutureShock. Apart from the price it's also much lighter and - that would be the main advantage for me, it's more flexible and "safer" regarding frame lifetime and maintenance: If you don't like or don't need the supsension anymore, you just take it off and throw it away. But if you future Shock system inside the frame is making trouble, you are forced to repair it and maybe for a lot of money.

That's an idea. I am very happy with their ShockStop seat post and now have that on three of our bikes. At least I have time to make the decision.

 

[Oberst]

Check mounting options for a rack!