Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 IGH Step-through: Checklist for LBS assembly and setup?

[Kalyx]

Hello everyone,

I ordered a Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 IGH Step-through that'll be arriving to the LBS for assembly likely within a couple of days. I'm going to ask them to setup it up as much as possible, since I'll be comparing it to a Turbo Vado 4.0 that I already bought and will only have about 6-7 days of overlap before the 30-day return window ends on the 4.0. Thus, I will need the 5.0 IGH to be as "ride ready" as possible so I can get a good sense of it and determine which is the best fit for me!

Here's my checklist of what I think I should ask about (I imagine they'd do all this anyhow, but I want to make sure I communicate accordingly just in case):
-firmware update to Enviolo hub
-adjusting Gates belt drive tension
-setup front suspension fork

Is there anything else you think would be worthwhile for me to ask the LBS about? I plan to do a quick test-ride there before taking it home.

Thank you!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Get your tyres properly inflated first. You wouldn't believe how often an LBS forgets about doing it!

 

[Te. S]

My suggestion Make sure you get fitted to the bike, seat post hight the bolt is tricky and handel bar positioning

 

[leifg]

Those are all good. Regarding belt tension, have them error on lower vs higher tension. I run mine at ~35 if I recall, which is the low end of spec. You may have a hard time reaching lower cadences if tension is too high. Next step if you have cadence issues is a 22T rear cog (yours may already have that...), but this is beyond set up.

Make sure brake pads aren't rubbing as well and the headlight isn't aimed too high (headlight is very easy to adjust, but if you don't you may anger some drivers...actually I need to tighten mine because it keeps drifting upwards)

 

[PedalUma]

That is one sweet ride. Did it arrive yet and how do you love it?

 

[Kalyx]

Those are all good. Regarding belt tension, have them error on lower vs higher tension. I run mine at ~35 if I recall, which is the low end of spec. You may have a hard time reaching lower cadences if tension is too high. Next step if you have cadence issues is a 22T rear cog (yours may already have that...), but this is beyond set up.

Make sure brake pads aren't rubbing as well and the headlight isn't aimed too high (headlight is very easy to adjust, but if you don't you may anger some drivers...actually I need to tighten mine because it keeps drifting upwards)

Thank you for this! Fortunately I have a naturally high-ish cadence, around 85-90, but the downside here is that I live in a VERY hilly area, so I’m contemplating switching to a 24T rear sprocket to get a lower gear for my monster hills (even if it’s a small difference, it’ll likely still be appreciable).

 

[Kalyx]

That is one sweet ride. Did it arrive yet and how do you love it?

Oh it is niiiiiice! It was definitely a little odd at first, but after a few weeks of use, I find the automatic shifting just mind-blowing and amazingly smooth! The four-piston brakes are amazing and definitely felt like a major upgrade over the two-piston ones on the Turbo Vado 4.0 that I also tried. The only two things I might change on the bike so far are to go to a 24T rear sprocket for a slightly lower bottom gear because I have extremely hilly commutes and different handlebars or a riser to get the handlebar just a weeeee bit higher and closer to me.

But basically I’m just so impressed with the technology! It really does feel like a paradigm shift. What really sold me on it was riding around in very heavy rain with some unusually inattentive drivers, I felt *safer* being able to dedicate 100% of my focus on the cars and road around me rather than having to think about shifting!

 

[Seventysomething]

Oh it is niiiiiice! It was definitely a little odd at first, but after a few weeks of use, I find the automatic shifting just mind-blowing and amazingly smooth! The four-piston brakes are amazing and definitely felt like a major upgrade over the two-piston ones on the Turbo Vado 4.0 that I also tried. The only two things I might change on the bike so far are to go to a 24T rear sprocket for a slightly lower bottom gear because I have extremely hilly commutes and different handlebars or a riser to get the handlebar just a weeeee bit higher and closer to me.

But basically I’m just so impressed with the technology! It really does feel like a paradigm shift. What really sold me on it was riding around in very heavy rain with some unusually inattentive drivers, I felt *safer* being able to dedicate 100% of my focus on the cars and road around me rather than having to think about shifting!

So the new model has the 22T cog? can you confirm that, it’s been a debate here since the auto shift came out in 2022 with the 24T…. I changed mine to the 22T last May, just know it will make more than a little difference, ghost pedaling stopped with the 22T and speed over about 25mph or so your cadence will be near or above 100, the 24T will make it easier on hills, if you decide to change get the stainless steel version, most now are aluminum. Enjoy your ride

 

[Kalyx]

So the new model has the 22T cog? can you confirm that, it’s been a debate here since the auto shift came out in 2022 with the 24T…. I changed mine to the 22T last May, just know it will make more than a little difference, ghost pedaling stopped with the 22T and speed over about 25mph or so your cadence will be near or above 100, the 24T will make it easier on hills, if you decide to change get the stainless steel version, most now are aluminum. Enjoy your ride

Thank you for your impressions! Yes, the 2023 model comes with the 22T (https://www.specialized.com/us/en/turbo-vado-50-igh-step-through/p/275166?color=431496-275166). It is also UL-certified, which is important for my work since I keep it inside my office

 

[Seventysomething]

Would you mind counting the teeth, I pulled the same page up for someone earlier this summer, when he asked the Specialized he was told that was a misprint…. Thanks

 

[geysir]

Oh it is niiiiiice! It was definitely a little odd at first, but after a few weeks of use, I find the automatic shifting just mind-blowing and amazingly smooth! The four-piston brakes are amazing and definitely felt like a major upgrade over the two-piston ones on the Turbo Vado 4.0 that I also tried. The only two things I might change on the bike so far are to go to a 24T rear sprocket for a slightly lower bottom gear because I have extremely hilly commutes and different handlebars or a riser to get the handlebar just a weeeee bit higher and closer to me.

But basically I’m just so impressed with the technology! It really does feel like a paradigm shift. What really sold me on it was riding around in very heavy rain with some unusually inattentive drivers, I felt *safer* being able to dedicate 100% of my focus on the cars and road around me rather than having to think about shifting!

I put a short stem and slightly higher handlebars (55 mm rise) on mine. I have tried stem risers before but really prefer just getting higher handlebars.

 

[Kalyx]

Would you mind counting the teeth, I pulled the same page up for someone earlier this summer, when he asked the Specialized he was told that was a misprint…. Thanks

I’m sorry, I want to avoid opening up the hub if I can! But I did confirm with Specialized that the model I have—the 2023 UL-certified version—has 22T rear sprocket