Specialized Turbo Vado/Como/Tero/Tero X User Club
- Thread starter Stefan Mikes
- Start date
Sierratim
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Nevada City, CA & Paradise Valley, AZ
It really depends on what feels best for you. My wife and test rode both and went with the Vado. The fit was quite similar to our Cannondale Quick mech bikes which we enjoy riding in our 70's.
I'd recommend a couple of test rides, perhaps even a day rental.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
No doubt Como has more upright position, and even if there is no suspension fork in the U.S. version, the 2.4" tyres compensate that well. Several Allant+ models sport the rigid fork, too, and thick tyres.
Art Deco
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Selinsgrove Pennsylvania
A Como is a more comfortable bike for most people by a wide margin even with the fixed forks. Like riding a beach crusier vs riding a drop bar road bike. But it doesn't have the top class climbing ability of the Vados.
However, both bikes are way overkill for something that is mostly going to sit in the garage, and come out a few times a year for guests.
Is there a less expensive bike that will accept the same battery from your Alliant ? That way you can switch off batteries between them.
Mulezen
Well-Known Member
Some good points...the bike will sit idle more than I like though friends have been visiting me in the country (Covid). I’d hoped to provide my more ‘normal’ sized friends a healthy dose of what I’ve been riding & raving about.A Como is a more comfortable bike for most people by a wide margin even with the fixed forks. Like riding a beach crusier vs riding a drop bar road bike. But it doesn't have the top class climbing ability of the Vados.
However, both bikes are way overkill for something that is mostly going to sit in the garage, and come out a few times a year for guests.
Is there a less expensive bike that will accept the same battery from your Alliant ? That way you can switch off batteries between them.
With an undetermined frequency of use battery health would be easier with a Trek though I’m unsure the 500w battery will operate inside my Allant 9s’ down tube. I recognize the ‘overkill’ aspect but I have a $2200 store credit at the LBS (SC7 sale) and am itching to not burnish my reputation as a cheapskate.
Art Deco
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Selinsgrove Pennsylvania
I'm sorry I don't know that bike and battery. My Trek LBS only carries the Verves, AFAIK, so that's what I rode. Anyway, if you won't be able to use the battery on your bike, I would ask them to order a cheaper hub drive bike, with a throttle maybe, and a generic battery. If they aren't ebike riders, they are likely to love any ebike. I did anyway. Even a 70 pound tank of an ebike is pretty wonderful if you haven't ridden one. And you would still have $1000 credit for important stuff.
But your call, your money. I do think casual riders are going to dislike the Vado position and seat on short rides.
But your call, your money. I do think casual riders are going to dislike the Vado position and seat on short rides.
Dallant
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
My guess is that the RIB PowerTube batteries should all fit other RIB ebikes. Though I did find that they might need a bit of adjustment.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
My visit to the Specialized Warsaw showroom.
For the first time in my life, I had the chance to see all major Specialized e-bikes with my own eyes, and try some of them (but I didn't rent anything because of raining outside).
Impressions:
I will certainly give the Vado SL a chance, provided a dry, sunny day comes someday
For the first time in my life, I had the chance to see all major Specialized e-bikes with my own eyes, and try some of them (but I didn't rent anything because of raining outside).
Impressions:
- Turbo Como has been the most comfortable e-bike I had a chance to sit on. Ideal for the city and capable for excursions in easy terrain. Upright riding position, comfy saddle, possible not to get off the saddle on stops. The EU Como is very different from the NA version. Riders with short arms are recommended to get the size S for shorter reach.
- Turbo Vado SL is a dream e-bike for healthy people. Lightweight as the feather. For my inseam of 30", I would need the size S; the top tube is very high in the Vado SL. Comparing capabilities vs price, I would probably go for 4.0 EQ. (Who needs the 12-speed drive-train in the city located in the plains?) 4.0 is far cheaper than 5.0.
I will certainly give the Vado SL a chance, provided a dry, sunny day comes someday
Looks a great shop! And nice to see a Vado SL 5 all new and shiny. My 4.0 is not as shiny now though I spent a couple of hours yesterday getting the weekly accumulated mud off and degreasing the chain. Plus even though I've only done 700KM in the 6 weeks or so since I got it the rear brake pads need replacing. A lot of heavy braking on the hills. Loving the bike more and more. But Stefan be interested to know what you'll make of the weaker motor after your beast of a Vado. It might feel weirdly underpowered. At least it looks fairly flat there so it'll be on windy days you might find it underpowered. I like the relaxed & comfy look of the Como as well, like an old Toyota Landcruiser!. Would like to try one out some day. Maybe on holiday I might find a rental place that has them. If we get to travel again.My visit to the Specialized Warsaw showroom.
For the first time in my life, I had the chance to see all major Specialized e-bikes with my own eyes, and try some of them (but I didn't rent anything because of raining outside).
Impressions:
I didn't need to try other Specialized e-bikes. I know the regular Vado very well. Not interested in a road e-bike (Creo SL). Not interested in another e-MTB.
- Turbo Como has been the most comfortable e-bike I had a chance to sit on. Ideal for the city and capable for excursions in easy terrain. Upright riding position, comfy saddle, possible not to get off the saddle on stops. The EU Como is very different from the NA version. Riders with short arms are recommended to get the size S for shorter reach.
- Turbo Vado SL is a dream e-bike for healthy people. Lightweight as the feather. For my inseam of 30", I would need the size S; the top tube is very high in the Vado SL. Comparing capabilities vs price, I would probably go for 4.0 EQ. (Who needs the 12-speed drive-train in the city located in the plains?) 4.0 is far cheaper than 5.0.
I will certainly give the Vado SL a chance, provided a dry, sunny day comes someday
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
@Rás Cnoic,
I decidedly need to try the Vado SL out. I live in the plains, and the daily rental of the e-bike (28 quids) means nothing to me. My friend Anita has to give the Como a try, too! I'd love to ride with her around Warsaw. I only need to convince her spending more on Como 4.0 is worthwhile.
I decidedly need to try the Vado SL out. I live in the plains, and the daily rental of the e-bike (28 quids) means nothing to me. My friend Anita has to give the Como a try, too! I'd love to ride with her around Warsaw. I only need to convince her spending more on Como 4.0 is worthwhile.
Winter is a good time to plan for the year ahead. Thinking about what riding we'll all get up to in 2021. For me having never tried an emtb I notice that an mtb trail centre not too far away rents them out so I think over Christmas I might give one a go. I found myself on Thursday exploring a bridlepath on the Vado SL. I love doing this you never know what you'll find. They are always overgrown and here can be rocky and muddy. Well this one turned into muddy single track going uphill after a mile and rather then turn around and go back - mostly uphill anyway, i thought lets see how we get on - lowest gear and Sport mode and it was fantastic fun - the pathfinder 38s were buried in the mud and sjkidding all over the shop but the bike kept going - it was my first inkling what serious fun an emtb could bring!
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Mission Control Has Just Told Me...
...updates were waiting for my Vado at a local Specialized dealer. Now, I'm not fond of the original LBS that sold the Vado to me. Not enthusiastic enough as to say. I wrote a Facebook PM to Specialized Warsaw and despite they start working at noon, I got an invitation to see them as early as at 10 a.m. (!) They only ask me to bring the warranty card (so they're sure the bike was not a stolen one).
A long ride awaiting me then Much deserved!
By principal roads, 34 km, outbound ride.
The return via more interesting route with a little bit of easy off-road, 32 km.
Excited!
...updates were waiting for my Vado at a local Specialized dealer. Now, I'm not fond of the original LBS that sold the Vado to me. Not enthusiastic enough as to say. I wrote a Facebook PM to Specialized Warsaw and despite they start working at noon, I got an invitation to see them as early as at 10 a.m. (!) They only ask me to bring the warranty card (so they're sure the bike was not a stolen one).
A long ride awaiting me then
Much deserved!By principal roads, 34 km, outbound ride.
The return via more interesting route with a little bit of easy off-road, 32 km.
Excited!
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
The Vado Firmware Update Ride <-- click
Latest firmware versions:
The motor will stay on the old version. Not sure what part of the bike has been updated.
Latest firmware versions:
The motor will stay on the old version. Not sure what part of the bike has been updated.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
The only thing the technician was mystified about was the display! He didn't know he had to remove a screw to remove the TCD-W (he tried to twist the display out as it is done with the TCD). Once he recognised his mistake, he reached the USB port that was at the bottom of the display and all went well
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Not everyone here might have already heard the latest stories about my Vado.
During the last days of December, I had to ride in the rain to meet my yearly 5000 mile goal. When re-starting the ride, especially in puddles, I could hear nasty noise from the front wheel. With faster riding, the noise was not that brutal but it was still audible. On Sunday 3rd of January, I rode to my brother (the famous 70+ km route I so often take) for a diagnosis. Jacek's verdict was simple: "The bearings in the front wheel are destroyed. The seals don't hold anymore, so when rainwater and dirt get into the bearing, the noise is louder. I cannot help you this time because I miss the cap puller. I also cannot determine the bearing size without removing the cap. Go to the Specialized service this time. Next time, I will be able to do the replacement myself".
On Monday, boys at the Specialized Brand Store Warsaw welcomed me with open arms. Now I know the sealed ball bearings (in my specific/specialized heheh model) are MR 18307 (18x30x7 mm), and the Spesh boys used Enduro Bearings. I could collect the repaired wheel on the next day (today). I'm enchanted with the quality of the service and the personnel attitude at Specialized Warsaw!
The next issue detected by Jacek have been worn brake pads (almost new ones!) in the front brake. You know why? The bike mechanic in my town has turned out an incompetent person. Replacing brake pads is simple (5 minutes of work). However, the guy didn't make the most basic action: Adjustment. That way, one of the pads worked at an angle and wore out immediately. I swear: the local guy can only true a wheel, nothing else! Kill! Kill!
Riding to Jacek on Wednesday (Epiphany holiday in Poland) so my brother will replace the pads again (I've got spares) and will adjust the brake. I could do it myself but I love those brotherly rides!
During the last days of December, I had to ride in the rain to meet my yearly 5000 mile goal. When re-starting the ride, especially in puddles, I could hear nasty noise from the front wheel. With faster riding, the noise was not that brutal but it was still audible. On Sunday 3rd of January, I rode to my brother (the famous 70+ km route I so often take) for a diagnosis. Jacek's verdict was simple: "The bearings in the front wheel are destroyed. The seals don't hold anymore, so when rainwater and dirt get into the bearing, the noise is louder. I cannot help you this time because I miss the cap puller. I also cannot determine the bearing size without removing the cap. Go to the Specialized service this time. Next time, I will be able to do the replacement myself".
On Monday, boys at the Specialized Brand Store Warsaw welcomed me with open arms. Now I know the sealed ball bearings (in my specific/specialized heheh model) are MR 18307 (18x30x7 mm), and the Spesh boys used Enduro Bearings. I could collect the repaired wheel on the next day (today). I'm enchanted with the quality of the service and the personnel attitude at Specialized Warsaw!
The next issue detected by Jacek have been worn brake pads (almost new ones!) in the front brake. You know why? The bike mechanic in my town has turned out an incompetent person. Replacing brake pads is simple (5 minutes of work). However, the guy didn't make the most basic action: Adjustment. That way, one of the pads worked at an angle and wore out immediately. I swear: the local guy can only true a wheel, nothing else! Kill! Kill!
Riding to Jacek on Wednesday (Epiphany holiday in Poland) so my brother will replace the pads again (I've got spares) and will adjust the brake. I could do it myself but I love those brotherly rides!
Sierratim
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Nevada City, CA & Paradise Valley, AZ
They are available, but expensive;
Ceramic Wheel Bearings Set by Kogel for Bike Wheels
Kogel's Ceramic Wheel Bearing Set includes a complete 6-bearing kit designed for road and MTB wheelsets, ensuring optimal performance and durability.
www.kogel.cc
Ceramic Cycling Bearings: Worth the Money or Overblown Hype? - Hawk Racing
Gone are the days when ceramic bearings were a technology limited to the pro peloton. As more and more of the cycling masses look to advanced technology formerly seen in use only by the pros, the question arises of where the hard-earned money of the average cyclist should be spent. What...
www.hawk-racing.com
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