Specialized Turbo Vado/Como/Tero/Tero X User Club

[BEC111]

I made a tentative booking of a Vado SL ST 4.0 EQ size M, color White Sage as of today. Expected delivery: This December

The long delays on delivery remind me of an event when I worked in a NYC pro camera shop in the 80’s. We were a dealer for an industrial photo print dryer. One designed for higher volume photo labs. They were built to order and it took 6 months to get.

One day fashion assistant came in. To inquire about acquiring one of these dryers. I told them that it would take six months from time of order. When asked to double check I called the manufacturer while they were still there. Yup. Six months. This was before t(e days of cell phones, so they left I presumed to discuss it.

Six months later whey were back and asked to buy the print dryer. I told them, again, that it wou”d take six months. They said, “Isn’t that what you told us six months ago?” “Yes”, I said. “You asked, but didn’t make an order.“ To my Monty Pythonesque joy, I said, “Would you like to place your order? I can have the dryer for you in six months.”

Stefan, you are doing it it the right order. The shop won’t have a laugh at your expense. I’ve been telling this story for more than 35 years. You’ve taken that joy away from the LBS. Congrats

 

[JeffC57]

I made a tentative booking of a Vado SL ST 4.0 EQ size M, color White Sage as of today. Expected delivery: This December

Stefan:

Congratulations! I knew you'd like it once you took it for a test ride.

Jeff C

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Stefan Mikes
Check out my new bike. Has password protection to lock the bike. Cruise control, battery regen(I-PAS Technology), throttle max speed 25.9 mph. Measured against police radar. Only 1 mph off. Radar says 24/25 mph.
Yamee XL 750w. Has 48V 14.5 ah battery hidden in the frame. Great range and very fast. Hydraulic disc brakes 180 mm front and back and 8 Speed Shimano Shifter. Very smooth shifting and easy to adjust. Front suspension 20" by 4" Fat tires. Front light, and brake light. Also USB port that will charge your phone located neat the handle bars.

Kam, bro: unavailable and illegal in Europe. Now I'm looking for a low powered ebike

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Stefan, you are doing it it the right order. The shop won’t have a laugh at your expense. I’ve been telling this story for more than 35 years. You’ve taken that joy away from the LBS. Congrats

Stefan:

Congratulations! I knew you'd like it once you took it for a test ride.

Jeff C

Guys, the email from Specialized Warsaw was signed by Mateusz M, whom I personally know and like. He is an MTBer, and it makes him different to haughty roadies who also work there. He wrote me other parts I requested (TCD, Range Extender, 220 mm RE cable and SL Y cable) would be easily obtainable. I was promised to get a discount as a regular, and return of any fees I brought for demo ride ebike rental.

I was sure Specialized Warsaw Brand Store was the best in the city. Even their servicing has been excellent.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Stefan , a warning : test rides are dangerous to wallets ...

Art,
I was aware of that Fortunately, this year's sales figures look excellent for us. The Russian market seems to have waken up.

 

[Kam1936]

Kam, bro: unavailable and illegal in Europe. Now I'm looking for a low powered ebike

Not street legal here in USA either. I seen a video of a guy riding one in the UK. $1700.00 here in USA. That's including taxes + S&H. Great for off road riding. Loving them Fat tires too. None compare to my Vado though. Still it's a really fun bike to ride. Cruise control is sweet.

 

[Art Deco]

Art,
I was aware of that Fortunately, this year's sales figures look excellent for us. The Russian market seems to have waken up.

It's about time. People in the Czech Republic report strong bookings and projections, but a long time yet.

 

[mschwett]

Thanks for all that info and background. Amazing that they still offer the Vado 3/4/5 at the same time.

And I checked the local shop the other day and all the Vado's are backordered. I don't know if they have any demo models for test riding. When I tested the Creo, it was a for-sale bike and after two test rides, I purchased it. I tested on some steep hills near the shop and home and I knew it was not a super powerful motor but I figured I could work with it. And I have. But for longer, hilly rides, I do need the Range Extender (which fortunately I found about 40 miles away).

It is probably a good thing I got the Creo when I did. Those, too, are backordered. Stock DEPLETED!

interestingly the creo and vado SL both seem readily available here in northern california, the stock finder on specialized's website shows most combinations available somewhere within 50 miles.

maybe supplies are starting to open up!??!

some of the more exotic acoustic bikes can only be found hundreds of miles away.

 

[Rincon]

I made a tentative booking of a Vado SL ST 4.0 EQ size M, color White Sage as of today. Expected delivery: This December

Congratulations! But December?!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Congratulations! But December?!

Why not? I own too many e-bikes anyway... On the other way, I could buy a similar but High-Step SL even today. I'd prefer to have exactly what I want though.

 

[Rincon]

I own too many e-bikes anyway..

I don’t understand “too many e-bikes.” I’ve never heard those words used together.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I don’t understand “too many e-bikes.” I’ve never heard those words used together.

The life was simpler when I lived in my own house. Yet, that house went on fire. No space for all the e-bikes I own now...

 

[jodi2]

I'm not a member of the Vado/Como set. I opted for an Aluminum Creo. But I'm still trying to figure out what's what. So be easy on me. I come from mostly a road bike history and have not used the mt bike in quite a while and have not done anything really gnarly since Moab many years ago.

Is the Vado pretty much a similar (same) geometry as the Creo but aimed at those wanting a more upright position or are there other things or am I completely offbase. I also realize that there are more powerful motor options in both the Vado and Como families. There have been hills where I've wanted a bit more oomph and maybe I should consider one of these other options.

You should try all types yourself. So "normal/heavy" drives/ebikes against SL and as well Vado SL against Creo.

How different are Vado SL and Creo/ist the geometry similar? I'm not sure about the prices in other countries/continents. Here in Germany the Vado prices are ok for me and for Specialized and compared to ebikes with other light assist drives like Fazua. The Creo is quite prizy and costs a lot more than the Vado SL, even the alloy Creo, looking on the components. That's why I was thinking a short time about buying a Vado SL and changing it to the race handle bars. But I have never done this before and felt to unsure if the result would be good or terrible. Several people with more race bike experience told me "You can't be sure about the result. If you have already have an old bike with straight handle bars and the race bar and the components, just try. But if you have to buy everything new and also the Vado SL and you don't want the bike with straight handle bar, better stay out of it."
So my advice, if you really want race handle bar, take a Creo. If your prefer straight bars, take a Vado SL.
But of course try both (and normal ebike) before ordering!

The last question

 

[Papa G]

Why not? I own too many e-bikes anyway... On the other way, I could buy a similar but High-Step SL even today. I'd prefer to have exactly what I want though.

Stefan. Due to your long extended experience in riding a traditional Brose powered Vado, I look forward to hearing your experience with the Vado SL? I think it will give a perspective to traditional Vado riders that we really haven’t heard before?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Stefan. Due to your long extended experience in riding a traditional Brose powered Vado, I look forward to hearing your experience with the Vado SL? I think it will give a perspective to traditional Vado riders that we really haven’t heard before?

Here it is, @Papa G

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

 

[Stefan Mikes]

interestingly the creo and vado SL both seem readily available here in northern california

The Step-Through version?

 

[mschwett]

The Step-Through version?

yep, interestingly stock of a lot of turbo bikes seems to have opened up. in some cases i've found these to already be spoken for, but when i was looking for a particular creo it was accurate, still in the box, and i ended up buying it. the stock finder is dangerous, it's telling me there's a beautiful blue sram aethos nearby....

if you come to north america to buy a bike, say hi!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

if you come to north america to buy a bike, say hi!

If the life were that simple, and you could indeed buy an e-bike in any country...
As I say, the SL 4.0 EQ Step-Over size M Dove Gray is waiting to be bought here. If I were in real need for an e-bike, I would buy it on the spot. And probably regretted that, as there are not that many warm months ahead. On the other hand, I would get a newly produced ST in nice colour in December, ready for the next season.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

An update:
I have booked a Vado SL 4.0 EQ (High-Step, Size M, color Dove Gray) for the coming Thursday The store has a matching kickstand, they have TCD display and Range Extender in stock

 

[Rás Cnoic]

That's great news Stefan + buying it now you'll get great use of it over the summer!