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

[ReedM]

Just sold my 2021 Specialized Turbo Levo Comp, great bike but after a few bad crashes it's time to ride more reasonable terrain. Broke a rib again three weeks ago. Getting too old for big rocky trails.

With that being said, I'm looking at the new Vado, Vado SL and Tero mainly for chip seal and dirt roads as well as light (smooth) trails which will be the majority of my riding. Although most of our time is spent in The Hill Country (Fredericksburg, TX), there aren't a lot of steep hills here (at least where I ride). We spend three months out of the year in Salida (CO.) which offers me gravel and trails. Some may ask why didn't I just keep the Levo Comp? I know if I did , I wouldn't be able to resist the more advanced MTB trails.

My wife has a class three Specialized Como which leans me more toward the Vado or Tero to keep up while were riding. The SL model just looks so appealing to me but not sure if I'll miss the 4X assist that my Levo Comp offered. My first ebike was a Rad Rover so at least I'm a little familiar with bikes (did not like hub motor).

I'm looking forward to testing the three I have chosen and fortunately have found a few dealers in the area that have some inventory. I forgot how much fun it is to shop for a new bike!

@CodyDog: Note that the Tero is a Class 1 bike. I easily spin out at 21 mph and lose the motor. You would not be able to keep up with a Class 3 bike unless you were quite strong. Also, 4X assist is nice.

 

[Marcela]

I've been riding the Como quite a bit. The Vado seems cramped in comparison. I feel the Como geometry without the granny bars is similar to bikes of old, say 45 yrs ago which feels familiar. Still liking the 36 tooth chainring.

Also had an electric anomaly the other day. The display indicated no battery for some reason. Did that twice and went away on its own I guess. Electrical gremlins I guess.

 

[Onimaru]

Had my wife drop me at the local nature center today. Met a coworker there. Rode 21 miles to the Biergarten then 12 miles home. Mostly in Eco (maybe 3 miles in Turbo total). Headwind for half of it. Still 31% left on the battery.

Coworker had a road bike and got a flat around mile 28. Really loving my big SUV tires now!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The display indicated no battery for some reason.

"No Battery" but not "Low Batt", right?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Just sold my 2021 Specialized Turbo Levo Comp, great bike but after a few bad crashes it's time to ride more reasonable terrain. Broke a rib again three weeks ago. Getting too old for big rocky trails.

With that being said, I'm looking at the new Vado, Vado SL and Tero mainly for chip seal and dirt roads as well as light (smooth) trails which will be the majority of my riding. Although most of our time is spent in The Hill Country (Fredericksburg, TX), there aren't a lot of steep hills here (at least where I ride). We spend three months out of the year in Salida (CO.) which offers me gravel and trails. Some may ask why didn't I just keep the Levo Comp? I know if I did , I wouldn't be able to resist the more advanced MTB trails.

My wife has a class three Specialized Como which leans me more toward the Vado or Tero to keep up while were riding. The SL model just looks so appealing to me but not sure if I'll miss the 4X assist that my Levo Comp offered. My first ebike was a Rad Rover so at least I'm a little familiar with bikes (did not like hub motor).

I'm looking forward to testing the three I have chosen and fortunately have found a few dealers in the area that have some inventory. I forgot how much fun it is to shop for a new bike!

@CodyDog: Note that the Tero is a Class 1 bike. I easily spin out at 21 mph and lose the motor. You would not be able to keep up with a Class 3 bike unless you were quite strong. Also, 4X assist is nice.

It also depends on how Cody's wife rides her Como.

Since I have acquired my Vado SL (and ride it on weekdays), I got used to lower assistance and speed. When I'm riding my big Vado on weekends, I feel indecently good. It is like a guilty pleasure: the e-bike rolls so easily, fast, and with such a little effort from my side! It makes little sense for me to use the strong Vado for anything less than a metric century (or mountains) as I otherwise feel "I'm cheating" The great thing about the 3.2x Vado I own is long trips are completed in relatively short time.

However, my specific (no suspension) Vado model handles rather badly in rough terrain, preventing me from riding fast there. I have acquired a Metric Century ride plan from an experienced gravel cyclist. I'll try to do the ride on my Vado SL on this Saturday to see how I would like it. Necessary to mention I feel forced to use high SL assistance levels for such a ride: ECO: 70/70, SPORT: 85/85, and TURBO: 100/100 to complete the ride fast. Having 800 Wh combined in the main battery and three Range Extenders will give me the range of 150 km in the "Power Eco". -

Interestingly, the main battery + a single Range Extender allowed me riding for 116 km at average assistance of 55/55% in the warm season. Now, my strong brother could ride for 50 km on a single Range Extender only at the assistance of 45/45%!

 

[CodyDog]

@CodyDog: Note that the Tero is a Class 1 bike. I easily spin out at 21 mph and lose the motor. You would not be able to keep up with a Class 3 bike unless you were quite strong. Also, 4X assist is nice.

There always a catch. Like the Terro but didn't realize it was a class 1.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

There always a catch. Like the Terro but didn't realize it was a class 1.

Cody: Do not tell anyone but you actually can derestrict the Tero

 

[Marcela]

"No Battery" but not "Low Batt", right?

Correct.

 

[ColeWorld]

Has anyone gotten the alarm feature to work on a new Vado? The System Lock functionality works fine, but I haven’t been able to get the alarm to sound regardless of how much I move the bike. My Vado 5.0 was delivered in March 2022, so I think it should have this feature on the bike.

I have tried contacting Specialized rider care via emails, tickets, and a few phone calls over the last 2 weeks, but it seems they’re back to just ignoring customers. My LBS that took delivery doesn’t know anything about the feature.

 

[BEC111]

Has anyone gotten the alarm feature to work on a new Vado? The System Lock functionality works fine, but I haven’t been able to get the alarm to sound regardless of how much I move the bike. My Vado 5.0 was delivered in March 2022, so I think it should have this feature on the bike.

I have tried contacting Specialized rider care via emails, tickets, and a few phone calls over the last 2 weeks, but it seems they’re back to just ignoring customers. My LBS that took delivery doesn’t know anything about the feature.

While I have no direct knowledge, a recently released firmware update is supposed to fix this feature.

 

[giantkn10]

There always a catch. Like the Terro but didn't realize it was a class 1.

PearTune 3.0 works great

 

[mogulman]

It also depends on how Cody's wife rides her Como.

Since I have acquired my Vado SL (and ride it on weekdays), I got used to lower assistance and speed. When I'm riding my big Vado on weekends, I feel indecently good. It is like a guilty pleasure: the e-bike rolls so easily, fast, and with such a little effort from my side! It makes little sense for me to use the strong Vado for anything less than a metric century (or mountains) as I otherwise feel "I'm cheating" The great thing about the 3.2x Vado I own is long trips are completed in relatively short time.

However, my specific (no suspension) Vado model handles rather badly in rough terrain, preventing me from riding fast there. I have acquired a Metric Century ride plan from an experienced gravel cyclist. I'll try to do the ride on my Vado SL on this Saturday to see how I would like it. Necessary to mention I feel forced to use high SL assistance levels for such a ride: ECO: 70/70, SPORT: 85/85, and TURBO: 100/100 to complete the ride fast. Having 800 Wh combined in the main battery and three Range Extenders will give me the range of 150 km in the "Power Eco". -

Interestingly, the main battery + a single Range Extender allowed me riding for 116 km at average assistance of 55/55% in the warm season. Now, my strong brother could ride for 50 km on a single Range Extender only at the assistance of 45/45%!

When you have that much battery/weight, wouldn't it just be better to run the regular vado on a lower assistance level. Isn't the battery 700wh?

I can see riding with a range extender, but just wondering if I needed 2-3 range extenders, why not ride an ebike with more assistance/battery? Or is it because the Vado SL does better on gravel?

 

[giantkn10]

I mounted Teravail Cumberland 2.6 tires on the 25mm rims today (yes the Tero comes with skinny 25mm rims for some reason).

I've had my Tero 5.0 for a few weeks now and have put 300+ miles on it. Something has always felt a bit off when it comes to comfort/performance on my usual gravel trail commute.

I feel like the Ground Control tires slide around too much, and I've almost spilled doing a simple slow u-turn. I also didn't think they were giving enough comfort. They are set up tubeless and I've tried different air pressures. I just think these tires are "ok" at everything, but dusty crushed gravel is their weakest point.

After doing a bunch of research I found the Tero can fit 2.6 tires, and the Teravail Cumberlands look like good gravel tires for the Summer. They have small tight spaced knobs down the center, which should be good for gravel and pavement, with large wide spaced knobs on the outside for cornering bite.

I took off the front tire and thought "wow this rim is narrow for an EMTB". I looked at the bike specs online, and yes for some reason this bike comes with only 25mm rims. Somehow I overlooked that spec.

I was hesitant about mounting 2.6 tires onto 25mm rims, but I've read many people doing it without issues... and many people preferring that setup. I have to expect the tire profile to be a bit more rounded than it would be with a wider rim.

The tires did mount very snuggly and seated on the first try. I took it for a slow short ride to work the sealant around. These tires already feel more "supple". I'll be going on a longer test ride later today. Fingers crossed they work out as planned. I also think they look good on this bike.

On a side note, the Ground Controls are very light and get good reviews. I'm wondering if they would perform better with wider rims.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

When you have that much battery/weight, wouldn't it just be better to run the regular vado on a lower assistance level. Isn't the battery 700wh?

It is not that easy at it seems.

I definitely need a spare Vado battery for long adventurous rides. Medium assistance level such as 45/45% allows me covering pretty long distances in a reasonable time, so I wouldn't pedal myself to death. However, it is problematic because... Think of a full weekend ride with an overnight stay at a hotel. I need a heavy spare battery, tools, drinks, a charger, and warmer clothes for the evening. It all makes the Vado heavy. The issue is, it is not that easy to travel by commuter trains to the ride start point with a heavily loaded (and heavy itself) e-bike. The removable battery is good: I can store my Vado battery-less in the hotel basement and recharge the batteries at the hotel room. NB: The batteries are nominally 604 Wh but because of their degradation, each of them holds the charge of 500 Wh only.

I can see riding with a range extender, but just wondering if I needed 2-3 range extenders, why not ride an ebike with more assistance/battery? Or is it because the Vado SL does better on gravel?

The reason I own as many as 3 Range Extenders is to enable me to ride with my gravel-cycling buddies far and fast. When they get on speed on the pavement, SL Turbo is the only way to match them, and it is only 50% of the big Vado power! And yes, my Vado SL is the only of my e-bikes that handles: pavement + gravel + off-road properly. (There are not many of gravel roads in our Mazovia, so it is typically either the pavement or the forest).

I'd love to ride for my next long full-weekend adventure on my Vado SL but I wouldn't be able to recharge it at the hotel! And, the effort on a 70-mile one-way ride would be significant.

 

[kahn]

When you have that much battery/weight, wouldn't it just be better to run the regular vado on a lower assistance level. Isn't the battery 700wh?

I can see riding with a range extender, but just wondering if I needed 2-3 range extenders, why not ride an ebike with more assistance/battery? Or is it because the Vado SL does better on gravel?

Good questions. For me, on a Creo, base weight would be an important issue. Creo with built in battery is a reasonable weight. With one Range extender, still not a bad overall weight. Even a second extender - manageable. And that is kind of baseline situation. So, an overall lighter bike for many situations. Same for the Vado SL. I'm not dealing with a 10 or 15 pound heavier bike at all times.

But it really does depend on what you or others need.

 

[ScruffMcG]

New to the forum, realize this question could also belong elsewhere, but I did a lot of reading through the early pages of this thread and thought these owners might have the best opinions...

There is a 2020 Vado 3.0 for sale nearby. It's used but less than 200 miles, looks brand new. It was advertised as 2019 but apparently when pulling out the manual realized it was a 2020 bought at the end of 2019. They are advertising for 2200$. I was more excited about that price if it was the 2019 with higher end components, but not sure how much I'll completely notice, if I'm honest. Use case is 4ish mile commute to work with significant hills. Then hopefully some longer fun/exercise rides on the weekend.

Do you think the 2200 (or maybe i offer 2000) price would be worth it for this bike? I know the list price was only 2700 but I also think similar bikes seem to have gone up in price and down in availability since that release. But on the flip side I was looking at something like the ride1up 700 for 1700$ish or an entry-level torque sensor bike like a tenways for around that price. I don't mind a little more expensive especially since it seems like I can take it to the original LBS it was sold at, etc. just want to know your opinions on whether it's a fair price or not?

Thanks!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The only question from my side: Is the 200 miles confirmed on the display odometer? What about the number of battery re-charges and Battery Health in Mission Control?

 

[ScruffMcG]

The only question from my side: Is the 200 miles confirmed on the display odometer? What about the number of battery re-charges and Battery Health in Mission Control?

Thanks - great things to look for. Sounds like it was ridden less than 10x but definitely good to check the odometer. How difficult to check the battery health if the owner doesn't have the app set up?

Assuming battery health is decent and miles are accurate, seem like a good bike/purchase? (Thanks so much for the quick reply!)

 

[kahn]

Thanks - great things to look for. Sounds like it was ridden less than 10x but definitely good to check the odometer. How difficult to check the battery health if the owner doesn't have the app set up?

Assuming battery health is decent and miles are accurate, seem like a good bike/purchase? (Thanks so much for the quick reply!)

You can download Mission Control but you will have to pair it with the bike unless the owner already has it and can show you the info. Mission Control shows total mileage and battery health (number of charges???). The total mileage is stored in the bike. To pair you also need a code usually placed in the manual or otherwise you have to pull out the toptube unit and look for the tag.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

If you determine @ScruffMcG that the owner indeed rode his Vado a little and the battery is healthy, I would say the offered price is fair. You wouldn't get a new e-bike of that class that cheap nowadays, and you are buying almost a new e-bike minus the valuable warranty of course. Could you check if that Vado has the modern TCD-w display? That is important.

This is how the display looks like but it will have wires connected to it.

The TCD-w display shows the pairing code when you try to pair your smartphone via Mission Control app.

Make sure you get the battery lock keys with the Abus Plus Code and the charger!