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

[Kam1936]

My explanation of when power comes on from standstill may not be right. It can just be that I misinterpret HOW the motor support comes on.
I should clarify that I like that the Brose/Specialized isn’t abrupt but smooth in starting.

Yep. No urky jerky.

 

[MayL]

Yes, Mrs. Brown loves her Amiti. And I have the brother to it, the Explore. They are outstanding ebikes.

I wouldn't knock the Como or Vado, looked at them both in the hunt for her bike, but yes, they are a little more $$, Specialized is rather proud of their bikes. In looking for an e-mountain bike I surely liked their Turbo Levo Comp, but saved a lot of cash going with the Giant Trance, and the Yamaha drive is just outstanding.

The front shock fork on the Amiti/Explore is just adequate - nothing special. I call it a 'boinger'. Not much damping, not much travel, but surely helps on uneven pavement, expansion cracks and such. It's surely not meant for real offroad - a gravel path is fine.

IIRC the Giant bikes are all 400 or 500 watt packs, and surely sufficient range for most people - 50-80km if you're willing to pedal a little more.

The specialized version of the Brose motor is very good, the newest bikes are plenty reliable and solid, quiet, and powerful. You really can't go wrong with any of the big-three - Specialized, Trek, or Giant. And all have a very good dealer network to support the brands.

Thx for your helpful comments. Rode the Amiti today and thinking of getting it. Hate the seat but I’m sure a replacement could be found elsewhere. Dealer (40 min away) said all service work incl warranty needed to be taken there or there would be a service charge for choosing a closer LBS. is this typical?

 

[JohnRC]

Thx for your helpful comments. Rode the Amiti today and thinking of getting it. Hate the seat but I’m sure a replacement could be found elsewhere. Dealer (40 min away) said all service work incl warranty needed to be taken there or there would be a service charge for choosing a closer LBS. is this typical?

Hi May
I am afraid this is becoming typical of some of the “boutique bike shops”. Some will not service other brands or even their own that are over a certain age.

 

[Browneye]

Thx for your helpful comments. Rode the Amiti today and thinking of getting it. Hate the seat but I’m sure a replacement could be found elsewhere. Dealer (40 min away) said all service work incl warranty needed to be taken there or there would be a service charge for choosing a closer LBS. is this typical?

Not typical. Bikes shops can be snooty and fussy. Giant pays the dealer for warranty work done, but most dealers are focused on serving the customers that bought their bikes from them.
Best to ask directly. They get paid either way, so I'm not sure why there is so much push-back sometimes.

Saddles are one of those things you either get used to or replace. There are plenty of options. Just know that your 'sit bones' do toughen up with some seat time, and unless there is a severe anatomic mis-match they all work pretty well. Your dealer should be willing to swap one out for you. They are generally designed/spec'd based on the rest of the bike ergonomics, which really need to be or should be adjusted for each rider.

I had to get a taller and shorter stem for wife's bike, to get a more upright seating position. The older we get the less leaned-over we like.

 

[MayL]

Hi May
I am afraid this is becoming typical of some of the “boutique bike shops”. Some will not service other brands or even their own that are over a certain age.

Not typical. Bikes shops can be snooty and fussy. Giant pays the dealer for warranty work done, but most dealers are focused on serving the customers that bought their bikes from them.
Best to ask directly. They get paid either way, so I'm not sure why there is so much push-back sometimes.

Saddles are one of those things you either get used to or replace. There are plenty of options. Just know that your 'sit bones' do toughen up with some seat time, and unless there is a severe anatomic mis-match they all work pretty well. Your dealer should be willing to swap one out for you. They are generally designed/spec'd based on the rest of the bike ergonomics, which really need to be or should be adjusted for each rider.

I had to get a taller and shorter stem for wife's bike, to get a more upright seating position. The older we get the less leaned-over we like.

yes indeed! Just spoke to a Giant retailer ( an hour away) and he said even warranty work would have to be done there. All swaps are extra cost inc. risers, stems and seats of course. Very little or no stock over all.
Frustrating bike shopping right now!
Thanks for your response. Now rethinking OHM, a local bike brand (very close and helpful) but nervous about not buying from the big 3. Or back to the Vado/Como conundrum.

 

[MAPC]

yes indeed! Just spoke to a Giant retailer ( an hour away) and he said even warranty work would have to be done there. All swaps are extra cost inc. risers, stems and seats of course. Very little or no stock over all.
Frustrating bike shopping right now!
Thanks for your response. Now rethinking OHM, a local bike brand (very close and helpful) but nervous about not buying from the big 3. Or back to the Vado/Como conundrum.

Go VADO! You will have no regrets.

 

[Wireguy]

Majority of EBR Forum owners of Specialized e-bikes ride either a Turbo Vado or a Como. This is natural, as these two major models have been designed for an average cyclist. Turbo Levo and Kenevo are technical ride stuff, discussed on e-MTB fora. Creo is for road cycling fanatics

It is quite interesting American versions of Vado are in the majority Class 3 bikes, while the only speed Vado models for Europe (and I guess Australia) are Vado 5.0 and 6.0. Does anybody own the 6.0? Canadians have to be content with the 32 km/h versions, unluckily.

I'd like you friends to talk more about your experiences with your Specialized e-bikes, for good and for bad. Please post pictures if you like.

I fell in love with my 2017 Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0, which I bought in Autumn 2019. I think buying a 2019 or 2020 model would stretch my budget too far. There are four components and a feature I am extremely happy with in my 2017 model:

1. Rigid fork
2. 29x2" Elektrak tyres
3. TRP Zurich brakes
4. 600 lm headlight and very strong rear light, illuminating the number plate as well

The feature is the beautiful grey colour.
View attachment 45130

When I first mounted the Vado, I was positively shocked with the bike's geometry. So sporty! What I love about my Vado is the agility and the acceleration, both being fantastic, especially in the Sport mode. It is a lot of fun to ride fast!

Now, it is your turn to brag about your Specialized e-bikes!

I love my Turbo Vado 3.0 from Specialized.In the last week that I've owned it I've rode every day except one I believe. The only thing I would change is upgrade to a bigger battery. I also wish the batteries were cheaper since the only one I have found is a $1,000, but I still love the bike.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I love my Turbo Vado 3.0 from Specialized.In the last week that I've owned it I've rode every day except one I believe. The only thing I would change is upgrade to a bigger battery. I also wish the batteries were cheaper since the only one I have found is a $1,000, but I still love the bike.

Congratulations! Unluckily, the batteries, especially the 600 Wh are pricey.

 

[Sierratim]

Go VADO! You will have no regrets.

...esp if it's Crimson...

 

[MAPC]

...esp if it's Crimson...

I had set a stopwatch to see how long it would take to get that comment from someone!

 

[MayL]

Go VADO! You will have no regrets.

I love my Turbo Vado 3.0 from Specialized.In the last week that I've owned it I've rode every day except one I believe. The only thing I would change is upgrade to a bigger battery. I also wish the batteries were cheaper since the only one I have found is a $1,000, but I still love the bike.

So you’d buy the 4 now for the wee extra battery? I live in mtn ctry so I would love to just settle for the 3 and its price pt......but.....

 

[Stefan Mikes]

So you’d buy the 4 now for the wee extra battery? I live in mtn ctry so I would love to just settle for the 3 and its price pt......but.....

Honestly, I believe if anyone in Canada (only Class 1 allowed there) buys a Vado, it either should have at least the 500 Wh battery or you buy a lower specced Vado and pay the CAD1100 extra for the 600 Wh battery*. You have hills in Canada. You need a large battery.
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*) You also need to order the battery cover (inexpensive) as well as the 4 A charger.

 

[rochrunner]

Honestly, I believe if anyone in Canada (only Class 1 allowed there) buys a Vado, it either should have at least the 500 Wh battery or you buy a lower specced Vado and pay the CAD1100 extra for the 600 Wh battery*. You have hills in Canada. You need a large battery.
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*) You also need to order the battery cover (inexpensive) as well as the 4 A charger.

Uh, Canada's a big country with terrain as varied as in the U.S. The part of Ontario that's right across the river from me is flat as a pancake and makes where I am look hilly!

 

[rochrunner]

Wish me luck. I just dropped off my Vado 4.0 at the shop to get that ticking noise resolved. Driving there, I was not feeling too confident since the kid I talked to on the phone yesterday was "just learning about electric bikes" and gave me a standard spiel for how they'd work on it. Fortunately, when I got there today I was waited on by the "Gray haired guy with a clue" (might be the owner) who's been working on bikes for decades and he seemed to know what it was right away. They're backed up right now with "70 repair jobs" (all hands were definitely on deck), but since I just bought from them it a couple months it will get priority.

No hurry since I've got a couple other bikes that need riding in the interim...

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Uh, Canada's a big country with terrain as varied as in the U.S. The part of Ontario that's right across the river from me is flat as a pancake and makes where I am look hilly!

What about BC?

 

[Anna]

MayL what you heard is typical for Giant/Liv. I was told there would be an added charge to have my bike serviced if I did not buy it at that particular shop (unlike a dealer vehicle purchase). I made many calls last week regarding this. Cannot say about the other brands. .

 

[PaD]

A few days ago I changed tires on my Vado 5.0. Put on the original Trigger Sport tires.
Mid August last year I had a local bike shop put on Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires. It was a quick decision because I had planned to go for a 3-4 day trip to the island Gotland and thought upgrading puncture protection was a good idea.
The trip was cancelled as I catched a bad cold. I’ve felt safe riding with the Marathons but the Vado lost a bit agility and the tires are really stiff I think.
I like how the bike now feels lighter even if actual total weight difference is just 2.1 - 2.2lb. Seems to me that a pound on the wheel is noticeable in how the bike feels.
Today I changed the saddle to a Brooks Cambium C17 Carved. I bought this together with a suspension seat post. However I hestitated mounting the Redshift ShockStop as it is a 29.2mm post and needs a sleeve to fit properly in the down tube. I was thinking - how do I get this sleeve out again if I change my mind and want to go back to original seat post?

Put on the Brooks Cambium and rode to local bike shop and asked about removing sleeves.
My absolutely first impression sitting up on the Cambium was that this is a saddle without padding. But there was something else with the saddle. So after talking to the bike mech. I neglected the rain and went for a short ride.
Yes, the Brooks Cambium lacks padding but to me pedaling felt easier like I could move my legs better. Did 5 miles in the rain and enjoyed it. Except for cold hands. It was like I had found a very good saddle position and maybe I had.
This was of course to little riding to make a review and give my final judgement but I’m looking forward to do more riding.
Especially with the Redshift ShockStop in place.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Except for cold hands.

Even if I'm not always riding in gloves, I always keep a dry pair of them handy. It was especially important during the last mild winter.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

MayL what you heard is typical for Giant/Liv. I was told there would be an added charge to have my bike serviced if I did not buy it at that particular shop (unlike a dealer vehicle purchase). I made many calls last week regarding this. Cannot say about the other brands. .

It is even true in the country so remote to you as Poland is. Seems to be a general Giant policy. When I had the display installed on my Trance, I paid nothing for the service itself because I had bought the bike from that LBS. I even got a regular customer rebate!
P.S. The warranty service fee has to be paid by the bike owner.

 

[Sierratim]

So you’d buy the 4 now for the wee extra battery? I live in mtn ctry so I would love to just settle for the 3 and its price pt......but.....

It's not just the larger battery. Aside from generally upgraded components, the 1.2 motor in the 4 will deliver more power and torque that you'll appreciate in mountain country.