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

[Sierratim]

It's "mango"
Congratulations!

...and Crimson Red has been upgraded to Rocket Red, YES!...

 

[RandallS]

So I just picked up my Vado 4.0 LTD from the LBS yesterday. The yellow one with the "suspension" seatpost and 50's on the rims. Here are a couple of thoughts in no particular order:

I ordered on June 5th from Specialized and the bike was ready in Boulder, CO at the LBS on the 15th. Not bad, considering.

I will need to get at least the 44 or the 48-tooth front ring. I spend a majority of time on the 11 or 12 rear cog and find myself spinning at or above 28mph (I ride a lot acoustically, and I live in an area with a lot of hills).

The ride is comfortable. There are a *lot* of the chip&seal cracks around my neighborhood streets and on my carbon gravel bike those can be brutal. I really almost didn't even notice them on this bike. I haven't adjusted anything on the bike yet except for seat height and different pedals.

I tried the Mission Control "Smart Control" on my commute route and thought I put in the correct parameters. It seemed to do okay except for the big hill I start out on. It's about 1/2 mile long and about 11% grade. The Smart Control kept my power fairly limited so I was having to continuously switch to "Turbo" mode. Then it would switch back to "Smart" after about 10-20 seconds. So I kept that up until the top. There may be a way around that but it didn't jump out at me.

The bike seems very stable. I had it up to 38mph or so on some downhill sections without a wobble or feeling out of control at any time. The brakes seemed responsive enough, if not super tight. I got used to them pretty quick.

So far (24 hours and two rides) I'm enjoying the bike and it seems to be delivering on what I expected from it. A straight-forward commuter with the ability to get to work and back without breaking a sweat...and in my community, that's a big deal.

The color is more muted than I expected. It's more of a "flat mustard" then anything else. Which is fine. It is more "visible" than either grey or black, so that's okay.

If you don't mind me asking, what had you select the LTD over the base 4? I love the colour but it's quite a bit more money. It appears to have a different seat post and different tires, plus the colour of course.

 

[Brendon@OEB]

Need Urgent Information

I need to replace the front thru-axle in my Vado. Questions to @TS25, @Sierratim, @Brendon@TBSM or anyone competent:

• Is this axle the 12x100 mm with 1 mm thread one? Please confirm.
• Do you know what make/model is available in the market?

I need urgent answers.

15x100 on the front, 12x148 out back. Thread pitch is particular to the fork so it's more of a Suntour issue than Specialized. That said, DT Swiss has the lever so you can remove the axle more easily (granted a multitool does the same job which you should carry on your bike anyways). I believe the axle is a DT Swiss unit and it is important to get the correct thru axle because there's a concave portion that goes into the fork. What's the specific issue?

Edit, just realized you have a different fork. I can check the Specialzied dealer site to see about the euro fork.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I can check the Specialzied dealer site to see about the euro fork.

It's the 2017 Vado 5.0

 

[rochrunner]

@Stefan Mikes I know your objections about the PNY Coast suspension dropper post that you had, but I was wondering about the cable connection on that setup. I'm sure you went with the external cable option, so what did you do about routing it up to the bars? I'm considering trying one so I can get dual functionality out of it, and I don't need that much shock action, but am probably trying to think of a solution for the cable that doesn't exist . Obviously I could just tie-wrap it underneath the top tube, but it seems an ugly "hacked" solution. I recall in some previous thread that someone had a photo of their bike with the dropper cable installed, but I couldn't come up with any search terms to locate it.

So how did you do it? Any others can chip in as well.

 

[jwehman]

If you don't mind me asking, what had you select the LTD over the base 4? I love the colour but it's quite a bit more money. It appears to have a different seat post and different tires, plus the colour of course.

No problem asking at all. The difference was *only* $250US, and it was available, as opposed to the XL Vado 4.0 (back-ordered). In addition, I had ridden the Vado 4.0 and felt some of the bumps and cracks on roads around the lbs, and knowing my neighborhood was replete with large cracks, the suspension seat-post was a factor. I do ride on gravel on my daily commute (or will, when my job starts up at the office) so the 50's were of some added benefit. Lastly, the color was a factor as well, given that it does sort of stand out, visibility-wise. It sort of looks like Bumblebee from the Transformers

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Stefan Mikes I know your objections about the PNY Coast suspension dropper post that you had, but I was wondering about the cable connection on that setup. I'm sure you went with the external cable option, so what did you do about routing it up to the bars? I'm considering trying one so I can get dual functionality out of it, and I don't need that much shock action, but am probably trying to think of a solution for the cable that doesn't exist . Obviously I could just tie-wrap it underneath the top tube, but it seems an ugly "hacked" solution. I recall in some previous thread that someone had a photo of their bike with the dropper cable installed, but I couldn't come up with any search terms to locate it.

So how did you do it? Any others can chip in as well.

Roch, the PNW Coast Suspension Dropper Seat Post ended up in my brother Piotrek's traditional MTB. My brother is happy with it because he just needed a dropper seat-post. The suspension option is not working very well there. My brothers have found the seat tube angle was critical. While Vado's seat tube angle was 17 degrees and the suspension worked (better or worse), the 19 degree angle in Scott bike and the fact my brother likes to have his saddle offset backwards makes the suspension unusable. I cannot recommend the PNW anymore.

Regarding the cable routing, my brothers are telling me there are special cable guides that you can attach to the top tube of the frame and route the cable beneath the tube. An example:

Accent - Gripper III Cable guides

Accent Gripper III allows you to fix brake or derailleur cable to frame or fork using self adhesive tape.

26bikes.com

I would recommend the 30.9 mm diameter, "short" Kinekt 2.1 seat-post to anyone riding the Vado instead.

No problem asking at all. The difference was *only* $250US, and it was available, as opposed to the XL Vado 4.0 (back-ordered). In addition, I had ridden the Vado 4.0 and felt some of the bumps and cracks on roads around the lbs, and knowing my neighborhood was replete with large cracks, the suspension seat-post was a factor. I do ride on gravel on my daily commute (or will, when my job starts up at the office) so the 50's were of some added benefit. Lastly, the color was a factor as well, given that it does sort of stand out, visibility-wise. It sort of looks like Bumblebee from the Transformers

The 2"/50 mm tyres are indeed very good. The large volume of air acts as a quick-vibration damper, especially when the tyres are inflated at about 3 bar (or 45 psi).

 

[Sierratim]

No problem asking at all. The difference was *only* $250US, and it was available, as opposed to the XL Vado 4.0 (back-ordered). In addition, I had ridden the Vado 4.0 and felt some of the bumps and cracks on roads around the lbs, and knowing my neighborhood was replete with large cracks, the suspension seat-post was a factor. I do ride on gravel on my daily commute (or will, when my job starts up at the office) so the 50's were of some added benefit. Lastly, the color was a factor as well, given that it does sort of stand out, visibility-wise. It sort of looks like Bumblebee from the Transformers

Gotta love that color!

 

[JonnyC]

Hi all - thought I'd introduce myself. Just picked up a 2020 Vado 4.0 last week and so far....wow! I've got a 7 mile commute (each way) with a couple of gnarly hills in between work & home. As I've gotten a little older my stamina and body aren't what they used to be, and I hadn't been getting on my bikes as much as I would have liked. In one week with the Vado I've rediscovered the joy of riding and have even hopped on my road bike a couple of times. So glad I pulled the trigger and am hoping this new love affair continues well into the future.

 

[rochrunner]

Hi all - thought I'd introduce myself. Just picked up a 2020 Vado 4.0 last week and so far....wow! I've got a 7 mile commute (each way) with a couple of gnarly hills in between work & home. As I've gotten a little older my stamina and body aren't what they used to be, and I hadn't been getting on my bikes as much as I would have liked. In one week with the Vado I've rediscovered the joy of riding and have even hopped on my road bike a couple of times. So glad I pulled the trigger and am hoping this new love affair continues well into the future.

Welcome to the "club", Jonny! My Vado 4.0 is also new. I'm retired and strictly a pleasure rider and there aren't many hills around here, but I'll be interested in hearing your experiences. Enjoy!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The story of the front axle (2017 Vado 5.0) continued...

The Robert Axle Project 12x100mm - M12x1,0 117/123mm axle might not fit my Vado. Not sure what "117/123 mm" means but the original axle is 120 mm long:

My brother has managed to fix the axle. You can see a bigger bolt locked in the original axle with Loctite Red.

It works!

 

[RandallS]

No problem asking at all. The difference was *only* $250US, (snip)...

Just checked current currency conversions. $250 USD is basically $340 CDN, yet the price uplift to the LTD is $700 CDN. I am not naive about things like tariffs etc, but I think I recognize gouging when I see it.

 

[TS25]

The story of the front axle (2017 Vado 5.0) continued...

The Robert Axle Project 12x100mm - M12x1,0 117/123mm axle might not fit my Vado. Not sure what "117/123 mm" means but the original axle is 120 mm long:
View attachment 55853

I would check whether the axle head fits but not worry about the length. Robert Axle provides a spacer underneath their axle head to adapt length between 117/123mm.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Thank you again, TS!

 

[Sierratim]

I would check whether the axle head fits but not worry about the length. Robert Axle provides a spacer underneath their axle head to adapt length between 117/123mm.

I agree. I'd send a description of your axle, including all your dimensions and a note re the tapered head, to them at; https://robertaxleproject.com/contact-us/ . They've been quite good about responding to my questions.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I've just ordered it. If the axle won't fit, there is a return policy anyway.

 

[Katysax]

I’ve had my Como about 6 weeks and I’ve got 800 miles on it. So far my favorite feature is the ability to fine tune the assistance through the app. I am 68 years old, overweight, recovering from Cancer with a few other health issues. I am no athlete. I’m really just learning how to best take advantage of the tuning. At first I kept econo at default and turbo at 100/100. I just messed with sport. Then I started climbing mountains and riding with a strong rider. I learned that 100/100 is just more than I need. 35/35 is too little. I can climb a mountain at 60/60 but it is a push. So now I’m experimenting with keeping all three modes closer. For example I can climb a mountain with effort but not too much strain at 70/90 so I set that as turbo mode. I can ride on the flat at 20 mph at something under 50/50 so I’m trying econo levels below that. Then sport becomes something like 60/75. This way econo becomes the base riding mode, sport on hills and mountains and turbo to ease up. I’m thinking this is a better use of the settings than 3 that are wide apart. If for some reason I totally run out of (personal) energy I can get off and set new levels.

Im curious how others are using the modes and the tuning feature.

My partner who is a 72 year old woman can easily climb a mountain at 20/20 and ride 20 mph on the flats with zero assistance which to me is insane. she uses so little electrical charge that I’ve calculated she could ride a hilly century on one battery. My goal in my settings is mostly to keep up with her without making it too easy for myself.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Try the Smart Assist in the Mission Control App, Katy. It does miracles. You don't need to think at all on the assist levels!

Smart Control or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying (and Love My Vado)

The range anxiety, or the worst e-bike curse is over. Less than a month ago I collected my Vado 5.0 from the LBS, upgraded to the 2020 TCD-W display, and it also meant the Turbo Control Unit (TCU) was already present with the motor. It took me some time to resolve Mission Control app connection...

electricbikereview.com

 

[rochrunner]

The story of the front axle (2017 Vado 5.0) continued...

The Robert Axle Project 12x100mm - M12x1,0 117/123mm axle might not fit my Vado. Not sure what "117/123 mm" means but the original axle is 120 mm long:
View attachment 55853

My brother has managed to fix the axle. You can see a bigger bolt locked in the original axle with Loctite Red.

It works!

I have one from them on my road bike. They told me that the difference depends on if you have the tapered washer installed or not, which is dependent on the particular bike.

 

[rochrunner]

Im curious how others are using the modes and the tuning feature.

I'm relatively fit and it's mostly flat around here, so I tuned Eco down to 15/30 and rarely need to go above that, such as on the occasional steep hill or when I'm getting tired at the end of a long ride. I also try to ride with the motor off on some flat, paved trails, but nowhere near 20mph! This is on a Vado 4.0 by the way.