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

[Jimbo08]

One company, one product, two different packaging

View attachment 48713
The cardboard box for the 4 A charger delivered with the Vado (left). The same product is delivered in an elegant nylon case when purchased separately.

If you order an extra charger, as I have, it comes in a box. The zip up case was a running change added to bikes part way through the year. It was intended to help riders keep paperwork, charger, etc organized in one place. The owners manuals are very basic. And really not much to the fork on a Vado in the way of adjustments. You can increase or decrease spring preload according to your weight and preferences. But really, on this bike and ones similar to it from other manufacturers...it's really a comfort item. It is definitely not high end suspension Add a Thudbuster to your Vado or Como and you get cruising comfort.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Add a Thudbuster to your Vado or Como and you get cruising comfort.

Show the link please.
(I'm sceptical to replace the fork as the colour would be different and that would result in a "ghetto" bike...)

 

[TMH]

Show the link please.
(I'm sceptical to replace the fork as the colour would be different and that would result in a "ghetto" bike...)

I've got a Thudbuster ST at home awaiting delivery of the Vado. Seat post though, not a fork...

https://www.canecreek.com/product/thudbuster-st/

 

[Marcela]

I've got a Thudbuster ST at home awaiting delivery of the Vado. Seat post though, not a fork...

https://www.canecreek.com/product/thudbuster-st/

I've got a Vado at home awaiting delivery of a Thudbuster LT today. Have the thudbuster on a Sequoia also, I've tried the Brooks saddle with no assist, sprung Brooks saddle, the Spec elastomer gooseneck seatpost with Brooks saddle, Thudbuster wins hands down, something about the elastomer gives a better wheel rate which translates to better seat rate in this case. The Vado is black along with the Thudbuster, so no problem on ghetto look alike, but that wouldn't bother me anyway.

FWIW, I did find the Thudbuster has a slick coating or anodization compared to the textured seatposts you can find, had to go to a thicker and stronger seatpost clamp on the Sequoia to keep the seat from making a slow descent. Expect the same on the Vado so ordered a clamp along with the Thudbuster. The Thudbuster will also increase reach a small amount.

Also going to add the taller handlebars today for a little more upright seating position, though compared to a Sequoia it is already night and day difference.

 

[Jimbo08]

Love my Sequoia. I am using the gooseneck post still. This bike with 42mm tires is still way more comfortable than my road bike ever was.

Thudbuster is a suspended seat post I believe made by Cane Creek. Very reliable simple design that has been on the market forever. I have the long travel version. If I am paying for suspension I want lots They can be found on Amazon or lbs.

Unless you are trying to make your Vado into something more like a Mtn bike, which it is not, the fork it comes with I find is good enough for what the bike is intended. When that one is worn out then I will replace it with a lighter air fork to help lighten the bike, hopefully contributing to giving me better range.

 

[e-levity]

... FWIW, I did find the Thudbuster has a slick coating or anodization compared to the textured seatposts you can find, had to go to a thicker and stronger seatpost clamp on the Sequoia to keep the seat from making a slow descent. Expect the same on the Vado so ordered a clamp along with the Thudbuster...

try using carbon seatpost paste

Google Search

 

[Marcela]

The primary purpose of carbon assembly paste is to prevent the parts from moving during assembly, so that the parts don't slip prior to tightening or as the bolts are tightened. This is why it is called assembly paste. After the bolts are tightened then clamping force should hold the part, not grit in the paste.Oct 10, 2017

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Before & After

Today, I mounted the Baramind BAM Trek suspension handlebars on my Vado. After long 9 days of waiting, I got the shipment from France. Baramind BAM handlebars have composite inserts, making the handlebars reduce vibrations. It is very important to me as my Vado is equipped with a rigid fork.

The Vado already sports the PNW Coast Suspension Dropper Seatpost. That is another unique solution making my rides comfortable.

My other bike will soon get the Body Float Kinekt 2.1 suspension seatpost. Long way for the shipment from Bellingham WA

Thank you @Alaskan for inspiration and advice regarding all these three items!

@Nxkharra, I've been working using the Park Tool PRS-25 work-stand that you recommended. Also, I applied your advice on how to lift the heavy bike without effort. Thank you!

 

[Nxkharra]

Before & After

Today, I mounted the Baramind BAM Trek suspension handlebars on my Vado. After long 9 days of waiting, I got the shipment from France. Baramind BAM handlebars have composite inserts, making the handlebars reduce vibrations. It is very important to me as my Vado is equipped with a rigid fork.

The Vado already sports the PNW Coast Suspension Dropper Seatpost. That is another unique solution making my rides comfortable.

My other bike will soon get the Body Float Kinekt 2.1 suspension seatpost. Long way for the shipment from Bellingham WA

Thank you @Alaskan for inspiration and advice regarding all these three items!

@Nxkharra, I've been working using the Park Tool PRS-25 work-stand that you recommended. Also, I applied your advice on how to lift the heavy bike without effort. Thank you!

View attachment 48949

Looks great. I am sure it will also feel great.
you will also like tour Kinekt suspension seat post. I like mine a lot.

 

[Nxkharra]

Today I had my first flat tire on my Vado 5 on the rear tire.
I had everything I needed to either fix the flat or change the inter tube.
I ended up just fixing flat without taking the rear tire out (Makes me nervous to do so specially on this ebike with through axle.)
Everything worked well
Due to recent events it is even more important to have everything you need to take care of flat and or minor repairs on the road as people are hesitant to stop and help (rightly so). You might not want them to stop either.
After coming home I inflated the tire to the level I usually do (60psi) and will not be changing inter tube yet.
instead I ordered two Schwalbe Marathon E+ and two Schwable inter tubes.
I called them to make sure I am picking the right size. What an amazing customer support (thanks Andrew if you are listening).
he recommended to keep the pressure at 55 back and 50 front. Less chance of flat and last longer.
thanks @Stefan Mikes and others who recommended this.
My existing tires are still in great shape but I don’t want to fix flat in the road if I don’t have to. The new tires are supposed to be the best in the market for ebikes and best puncture resistance.
If you are interested to have my existing tires let me know. Free and you pay shipping charge. Lots of life left. 6 months old. 1,500 miles.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Please tell me @Nxkharra what was the reason of the flat you think?

I haven't had a flat for the last 6 years yet the Fate shall not be tempted. Hence the Marathons with Michelin Protek Max inner tubes on my other e-bike to even further diminish the probability of a flat. I'm waiting for the Protex Max delivery for my Vado. Unfortunately, the online store where I made the order is bad and they deliver with long delays.

 

[Nxkharra]

Please tell me @Nxkharra what was the reason of the flat you think?

I haven't had a flat for the last 6 years yet the Fate shall not be tempted. Hence the Marathons with Michelin Protek Max inner tubes on my other e-bike to even further diminish the probability of a flat. I'm waiting for the Protex Max delivery for my Vado. Unfortunately, the online store where I made the order is bad and they deliver with long delays.

They have closed some of the routes here and I had to cross a very questionable dirt area to get to the open road. Think there was something there. I picked some thorn like object from the tire.
the Schwble support guy recommended their inter tube. So I ordered that. Not sure if Protek Max is better than Schwable?
What do you think?

 

[Marci jo]

Before & After

Today, I mounted the Baramind BAM Trek suspension handlebars on my Vado. After long 9 days of waiting, I got the shipment from France. Baramind BAM handlebars have composite inserts, making the handlebars reduce vibrations. It is very important to me as my Vado is equipped with a rigid fork.

The Vado already sports the PNW Coast Suspension Dropper Seatpost. That is another unique solution making my rides comfortable.

My other bike will soon get the Body Float Kinekt 2.1 suspension seatpost. Long way for the shipment from Bellingham WA

Thank you @Alaskan for inspiration and advice regarding all these three items!

@Nxkharra, I've been working using the Park Tool PRS-25 work-stand that you recommended. Also, I applied your advice on how to lift the heavy bike without effort. Thank you!

View attachment 48949

Stefan,
I’m eager to hear your comparison of your seat posts; Kinect vs suspension dropper. As much as I love the Kinect there are times when a dropper seat post would be nice. Some of my miles are in town and being able to touch the ground at a stop light would be great.
Thanks.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

s much as I love the Kinect there are times when a dropper seat post would be nice.

The PNW Coast is a suspension dropper post. I still am not sure how good it absorbs the vibration. Only my rides have become more comfortable I will know on the next ride including the Baramind, because both body connection points with the bike will be suspended...

 

[Stefan Mikes]

the Schwble support guy recommended their inter tube. So I ordered that. Not sure if Protek Max is better than Schwable?

I think the Marathon tyre itself will be well protected. I chose the Michelin tube for max security possible. Especially as I'm not changing the Vado Electrak 2.0 tyres.

 

[Sierratim]

Today I had my first flat tire on my Vado 5 on the rear tire.
I had everything I needed to either fix the flat or change the inter tube.
I ended up just fixing flat without taking the rear tire out (Makes me nervous to do so specially on this ebike with through axle.)
Everything worked well
Due to recent events it is even more important to have everything you need to take care of flat and or minor repairs on the road as people are hesitant to stop and help (rightly so). You might not want them to stop either.
After coming home I inflated the tire to the level I usually do (60psi) and will not be changing inter tube yet.
instead I ordered two Schwalbe Marathon E+ and two Schwable inter tubes.
I called them to make sure I am picking the right size. What an amazing customer support (thanks Andrew if you are listening).
he recommended to keep the pressure at 55 back and 50 front. Less chance of flat and last longer.
thanks @Stefan Mikes and others who recommended this.
My existing tires are still in great shape but I don’t want to fix flat in the road if I don’t have to. The new tires are supposed to be the best in the market for ebikes and best puncture resistance.
If you are interested to have my existing tires let me know. Free and you pay shipping charge. Lots of life left. 6 months old. 1,500 miles.

Congrats on patching your tube without taking the tire off! It can be done, but takes some patience. Still a good idea to cary a 5mm hex so you can remove the through axle.

I've had 2 flats within the last 9 months, both rear tire. I don't have the patience to leave the tire on. My usual practice is to swap out the inner tube, get back on the trail, and patch the tube at home, but whatever gets you back on the bike!

I am disappointed in the puncture resistance of the Specialized "Black Belt" rated tires on my Vado. I have a new set of Schwalbe Marathon E+ tires I'll be installing before our trip.

I am going to continue using the stock tubes, but I'll squirt some Stans sealant in them before inflating.

 

[Nxkharra]

Congrats on patching your tube without taking the tire off! It can be done, but takes some patience. Still a good idea to cary a 5mm hex so you can remove the through axle.

I've had 2 flats within the last 9 months, both rear tire. I don't have the patience to leave the tire on. My usual practice is to swap out the inner tube, get back on the trail, and patch the tube at home, but whatever gets you back on the bike!

I am disappointed in the puncture resistance of the Specialized "Black Belt" rated tires on my Vado. I have a new set of Schwalbe Marathon E+ tires I'll be installing before our trip.

I am going to continue using the stock tubes, but I'll squirt some Stans sealant in them before inflating.

My Schwable tires and inter tubes have shipped and will be here any day now.
I can easily do the front tire exchange but am really nervous taking the rear wheel off.
I am thinking to take it to LBS to do it for me.
Is there anything I should be concerned about taking the rear wheel off?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Is there anything I should be concerned about taking the rear wheel off?

@Nxkharra, you do own a work stand, which will help a lot. Don't be worried, you can do the work yourself. Only disengage the Shadow clutch in the derailleur before you remove the rear wheel.

Completely unrelated to the wheel change:
I learned to love the torque wrench during the handlebars' swap. The stem and the brake/shifter levers required 6 Nm and other levers needed the 2 Nm torque. (The grips just need an Allen key and are fastened by feeling, same with the mirrors). The motor remote needs a T8 Torx wrench (I have got one in a form of a screwdriver). Incidentally, I was able to destroy the Knog Oi bell that requires minimum torque when fastening.... Arrrgh!

 

[Nxkharra]

@Nxkharra, you do own a work stand, which will help a lot. Don't be worried, you can do the work yourself. Only disengage the Shadow clutch in the derailleur before you remove the rear wheel.

Completely unrelated to the wheel change:
I learned to love the torque wrench during the handlebars' swap. The stem and the brake/shifter levers required 6 Nm and other levers needed the 2 Nm torque. (The grips just need an Allen key and are fastened by feeling, same with the mirrors). The motor remote needs a T8 Torx wrench (I have got one in a form of a screwdriver). Incidentally, I was able to destroy the Knog Oi bell that requires minimum torque when fastening.... Arrrgh!

View attachment 48990

Thanks @Stefan Mikes
I ordered the same tool set... If good for Stefan then good for me.
I found the torque measures in the manual.
I will attempt to replace the tires myself.

 

[Sierratim]

My Schwable tires and inter tubes have shipped and will be here any day now.
I can easily do the front tire exchange but am really nervous taking the rear wheel off.
I am thinking to take it to LBS to do it for me.
Is there anything I should be concerned about taking the rear wheel off?

Using a work stand does make it easier. In the field you want to keep the drive train out of the dirt. I put the kickstand down and position the bike near something it can lean against (tree, bench, etc). Start by shifting to the smallest cog on the cassette. Then standing at the rear of the bike turn the derailleur clutch to off and remove the through axle with one hand while supporting the bike with the other. Next extend the derailleur fully with one hand while pulling the wheel out with the other (this takes a bit of 'jiggling' and leaning the bike into its nearby tree or whatever). Leave the bike supported on its kickstand and tree and make the repair. Reverse the process to install the wheel.

The process is a bit awkward at first but gets easier with experience.

BTW - Your hands are going to get a bit grimey. I carry a couple of individually packaged degreaser wipes to clean up after a field repair. Grease Monkey wipes are my preferred brand, though the individual packs are getting hard to find. In the shop I keep a spray bottle of an 'orange' degreaser and paper shop towels around for this.