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

[GuruUno]

So, to make life easier (as the discussion regarding chains, types, brands, sizes [links], direction has taken place adding to a lot to digest to get the summary overview result, is it possible to list the chain specifications, etc., in some easy to digest form?
Such as:
Como
1> Brand. Links. Direction. Link.

Vado
1> Brand. Links. Direction. Link.

Vado SL
1> Brand. Links. Direction. Link.

Levo
1> Brand. Links. Direction. Link.

I would love to have a spare chain for those times that it may be more of a necessity rather than be inconvenienced waiting for the LBS to order one, or have Amazon deliver one, etc., etc., and to be sure to order the right one, as that seems to be the issue (in my comprehension) of the previous discussions as, to how many links, which brand, is it directional, and so forth.

 

[Marcela]

This is in reference to a KMC X11e review:

If you have a Shimano HG style drivetrain this chain will not work. Although it is heavy duty it will not run smoothly on a shimano 11 speed Bosch mid drive. . This lesson cost me $ $50.00,

The Vado 5 and Como 5 use HG601 chains. The Como is the longest of the two at 124 links. All std components.

The Vado and Como 3 and 4 use KMC chains.

Maybe it matters, maybe it don't.

 

[Billperry]

The Vado 5 and Como 5 use HG601 chains. The Como is the longest of the two at 124 links. All std components.

Maybe it matters, maybe it don't.

 

[Billperry]

Specialized Rider care told me that the 2020 Como 5.0 came with 126 links. A LBS replaced the worn original chain with 128 links and everything worked well. I eventually replaced that with 126 links and that works well. So, like you said. . . maybe it matters, maybe it don't.

 

[Marcela]

Specialized Rider care told me that the 2020 Como 5.0 came with 126 links. A LBS replaced the worn original chain with 128 links and everything worked well. I eventually replaced that with 126 links and that works well. So, like you said. . . maybe it matters, maybe it don't.

My Como counted 124 links. The chain is bought with 126 links. You see where this is going...

Probably depends on the size also. Mine are Large.

 

[sealevelguy]

@Stealph: You can use Mission Control, Diagnostics, Battery to see how many charge cycles have been registered in your original battery. Try to ride more often on the new battery than on the original one, and rotate them sometimes or when necessary to increase the range. At some time both batteries will reach a similar number of charging cycles. Such practice will help making both batteries live long.

Now: It would be ideal to keep each battery charge between 20 and 80% but if you ride for big distances or using Turbo support mainly, just recharge both batteries as you wish. Batteries are there to be used

(If you don't plan winter riding, keep the batteries in some storage at room temperature, the best at 60% charge, and give both of them a short charge once in a month.)

Good to know you can ride without the battery cover. Mind sharing a picture?

Speaking of batteries. I had a little issue with my 2020 Vado 4.0. Turned the bike on, everything boots normally and off I go.
Looking down at the TCDW I notice "Lo Bat" flashing continuously so I stopped, turned the bike off for 45 seconds then back on, no change. The TCDW showed 9 bars and all of the battery lights were on. Later when I got back I started Mission Control checked the battery status and battery updates. All Ok. Motor and Display updates aren't current but the bike works normally, no problems. Anyone seen this before?

 

[Stealph]

Speaking of batteries. I had a little issue with my 2020 Vado 4.0. Turned the bike on, everything boots normally and off I go.
Looking down at the TCDW I notice "Lo Bat" flashing continuously so I stopped, turned the bike off for 45 seconds then back on, no change. The TCDW showed 9 bars and all of the battery lights were on. Later when I got back I started Mission Control checked the battery status and battery updates. All Ok. Motor and Display updates aren't current but the bike works normally, no problems. Anyone seen this before?

I've seen strangeness like this on my Como 4 maybe a total of 3 times in 3 months but there error was more of the lines like, "No battery" however after turning it off and back on, it seemed to 'find' the battery again. I never lost power when these happened..very strange. My firmware was at the latest and diagnostics never turned up anything.

 

[sealevelguy]

I've seen strangeness like this on my Como 4 maybe a total of 3 times in 3 months but there error was more of the lines like, "No battery" however after turning it off and back on, it seemed to 'find' the battery again. I never lost power when these happened..very strange. My firmware was at the latest and diagnostics never turned up anything.

I had read about the no battery issue but mine definitely reads Lo Bat. Funny thing, it isn't low and the bike works just fine. Hopefully it will either go away or wait until I can arrange a visit to my LBS. I did send a diagnostics report from Mission Control to my dealer. Perhaps a stray electron.

 

[Sierratim]

I had read about the no battery issue but mine definitely reads Lo Bat. Funny thing, it isn't low and the bike works just fine. Hopefully it will either go away or wait until I can arrange a visit to my LBS. I did send a diagnostics report from Mission Control to my dealer. Perhaps a stray electron.

A plastic friendly contact cleaner on the battery and frame mounted power connectors can go a long way to resolving many of these spurious errors. My Vado dropped power and displayed a motor error early on, but not since cleaning the contacts.

 

[Sierratim]

That means the didn't use an e bike chain. Not a big deal, but it's best to use e bike spec'd chains to avoid any sort of conversation if something fails. No cause for concern, just food for thought next time around. I like KMC stuff, but Shimano is fantastic too.

My Vado was originally equipped with Shimano's CN-HG601-11 chain. My replacement chains are their CN-HG701-11. Many sellers don't note that these chains are ebike rated by Shimano, despite being promoted by Shimano as a part of their STEPS mid-drive system. These chains are working very well for me, though I am one of those that changes chains early and often, with frequent cleanings in between.

They are available in lengths up to 126 links, though this isn't noted on the Shimano description.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I've used Shimano CN-E8000-11, a definitely e-bike chain Because I could!

 

[Brendon@OEB]

My Vado was originally equipped with Shimano's CN-HG601-11 chain. My replacement chains are their CN-HG701-11. Many sellers don't note that these chains are ebike rated by Shimano, despite being promoted by Shimano as a part of their STEPS mid-drive system. These chains are working very well for me, though I am one of those that changes chains early and often, with frequent cleanings in between.

They are available in lengths up to 126 links, though this isn't noted on the Shimano description.

To be completely transparent, "e bike rated" just means it's a decent chain. A fit road/mountain cyclist can put out much more power than any mid drive e bike. The "e bike rated" chains are always longer thus allowing you to only run one quick link. Granted two quick links isn't the end of the world, but it's not as clean of a repair in my eyes. Maybe I'm too critical, but to quote the A-Team, I love it when a plan comes together...

 

[Sierratim]

I've used Shimano CN-E8000-11, a definitely e-bike chain Because I could!

I may need to change to the CN-E8000-11 chain as well if the chain length calculator is wrong about my needing 126 links for my pending gearing change! I've found the CN-E8000 chains to be available in lengths up to 138 links. That's a lot of chain!

 

[Marcela]

I was curious, the chain on my vado and como are the same length at 124 links. The chainstay for the como is 485, for the vado is 478. Same drivetrain otherwise.

So NtC. Not that Critical for length.

 

[GuruUno]

So, I'm ready to get the CN-E8000-11/138 link chain, and cut as required when old chain is removed to validate length.
However, "directional" as in?
(specs)

The Shimano CN-E8000 11-speed e-bike chain is designed for Steps e-bike drive units and withstands the higher loads. SIL-TEC coated inner plates and chrome-reinforced outer plates ensure high durability.

Details:
· 116 or 138 links
· Compatible with 11-speed HG-X
· SIL-TEC coated inner plates
· Chrome-reinforced outer plates
· Directional
· Incl. Quick Link (not reusable)

 

[Stefan Mikes]

It has an arrow showing the proper rotation direction.

 

[sealevelguy]

A plastic friendly contact cleaner on the battery and frame mounted power connectors can go a long way to resolving many of these spurious errors. My Vado dropped power and displayed a motor error early on, but not since cleaning the contacts.

Well you would think I'd have learned after 41 years of flying. When in doubt, read the manual. It's the coin CR1220 battery in the TCD that's dying. I'll pick one up tomorrow. Changing the battery dumps everything in the TCD, even the Mission Control pairing.

 

[Sierratim]

Well you would think I'd have learned after 41 years of flying. When in doubt, read the manual. It's the coin CR1220 battery in the TCD that's dying. I'll pick one up tomorrow. Changing the battery dumps everything in the TCD, even the Mission Control pairing.

Did not know that. Doesn't sound like the best approach. Specialized, I do hope you're absorbing all the valuable feedback on these threads...

 

[GuruUno]

re: "Specialized, I do hope you're absorbing all the valuable feedback on these threads..."

You mean there is someone there? They don't even answer the phone!

I'd love to see how their business 'resumes' after Covid. Just sayin'

And yes, Brendon, I do understand the value of a LBS, but there are not too may as good as you seem to be and it's almost like finding that perfect diamond in the rough if you catch my drift, so at times it would be nice to interface with those at the helm.

 

[Brendon@OEB]

re: "Specialized, I do hope you're absorbing all the valuable feedback on these threads..."

You mean there is someone there? They don't even answer the phone!

I'd love to see how their business 'resumes' after Covid. Just sayin'

And yes, Brendon, I do understand the value of a LBS, but there are not too may as good as you seem to be and it's almost like finding that perfect diamond in the rough if you catch my drift, so at times it would be nice to interface with those at the helm.

It's 2020, even I don't have a phone number for "tech support." You submit a claim and it's answered faster and more efficiently Same deal when I was a GM at a motorcycle dealership. BMW, KTM, Husqvarna, Triumph, Kawasaki, and Ducati don't have numbers to call. Granted they have outside service field rep or "aftersales reps" which you can call, everything is either email or submitted through dealer portal