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

Eheller - I was ditto your situation re. being pretty much a novice . Wife and I do have a few years on Rad Mini Fold Up's with rear hub motors. (we are birders and the Rads are perfect for putting in back of our Subaru Outback and riding some quite rough terrain and sand when we "get there" - they have been flawless) I had the 2020 Vado 3 on my short list for a good road exercise bike here in hilly rural NE CT USA. After trying out Trek and some others the Vado 3 won out. Best ergonomics / smoothest quietist mot / predictable handling / battery & mot "sculpted in" / Mission Control . I bought mine in Feb 2020. I am 74 and the step thru is best for me. I use the bike for 12 - 15 mile rides daily when it is above 45 degrees. My battery is good for 35 miles + on these cold / hilly days. A very good e-bike. The performance, comfort and value are there. Good luck - you can't go wrong with the 2020 V3!


Eheller said:
After a reallyyyyyy long search, much of it on this site, I’m a couple days from ordering the Vado 3.0. I thought about going the online route, with Juiced for example, but if I’m going to spend almost 3 grand on a bike I really want to be able to try one first, and also have some local support because I’m something of a novice. So for me, that came down to Giant, Trek and Specialized. Over the weekend I was able to try a 2020 Vado 3.0, and it was a beautiful ride. Felt like a bicycle rather than a scooter, smooth and almost silent engine, surprisingly light and nimble for the weight. I don’t know, it was just really sweet. Took it on some light paths too, seems fine there, tho it’s not a mountain bike. I also tried a Como, and it’s a bit more comfortable, in the sense of being more like a beach cruiser or something, more upright, but I like the more forward-feel of the Vado and also being able to go beyond 20 mph (I’m in the US) and the Como is a class 1. It’s possible that if I hadn’t tried both, I might have gone for the Como. But I think the Vado 3.0 is one of the better values out there, in terms of a bike that’s a lot of fun, is well-supported with local bike shops and somewhat affordable. I’m a little concerned about the battery in terms of distance on a charge, which makes it a trade off from the 4.0, which has a bigger battery and better components, and is really tempting. But it busts my budget. I mean the 3.0 busts it already. The Giant (I think it was a Fast E?) had a lot more torque from the start, which was compelling, but it was over three grand and I didn’t feel that it was necessarily a better ride. This is a total personal thing - it was a nice bike too. Any case, I’ll be watching this thread, and I’ll post more as I take the plunge.
Click to expand...
 
Just got the notification that my Turbo Vado 4.0 has been delivered to my dealer!:D

Now I just have to wait and see how long it takes to assemble and prep, with the dealer currently having only a skeleton staff on board...
 
Stefan Mikes said:
One company, one product, two different packaging :D

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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
TMH said:
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/
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
 
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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
 
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!

1585933990401.png
 
Stefan Mikes said:
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
Click to expand...
Looks great. I am sure it will also feel great.
you will also like tour Kinekt suspension seat post. I like mine a lot.
 
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.
 

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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.
 
Stefan Mikes said:
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.
Click to expand...
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?
 
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Stefan Mikes said:
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
Click to expand...

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.
 
Marci jo said:
s much as I love the Kinect there are times when a dropper seat post would be nice.
Click to expand...
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...
 
Nxkharra said:
the Schwble support guy recommended their inter tube. So I ordered that. Not sure if Protek Max is better than Schwable?
Click to expand...
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.
 
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