Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ-My 2 cents

[GuruUno]

Took it for a spin today, not impressed, cheap feeling, overpriced, $2500 ballpark where it should be next year at $1999.
Brakes are horrendous. No feeling of stopping correctly.
Rattles beyond belief. LBS mechanics need coaching and training.
Shock stem sucks, no absorption meeting my expectations. Maybe others, but not mine.
Felt like it was a Walmart bike.
Of course, these are my opinions.
I don't get to write as full featured review in Wired or The Verge, but none the less, this is an overpriced marketing ploy.
This is a bike you go 2 miles to Whole Foods to get your Organic produce and chat with others about the cool factor of the tech of the bike.
It's not happening, not in my life or my book.
Sorry to dump on all the believers.
Finally, the "Specialized" 'DEALERS' in the NJ area where I live are in severe need of re-training g and coaching to prep bikes.
This bike was offered to me a few days ago, as they had to "build it", and upon being contacted by Hilltop, nobody called me back when I asked, "Is it the EQ or the 5.0 non-EQ?"
I waited about an hour, and rode there on my Trek, and was very disappointed.
So, as it stands, I've had a few Trek e-bikes, and I have to say the Trek Network blows away the Specalized dealer network.
Perfect example.
Try to call "Kim's" in New Brunswick to ask anything, stock, etc., anything. Busy signal for weeks.
They give 15 flying FucXX' about anyone. They take the phone off the hook.
Wow!
So much for the "Specialized" dealer network here in NJ anyway.
So I should invest in Specialized?
I have to say, my Trek dealer has bent backward not only for me, but a ton of others.
Go read the posts on that forum.
My 2 cents.

 

[Johnmj1]

I don't have your level of experience, but I will say I've had an excellent shipping and LBS experience with my hometown Trek dealer. I had actually ordered a Specialized bike but after a week with no communication on shipping dates, and a rather cold experience when I called to get status, I cancelled and bought a Trek Verve +3. I do think local dealers are the key to customer satisfaction. But you can't beat the style and colors of Specialized. I see them all the time at WF here in Santa Fe.

 

[Deacon Blues]

I don't understand the "$2500 ballpark were it should be next year at $1999" comment. Are you saying the bike should sell for $2500?

If you think ebikes are expensive in the US you should look at Canadian prices. The top-of-the-line SL 5.0 (not the EQ model) is $6000 Canadian.

 

[GuruUno]

Yes, it feels and rides like a cheap bike.

 

[Art Deco]

Yes, it feels and rides like a cheap bike.

Curious what level of bike is a cheap to you. Not interested in arguing but really the few ebikes at lbs Ive ridden resemble maybe a $500 to $1000 bike with $1000 worth of electronics and a $3000 and up price tags. And I find even those are a great value compared to similarly priced good bike that has no motor often no pedals . I am not a good rider.

 

[Over50]

Took it for a spin today, not impressed, cheap feeling, overpriced, $2500 ballpark where it should be next year at $1999.
Brakes are horrendous. No feeling of stopping correctly.
Rattles beyond belief. LBS mechanics need coaching and training.
Shock stem sucks, no absorption meeting my expectations. Maybe others, but not mine.
Felt like it was a Walmart bike...

Not exactly a ringing endorsement. Was the rattling from the poor assembly by the LBS or you think inherent to the bike? @Court reviewed the 4.0 EQ and says it is one of his favorites for 2020. No mention of rattling - he did point out the solid fenders. No mention of a cheap feeling bike. He did criticize a few things such as the rack. I was disappointed he didn't address the brakes. I have no experience with Tektro so I don't know where they rate. I've only had Shimano and Magura on my e-bikes and Avid on my current non-electric. The Tektro model on the 5.0 EQ appears to be new and OEM-only thus no reviews that I could find. @Court reviewed the 4.0 EQ so no chance to opine on the stem. Do you think the "cheap feel" of the bike could be based on the light weight? Maybe if used to riding 50 pound bikes with wider tires then a 35 pounder with 700x38c might feel flimsy. Sometimes it takes me time to re-adjust to my steel frame non-electric which comes in at about the same weight as the Vado SL.

 

[GuruUno]

Re: Do you think the "cheap feel" of the bike could be based on the light weight? Maybe if used to riding 50 pound bikes with wider tires than a 35 pounder with 700x38c might feel flimsy. Sometimes it takes me time to re-adjust to my steel frame non-electric which comes in at about the same weight as the Vado SL.

That could be it.
It just feels like a toy, and parallel as to a similarity to a cheap Kia vs a Lexus.
Actually, my wife's Townie Commute 8i fell more substantial.

I'm 225 and 6', so maybe @Court being a featherweight makes it fell different to him.

Bottom line is I was psyched, after the test ride, no so.

I was with cash in hand to buy, but like I said, very disappointed.

 

[SwiftySanders]

I guess I am different. The light weight is a must. The carbon fiber feels light and agile. I think this is a wonderful bike and I’m seriously considering one myself to replace my Specialized Allez. I’m in the Bayarea and the Specialized dealers I’ve dealt with are amazing.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The carbon fiber feels light and agile.

Vado SL is made of aluminium

 

[Captain Slow]

It is a niche bike for sure.

The speculation on why it felt cheap is interesting. I mean the OP states that maybe it is because of the weight. But then if the OP rode say a 14 lb. Trek Madone would that feel cheap just due to the light weight? I mean it's his opinion so I have no idea what he'd think but has anyone test ridden a near top end Madone and said it feels cheap?

I guess I'm saying maybe the light weight was part of it, but I can't see it being the only factor. Maybe the cheap feel was also related to a lack of power compared to other more powerful bikes?

I would say my Cervelo has a nicer ride feel than my Creo, but the Creo still feels like a nice ride to me.

 

[SwiftySanders]

Vado SL is made of aluminium

Really? That explains why it’s a bit heavier than my SL CC EVO pictured in my avitar.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Really? That explains why it’s a bit heavier than my SL CC EVO.

On the other hand, no need to worry about potential frame creak or selecting special tools and components

 

[SwiftySanders]

On the other hand, no need to worry about potential frame creak or selecting special tools and components

Ahh the benefit...to Aluminum. Now that I have one E gravel bike with drop bars I want a commuter style bike too which is ridiculous. I really want it though. I think I’ve been spoiled by my current bike and now I want the commuter version of it. Seeing all these videos online isn’t helping.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

If you need a lightweight commuter e-bike that behaves as a traditional bike, the Vado SL is one of very few choices. I prefer the "full" Vado though It gives me the power and speed I need.

 

[SwiftySanders]

If you need a lightweight commuter e-bike that behaves as a traditional bike, the Vado SL is one of very few choices. I prefer the "full" Vado though It gives me the power and speed I need.

Is that the one with 4xU Vado? I’m assuming this is what you mean. Yeah that bike is what sold me on the idea of an e bike in general...but I wanted more of a workout feel...but now I can see the benefit of not being hunched over all the time.

 

[jwehman]

Is that the one with 4xU Vado? I’m assuming this is what you mean. Yeah that bike is what sold me on the idea of an e bike in general...but I wanted more of a workout feel...but now I can see the benefit of not being hunched over all the time.

Yes - the Vado (not SL) is the "4X you" and the Vado SL is the "2X you". I've test-ridden both and the power difference is night and day, especially on hills (obviously).

My opinion: For gravel trails and less hilly commutes - the SL would be perfect. It can tackle both with ease. I ride a lot of gravel/single track trails around my area with my mechanical cycle-cross and the SL handled those without a problem. The fact that you also get to experience more effort than the non-SL could (would likely) be a benefit to a lot of riders, me included. I had a blast riding on the trails with the SL (5.0 btw, with the stem shock). For more hilly commutes and almost strictly commuting (non off-road), I would expect the non-SL Vado to be more beneficial. For that reason, with limited funds and really only the ability to get one e-bike, I chose the non-SL. *FOR ME*, it seems to make more sense to commute with little effort and get to work fresher. When I want to exercise, I will get on my mechanical.

For what it's worth, I felt the 5.0 SL test bike I rode for three days was of high-quality build, felt stiff and secure on trails and generally was a very impressive bike (e-bike or not). If Specialized could crank out a bit more power (3X You?) and a bit more battery but keep the form factor the same, it would have been my preferred bike. Maybe in a couple of years with motor and battery improvements.

 

[Captain Slow]

A gravel bike would seem to be well suited to being a commuter with a tire swap and maybe adding some fenders and a rack. Is a separate bike necessary?

 

[Recontra]

Great analysis, jwehman. After a week with the Vado SL 5.0, I‘m beginning to see why avid cyclists have a quiver of bikes in their garage, some even a quiver of e-bikes. I have 2 bikes now, and it wouldn’t surprise me if I never rode my mechanical bike again—unless I were riding it because I was letting someone else ride my Vado SL. It is that much fun. At the same time, if my principal goal were basic transportation to cover a long hilly daily commute and get to work everyday without having to worry about sweating, I can certainly see how one of the heavier more powerful e-bikes might better fulfill that need.

 

[Art Deco]

A gravel bike would seem to be well suited to being a commuter with a tire swap and maybe adding some fenders and a rack. Is a separate bike necessary?

For some of us there is only room for one bike.Campers, Apartments, Dorms, etc. And the one and only bike needs a rack, fenders, and lights.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

For some of us there is only room for one bike.Campers, Apartments, Dorms, etc. And the one and only bike needs a rack, fenders, and lights.

There's a lot of "specialisation" in the cycling industry, Joe, and that is to sell more bikes. What I call an "all rounder" is a hybrid bike, which used to be called a "trekking bike" in the past. Even Vados are not 100% trekking e-bikes because they are rather "commuter bikes". Now, if I want to go off-road, nothing can beat a full-suspension e-bike with thick knobby tyres... Which is a poor commuter (e-MTB are of Class 1 and are noisy on paved surfaces) and is not good for touring purposes (lack of fenders, rack, lighting).