I chose the EQ model because I wanted the rack and the fender mounted taillights. I didn’t know about the problems with the saddle mounted taillight at the time, but it seems I may have lucked out on the annoying confusion a seatpost replacement would cause others.
I mostly ride on paved rail trails but I have experienced stuff getting stuck between the front fender and the wheel. (Mostly wind blown leaves and branches in the fall.) It hasn’t been as severe as what Stefan has described, but it can range between annoyingly noisy to downright scary. I appreciate why Stefan removed the offending fender.
Specialized touts the water deflecting powers of the fender flaps. I guess it works, but since I avoid riding in the rain and definitely try to avoid puddles (I’m not 15 anymore) they don’t get much chance to show off. I have noticed that the flaps catch on things like curbs, my clumsy feet and so forth, so removing them can make sense for some folks.
This brings me to a significant lesson I’ve learned in the three plus years I’ve been riding my Vado SL. It took me a long time to accept that this expensive bicycle might not perfectly fit my needs and would need modifications. That I could change components beyond using different tires or saddles. I wasn’t comfortable with this concept not having ridden bikes for so many years before the Vado.
These forums have definitely given me an appreciation for a whole culture about which I was not familiar. Who knows, I might even remove a fender flap.
I have only had the Vado SL since June but can relate.
I bought the non EQ because (a) the non EQ was already the most expensive bike that I had ever purchased and (b) I didn't see the sense in having fenders on the bike. At that time I was completely unaware of the differing drivetrain and gears....of the FutureShock etc. I did observe that they put a more street oriented tire on the EQ bike. I didn't fully understand that the rear rack was integrated with the fenders. In my case it seemed that I knew far more about the Vado SL when compared to my salesman.....but that is another story. Back in June the non EQ 4.0 was on a steep discount at $2499US so I jumped at it. I'm glad I did.
I'm not a kid anymore either and I didn't/don't plan on riding in the rain. I have, however, been caught in heavy rains more than once. I still didn't miss having the fenders....I'd have been soaked either way. It happens.
This is all a learning process and I was up for the challenge. This forum helped me to become more knowledgeable, however, I was still a 'babe in the woods' at my time of purchase. There are things that I just hadn't realized prior and I will definitely be a more educated consumer should I purchase another bike in the future.
I added flat pedals, grips with horns, and a RedShift suspension stem to the bike (and re-routed my headlamp due to the stem replacement). That is all that I have done and I am 98% happy with the bike as it is.
I don't miss fenders whatsoever and the inclusion of fenders prevented me from the ability to utilize a platform car rack safely/soundly although I now know that there are ways to overcome this. Though subjective I also prefer the naked look of a bike without fenders....that's just a 'me' thing. The rear light on the non EQ prevents me from easily installing a dropper post, however, I have found the OEM seat to be quite comfortable...and with the suspension stem added I no longer feel a strong need for the dropper post. I like that rear seat-light functionality and I do not wish to delete it.....I feel safer with it as-is.
I would have appreciated a Spesh OEM rear rack solution for the Non EQ Vado SL. As discussed, without the rear fender the OEM rack requires a top mount solution. There are of course solutions to this but none have yet jumped out at me as the right solution for my needs. As colder weather is upon us I now, for the first time, really feel that a rear rack could be useful to me. The bike is darn close to perfect for me...and I realize that any new bike will require some add-on bits and customizations as us riders are all different.
All in all.....especially given my naivety at the time of purchase.....I am quite pleased with my Vado SL 4.0.
Never have asked the dealer for help during the first two year warranty term. Updated the firmware only post-warranty.
