Specialized Turbo Vado SL: An Incredible E-Bike (User Club)

[BEC111]

I like the stock pedals. When they eventually kick back there's less pain than the MTB type. Seem to last.

I agree. Sort of. When I ride in DC on a day of high tourism - almost any nice day - it is impossible to not have to stop to avoid injuring said tourists. Especially since I’m being a tourist myself.

When I switched from the OEM pedals to Stamps my shins cultivated new scars.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

The other day when we stopped at the bike shop I asked the manager about aluminum flat MTB pedals for Debbie's Vado SL and he mentioned with E Bikes it was easy to skin your legs until you got used to them.

Not just easy to do, but in my case guaranteed. And my shins have the scars to prove it. After 2 years, the pedal spikes still bite me now and then, but WAY less often than at first. Yet I still use them.

With rare exception, all of my pedal bites have come around 2 events — starting off and coming to a stop, especially on uneven ground.

If ebikes really do exacerbate the problem, it might be through their added weight, which makes bike handling in all situations that much clumsier. My 70 lb hub-drive and 38 lb mid-drive have the same spiked MTB pedals. Pedal bites are less frequent on the latter simply because I can pretty much have my way with it.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

If specialized put the performance line speed in this Frame, the bike it would be stellar and I would definitely spend the $6,500 on it.

They wouldn't.
An e-bike with a Bosch Performance Speed motor and an appropriate battery would weigh as much as a regular Vado. You might research the market for an e-bike with a Bosch SX motor and a 400 Wh battery though; such e-bikes exist and are not particularly heavy.

Thank you for your short review!

 

[JoeDirt]

Yeah it's a bummer because I really liked the overall build of the new vado.

I think I've made my choice. I'm going to go with the Dutch bike called gazelle ultimate T10+. It has the Bosch performance speed motor with 80 NM of torque. And all the accrushaments that the Vado sl 2.0 EQ has.
The Vado weighs in at 41 lbs and the gazelle weighs in at 51 lbs. And of course the Vado is exceptionally styled with exceptional componentry. I cant spend $3,200 more for a bike that is not as powerful. But perhaps in a few years they'll up the torque.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

It has the Bosch performance speed motor with 80 NM of torque.

Joe,
I'm talking about VADO 5.0 that has a 90 Nm of torque

Turbo Vado 5.0

Consider Vado your high-performance transportation bike, getting you where you’re going with an unmatched combination of speed, reliability, and confide...

www.specialized.com

You saw and/or rode SL (Super Lightweight) e-bikes. Vado is not Vado SL

 

[JoeDirt]

No I didn't ride that one, I rode the standard Vado photo attached... it had 700c tires. I was not interested in the other turbovado.. one you showed , I don't like the 27.5 wheel set.

The black Vado SL 2.0 EQ shown below's also of the one I rode.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

standard Vado

It is not the standard Vado. It is a Vado SL with 35 Nm 240 W motor.

Vado 5.0 that indeed has 27.5" in wheels is the standard Vado with a 90 Nm 565 W motor and 710Wh battery.

Gazelle Ultimate T10+ has an 85 Nm motor but only a 500 Wh battery.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Really appreciating the ability to carry my 38 lb SL up and down stairs and similar obstructions. My upper body strength isn't what it used to be, so I wouldn't say stairs are easy. But they're easy enough for the SL to boldly go where no 70 lb ebike has gone before.

Case in point: The Alila Marea resort hotel sits atop the bluff at the south end of South Ponto Beach. The stairway below it eventually leads down to the water.

But halfway down is a bluff overlook decorated with an accurate compass rose. Wonderful place to sit/read/take in the scenery/commune with the ocean. Accessible to the SL but not to my 70 lb commuter.

Stairway down from the overlook to beach level. The bike balances nicely on the very aft end of the top tube. I just hold that grip to my right shoulder and use the rail as needed with my free left hand.

Some views from the overlook...

Looking southwest toward Tasmania, some 8,000 mi away. Our biggest summer swell typically comes from big Southern Ocean winter storms in that part of the world.

Looking NNW toward Oceanside and beyond to Saddleback Ridge (1,340 ft) in Camp Pendleton, some 19 mi distant.

Looking ENE to Palomar Mountain (6,142 ft) some 31 mi away. This is the correct name for Mt. Palomar of observatory fame.

Looking east to the Bataquitos Lagoon rail bridge replacement project. That's a mighty big crane.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

So a Lezyne Strip Drive Pro 400+ can't be sold in Germany cuz it's too bright, but a Knog Road Blinder's OK?

@Jeremy McCreary: I have read the bike rules by StVZO (The German Board for Road Safety). Flashing lights are totally forbidden in Germany. That's why tail lights similar to Lezyne must not be sold in Germany. As you might have learnt from my other post, external lighting is only allowed for extremely lightweight road bikes in the country west of R. Odra/Oder

StVZO bike light regulations.

I'm so glad my country has very lax regulations related to bicycles...

You may find it amusing @MartsEbike
-----------------
An additional funny story from my e-biking past:
On one very warm day on some otherwise very cold early Spring, I was pedalling my 45 km/h Vado together with two female friends of mine, both recumbent cyclists. As they were riding a bike path, I was properly and legally riding the road with traffic. I was stopped by the police for the inspection. The police wanted to punish me for not riding the bike path.

My Vado as an L1e-B (a moped) was registered, insured, had a number plate, and I had the registration in my wallet. Mopeds are not allowed on bike paths! My mistake was I was aggressive and rude towards the policemen (I should have understood they were OK to inspect a vehicle!) We had a long talk. My registration, driving license and insurance had been checked against a database, all correct.

At this moment, they started asking many questions:
-- Is your headlight Type Approved? -- Yes it is; please dive in as the Type Approval is printed at the bottom of the lamp -- Why don't you have the blinkers? -- Because the law... -- Right right. You may indicate turns with your arms; I was just checking on you!

Now, the policemen (who both were intelligent people) tried to calm me down. They explained they not only had the right to inspect but also were simply curious of this strange vehicle.

It was in Poland, which basically is a liberal country. Now, fancy the same in Germany!
---------
Now you may also understand that post the frame replacement on my Vado, I de-registered the old e-bike and never registered the new one!

 

[MartsEbike]

@Jeremy McCreary: I have read the bike rules by StVZO (The German Board for Road Safety). Flashing lights are totally forbidden in Germany. That's why tail lights similar to Lezyne must not be sold in Germany. As you might have learnt from my other post, external lighting is only allowed for extremely lightweight road bikes in the country west of R. Odra/Oder

StVZO bike light regulations.

View attachment 186651
I'm so glad my country has very lax regulations related to bicycles...

You may find it amusing @MartsEbike
-----------------
An additional funny story from my e-biking past:
On one very warm day on some otherwise very cold early Spring, I was pedalling my 45 km/h Vado together with two female friends of mine, both recumbent cyclists. As they were riding a bike path, I was properly and legally riding the road with traffic. I was stopped by the police for the inspection. The police wanted to punish me for not riding the bike path.

My Vado as an L1e-B (a moped) was registered, insured, had a number plate, and I had the registration in my wallet. Mopeds are not allowed on bike paths! My mistake was I was aggressive and rude towards the policemen (I should have understood they were OK to inspect a vehicle!) We had a long talk. My registration, driving license and insurance had been checked against a database, all correct.

At this moment, they started asking many questions:
-- Is your headlight Type Approved? -- Yes it is; please dive in as the Type Approval is printed at the bottom of the lamp -- Why don't you have the blinkers? -- Because the law... -- Right right. You may indicate turns with your arms; I was just checking on you!

Now, the policemen (who both were intelligent people) tried to calm me down. They explained they not only had the right to inspect but also were simply curious of this strange vehicle.

It was in Poland, which basically is a liberal country. Now, fancy the same in Germany!
---------
Now you may also understand that post the frame replacement on my Vado, I de-registered the old e-bike and never registered the new one!

The Germans love creating rules! But I would say when it comes to road safety follow the northern Europeans (the Dutch/Danish/Swedes) rather than the Germans! The Germans will create strict rules about lights and then allow 200mph on autobahns. German advancements are often those that help you at speed. ABS, ESC, Crash Testing etc...

Mind you, they're all better than the UK. But it is slowly improving.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I love watching Reels/Shorts of one Liam Carpenter (liamcarps1) on FB and YT. Liam can show the funny things of the German life to the point, while producing humour that is both English and German!

Actually, the German know how to ride 200 mph on the Autobahn, rest assured

However, the German bike rules are pure absurd. Just fancy that:

• No gravel tyres can technically be used in Germany as they are missing the reflective strip
• No MTB is allowed on bike paths or public roads in Germany as it is missing the integrated lighting
• Say bye-bye to your traction pin platform pedals or SPDs as these are missing reflectors...

Now, it has become clear to me why you cannot buy any flashing bike light in Germany. Or, why my Giant Trance E+ came with the sticker 'This bike has been designed for off-road use only".

I could certainly live in the UK, Ireland, or in most of European countries but not in Germany (which, apart the silly bike laws is a fine country!)

Me riding a borrowed 1953 bike in Germany, 1990. Note the lighting!

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

As previously noted, all I really want out of the odd rear rack on my SL 5.0 EQ is a place to carry a layer of clothing without the weight and bulk of a trunk bag or pannier. Especially important this time of year, as I seem to have only 2 choices now: Ride off with either too much on or too little.

Many false starts on this seemingly simple project— including a parade of bungees and nets foiled mainly by the small platform size and poor attachment points for hooks.

But now I have a secure, low-cost, low-profile solution weighing only a few grams and all but disappearing — both visually and aerodynamically — when not in use.

All you need is a pair of strong 24x1-inch velcro straps with these specific ends. First cinch the eye ends of the straps tightly around the rack platform so they can slide longitudinally with a good bit of friction. Then cinch the free ends around the cargo and press them onto the velcro secured to the rack.

Clearly not a wet-weather solution with the cargo so exposed, but it's good 340+ days a year in this semi-arid climate.

 

[Twowheelxtc]

I love watching Reels/Shorts of one Liam Carpenter (liamcarps1) on FB and YT. Liam can show the funny things of the German life to the point, while producing humour that is both English and German!

Actually, the German know how to ride 200 mph on the Autobahn, rest assured

However, the German bike rules are pure absurd. Just fancy that:

• No gravel tyres can technically be used in Germany as they are missing the reflective strip
• No MTB is allowed on bike paths or public roads in Germany as it is missing the integrated lighting
• Say bye-bye to your traction pin platform pedals or SPDs as these are missing reflectors...

Now, it has become clear to me why you cannot buy any flashing bike light in Germany. Or, why my Giant Trance E+ came with the sticker 'This bike has been designed for off-road use only".

I could certainly live in the UK, Ireland, or in most of European countries but not in Germany (which, apart the silly bike laws is a fine country!)

View attachment 186655
Me riding a borrowed 1953 bike in Germany, 1990. Note the lighting!

I live in the UK and would happily put up with some of Germany’s bike rules as I’ve always found their cycle infrastructure and the patience and politeness of the motorists towards cyclists second to none. Both things sadly lacking in UK . I’ve ridden in most EU countries and in my opinion the UK is one of the worst.…..except for our warm beer and that can’t be beaten .

 

[JoeDirt]

Probably an Overkill but I really come to light this rack Panner bag, it can carry pretty much all my tools pump and helmet, so when I get off the bike I don't have to worry about Essentials getting stolen. I often use the seat bag, when I don't use the Panner. And the rack has a adjustable contraption that has a bungee cord built into it. So I can strap down a jacket or whatever.

 

[MartsEbike]

I live in the UK and would happily put up with some of Germany’s bike rules as I’ve always found their cycle infrastructure and the patience and politeness of the motorists towards cyclists second to none. Both things sadly lacking in UK . I’ve ridden in most EU countries and in my opinion the UK is one of the worst.…..except for our warm beer and that can’t be beaten .

Cyclists in the UK are worse than drivers. Many ride around like they have a death wish.

 

[Twowheelxtc]

Cyclists in the UK are worse than drivers. Many ride around like they have a death wish.

You’re right we have many stupid cyclists particularly in the big cities and the increase in extremely fast illegal e-bikes is a particular problem….often ridden by people all in black with only eyes showing and one can only guess why. I think there is a difference though, in that cyclists can be irritating motorists kill!

 

[DaDitka]

Hi everyone,

I'm buying an e-bike to use for my commute three days a week. About 7-8 miles each way, with a few hills. If necessary, I have access to a gym with a shower once I get to work. I want a bike that can help flatten the hills and make things smoother, but I'm young and able bodied so I'm fine with having to work at pedalling as well. I also plan to use the bike for pleasure rides on weekends and such. Nothing more than 15-25 miles though.

I thought I was going to get a Vado 4.0 step-through, but when doing a trial ride the SL 5.0 EQ caught my eye. I tried that too, and really liked it. The SL was on sale for $2.5k, so I ordered that one. It just came in and I can pick it up today.

So, a few quick questions:

1. Do you all think the SL would work well for me?
2.Anything to keep in mind or check when I pick the SL up? (Is there a pick up checklist around?)
3. Welcome suggestions for upgrades to the bike! I already saw the Ergo handlebars, so I am doing that. Curious to hear what other things to consider.

Thanks!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Congratulations on your SL 5.0 EQ purchase!

1. Do you all think the SL would work well for me?

Based on your "young and able bodied" statement, the e-bike should even exceed your expectations Some of users here are very senior and some are not able bodied (to say it mildly) but are happy with their Vado SL! If you could ride a pedal bike where you live, the SL will be exactly what you need. I even expect you riding more and more for recreation!

2.Anything to keep in mind or check when I pick the SL up? (Is there a pick up checklist around?)

• Make sure you have got a set of "helper springs" for the Future Shock stem. It is often forgotten by the LBS.
• If you get printed manuals, the better.
• Make sure your tyres are properly inflated!
• Is the battery charged?
• You should get a nice case with the charger, springs, and paperwork.
• Please install the Specialized App beforehand and register with Specialized. Ask the LBS person to help you pairing your SL with the phone/app. Register your e-bike as soon as you are back home using your Specialized account.

After 100-200 miles ridden, it is advisable to re-visit the Specialized store for "1st service". The LBS will check anything loose on your e-bike and will do adjustments, for instance the derailleur fix. (It is a paid service). Keep the Proof of Purchase and the Warranty Card.

3. Welcome suggestions for upgrades to the bike! I already saw the Ergo handlebars, so I am doing that. Curious to hear what other things to consider.

One thing new owners of Specialized e-bikes -- and especially the top model SL 5.0 EQ -- do not understand is they are getting a premium product with excellent components and equipment. In my opinion, you should ride your new e-bike "as is" for at least 6 months to start considering any upgrades.

For instance, you think of Ergon (?) handlebar grips (?) Why should you replace the Specialized Body Geometry handlebar grips, which are designed on a similar principle as the Ergons?

What you need is:

• A good helmet (if you do not own one already, I recommend a Specialized Align II)
• A rear-view mirror; I recommend Mirrycle from Amazon. As people often make a mistake when installing a Mirrycle, feel free to ask
• A floor bike pump

Some users think they must install a suspension seat-post. Please try your SL on several rides and only think of this upgrade if you think your commutes feel really bumpy!

All the best!

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Hi everyone,

I'm buying an e-bike to use for my commute three days a week. About 7-8 miles each way, with a few hills. If necessary, I have access to a gym with a shower once I get to work. I want a bike that can help flatten the hills and make things smoother, but I'm young and able bodied so I'm fine with having to work at pedalling as well. I also plan to use the bike for pleasure rides on weekends and such. Nothing more than 15-25 miles though.

I thought I was going to get a Vado 4.0 step-through, but when doing a trial ride the SL 5.0 EQ caught my eye. I tried that too, and really liked it. The SL was on sale for $2.5k, so I ordered that one. It just came in and I can pick it up today.

So, a few quick questions:

1. Do you all think the SL would work well for me?
2.Anything to keep in mind or check when I pick the SL up? (Is there a pick up checklist around?)
3. Welcome suggestions for upgrades to the bike! I already saw the Ergo handlebars, so I am doing that. Curious to hear what other things to consider.

Thanks!

Welcome aboard! An unused ebike as beautifully engineered, well-made, and well-supported as the SL 5.0 EQ is an absolute steal for $2.5k.

Q1. Hard for us to tell how much help you're looking for on your particular hills, but I find the SL a much better climber than the power and torque specs would suggest. Ditto for battery capacity and range.

I typically ride my SL 10-15 mi and 300-1000 vertical ft a day and get 3-4 days of riding out of a single charge. Not the strongest rider, but I usually average 13-16 mph per ride.

That's with riding in mostly OFF and ECO on the flats and at most SPORT on the hills (6-10% grades common). Since you're willing and able to do some of the work, guessing that would cover your commute pretty well. But if you're looking to commute at much higher speeds, you might consider a more powerful motor.

Q2. Perhaps others can help you there.

Q3. Very happy with the following mods — all recommended by experienced EBR members I've come to trust:

o Ergon GP2 grips for more hand position options.

o Tubeless Pathfinder Pro tires for added ride quality, puncture protection, and offroad capability. Best improvement I've made by far, but maybe not the best tread choice for rainy commutes.

o Mirrycle bar-end mirror and Incredibell XL bell. Won't ride in traffic without a good mirror and loud bell, and these fill the bill. This bell is the best attention-getter I've tried by far.

o The "Any Bottle Cage" by Bikase holds literally any bottle securely, including my stainless thermos. Regular bottle holders can't handle rigid straight-sided containers.

o Wolf Tooth narrow-wide 40-tooth chainring to keep cadence in the motor's sweet spot (80-90 rpm) on my steeper hills. Test your own cadence on your own hills before changing your chainring, but an essential mod for this 76 year-old.

Got tons of great help with my new SL in this thread and another called "EBR made me do it". The forum search function is your friend.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Wolf Tooth narrow-wide 40-tooth chainring

Could you give the exact model (a link) and price? @Marquezdl is interested in replacing his chainring.

Personally, I would recommend @DaDitka no mods until the user gets some experience with riding that e-bike. Installing the mirror is of course a must.