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

Stefan Mikes said:
Could you give the exact model (a link) and price? @Marquezdl is interested in replacing his chainring.
Click to expand...
Wolf Tooth 5-bolt, 110 BCD, 40t, and $80 is the best I can do, but that should be enough. I think they call the narrow-wide tooth geometry something else.
Stefan Mikes said:
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.
Click to expand...
Totally agree. Not just that, but several times on the OP's actual commute. If that's top prioity, optimization for the commute might lead in a different direction than I went with mine.
 
Last edited:
DaDitka said:
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!
Click to expand...
I had the same thoughts as you - should I choose the Vado or Vado SL and after much excellent advice and encouragement from members of this forum, especially @Stefan Mikes and @Jeremy McCreary, I opted for the Vado SL. I've already done over 250 miles on it and can safely say it's a great bike, I have no doubt you'll enjoy owning it! :)
 
Thanks for the perspective and advice! It has just made me even more excited for the SL.

Stefan, thanks for the pickup tips. I will definitely ask about the springs!

Yes, I meant the Ergon handles. It makes sense to ride it as is before considering upgrades, so I will do that. I saw someone suggest the handle grips somewhere, and I had noticed the stock grips weren't as comfortable for my hands as I would like during the test ride.
 
DaDitka said:
Yes, I meant the Ergon handles. It makes sense to ride it as is before considering upgrades, so I will do that. I saw someone suggest the handle grips somewhere, and I had noticed the stock grips weren't as comfortable for my hands as I would like during the test ride.
Click to expand...
Don't even start me on SQlab Innerbarends! :D

1732886583603.png

A properly mounted Mirrycle, and an innerbarend with an integrated SQLab handlebar grip :)
 
Jeremy McCreary said:
Wolf Tooth 5-bolt, 110 BCD, 40t, and $80 is the best I can do, but that should be enough. I think they call the narrow-wide tooth geometry something else.

Totally agree. Not just that, but several times on the OP's actual commute. If that's top prioity, optimization for the commute might lead in a different direction than I went with mine.
Click to expand...
Five bolt 110 BCD?! Has Specialized changed the spider?!

@MartsEbike: how many arms does the spider on your Vado SL have?!
 
Rás Cnoic said:
Parts availability? Like the change from Shimano to Sram maybe.
Click to expand...
Maybe. The 110 BCD chainrings have a limit of the tooth count on the lower end, not sure what*. The smallest 104 BCD chainring is 32T I think. And yes, I had a 32T 104 BCD installed on my Vado SL of earlier MY.
The 104 BCD is MTB.
The 110 BCD is Road/CX/Gravel.
-----------
*) Garbaruk writes the limit is 34T, not bad!
 
Last edited:
Picked up my bike this afternoon. Kept it completely stock for now. It was cold, but still couldn't resist a quick 9 mile ride. Felt great and I had a big smile on my face during the ride, despite my ears freezing.

Bike was comfortable. Handlebars were fine for this short ride, but I had to use regular gloves to keep fingers warm rather than my bike gloves with padding. So, will have to see what to do about the handlebars. Seatpost seemed comfortable!
 
Quick follow-up question: how do I tell what model year I have? The bike store sticker says 2023, but seems there is a more definite way to tell? I'm happy either way, just curious. Thanks!
 
DaDitka said:
Quick follow-up question: how do I tell what model year I have? The bike store sticker says 2023, but seems there is a more definite way to tell? I'm happy either way, just curious. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Congrats! You're gonna like the way it rides.

There's a sticker on the bottom of the aft end of the top tube. Mine's a little smeared, but the year and country of at least frame manufacture are clear: 2022, Vietnam.

Bought my SL "new" in September, 2024. Final build by my local Specialized dealer was straight from the warehouse shipping carton.

After seeing 2022 on my sticker, called both Specialized support and my dealer about potential aging of the integrated battery while warehoused for 2 years. Got the same party line from both: The batteries are stored in a "dormant state" and lose no service life during that time. The battery warranty still runs from the purchase date.
 
Last edited:
DaDitka said:
Quick follow-up question: how do I tell what model year I have? The bike store sticker says 2023, but seems there is a more definite way to tell? I'm happy either way, just curious. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Now I'm curious myself! :)
Besides, what is the colour of your frame?

For the record, mine has 'Sep 4th, 2020, Taiwan' and I bought the e-bike nine months later. The overproduction of e-bikes during the pandemics is a well known fact! (That's why it is possible to buy a five grand Vado SL for the half of the price). As @Jeremy McCreary said, storage does not affect the e-bike from a respected brand.
 
Last edited:
Hi,

I have the serial number and SKU, but can't seem to search it in the Specialized app as it just asks me if I want to pair a Turbo bike. I forgot to do this when I was with it, and I actually have to store the bike at a relatives house for a bit as I am moving shortly. Also means I can't look under the top tube as Jeremey suggested.

Based on the SKU, it seems there is a 22 where the manufactured year is denoted. Not sure if that makes it a 22 or a 23, but I'm pretty sure it has the updated screen display with colors, speed, etc. Will update on model year when I have bike again.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

tleish
Bolt/Nut Size for Specialized VADO SL 5.0 EQ Rear Fender
Replies
3
Views
315
Allan47.7339
Allan47.7339
toku
When will Vado SL 4.0(or 5.0) upgrate in 2025
2
Replies
35
Views
3K
Jeremy McCreary
Jeremy McCreary
Douglas Ruby
Vado SL and Vado SL 2 assist levels
2
Replies
20
Views
3K
Jeremy McCreary
Jeremy McCreary
JoeDirt
New specialized Vado 6.0 EQ e-bike
Replies
7
Views
1K
JustRiding
JustRiding
kenem
Should I buy an end of line Vado SL 4.0?
Replies
16
Views
1K
kenem
kenem
Back