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

If you show me how you replaced the Specialized stem with RedShift one and retained the lamp, I'm bought on your idea.
Stefan, from my crude measurements the light should fit a GoPro mount , so perhaps this will work with a non Specialized stem:


E78F22D4-59B4-4257-B8C0-339D08C9605E.jpeg
 
Now, @VoltMan99. don't make guesses. Just answer how would you replace the Specialized stem with any other, please...

1625718406944.png

It is why they call them Ye Goode Olde Specialized :D
 
Oh, sorry for any miscommunication. My Vado SL 5.0 EQ came with the unadjustable FutureShock preinstalled. The Creo’s FS is adjustable.

I was just saying that people in general are also happy with the other shock absorbing stems. The FS is my first and only experience with the device. I agree lights are a question that needs an answer. The TDU will attach to any Garmin compatible mount.
I've got the US Aluminum Creo. While there are three spring weights or tensions that can be changed, it is not the Future Shock which has a knob to adjust tension.
 
If you disconnect the light from the bracket arm it should fit on a GoPro mount albeit perhaps some thickness adjustment.
It might, or might not. Now, fancy that: You are in my position.
  • You order the RedShift ShockStop for US$275
  • Now, ShockStop requires using the RS Utility Mount for US$50. It might not be compatible with the Lezyne headlight
  • Now, ShockStop requires using the RS Computer Mount for Garmin for another US$50.
So far, you have spent US$375 and are not sure whether everything would have worked together.
Or,
  • You just pay Specialized US$840, and get the FutureShock and the CF fork.
I'm torn.

Kahn: Do you like FutureShock?
 
It might, or might not. Now, fancy that: You are in my position.
  • You order the RedShift ShockStop for US$275
  • Now, ShockStop requires using the RS Utility Mount for US$50. It might not be compatible with the Lezyne headlight
  • Now, ShockStop requires using the RS Computer Mount for Garmin for another US$50.
So far, you have spent US$375 and are not sure whether everything would have worked together.
Or,
  • You just pay Specialized US$840, and get the FutureShock and the CF fork.
I'm torn.

Kahn: Do you like FutureShock?
I think it takes the "edge" off bumpy and irregular pavement. Our streets are not in the best shape and older asphalt is not smooth. A major street in my neighborhood was just repaved and it is like pedaling on silk. It is just so damn nice. I really have not had a chance to ride on some gravel roads which I have occasionally done on my road bikes. I really was unaware of Future Shock when I was testing the bikes. The salesman showed it to me. I am not sure that I would have paid extra for it as none of my other road bikes had front shocks. I've use the Kinekt seat post for a number of years. When I had my old Trek Madone recently serviced and took it for a ride I was surprised at how harsh the seating felt. I quickly purchased another Kinekt post. So front shocks on a road bike was new to me. I probably would now pay for it.
 
I've got the US Aluminum Creo. While there are three spring weights or tensions that can be changed, it is not the Future Shock which has a knob to adjust tension.
Thats right. Your E5 comes with the Future Shock 1.5, same as the Vado SL 5.0. The Creo S-Works, Expert, and Comp models all come with the adjustable Future Shock 2.0.
 
It might, or might not. Now, fancy that: You are in my position.
  • You order the RedShift ShockStop for US$275
  • Now, ShockStop requires using the RS Utility Mount for US$50. It might not be compatible with the Lezyne headlight
  • Now, ShockStop requires using the RS Computer Mount for Garmin for another US$50.
So far, you have spent US$375 and are not sure whether everything would have worked together.
Or,
  • You just pay Specialized US$840, and get the FutureShock and the CF fork.
I'm torn.

For me the criteria would be what provides the best vibration and shock isolation, and if a ~~ $400 premium justifies it. Here’s the dimensions for a GoPro interface - if you have a caliper or really good scale you can measure it on the existing light and eliminate guessing. My bike is delayed until Monday delivery.


BED2BF3A-CF9A-45B6-8C39-D63D9A4AA4FB.jpeg
 
Well my Vado SL is black so thats ok. Unfortunately I don't have another £600 to hand over to Specialized! Yikes. I'll suffer the bumps I think. Character building...
I've ridden an SL with the Future Shock . Both Redshift Sports Kineit do a good replication if not better . Plus get some wider Bars .
It might, or might not. Now, fancy that: You are in my position.
  • You order the RedShift ShockStop for US$275
  • Now, ShockStop requires using the RS Utility Mount for US$50. It might not be compatible with the Lezyne headlight
  • Now, ShockStop requires using the RS Computer Mount for Garmin for another US$50.
So far, you have spent US$375 and are not sure whether everything would have worked together.
Or,
  • You just pay Specialized US$840, and get the FutureShock and the CF fork.
I'm torn.

Kahn: Do you like FutureShock?
Stephan Ritchey makes a mount that attaches to the Stem .
1625744919195.png
 
@RyedaleMike, @Allan47.7339, @VoltMan99 and @Rincon: Thank you so much to make me choose Redshift ShockStop Stem for my Vado SL 4; the thing is just amazing!

1625853639274.png


The setup instruction found in the box was detailed and precise. I was following the guidelines to the letter (a YouTube video additionally helped). I chose a single blue "70" elastomer piece. Unfortunately, replacing the minimalist and elegant Specialized stem (with integrated light and computer mount) forced me to use a spare TCD/Garmin mount that came with my bike, and a GoPro mount for the Lezyne light. That made my cockpit crammed but no other option was available (at least the Lezyne light is not obscured by stiff cables now...)

The ride impressions are astounding! Whenever you ride onto any road imperfection (a small curb, cracked asphalt, paving blocks, gravel -- including the "washboard" and "crushed rock" type) you know those imperfections are there; you just feel as if you took a massive dose of strong painkiller prior to the ride! Because the ShockStop Stem is about dampening shock, not cancelling it.

Wonderful thing for the money, and far cheaper than Specialized FutureShock with CF fork... (Why would I need a CF fork?!)

P.S. No need for a stem extender. I ride my SL in a forward position and like it.
 
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@RyedaleMike, @Allan47.7339, @VoltMan99 and @Rincon: Thank you so much to make me choose Redshift ShockStop Stem for my Vado SL 4; the thing is just amazing!

View attachment 92771

The setup instruction found in the box was detailed and precise. I was following the guidelines to an iota (a YouTube video additionally helped). I chose a single blue "70" elastomer piece. Unfortunately, replacing the minimalist and elegant Specialized stem (with integrated light and computer mount) forced me to use a spare TCD/Garmin mount that came with my bike, and a GoPro mount for the Lezyne light. That made my cockpit crammed but no other option was available (at least the Lezyne light is not obscured by stiff cables now...)

The ride impressions are astounding! Whenever you ride onto any road imperfection (a small curb, cracked asphalt, paving blocks, gravel -- including the "washboard" and "crushed rock" type) you know those imperfections are there; you just feel as if you took a massive dose of strong painkiller prior to the ride! Because the ShockStop Stem is about dampening shock, not cancelling it.

Wonderful thing for the money, and far cheaper than Specialized FutureShock with CF fork... (Why would I need a CF fork?!)

P.S. No need for a stem extender. I ride my SL in a forward position and like it.

Thanks for the write-up and pictures. Wow - you make it sound like an essential upgrade. Certainly looks good.

bW
 
@RyedaleMike, @Allan47.7339, @VoltMan99 and @Rincon: Thank you so much to make me choose Redshift ShockStop Stem for my Vado SL 4; the thing is just amazing!

View attachment 92771

The setup instruction found in the box was detailed and precise. I was following the guidelines to an iota (a YouTube video additionally helped). I chose a single blue "70" elastomer piece. Unfortunately, replacing the minimalist and elegant Specialized stem (with integrated light and computer mount) forced me to use a spare TCD/Garmin mount that came with my bike, and a GoPro mount for the Lezyne light. That made my cockpit crammed but no other option was available (at least the Lezyne light is not obscured by stiff cables now...)

The ride impressions are astounding! Whenever you ride onto any road imperfection (a small curb, cracked asphalt, paving blocks, gravel -- including the "washboard" and "crushed rock" type) you know those imperfections are there; you just feel as if you took a massive dose of strong painkiller prior to the ride! Because the ShockStop Stem is about dampening shock, not cancelling it.

Wonderful thing for the money, and far cheaper than Specialized FutureShock with CF fork... (Why would I need a CF fork?!)

P.S. No need for a stem extender. I ride my SL in a forward position and like it.
This has been a really informative thread. Thanks everyone. This front light & stem issue has been annoying me! And this seems a really simple solution. Also Stefan would this mean you could now fit a handlebar bag? Hanging below the bars possibly, where the light used to be? That was another irritation not being able to fit a bag there. 👍
 
This has been a really informative thread. Thanks everyone. This front light & stem issue has been annoying me! And this seems a really simple solution. Also Stefan would this mean you could now fit a handlebar bag? Hanging below the bars possibly, where the light used to be? That was another irritation not being able to fit a bag there. 👍
No Ras, I hate the very concept of the handlebar bag :) Using a single Ortlieb E-Mate pannier at the drive-side. To protect the rack tubes against rubbing, my brother protected them with some latex stuff, not sure what it is but works nicely!
 
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